Tag Archives: Taxation in the United States

Ask TaxMama Issue 631 – Happy Black History Month

Dear Family, I left the house this week. You don’t think that’s news? Let me tell you, I am so well cocooned here in this office, that I can reach out and do anything from here – even teach a class with a 100 people. And do a fabulous Twitter chat with Melinda Emerson the […]

IRS Has $1 Billion for People Who Have Not Filed a 2008 Income Tax Return

IRS YouTube Videos: Haven’t Filed a Tax Return in Years?:English | Spanish | ASL IR-2012-26, Feb. 23, 2012 WASHINGTON — Refunds totaling more than $1 billion may be waiting for one million people who did not file a federal income tax return for 2008, the Internal Revenue Service announced today. However, to collect the money, […]

Californians! Hold Schedule C Returns

 Hold Schedule C returns (02-23-2012) The FTB has changed Schedule CA to reduce the amount of self-employment tax deductible for California purposes. According to the FTB, taxpayers may only deduct 50% of the self-employment tax for California purposes, while they can deduct more than 50% for federal purposes. If the FTB is correct, there will […]

Sloppy 1099ing

Today TaxMama® hears from Gary in the TaxQuips Forum who has this problem. Let me paraphrase:  “Gary has already filed his LLC’s tax return, reporting all his income properly. Suddenly, nearly three weeks past the 1099 deadline, he gets a 1099 showing income he received, plus reimbursements for materials and supplies – that were not […]

2010 401k Rollover

Today TaxMama® hears from Tom in the TaxQuips Forum with this issue.  “I rolled over a 401k directly to a Roth IRA in 2010.  I received a 1099 for this, but did not fill out an 8606 when I submitted my 2010 return. The plan was to report half of the taxable amount in 2011 and […]

Mobile Home Rental

Today TaxMama® hears from Klondike in the TaxQuips Forum with this question.  “In March, I purchased a new mobile home and placed it on property I own. It is skirted with wheels removed and set on cement pillars. My son lives in the home and pays rent. Is it best to depreciate the home for […]

Dirty Dozen Tax Scams

The Internal Revenue Service has issued its annual “Dirty Dozen” tax scams list, reminding taxpayers to use caution during tax season to protect themselves against a wide range of schemes ranging from identity theft to return preparer fraud. The Dirty Dozen listing, compiled by the IRS each year, lists a variety of common scams taxpayers […]

Overseas Freelancer

Today TaxMama® hears from Jim in the TaxQuips Forum with this question.  “I live in Thailand and do some freelance work. I can’t put that income on Form 2555 for the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion because I had to return to the US for 60 + days for an operation. How do I report this […]

Are YOU the Ultimate Tax Nerd of 2012?

TaxMama® is searching for the Ultimate Tax Nerd.  Tax season brings out uncontrollable tax passions. Mild mannered individuals turn into rabid tax fanatics. Does that happen to you? Enter the Ultimate Tax Nerd Contest online beginning Wednesday, February 15th, 2012. The contest will run until midnight, Sunday April 1, 2012. Over $4,000 in prizes. Tax […]

Across State Lines

Today TaxMama® hears from John in the TaxQuips Forum about an inequity. “My father & I both worked in PA, but both lived in NJ for the entire 2011. However on my W-2, I paid state taxes to NJ.  On his W-2 He paid state taxes to PA.  Is this correct? Also he worked inside of […]

Ask TaxMama Issue 629 – Happy Valentines Weekend

 Dear Family,  It’s a beautiful, sunny day here in Southern California. Lots to do. And oh yes, don’t forget. Valentine’s Day is next week. If you’re going to get something…order it now (like these lovely hearts…).  Hopefully, you’re making progress getting your tax returns ready for filing. Please remember, don’t file too early. There are […]