Real tax questions from real readers, answered. Got a question of your own? This is where Taxgirl answers them.
Taxpayer asks: I had my tax returns prepared, and I don’ t think the CPA did a good job. I have not signed the forms nor have i provided the original copies of my various financial statements. Can I ask someone else to do them and discard the “first draft”? Thank you. taxgirl says: Absolutely….
Taxpayer asks: I was in college until May, and have been supporting myself since. I just filed my taxes for free at turbotax.com, filed as an independent, and got the email that my return has been accepted. Then my parents told me that they claimed me as a dependent so that they could keep me…
Taxpayer asks: at 5’4″ and 235# i was definately diagnoised with morbid obesity.. pre-diabetic and had BMI of 40.3. My choice of surgeons was one in Mexico.. my insurance would not cover his fees.. which.. even if I would have chosen one in the US and filed insurance claim.. I would have paid more out…
Taxpayer asks: In 2005 we filed for Bk chpt 7. We were told we now have to file married joint we are now commonlaw in Texas per this attorney so we did. We want to file single because we are not married we have no documents can we just file single or do we have…
Taxpayer asks: Hi! How much is the tax on alcohol in the UK. I live in the Philippines and am looking to import beer etc here and am wondering what the saving would be on various beer, cider and spirits. Thank you. Taxgirl says: You guys know that I love to help you out when…
Taxpayer asks: A place paid for me $663 for services performed. They said they will send me a 1099 at the end of the year. How do I figure the taxes to take out? Taxgirl says: If you are paid without having any taxes withheld (meaning, generally, that you’re going to receive a form 1099)…
Taxpayer asks: Hi Kelly, I read your article about incorporating to limit taxes. How about forming Limited Liability Corporations (LLC’s)? When you form an LLC for real esate holdings to limit liability, do you file as an individual or do you have to file for the LLC? Thanks. Taxgirl says: This is one of those…
Taxpayer asks: If you run a home office, can you claim animal costs for your “guard dog” if so does it have to be a dog? Taxgirl says: Funny, I’ve gotten a couple of variations on this question. Here are my thoughts. It is clear that you can pro-rate the cost of a security system…
Taxpayer asks: I’m getting married in March. Since I will be married when I file my taxes, do I file married? taxgirl says: Nope. For federal income tax purposes, your filing status is determined as of the last day of the tax year (December 31 for individuals). If you were single on that day, you…
It’s another snow day in Philadelphia. Our last storm blew in on late Tuesday night leaving us with between 12 and 14 inches of snow. Schools are closed and in my little corner of the city, with our hilly, narrow streets, roads are still dicey at best. So what does this have to do with…