I’m not a fan of summer. I know, that’s somehow un-American to say it out loud, but it’s true. I don’t like the heat and I don’t like the unpredictable pace of summer (nor the traffic, the electric bills…). So, it’s with a bit of hopefulness and relief that I peered at my calendar this week and saw the Autumnal Equinox. We’re already getting settled into our fall routine at the house. The run for the pennant is heating up (Go Phils!), football is back (*clears throat, hoping that no one will notice the sad state of the Eagles*), the kids are back at school and we’re already planning our Halloween festivities. With cooler temps out, I’m inspired to bake more, the kids have a renewed sense of energy and even the dog is more pleasant (trust me). It is, quite definitely, my favorite time of the year.
So with the door wide open and a lovely breeze stirring on this pre-autumnal day, I’m reaching into my sadly neglected “ask the taxgirl” Sunday mailbag. Enjoy!
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Taxpayer asks:
I saw your post about Pastor Jones and his church. I don’t agree with anything you said. This is what makes me mad. You criticized him for saying his opinion about politics and you do it all over your blog. How is that fair?
Taxgirl says:
I
could go all Momma Phillips on you and just say that “life is not fair.” But that’s actually not what’s happening here. The reason that anyone – especially tax authorities – care what Pastor Jones says and does in the name of his church is because his church is a tax-exempt organization. He has asked the IRS to grant tax favorable status to his organization. As such, what can and cannot be done on behalf of the organization is regulated. One of the most serious requirements – and one that the IRS is increasingly monitoring – is that tax-exempt organizations may not publicly endorse (or oppose) political candidates. That includes activities beyond a simple endorsement: they may not distribute statements for or against candidates, raise funds for or donate to candidates; or become involved in any activity that would be either in support of or opposed to any candidate.
By posting a sign on church grounds opposing a political candidate (which is what Jones has been accused of doing), he’s breaking those rules. It’s quite simple. If Jones wishes to be political, he can do so on his own, not through the church. And if the church wishes to be political, it can happily do so if it gives up its tax-exempt status.
There’s no double standard here. As much as my husband may believe that taxgirl is a not-for-profit venture (insert hysterical laughter here), I’m not tax-exempt. I’m just a girl with a blog. I can say what I want to.
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Taxpayer asks:
Taxgirl
I love your web site – I’m thinking of getting one myself and I wanted to know if you would share who designed it and maintains it with me? I have other questions too – like do you post your own information (through a content management tool? Who hosts the server? and more. But I can probably ask them if you care to share
Thanks
taxgirl says:
Thanks. You can find out some info about my blog here but I’m happy to answer your questions. I designed the blog myself (I’m using Cheer-Up by Themesphere now). You do have to pay for it (I did) but once you buy it, it’s yours. I love that you can customize it to your heart’s content. The actual blogging platform is WordPress (.org not .com).
I did not design the logo because quite frankly, I’m not that talented. My logo was designed by the brilliant Jay Bevenour. He’s awesome.
With respect to a server, I use IONOS for web hosting since the blog is self-hosted (meaning not at xxx.wordpress.com or xxx.blogspot.com). I have used IONOS, formerly 1&1, for years, and have been very happy with them.
(In the interest of full disclosure, the IONOS link is an affiliate link, the others are not.)
I do post my own info. I feel very strongly about this. I don’t pay for content. I don’t use a ghostwriter (if anyone posts as a guest, it’s clearly noted). I don’t “borrow” content from other people. I don’t cut and paste from someone else and call it a blog (that’s not a blog, it’s either flat out stealing or a revamped feed, depending on how it’s done – I find both distasteful).
To keep my entries straight, I use an offline blog editor called Mars Edit. It’s for Mac and I love it. While I was in Maine, I tried to use the WP app for the iPad and it wasn’t nearly as cool. Sorry, WP app guy. You do have to pay for Mars Edit but if you want to give it a whirl, they have a free trial.
I usually blog in the morning before my kids get up. But otherwise, I do it whenever the mood strikes – or whenever some big tax news hits. I don’t have a set schedule. I know most bloggers do but I do not.
I think I hit all of your questions. Feel free to ask me anything I missed!
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Taxpayer asks:
I’ve seen you post about your favorite tax blogs. What are your favorite non-tax blogs to read? I’m looking to expanding my morning reads and I trust your judgment.
taxgirl says:
Ooh, that’s putting me on the spot. There are *so* many great writers out there and what you read is so personal to your own interests and tastes. It changes depending on the season, my mood, and the frequency of posting. Um, let me think…
Okay, I’ll just be honest and tell you what’s on my reader (other than tax/finance/law blogs):
I’d be remiss if I didn’t point out that I also read a number of personal/mom blogs by some pretty amazing women. I’m not going to blogroll them here because I’m not sure they want to be linked on my tax blog. But they’re good reads.
Oh, and I do regularly read some blogs that aren’t on my feeds – mostly because they link to twitter or Facebook and I click on them that way.
I’m sure I’m forgetting someone and I apologize profusely in advance. I’m still on my first cup of coffee this morning if that explains anything. But it does mean that I have a question for my readers… Other than tax/finance/law blogs, what are YOU reading?
Before you go: be sure to read my disclaimer. Remember, I’m a lawyer and we love disclaimers.
If you have a question, here’s how to Ask The Taxgirl.
On the topic of your logo, are you as cute as you appear?
(I’m old and married, just curious)
Thanks for the interesting description of your publication tools and for your list of favorite blogs. As someone introduced to your blog by my Yahoo home page, and who reads your postings as emails, I know next to nothing about finding blogs, much less ones that might interest me. How do you find them?
I’ve been wondering lately what you use to inspire your blog writting? Our firm started a blog this year and it’s quickly deflating. I struggle to come up with relevant material and I always love your material. Any insight is appreciated.
Dear Taxgirl,
I would like to know if by including the heatlh insurance benefits in the employees’ W2s would put them in a diferent or higher tax bracket?
I understand that after December 31, 2010, the health insurance coverage must be reported by the employer in the W2s. for control purposes , but won’t be taxable income for the employee.
Thanks so much for the mention — and even more for being a regular reader! I’m sure we’re kindred spirits on any number of levels.