It’s Getting to Know You Tuesday where I introduce folks in the biz! Today’s guest is one of my favorite tax bloggers, Sheila Livingston.
1. Where are you now?
I work for a local CPA firm in a small town near where I grew up. I went to the CA Bay Area for a bit to work for KPMG and then industry. It took moving away to truly appreciate small town living.
2. What’s your official title and what does it mean?
Ha! Titles are a big deal at KPMG. In a small local firm? Not so much. My official title is “Accountant,” “CPA” if I am feeling stuffy. In a small firm, you do everything.
3. What books are on your nightstand?
None right now. I have fallen into the RSS reader trap. I miss books. When tax season is over, I am heading straight to the murder-mystery section of my local lending library.
4. If you weren’t working in the tax profession, what would your dream job be?
If I knew that, I would be doing it!
5. What’s the last movie that you saw (DVD or in the theatre)?
Just watched “The Long Kiss Goodnight” starring Geena Davis & Samuel L. Jackson again. LOVE that movie!
6. Tax is a huge subject. What’s your area of special interest?
It used to be Corporate tax but now that I am back at a small firm, I am a Jack-of-all-trades again. (Hey, I heard you add “master of none.” How rude!)
7. What’s the best tax or financial advice that anyone ever gave you?
If you have a 401K, max your contributions.
8. Coffee or tea?
Darjeeling tea, with milk and sugar
9. Name five artists on your iPod (or mp3 player).
I am not a big music junkie. I am more into audio books: Julia Sweeney (Letting Go of God audio book), Sarah McLachlan (music), Eddie Izzard (comedy), Nora Ephron (I Feel Bad About My Neck audio book), Michael Crichton (Next audio book)
10. What would I be surprised to know about you?
I have a secret obsession with Vincent D’Onofrio.
11. What college did you attend (in what subject)?
California State University, Stanislaus. I started as a French major, switched to Spanish, and ended up with a B.S. in Business with a concentration in Accounting. Go figure.
12. If you had the opportunity to make one change in the tax code tomorrow – an extra credit, a disallowed deduction, whatever – what would it be?
I would eliminate the benefit of the Married Filing Joint tax rates. Taxpayers with no difference other than their marital status should be taxed at the same rate.
13. What’s the best thing on TV right now?
“Medium” on NBC, starring Patricia Arquette as a mom of three who talks to dead people. “Medium” has a few hunky men on it, too. Always a plus.
14. What do you think Congress will repeal first: estate tax or AMT?
Oh god, I hope it’s the AMT.
15. If Uncle Sam handed you a huge refund check right now, what would you do with it?
Buy a house. With a pool! Guess it’d have to be a pretty big refund.
16. Biggest tax newsmaker: KPMG, Jenkens Gilchrist or Richard Hatch?
Sadly, Richard Hatch, though KPMG has been giving him a run for his money.
17. And, other than taxgirl, what’s your favorite tax-related web site?
Kay Bell’s “Don’t Mess With Taxes”
Don’t forget to check out Sheila’s site at www.getsheila.com.
Thanks, Sheila!
Eek! I am famous. And now the entire world knows about my secret obsession with Vincent D’Onofrio. Ah well, it had to come out sooner or later.
Okay, off to “OMG I totally forgot to file my taxes can you do them for me RIGHT NOW?” day at the office.
Vincent D. didn’t surprise my completely, but I would have guessed Rick M. =)
Congrats on Sheila’s famous-ness.
JennBo: I am over my Rick Moranis obsession. It was too embarrassing to endure.