Tag Archives: California

‘Twas Right After Thanksgiving

 ‘Twas Right After Thanksgiving (in California)  And all through the house, Not a channel was showing any shows worth the price.

Microsoft vs. GM

Inspired by the new, higher gasoline prices in California, we bring you this shining gem of humor: Once upon a time, at a computer expo, Bill Gates reportedly compared the computer industry with the auto industry and stated, “If GM had kept up with technology like the computer industry has, we would all be driving […]

Ask TaxMama Issue 659 – Autumnal Moods

Dear Family, Welcome to autumn. This is the best time of the year. Summer’s heat is starting to fade away. Winter’s snow hasn’t yet come (to those of you who live in snowy climes). And the trees are turning glorious shades of gold and auburn.

Tax Exempt Rentals

Today TaxMama® hears from Grace in the TaxQuips Forum with an interesting question. “I understand that if you rent/lease your home for production filming for 14 days or less, then that income you earn is “exempt” from California and Federal taxes. Although a 1099 will still be issued by the filming company, on our taxes […]

Property Taxes and Trusts

Today TaxMama® hears from Lee in the TaxQuips Forum who wants clarification. “Are property taxes lower when a house is in a trust?” 

Ask TaxMama Issue 656 – Bearing Up

 Dear Family, Well, California just made Kiplinger’s Worst State to Live In lists – Twice. The 10 Least Friendly Tax States, and the 5 States with the Highest Income Tax. Yup…it’s time to think about moving somewhere else. But where? I have this article right at hand, from nearly a year ago. But haven’t had […]

Ask TaxMama Issue 654 – Still Summer

  Dear Family, Friday is a nice, gray day here in the Valley. The sun is not burning brightly down upon our heads and shoulders – at least, not yet. Thank goodness. It’s been tough out there – and my car’s A/C unit seems to have a leak. It only blows cool air when Rick […]

Sold Family Home

Today TaxMama® hears from Madeline in the TaxQuips Forum with this situation. “My siblings and I just sold our family home in New Hampshire. I live in California. We each got $40,000.00. How will this affect my taxes next year?” 

Mileage and LLC

Today TaxMama® hears from Randal in the TaxQuips Forum with a sensible question. “I am an outside salesperson working as a sole proprietor, getting 1099s each year. My largest deduction is mileage. I earn less than $30k most years. If I setup an LLC to run my business through, will I lose my mileage deduction?”

Ask TaxMama Issue 642 – Hot and Busy

Dear Family, We are running very late today because I started the day by writing articles. The first one was completed on time – TaxMama’s 10 Tips for Success. But the second took quite a bit longer. I got absorbed researching in this week’s MarketWatch article. It’s essentially exploring whether or not delayed tax benefits […]

IRS Provides Answers to Community Property Filers

Courtesy of the Internal Revenue Service The Internal Revenue Service today provided information in a question and answer format to individuals who are subject to their state’s community property laws. These questions and answers apply generally to same-sex spouses in California and to registered domestic partners in California, Nevada, and Washington.