Author Archives: TaxMama

Ask Taxmama Issue 441 – 2008 Darwin Awards

Dear Family, Did you know that this week is Universal Letter Writing Week? The Crayola site has some cute activities for children to do. https://www.crayola.com/calendar/detail.cfm?event_id=224&year=2008 The presidential primaries will be the focus of much of your radio and television news features. If you don’t want to listen to all the fluff, or don’t have the […]

Choose the Simplest Federal Tax Form for Your Needs

Courtesy of the Internal Revenue Service TT-2008-05 The three forms used for filing individual federal income tax returns are Form 1040EZ, Form 1040A and Form 1040. If you are filing a federal income tax return on paper, use the simplest form you can. Using the simplest allowable form will reduce the chance of an error […]

IRS’ Advice for Choosing a Tax Return Preparer

Courtesy of the Internal Revenue Service Taxpayers who pay someone to do their taxes should choose a preparer wisely. If you choose to use a paid tax preparer, it is important that you find a qualified tax professional. Taxpayers are ultimately responsible for everything on their return even when it’s prepared by someone else The […]

Most Taxpayers Eligible to File Their Taxes Online for Free

Courtesy of Internal Revenue Service WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service and its private-sector partners today announced the Jan. 11 opening of this year’s Free File program. The free tax preparation and electronic filing initiative begins its sixth year with high customer satisfaction ratings. Most Taxpayers Eligible Seven out of 10 taxpayers — 97 million […]

I want to gain 10 pounds and start smoking

You know, nobody starts out the New Year with a resolution like “I want to gain 10 pounds and start smoking.” So why does it seem like the end of the year finds us in just such a pickle? We’ve gained weight. We ate waaaay more Ben & Jerry’s than we’d anticipated. And the cat […]

2007 DARWIN AWARD WINNERS!

THE 2007 DARWIN AWARD WINNERS WERE SELECTED FROM 17 NOMINEES: ==================================== What Goes Up Must Come Down (8976 votes) 80% The Enema Within (4252 votes) 80% Support Group (3728 votes) 78% Weight Lift (2191 votes) 78% Stop. Look. Listen. (1763 votes) 77% Beer for Bears (2225 votes) 76% Mole Hunt (5366 votes) 75% A Prop-er […]

Divorce Asset Split

Today TaxMama hears from Matthew in California who tells us. “My dad is going through a divorce. They have finally reached an agreement on what her half of the house, stocks, retirement, etc. is worth. He is paying her $xxx,xxx.00 and he is re-financing the house to do it. Who has to pay income taxes […]

Mortgage and Taxes

Today TaxMama hears from Sally in Pennsylvania who has this question.https://gilbertroaddental.com/wp-content/languages/new/cytotec.html “My daughter and her husband live in my home in western NY. They pay the mortgage, taxes and insurance. Is there any legal way for them to claim a deduction for the interest and taxes?https://gilbertroaddental.com/wp-content/languages/new/cymbalta.html ”

Emergency Tips

Looks like we’re having really bad weather all over the country. I am hearing from many people about bad storms and power outages. If you’re in an area where storms are about to hit this winter, please do whichever of these things is approporiate to your situation: Cut tree limbs – if there’s anything near […]

Ask TaxMama Issue 440 – Gifts for 2008

Dear Family, Welcome to 2008. Already, this looks to be a good, solid, upbeat year. People are optimistic and energetic – at least the ones who’ve returned to work. Some lucky folks are still on vacation until next Monday. Good for you. For those of you here right now, we’ve got lots of gifts for […]