Real tax questions from real readers, answered. Got a question of your own? This is where Taxgirl answers them.
Taxpayer asks: Thanks for taking my question. I moved back home last year after I lost my job. I’ve been paying my parents some rent but I can’t afford to pay the original amount that we agreed on. Can they take the difference between what I promised to pay and what I actually paid as…
It’s a chilly Sunday morning here in Philadelphia. I thought a bit of housekeeping might be in order, so I’m opening up the ol’ taxgirl (e)mailbag. I have a bunch of non-technical tax questions that were submitted as “ask the taxgirl” questions but I thought it made more sense to answer them in one big…
Taxpayer asks: Can you file single if you are married? Short info I am still in school only have 1 more year then I am done. My insurance ran out so my husband and I got married for the insurance. We were engaged and already had a date. Just had to bump it up to…
Taxpayer asks: I read this article today and it seemed very aggressive, bordering on overly aggressive. Can you comment? http://www.startchurch.com/blog/view/name/can-pastors-deduct-tithes-as-business-expenses The tithe situation here just seems too good to be true. Next, my understanding that pastors are considered self-employed only for purposes related to the SE tax, not for deducting expenses. Therefore the home office…
Taxpayer asks: I haven’t done my taxes in 3 years, I don’t owe the Feds any$, will I get the stimulus funds every1 else got once I do my taxes?(via twitter) Taxgirl says: By law, the IRS is not able to make any economic stimulus payments after December 31, 2008. But all is not lost….
Taxpayer asks: I love your blog! I’m a practicing attorney and also a mom, like you. I’ve been thinking about starting my own blog. After reading through your posts, I have two questions: 1) Do you sleep?2) Do you write your own posts? Thanks, and keep up the good work. Taxgirl says: *blushing* Thanks so…
Taxpayer asks: Hi,My husband and I have decided to open a bank account for our son. We’re going to give him an allowance every week. He gets to keep part of it and put the rest in the bank. If he saves a certain amount, he gets a bonus allowance. The point is to teach…
Taxpayer asks: Tax Girl: Nice blog, I came across your site researching my situation. Last year I got back a refund (because my investments tanked and I had a capital loss) so this year I did not send in any estimated tax payments. I meet with my financial advisor yesterday he said my portfolio is…
Taxpayer asks: Two weeks into the school season and my son has already brought home his first fundraising catalog. They have asked each child in the class to try and sell $150 of merchandise, mostly gift wrap and cookie tins. I don’t have the time or inclination to sell this crap. Can I buy it…
Taxpayer asks: My child attends public school. School ends at 3 every day, but I don’t get off of work until 5 so my child attends an after school program. Can I deduct this on my taxes? Does it matter that it’s at public school? Taxgirl says: You’re in luck! So long as the child…