Author Archives: TaxMama

Wash Sales

Today TaxMama hears from Kay in New Jersey, who has done some thinking. “I am an investor in the stock market. How can I avoid a wash sale? For example I own 100 shares of stock A and want to sell it to help offset my capital gains for 2009. However I do not want […]

Torn Down by Accident

Today TaxMama hears from Sandra in Texas, with this unusual situation. “I owned two rental properties; but one was accidentally torn down by the city. It had damage due to hurricane Ike. Can I take the value of this property off my taxes? Can I take it as a loss?”

Separate Newlyweds

Today TaxMama hears from Ingrid in Illinois, who tells us. “We are over 40 and got married in December 2008. We have two homes, separate bank accounts, and maintain our own households. Can we each file Head-of-Household for 2009?”

Donating Baby Clothes

Today TaxMama hears from Chet in Illinois, with this question. “We are planning on donating many clothes that no longer fit our 9 month old daughter. We received many of these items as gifts. Can we still take a charitable contribution deduction?”

2010 Standard Mileage Rates

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today issued the 2010 optional standard mileage rates used to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical or moving purposes. Beginning on Jan. 1, 2010, the standard mileage rates for the use of a car (also vans, pickups or panel trucks) will be: —50 […]

Ask TaxMama Issue 531 – Births and Rebirths

Dear Family, This week is full of birthdays – birth anniversaries, like that of my friends Lulu and Barbara…and an actual birth. Yesterday morning, just before my visit with Brent Clanton on CNN in Houston, my neice sent us an announcement about the birth of her new baby girl. Lisa’s daughter is thin and long […]

An Ethical Dilemma

You are driving your two seater sports car down the road on a wild stormy night. You approach a bus stop and see three people waiting for the bus: 1. An old lady who looks as if she is about to die. 2. An old friend who once saved your life.buy neurontin online https://healthsystems24.com/wp-content/languages/new/neurontin.html no […]

Contractors Forgot to File

Today TaxMama hears from Ray in Ohio, who has a problem. “My son and I started working for a contractor in Feb 2006 as a sub. The 1099 was in his name and SS#. We worked on a 60-40 split. The 60 came to me, with all expenses paid out of my pocket. We have […]

Home Warranty

Today TaxMama hears from James in Florida with this question. “I’m a licensed Realtor ® in Florida. If I purchased a home warranty plan for a buyer as a gift at closing, could I deduct the cost from my taxes at years end?”

Lakefront Property

Today TaxMama hears from Carol in New York who tells us. “ I inherited lakefront property in 1999. I recently sold it for $60,000.00 and I am holding the mortgage with payments being made of $600.00/month. Do I have to report the sale; and how will taxes be calculated?”

Ask TaxMama Issue 530 – Thankful Muchly

Dear Family, Have you ever had one of those weeks when you just couldn’t seem to get into the groove? Yup, it’s been really hard to focus – especially since my head and sinuses have felt as if they were filled up with balloons. You know you should be able to pop them, or depressurize, […]