Tag Archives: best

Democracy at Work?

So it seems that these four rabbis had a series of theological arguments, and three were always in accord against the fourth. One day, the odd rabbi out, after the usual “3 to 1, majority rules” statement that signified that he had lost again, decided to appeal to a higher authority.

Tax Exempt Rentals

Today TaxMama® hears from Grace in the TaxQuips Forum with an interesting question. “I understand that if you rent/lease your home for production filming for 14 days or less, then that income you earn is “exempt” from California and Federal taxes. Although a 1099 will still be issued by the filming company, on our taxes […]

Catch 22

Today TaxMama® hears from Gina in the TaxQuips Forum who’s going around in circles. “I have not been able to get in contact with my tax guy for months. I’m afraid he may be ill, dead or out of business – and I live too far away to go to his office. I sent my […]

Property Taxes and Trusts

Today TaxMama® hears from Lee in the TaxQuips Forum who wants clarification. “Are property taxes lower when a house is in a trust?” 

Ask TaxMama Issue 656 – Bearing Up

 Dear Family, Well, California just made Kiplinger’s Worst State to Live In lists – Twice. The 10 Least Friendly Tax States, and the 5 States with the Highest Income Tax. Yup…it’s time to think about moving somewhere else. But where? I have this article right at hand, from nearly a year ago. But haven’t had […]

Taxpayer Advocate Service Changes Case Acceptance Criteria

  [TaxMama Note: This is important for people in IRS  tax trouble to know.  Also, read today’s It’s A WAHM Thing article about how to do things yourself.] The Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) is designed to be a “safety net” for taxpayers who are experiencing problems with the IRS. However, because we couldn’t possibly help all […]

IRS Provides Tax Relief to Victims of Hurricane Isaac

IRS Provides Tax Relief to Victims of Hurricane Isaac; Return filing and Tax Payment Deadline Extended to Jan. 11, 2013 (courtesy of the IRS)  WASHINGTON –– The Internal Revenue Service is providing tax relief to individuals and businesses affected by Hurricane Isaac. Following recent disaster declarations for individual assistance issued by the Federal Emergency Management […]

Daffynitions

  Here are some funny interpretations of words you already know and love. Coffee (n.), a person who is coughed upon. Flabbergasted (adj.), appalled over how much weight you have gained. Flatulence (n.) the emergency vehicle that picks you up after you are run over by a steamroller.

Fighting Abusive Employers

Today TaxMama® hears from Nick in the TaxQuips Forum who is angry. “This year I saw some disturbing instances where independent contractors were issued 1099-MISC for higher amounts than they were actually paid. Some of contractors were paid in cash and there are no supporting documents on how they were paid. The reason for these […]

Outsourced Payments

Today TaxMama® hears from Lloyd in the TaxQuips Forum with a little problem. “I paid someone in Thailand approximately $15K a year to do data entry for me. IRS is not happy that I did not issue a 1099-misc to her. Until now, she did not have ITIN or Social Security Number. However, this year […]

Late Gift Tax Return

Today TaxMama® hears from Ivan in the TaxQuips Forum who seems to be concerned. “I have found lots of info on filing gift tax returns – penalties – life time exclusions. But what I cannot find is, what if someone makes a gift(s) to a child, or anyone else, in an amount well over the […]