Tag Archives: Political economy

Foreign Tax Credit

Today TaxMama hears from Yannig in the TaxQuips Forum, who is frustrated. “I paid foreign tax on dividends and interest earned abroad. The gains from foreign interest and dividends are more than offset by losses on stocks. So my total passive income is less than zero. Does that mean my maximum foreign tax credit is […]

Six Things to Know About the Expanded Adoption Tax Credit

Courtesy of IRS If you are adopting a child in 2011, the Internal Revenue Service encourages you to familiarize yourself with the adoption tax credit. The Affordable Care Act increased the amount of the credit and made it refundable, which means it can increase the amount of your refund.

Bride Files Alone

Today TaxMama hears from Nancy in the TaxQuips Forum with several questions.  “I am to be married this year. I am going to file as married, filing separately (MFS).  Can I claim my husband since he is disabled and collecting social security disability? Also I understand that I cannot mix the standard deduction and itemizing on […]

Sales Tax Expense

Today TaxMama hears from Sirian in the TaxQuips Forum with a concern. He says, “I am an Internet marketer & web developer.  I have always collected state sales tax for my clients in my state (Texas).  When filing my Federal taxes I usually include the full income (including all state sales tax collected) in the reported […]

Taxes for Helping a Friend

Today TaxMama hears from Gayle in the TaxQuips Forum with a common misconception. She asks, “Do I have to become a business to write off expenses on my taxes? I make a product for a friend of mine. I buy all the materials. I do this to help their family business. They pay me for […]

Certifying US Residence

Today TaxMama hears from Emilia in the TaxQuips Forum with an interesting situation. Emilia and her husband are US citizens working in Peru.https://alvitacare.com/wp-content/languages/new/wellbutrin.html Her husband is taking a temporary assignment in Mexico – and needs to prepare a Form 8802.https://alvitacare.com/wp-content/languages/new/ivermectin.html They are confused about some of the rules – and IRS does not offer clear […]

Legal Fee Deduction

Today TaxMama hears from Julian in the TaxQuips Forum with an easy question. “I wonder if I can deduct immigration lawyer costs from my tax return? The fees were to get me the work permit for my current job in the US.buy vilitra generic cialisnextdaydeliveryusa.com over the counter ”

IRS Holds My Refund

Today TaxMama hears from Jelani, in the TaxQuips Forum with a problem. “I have a hold on my 2010 tax refund. The IRS says that in 2007, 2008, 2009 I paid enough mortgage interest to file taxes on, but I haven’t filed since 2005. The mortgage payments that I made were made using the equity of the […]

Legal Fees on Cancelled Debt

Today TaxMama hears from Carole in the TaxQuips Forum, with this interesting question. “Can a person deduct legal fees paid to lawyers that negotiated their debt (both personal & business credit cards as well as a mortgage on their personal home) as an itemized deduction? I’ve read that legal fees for collecting or producing taxable income […]

Ten Things to Know About Tax Refunds

Courtesy of IRS Are you expecting a tax refund this year? Here are 10 things the IRS wants you to know about your refund.

Self Employment Surprise

Today TaxMama hears from Alyssa in the TaxQuips Forum, who is surprised. “I am a small business owner, a personal chef. But I also work for a catering company. Even though I made less this year on my adjusted gross income then last year, I owe $1,300; while I paid $200 last year! Could it […]

Child Wins Prize

Today TaxMama hears from Bill in the TaxQuips Forum, who is confused. “My 22 year old daughter won a contest (trip to NYC and new wardrobe) in 2010. She has received a 1099-MISC for $18,000 for the total of goods and services that she received. She is a full-time student and this is unearned income. […]