Ask TaxMama Issue 584 – Mapping Taxes

 

Dear Family,

 Yesterday IRS officially announced that February 14th is when they will start processing tax returns with itemized deductions and other forms that were affected by the tax law changes on. Although IRS says that most people are unaffected by this late filing, odds are, YOU are not most people. According to Spidell Publishing, if you’ve finished your IRS return (even if IRS is not ready to process it), you can efile it with California. They are not affected by the last-minute legislative changes. That’s nice to know. 

IRS has a new research tool called a Tax Map. Hmmm…they have 2008 and 2009 versions, too. It looks interesting, but I haven’t had time to explore it yet. If you have, I’d love to hear your impressions.  

Remember, we will be using Twitter more and more often, to get quick notes and updates out to you – www.twitter.com/taxmama . You don’t need to subscribe to Twitter if you’re on Facebook. Just friend me there. The posts will appear there, as well.  

The Tax Calendar is up and accessible from any phone at all (that accesses the web). In fact, you can reach our site and view the entire TaxMama site via your phone. Yay!  

We finally got a chance to send out the rest of the books to people this week. It’s great to be able to find all my lists and notes again.  Gee, it IS nice having a fully functioning computer again.  

People get so excited about this book. I love it!  One client looked at it and was really surprised about the information on getting his children involved in his business. Right now, they are young enough so Dad is their hero. But we all know what happens as children get deeper into their teen years. Pretty soon, that generation gap widens. That doesn’t happen quite so much if they’re enthusiastically involved in some aspect of your business and you have something to talk about on a daily basis.  https://taxmama.wpengine.com/small-business-taxes-made-easy/

You know I had to get a new copy machine this week, right? Well, the folks who own the company, Ken and Debbie were delighted to see the new book. Debbie is excited about delving into its pages.  

You can pick up your own  copy inexpensively at Amazon.com.  There’s even an ebook version out there for your Kindle or ebook reader.  

I have been getting all my copy machines and service contracts from them forever. It saves time. I don’t have to waste time shopping, or to compare prices, or be concerned about getting service. I just call Ken or Debbie and they know what I want. These big monsters (with lots of sorting capabilities) usually work out well for several years.  

This last machine has lasted for about 7 years without any repairs, except for routine, annual maintenance. It’s been so good that I’ve even gotten away without paying for a service contract for the last several years! As these machines get fewer working parts, and contain more electronics and fewer mechanical parts, they break down less often. Take that into account when looking for a new copy machine.  

CPE Link Classes

 We’ll be back after tax season.  Meanwhile, use the recorded classes as resources.  https://www.cpelink.com/teamtaxmama 

 There are lots of other great classes here, too. You’ll find tax updates, classes on Excel and QuickBooks, bookkeeping, and specialized areas of taxation, like religious institutions and more. There are some interesting classes on doing Internet searches, using Facebook and Twitter for accountants. But I think the information can apply to anyone in business.  https://taxmama.wpengine.com/earn-cpe-without-leaving-the-office/  

 EA Class News 

Lots of people are asking about this year’s class and when will I post the 2011 Live Class schedule. Thanks for your interest and enthusiasm. Really. Wow, you are eager.  

We need to see how this year is shaping up first, before we can schedule all the class dates. However, I expect to have the 2011 schedule and early-bird pricing up by mid-to-late February. 

You still have time to study for and pass one exam before the testing window closes on February  28th. https://irsexams.com/registration/  

 Remember, you get a 10% discount on the EA Class if you register for TaxMama’s Family first. https://taxmama.wpengine.com/membership/family-membership/

The discount code can be found in the Family Look-Ups resource. https://taxmama.wpengine.com/family-member-resources/

 I am getting questions about the schedule for this year’s TaxMama’s EA Exam Review Class. Folks, have some patience. It’s tax season. Let us get settled.  I will post the 2011 schedule by mid-February. You’ll get early-bird discounts then.

Other TaxMama News and Tax Articles:

 This week’s MarketWatch column is all about free tax preparation services – online and in person. You’re going to find ever more options, designed to allow close to 80% of taxpayers to file your federal (IRS) tax returns for free.

