Dear Family,
This week is the 515th anniversary of the start of Christopher Columbus’s voyage – when he discovered the Americas.
That was a very exciting discovery for Europeans who needed a political and economic safety valve, since life in Europe and England was so oppressive in those days.
Naturally, those already living in, what is now called, North, South and Central America already knew these places were here. And they were quite content to here, and in the immediate environs. They weren’t off exploring to find a route to the mythical Europe, where the streets were paved
with plagues.
And do you see how good Columbus’ PR was? Despite his celebrated discovery of the ‘Americas’, the continents were named for someone else entirely. Some young whippersnapper who took the initiative and went to the mapmaker with the information about the continent. There’s a lesson here –
He who controls the maps, controls the names.
It’s true even now. My father-in-law was a printer in a small town in California. And the area rotated control of map-printing among the few printers every few years. While it was their turn, if any new streets, lanes or roads turned up, un-named, they would get to name them. After all, they printed the map – it would be right there in black and white (or green, or red or…).
This week’s TaxQuips brought some surprising postcarding practices to light. It started with TaxMama getting a postcard from Farmers Insurance that exposed far too much private information.
Asking for your feedback about whether my reaction was over the top, most of you agreed. In fact, you have your own horror stories to tell – about governments sending out property tax data on postcards, and absentee ballots (whatever happened to the right to a secret ballot?).
Just so you know. I did get an apology from the agent who sent the postcard, who promised to remove us from his mailing list. And one from someone higher up. But they both missed the bigger picture. Read below for APOLOGY FROM FARMERS? Or here
https://taxquips.com/index.php?id=491
This week’s Money Funnies offering is about, perhaps a cultural perspective on communication?
https://taxquips.com/index.php?id=486
It’s actually reminiscent of the clerical style differences between the two priests in Ballykissangel’s 6th season. The Australian priest, Father Sheahan is a hunk, and the ladies love him. He has a rather humane way of dealing with his parishioners that literally makes his boss ill. https://snurl.com/1p4m3
IRS News this week solicits your opinion on proposed forms for partnerships and corporations. Remember, this is like voting. If you don’t voice your opinions, objections, or suggestions – you get what you deserve.
https://taxquips.com/index.php?id=489
IRS also released their latest report about the Tax Gap –
how big it is – AND what IRS will be doing about it. Will you, or your clients, or your friends, be part of the problem? Or the solution. No need for you to play Big Brother. But it’s time to speak to your non-filer friends and get them to comply voluntarily.
https://taxquips.com/index.php?id=487
This is your last shot at voting for the future shape of TaxMama.com . nd please, give us your views. Please, do respond to TaxMama’s Survey so we can build the site you want.
https://taxmama.wpengine.com/AskTaxMama/taxmama.html
Remember, we’re starting the new round of EA Exam Review classes next weekend. Will you be there? Tax preparation and representation is a great career. And there’s never a recession in this industry.
https://irsexams.com/
Have an untaxing, fun week!
Hugs from your favorite TaxNerd,
Eva Rosenberg, EA
Your TaxMama is watching…out for you.
www.TaxMama.com
www.TaxQuips.com
www.IRSExam.com
www.TaxNerd.net
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TAX CALENDAR
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09.17.2007 Employers Make monthly Payroll tax deposit
09.17.2007 Corporate Returns Due- FINAL DEADLINE
09.17.2007 3rd 2007 Estimated Payment Due
09.30.2007 Last day to establish SIMPLE plans
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$1,000 Grant available
Al Marks Inventive Mind Grant
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It’s almost time for another of Idea Cafe’s cash grants to be awarded to a deserving entrepreneur. Our current award, The Al Marks Inventive Mind Grant is still open for applications until July 19. So if you think this might fit you (or someone you know), hustle in to Idea Cafe’s Small Business Grant Center to apply.
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SPECIAL DEALS
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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 – or
https://go.asktaxmama.com/incorp
(no code needed)
Summer Family Identity – 3 Choices:
Zazzle – Cafe Press – Queensboro
Since it’s summer, and you’re probably going to be traveling with your family, consider getting matching T-shirts and/or hats.
(DO NOT PUT ANYONE’S NAME ON THEM – you’re just asking strangers to kidnap your children!)
But do put everyone’s picture – so even if you don’t know the local language, you can point to a family member and ask if anyone has seen him or her. Or use a graphic or piece of art you all like. You’ll find three options right here in our SPECIAL DEALS section.
Use your art or others – and customize it
Zazzle your Imagination. Are you a TaxNerd?
Tell everyone – proudly!
https://www.zazzle.com/taxmama*
Receive free shipping on your own customized
Zazzle Apparel, bags or more.
with code FREESHIPTEES. Ends 7/27/07.
code FREESHIPTEES
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
But you can upload your own art and graphics and unify your family – even your pets.
Get extra discounts for yourself and friends after you order.
WOW DEAL! Embroidery
Wouldn’t you love to get your logo or family crest, or picture or whatever, EMBROIDERED on hats and T-Shirts?
Well, it costs a heck of a lot less than you think.
You can get 12 items for $99! That includes the set-up fees.
Can you believe that? Use Coupon Code PC076c
At the Queensboro Shirt Company
(They have a lot more than shirts – and all sizes)
They do a gorgeous job.
- Ask TaxMama :: Where taxes are fun and answers are free
- TaxQuips :: The number ONE tax podcast online
- Ballykissangel :: Season Six
