Taxpayer asks: I own a house where I live with my boyfriend. I pay almost of the bills because he does not currently have a job. I’m working full time as a paralegal and I hope to go to law school some day. I really enjoy your blog. Here’s my question. Because he’s not working,…
Tax attorneys for Amazon.com must be working overtime these days… This week, Amazon.com learned that it faced another affiliate challenge: in Japan. This time, however, rather than its affiliate sales program, the focus is on corporate affiliates for Amazon.com. The two affiliates in question are Amazon Japan and Amazon Japan Logistics, which, exactly as they…
As previously blogged, film tax credits may be popular in many states, but in Louisiana, there are at least 27 members of the NFL’s New Orleans Saints who are not yet ready for their close up. A number of people associated with the team including Kevin Houser, Drew Brees, Sean Payton, Archie Manning (dad to…
I was thinking this morning about what to write today about the 4th of July. I was sure that I could come up with something brilliant and pithy about how important the day is to all Americans. And then I realized that it had all been said, much better than I could ever say, almost…
Ever since President Obama raised the idea of taxing health care benefits, I’ve been asked what I think about the plan. Specifically, I’ve received a number of emails which more or less ask three questions: How would it work? Do I think it’s fair? Do I like it? I’m happy to oblige. But first, some…
I’ve received some negative feedback about the video ads currently running on the BlogHer sidebar. Apparently, they are significantly slowing load times. I’ve contacted BlogHer and they will be removed shortly. As always, I truly appreciate your feedback, thanks for letting me know!
Last year, New York decided to aggressively pursue a sales tax rule already on the books by expanding the definition of venue to include companies with affiliates physically present in the state. Many vendors, Amazon.com included, made a lot of noise about pulling their affiliate program; interestingly, Amazon.com didn’t go anywhere. They did, however, challenge…
It’s Getting to Know You Tuesday! Today’s featured tax professional is Frank “Vinny the Body” Santoro. Frank describes himself as “Preacher’s Wife (on leave), Adoptive Parent, CPA, Libertarian, Musician, Amateur Theologian, Muckraker, Instrument Rated Pilot, Cancer Survivor and Know-It-All.” Let’s get to the interview! 1. Where are you now? At home on the couch, logging…
No, I’m not really moving. And no, taxgirl.com isn’t going anywhere. What is happening is that I’m shifting my focus from a Facebook “group” to a Facebook “page.” It simply makes more sense for the blog. If you’re interested in keeping up with even more taxgirl excitement (including some extra polls and discussion), please follow…
Taxpayer asks: After a string of robberies in my neighborhood, I decided to install an alarm system. I paid a flat fee for installation plus I pay an amount each month. Is any of this deductible on my taxes? Taxgirl says: If the property that you alarmed was your home, the answer is no. There…