 The MarketWatch readers’ comments and reactions to last week’s Tax Quiz were interesting.  They are as much fun as the article was. https://www.marketwatch.com/Journalists/Eva_Rosenberg

 In this week’s Wall Street Journal’s SmartMoney Tax Blog,  you will find my column about estate taxes. Rachel Rosenthal raises an astute question – Is the Tax Code too Complex to be Constitutional? Bill Bischoff explains how reducing the corporate tax rates can boost business.   Look for two more of my articles coming up in the next few days.

Keep an eye on this page for daily updateshttps://blogs.smartmoney.com/tax/

Suze Orman  

Win a chat with Suze Orman! You might be the lucky person each month to win that prize, and some other goodies.

 Just visit Suze Orman’s new MoneyMindedMoms.com site. You will find lots of practical money-saving tips – and ideas to help folks struggling with time, money, conflicts and more. 

 You can ask Suze questions in the forum – Suze is actually dropping by an answering your questions, just as I do here. Join us and speak to Suze.

 You’ll find TaxMama’s columns there each week, along with a dozen delightful women. This week, Doreen tells you how to cut your heating bill without cutting your comfort level. Jen helps you teach children the value of money.  Sabrina is on Step 5 of her series on Stretching the Dollar. Vicky tells you why to use cash, not credit. Liz tells you why to buy now. 

https://www.moneymindedmoms.com/articles/

 At Equifax this week, TaxMama tells you how aliens working in America should file tax returns – even if they are ‘undocumented’. Ilyce Glink talks to you about being underwater on your mortgage.  Dan Solin laments that there are some many things to do for retirement planning; but so little time. Linda Rey warns about procrastination. The Equifax Credit Experts tell you about credit trends in 2011 and things to watch for.  https://www.equifax.com/blog/tax/en_ff

This week’s AccountingWeb.com blog discusses a bizarre problem – no continuing education credit for the best tax education around? Huh?!?!?!

Have you seen AccountingWeb’s new small business publication? Going Concern – focusing on keeping the profits flowing.  https://goingconcern.com/subscribe/

 In IRS News, we tell you about some how to get prior year forms from IRS.   https://taxmama.wpengine.com/category/asktaxmama/irs-news/

 In Money Funnies you get to meet a new addition to my friend Nagendra’s family. I loved this story. Oh yes, it’s a true story – with a twist. Like a good mystery writer. https://taxmama.wpengine.com/category/asktaxmama/money-funnies/

 In TaxQuips this week, we start the week with Brian who bought a new car last year. Does he get to deduct the sales taxes? 2010 Sales Tax . Linda teaches classes at this clubhouse. Some of her students pay the club directly -and the club pays her. MUST they issue her a 1099-MISC? Using the Clubhouse . We end the week with Alice, whose non-profit organization issues discount vouchers to donors. What must she do when they write off the unused vouchers? Unused Charity Vouchers  https://taxmama.wpengine.com/category/tax-quips/

Note: You can view them all on YouTube, too Daily TaxQuips from TaxMama® – taxmama1’s channel

As always, we love your feedback, opinions and ideas.

You are what makes all this fun – and interesting!  

Please use the Comments link online.

https://taxmama.wpengine.com/asktaxmama/ask-taxmama-issue-584

 TaxNerd gear makes a bold statement year-round.

It helps attract the opposite sex!

Shop at www.taxnerd.net  or https://www.zazzle.com/taxmama* 

Hugs from your favorite TaxNerd,

https://www.zazzle.com/taxmama*

Eva Rosenberg, EA

Your TaxMama®

www.TaxMama.com

Your TaxMama®  is watching…out for you.

