In response to queries about finding low cost or free legal advice, the folks at Avvo sent me some information about their services: Avvo is free, both for attorneys and consumers. Consumers can get free legal guidance at Avvo Answers. We have recognized that a fair number of these questions come from people who either…
Out of work? You can deduct out of pocket expenses (resumes, agency fees, travel, etc.) related to your job hunt. #TwitterTaxTip
It’s Fix the Tax Code Friday! This week, unemployment news has been grim, to say the least. Total job losses over the last six months have increased to 3.3 million; that is the highest level of unemployment in the US in 25 years. As more and more people lose their jobs, the related “Ask The…
Taxpayer asks: Hi, Is the rule different if the firm pays for the BarBri expenses themselves? Is this repayment taxable as ordinary income? Any tax code references would be appreciated, too (though not by any means necessary). Gracias, Taxgirl says: This is one of those posts that I can already tell that I’m going to…
Taxpayer asks: My friend says that you can deduct contacts on your taxes as medical costs. I thought you could only deduct doctor’s visits. Can I really take those off of my taxes? What about glasses? Taxgirl says: If you itemize your deductions, you can absolutely include the cost of contacts and glasses as medical…
Taxpayer asks: I understand mileage rates changed in the middle of the year by the IRS. Can you offer the mileage rates for medical and for service with a non-profit. Taxgirl says: The craziness in gas prices this year did lead to a complicated mileage arrangement for 2008. The IRS normally updates mileage only once…
Looking for deductions? You can make contributions to your IRA until April 15 ’09 and still deduct for ’08 tax yr. #TwitterTaxTip (For more on twitter tax tips, see my prior explanatory post.)
Just days after President Obama outlined his proposed budget, which includes tax modifications (yeah, it’s a cheesy word, keep reading) for high wage earners, key leaders in Congress are making noise that they might not be in support of the plan. Chief among them is Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-MT) who questioned whether…
Taxpayer asks: Hello Taxgirl,I have a simple, yet complicated tax question. I worked for a company last year for the first 5 months, then for the last 7 months I was self- employed. Do I file two separate forms? Anything you can tell me I will greatly appreciate.Thank you, Taxgirl says: Here’s a lawyerly answer…
It’s Getting To Know You Tuesday! Today’s guest is cello-playing CPA Stuart C. Wardlaw (there’s a joke in there somewhere, I’m sure). Let the interview begin… 1. Where are you now? Let’s see…in the sanctum sanctorum; better known as the office in my house. The room is my retreat…, work, wife’s dog and clients are…