Real tax questions from real readers, answered. Got a question of your own? This is where Taxgirl answers them.
Taxpayer asks: Why was my RAL denied? Taxgirl says: RALs are refund anticipation loans. They are basically loans (usually high interest) against your refund from the IRS. I am not a fan of the RAL. In many cases, I think they’re oversold to folks who can least afford to pay the fees when a normal…
Whew. I had some technical issues on Blog Talk Radio today – I’m still getting the hang of it. Next time, even better! Thanks for bearing with me.
Taxpayer asks: Hello, I would like to ask some questions about tax evasion and honest mistakes: I am being looked into (audited) for tax evasion for 2006 where I failed to file tax returns for online poker winnings of about $60,000.00. I did not file these returns for the sole purpose that my losses outweighed…
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…
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…
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…
Taxpayer asks: I’ve been trying to get my parents to make a Will. I’m now there only living child. My parents have told me everything goes to me. They have been told by a friend that if they make a Will & leave me everything including there house that when they die I will have…
Taxpayer asks: I do not understand your story about Geithner. If he worked for the IMF for all of those years, why was he not considered an employee? Taxgirl says: That’s a great question and I should have elaborated a little more in my post. To be clear, the number of years that you are…