www.TaxMama.com

www.snurl.com/homebiz-tax 

www.TaxMama.com/TaxQuips

www.IRSExams.com 

www.TaxNerd.net

==============================

—————————————–

TAX CALENDAR

https://taxmama.wpengine.com/tax-calendar-2011/

—————————————–      

01/31/2011 File Tax Return for Wagers (Accepting Wagers, Pool, Lottery for Profit)
01/31/2011 Furnish W-2s recipients
01/31/2011 Furnish 1099 MISC to recipients 
01/31/2011 Furnish 1099 Interest to recipients 
01/31/2011 Furnish 1099 Dividends to recipients 
01/31/2011 Furnish 1098s to borrowers – Mortgage interest
01/31/2011 File 4th, Quarter Payroll Reports
01/31/2011 File Employers Annual Payroll Reports
01/31/2011 File Annual Payroll for Agricultural employees
01/31/2011 Employer’s Annual Federal Unemployment (FUTA) Tax Return
01/31/2011 Individuals who missed 4th estimated pmt – May file & pay taxes now
02/15/2011 Employees to File new W-4 with Employer
02/15/2011 Employers Make Monthly Payroll tax deposit on the 15th of each month
02/28/2011 File Paper copy W-3’s with Social Security Admin including copies of W-2’s
02/28/2011 File paper copy of US transmittal of US information Returns
02/28/2011 Farmers & Fisherman – Use Personal Income Tax Return – Sole Proprietor

—————————————–

From TaxMama® to You!

—————————————–

Follow TaxMama®’s Tweets – https://twitter.com/TaxMama  

You are invited to put a TaxQuips Widget on your phone, social networking page, website, or… You’ll get the TaxQuips as soon as they published – long before they are distributed in by e-mail. It’s a nifty gadget. Just pick up the code and paste into your site or application.

https://www.widgetbox.com/widget/taxmamas-taxquips-daily-tax-podcasts

Download TaxMama’s 2010 iphone Tax Calendar. My gift to you.

https://snurl.com/taxcalendar

Never miss a tax deadline again!

The customizable tax calendar is here.

Add or Remove dates. Add your own reminders – get alerts.

https://snurl.com/itaxmamapro

—————————————–

SPECIAL DEALS

—————————————–

===> Do it Yourself Legal Material

NOLO is having a sale!

https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/family-law-divorce/?img=17&kbid=1453

(disclosure – TaxMama receives a commission)

===> Need a Corp, LLC, Registered Agent

Incorp Services Inc. in Nevada – DISCOUNT

20% off on formation services.

Similar discounts on Registered Agent services.

Call 800.2.INCORP – use coupon code – TAXMAMA

https://vurl.bz/taxmama/Incorp  – no coupon needed

===> Business Uniforms – 3 Choices:

Zazzle   –   Cafe Press  – Queensboro

===> Use your art or others – and customize it

Great for promotions – and to gear up for tax season!

Zazzle your Imagination.  Are you a TaxNerd?

Tell everyone – proudly!

https://www.zazzle.com/taxmama*

Create your own customized Calendar at Zazzle

https://www.kqzyfj.com/click-241922-10414512

Get volume discounts on orders of 2 or more.

Get extra discounts for yourself and friends after you order.

===> Stuff for Pets and Pregnant Moms

Cafe Press is the home of TaxMama® ‘s shops

https://www.cafepress.com/taxmama

You can upload your own art and graphics

https://www.jdoqocy.com/click-241922-10463747

Get extra discounts for yourself and friends after you order.

===>WOW! Embroidered Logo on ANYTHING – on sale!

Always a sale at the Queensboro Shirt Company

https://www.queensboro.com/index.html?ref_id=632192

(They have clothes and novelties – and all sizes)

They do a gorgeous job.

—————————————–

EA EXAM NEWS & SOLVING THE TAX PUZZLE

—————————————–

Take TaxMama®’s 2010 EA Exam Review Class

https://irsexams.com/  

All done!

Now, it’s all about self-study and hand-holding everyone until you’re all done!

– sign up now – and join the FUN!

https://irsexams.com/registration/

A flood of Tax Professionals are interested in

taking the EA Exam. We still have a few handy

dandy totes to hold all your books, notes and discs.

https://irsexams.com/registration/

Read the ebook –  Everything You Wanted to Know About the EA Exam

https://taxmama.wpengine.com/free-member-resources/

=== CPA Exam Review

Looking for a great course?

You can’t do any better than this!

Phil Yaeger’s CPA Exam Review Course

https://www.yaegercpareview.com/