Ask TaxMama Issue 629 – Happy Valentines Weekend

 Dear Family, 

It’s a beautiful, sunny day here in Southern California. Lots to do. And oh yes, don’t forget. Valentine’s Day is next week. If you’re going to get something…order it now (like these lovely hearts…).LS Deal of the Week 

Hopefully, you’re making progress getting your tax returns ready for filing. Please remember, don’t file too early. There are still lots of documents coming your way. Anyone working with a tax preparer, make sure your Tax Pro has a valid PTIN. IRS started mandating this new registration last year. Taking it more seriously this year. (Some Tax Pros are still unclear about the regulations. Sometimes, things do get confusing.) Watch for the new MarketWatch article about how to hire a great tax preparer. And why.

 

Several of the questions in this week’s Tax Forum made my heart ache. People did things last year without seeking guidance. As a result, there are lots of unnecessary taxes or penalties – things that could have been avoided. Please, please, please, I beg you. ASK SOMEONE before taking any major financial moves. 

And if you MUST draw money from your pension or retirement account before you are age 59 ½? First move the money to an IRA. There are a variety of ways to avoid that 10% early withdrawal penalty, if the money comes from an IRA. There are NO ways to do it if you draw it from a retirement account. (OK, there may be one way.) 

We haven’t seen any earth-shaking news from Congress recently. Still waiting for the extension of the 2% FICA payroll reduction. Time is running out. It’s set to expire at the end of this month. 

Today’s IRS News includes a fun story about a day I spent in Tax Court. IRS explains how to claim the expanded Veteran’s Credit. Hiring anyone? Think of hiring a Vet. IRS released their new phone app, IRS2Go 2.0, with all kinds of goodies on it for you.  And IRS has Issued Proposed Regulations for FATCA Implementation. So if you have assets outside the US, or have clients who do – read this. You have an opportunity to give input to IRS about how to implement all the tedious new reporting requirements.

Moving on to fun things. In today’s Money Funnies, an arrogant professor challenges God! What do think happens? 

Something else fun. Have you joined  Wazzub, yet? About 1.2 million people already have. This site will launch in April – You can sign up for it early.  

Let’s address a few tidbits of news – and go back to work! 

TaxMama is about to launch a fun new contest.
We are searching for the Ultimate TaxNerd of 2012.
Everyone is invited to enter. Please invite members to
LIKE our FB page, in order to get the details next week.

1) Weekly Equifax blog is still going strong.
https://blog.equifax.com/tax/
Changes To Filing Taxes For Businesses

Saving Money On Taxes For Business Expenses

MarketWatch
Tax Tips for February
Next week – Hiring a Great Tax Preparer
https://www.marketwatch.com/Journalists/Eva_Rosenberg

AccountingWeb.com
A Day in Tax Court

2) Radio Interviews done, coming up

Alisa Parenti in Red, White and Blue Chips at MarketWatch radio
https://www.marketwatch.com/story/two-months-to-go-tax-tips-for-february-2012-02-08

(Date was changed) February 23, 2012 –  Bob McCormick’s Money 101 show on KFWB.  2-hours. Call us 888-KFWB-980 (888-539-2980)

February 22, 2012 #SmallBizChat with Melinda Emerson
https://succeedasyourownboss.com/what-is-smallbizchat/

Watch the YouTube invitation – The YouTube video

3) Print interviews
Are Taxable Frequent Flyer Miles in Your Future?
by Tim WInship in Smarter Travel

4) CPE Link courses www.cpelink.com/teamtaxmama
Great class coming on March 7th – Tax Checklist for Divorce

You can find daily TaxQuips into YouTube videos
https://www.youtube.com/taxmama1  

You can find daily TaxQuips into YouTube videos
https://www.youtube.com/taxmama1#p/u

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-629        

TaxNerd gear makes a bold statement year-round.

Hugs from your favorite TaxNerd,

 Eva Rosenberg, EA

Your TaxMama® 
www.TaxMama.com
www.TaxMama.com/TaxQuips
www.IRSExams.com 
www.TaxNerd.Net

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TAX CALENDAR
https://taxmama.wpengine.com/tax-calendar/
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02/15/2012 Employees to File new W-4 with Employer
02/15/2012 Employers Make Monthly Payroll tax deposit on the 15th of each month
02/29/2012 File Paper copy W-3′s with Social Security Admin including copies of W-2′s
02/29/2012 File paper copy of US transmittal of US information Returns
02/29/2012 Farmers & Fisherman – Use Personal Income Tax Return – Sole Proprietor
02/29/2012 Employers File Annual Report for Employees TIP Income – Form 8027
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From TaxMama® to You!
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https://www.widgetbox.com/widget/taxmamas-taxquips-daily-tax-podcasts

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EA EXAM NEWS & SOLVING THE TAX PUZZLE

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Take TaxMama®’s 2011 EA Exam Review Class

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