Tag Archives: Internal Revenue Service

Online Filing – The 2008 Overview

[Update – see the Fi-Life article where they test all the Free-File sites.] Electronic filing of tax returns has become the norm. And that means more demand for online tax-preparation programs. If you are in the market for a provider this year, here’s a look the latest the industry has to offer. Prices vary widely […]

Ask Taxmama Issue 448 – Happy Leap Year

Dear Family, 47 days and 16 hours and 20 minutes to go until April 15th. (Did you see the countdown widget at www.taxmama.com ?) And today is the filing deadline for a bunch of stuff (that’s a technical term, you know) – see TaxMama’s Tax Calendar https://www.taxmama.com/taxcalendar.html Aaaah, today’s issue is filled with lots of […]

Tax Rates for a Child’s Investment Income

Courtesy of the Internal Revenue Service TT-2008-38 Part or all of a child’s investment income may be taxed at the parent’s rate rather than the child’s rate. Because a parent’s taxable income is usually higher than a child’s income, the parent’s top tax rate will often be higher as well. This special method of figuring […]

Net Operating Losses

Today TaxMama hears from Judy in Kansas who tells us, “I had a house fire in 2004 and I am just now filing an amended return for 2004 for the casualty losses. They resulted in a net operating loss (NOL). It is past the 3 year timeframe for filing a 1040x for 2002 and 2003. […]

Ask Taxmama Issue 447 – Know Your Worth – and Know Your Parents

Dear Family, OK I’m lying. Yesterday was really International Mother Language Day, not today. But I like the concept of the richness of culture. And I love languages and want to encourage everyone to learn the languages of their parents and grandparents. And so, we honor the day, a little late. Speaking of parents and […]

Taxes on Early Distributions from Retirement Plans

Courtesy of the Internal Revenue Service TT-2008-36 Payments that you receive from your IRA or qualified retirement plan before you reach age 59½ are normally called ‘early’ or ‘premature’ distributions. These funds are subject to an additional 10 percent tax and must be reported to the IRS. There are a number of exceptions to this […]

Income from Foreign Sources

Courtesy of the Internal Revenue Service TT-2008-37 Many United States citizens and resident aliens receive money from foreign sources. These taxpayers must remember that they must report all such income on their tax return, unless it is exempt under federal law. U.S. citizens and residents are taxed on their worldwide income. This applies whether a […]

Ponzi Scheme

Today TaxMama hears from Louis in South Carolina who says, “I lost $30,000 in an ‘’Investment Pool’’ that turned out to be a Ponzi scheme (see link in Resource Box below). The perpetrator was convicted at the end of 2007. How do I claim this loss on my taxes for 2007?”

Secret Gift

Today TaxMama hears from Karen in California who tells us, “I am custodian of an UTMA account for my 4-year-old niece.https://www.epsa-online.org/wp-content/languages/new/aciphex.html I received a 1099 this year listing approximately $500 in capital gains and dividends. I’m not in contact with my niece’s parents, nor are they aware of this gift.buy clomid online cpff.ca/wp-content/languages/new/canadaa/clomid.html no prescription […]

Ask Taxmama Issue 446 – Happy Presidents Weekend

Dear Family, Happy Presidents Day Weekend. Monday is the hybrid day that is neither Washington’s Birthday nor Lincoln’s – just a Monday, giving us a long weekend. Federal and State offices and schools will be closed. We will be too (since TaxPapa works for the School District). Traffic on the roads will not be moving […]

What income is taxable? Nontaxable?

Courtesy of the Internal Revenue Service TT-2008-30 Generally, most income you receive is taxable. But there are some situations when certain types of income are partially taxed or not taxed at all. A comprehensive list is available in IRS Publication 525, Taxable and Nontaxable Income. Some common examples of items that are not included in […]