Tag Archives: TaxMama

Expiration of Airline Ticket Taxes – and Possible Refunds

NOTE: This opportunity has expired. See the comment after this post. Or…  Today TaxMama wants to alert you to a potential summer refund available to you.  This is important news for frequent travelers! This could be worth a lot of money to you.   

Deeded in Life or Death

Today TaxMama hears from Mary in the TaxQuips Forum, who needs clarification. “My mother-in-law put her house in my husband’s name with a quitclaim Deed, which states it would be hers until her death; and he could not sell it as long as she was alive.  Now she has passed away and the house is […]

How to Bathe the Cat: A Matter of Perspective

Creative solutions are important, both in the business world and at home. Those who can think outside the can are most apt to get hired. 1. Put both lids of the toilet up and add 1/8 cup of pet shampoo to the water in the bowl.  

NAEA Testifies about New Preparer Oversight Program

A Tiered Approach to Credentialing Is Recommended WASHINGTON, DC (July 28, 2011)—The National Association of Enrolled Agents (NAEA) today presented testimony at a hearing before the House Ways and Means Committee Subcommittee on Oversight. The focus of the hearing was to review the new requirements for paid tax return preparers developed by IRS as part […]

Two-Year Limit No Longer Applies to Many Innocent Spouse Requests

Courtesy of IRS WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today announced that it will extend help to more innocent spouses by eliminating the two-year time limit that now applies to certain relief requests. “In recent months, it became clear to me that we need to make significant changes involving innocent spouse relief,” said IRS Commissioner […]

Six Things to Know About the Expanded Adoption Tax Credit

Courtesy of IRS If you are adopting a child in 2011, the Internal Revenue Service encourages you to familiarize yourself with the adoption tax credit. The Affordable Care Act increased the amount of the credit and made it refundable, which means it can increase the amount of your refund.

Per Diem Wasted

Today TaxMama hears from Bob in the TaxQuips Forum, who is trying to get it right. Let me summarize.  “I live in NJ and had a temporary job in DC for 6 months in 2010 (total 196 calendar days). I used Pub 1542 [per diem rates] for DC of $258 per day ($65 M&IE and […]

Comic Relief

  Today TaxMama hears from K Syl in the TaxQuips Forum, who has a fun idea.  “I have an Internet marketing business – a blog on comic books. The blog will have links for ordering comics to generate income on the blog and Pay Per Click ads. Large portions of the site will be devoted […]

H2A Visa and SS

Today TaxMama hears from Duncan who is taking good care of a client. “My client from Mexico lives in the US from April until December every year. He is working here under an H2A agricultural visa. As I understand, since he is here for 9 months, he is a resident alien according to the substantial […]

Five Tax Scams to Avoid this Summer

Courtesy of IRS Hiding income offshore, identity theft and return preparer fraud topped the IRS’s list of tax scams in 2011. The Internal Revenue Service issues an annual list of the top 12 tax scams, known as the “Dirty Dozen.” These scams are illegal and can lead to significant penalties and interest and possible criminal […]

10 Tips to Ease Tax Time for Military

Courtesy of IRS Military personnel have some unique duties, expenses and transitions. Some special tax benefits may apply when moving to a new base, traveling to a duty station, returning from active duty and more. These tips may put military members a bit “at ease” when it comes to their taxes. Moving Expenses If you […]