The IRS has announced the opening of an expanded IRS e-file program for 2008 federal tax returns. IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman is encouraging taxpayers to take advantage of the e-file program, noting that, “Filing electronically with direct deposit can get refunds to taxpayers in as few as 10 days.” That’s right: 10 days. Don’t be…
Taxpayer asks: I received my stimulis check for me and my husband and 5 children. We had another baby March 24, 2008. Can I get $300 for him as well and how can I get it? Thank you. Taxgirl says: Yes, you can claim your newest dependent on your 2008 tax return (assuming you otherwise…
Taxpayer asks: my son gets ssi payments he has autisim, adhd, and asburgers disorder he is 19 years old now can he still get earned income the h&r block said he dont get it anymore let me know Taxgirl says: To claim the EIC you must meet certain income and filing criteria. In addition, if…
DC residents may have had to put up with lost tourists crowding the Metro during the Inauguration but they do get a little bit of a break. The District of Columbia Office of Tax and Revenue (OTR) had previously announced that sales tax on property rentals during Inauguration festivities would be suspended. This applies to…
Taxpayer asks: Obama is saying he wants to give us tax breaks retroactive to 2008. Should we wait to do our taxes until we see what he is going to do? Thanks, Taxgirl says: Don’t wait to file! The current proposal being offered by the House doesn’t offer any credits or tax breaks retroactive to…
Remember this question from a reader asking about a second stimulus check? She said that she had recently heard on the news that there would be a second stimulus check in February. I received a slew of similar emails from folks swearing that the news had reported that a second stimulus check was a certainty….
Taxpayer asks: Can I deduct state sales tax for 2008 and deduct state income tax paid for another year (2007)?? Taxgirl says: Absolutely! There is no rule that the taxes must have been assessed in 2008 in order to take them as a deduction. Assuming that you itemize your deductions, you can deduct state and…
Taxpayer asks: I saw on the news that we will have a second check in February. I can’t find it again. Can you help? Taxgirl says: Wow. Just wow. I’ve received a slew of similar emails over the weekend. I don’t know where this info is coming from – or what news program might have…
Today, we celebrate the life of Martin Luther King, Jr. To honor the day, I am reposting something that I wrote around this time last year. It remains one of my favorite posts. Enjoy! — I’ll be frank. I don’t always love being a lawyer. When I was a little girl, I used to watch…
Remember when I said that it was going to be a long January? I wasn’t kidding. Just before the long break, Democrats in the House revealed their tax plans as part of a new stimulus package. And if you’re expecting a quick “yes” vote, don’t hold your breath. The plan includes a whopping $275 billion…