Real tax questions from real readers, answered. Got a question of your own? This is where Taxgirl answers them.
Taxpayer asks: Hi there. I work for a church that has musicians perform on a regular basis (at least once a month). We cut them a check each time they perform; nothing is run through payroll. Do they need to fill out a W-9? If yes, what do I need to do on my end?…
Taxpayer asks: I have a Q. We run a large tow truck company. We tow for the Police, Sheriff, and Highway Patrol, as well as Federal Military Police. We also take private callers with disabled vehicles. We do our taxes every year with our CPA. We received an emergency call in January. It was a…
Taxpayer asks: To Whom it may concern,I have a 1099 form that records that I made $600.50. I have a regular job that I have my W-2 with. Because the amount is $600.50, do I need to include it on my 2008 taxes?If so, can you advise me how? Never have done this before.Thanks. Taxgirl…
Taxpayer asks: Hi, I’m very disorganized and still haven’t filed my 2007 taxes (as of March 2009!). I’m planning to file in April 2009. Of course, I did not receive an Economic Stimulus Payment in 2008. I’m single, and I definitely have taxable income and will owe taxes. Will I be eligible for the Recovery…
Taxpayer asks: I am a junior in college. I have lived by myself and worked since my freshman year. Last year, my parents divorced. My brother was supposed to go live with my dad but he has issues. So, my brother came to live with me. I made sure he went to school, cooked dinner…
Taxpayer asks: Hi, I work for a company and am currently deployed to Iraq. I had met the Social Security Cap for withholding mid 2008 and mid year was transferred to our subsidiary. They again withheld my Social Security to the Cap so in effect I paid double the amount I should have. Can I…
Taxpayer asks: I am a Fire Fighter. We work a 24 hour shift with no designated time (or time off) for meals. Therefore, we take lunch, supper, etc when ever possible between calls. They are often interupted to perform our job. My question: do these circumstances make us eligible for standard deductions (per dium) rates…
Taxpayer asks: Dear taxgirl, 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…
Taxpayer asks: Can I claim my foster child as a dependent? Taxgirl says: Yes, assuming that your foster child meets all of the other dependent criteria. Keep in mind that, according to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), a child is considered to be a foster child so long as he or she has “been placed…
Taxpayer asks: Hi Tax Girl, I thought I’d see our accountant today but she’s out, then I found out about you! My parents claimed me as a dependent in 2007 because they paid for my last semester of college (although I did work and live on my own most of the year). I was an…