Real tax questions from real readers, answered. Got a question of your own? This is where Taxgirl answers them.
Taxpayer asks: Hey taxgirl, I love your site and I read it every chance I get. This is not the kind of stuff I would read normally but I like it. Can you name other web sites that you read? I’m not interested in technical stuff. Taxgirl says: First of all, thanks so much for…
Taxpayer asks: Is there a remedy for a lost stimulus check? Taxgirl says: Are you sure that it’s lost? Or just not processed yet? I would call the toll-free Rebate Hotline at 1-866-234-2942 and ask the IRS. You can also visit your local Taxpayer Assistance Center.
Taxpayer asks: Hi Kelly, Is it true that is you owe back child support then you will not receive the tax stimulus? Thanks, Taxgirl says: More or less. That’s kind of a loaded question because it depends on a few factors… The IRS can withhold stimulus payments up to the amount owed for federal liabilities…
Taxpayer asks: I live and bought a car in NJ for $30,000 and paid $2,100 in sales tax. After two years sold the car to a neighbor for $20,000. When he transferred the title he had to pay $1,400 in sales tax. Is this double taxation? Taxgirl says: I’m afraid not but it is understandable…
Taxpayer asks: My son wants to know when he’ll have to file for taxes, he started mowing lawns this summer and is getting paid $25 per yard. Taxgirl says: Wow, I feel old. I used to get paid $10/yard for biggish yards in the country. *sigh* Whether your son will have to file and pay…
Taxpayer asks: I just recently (December 2007) became a US Resident, I have been illegal before that, since 2002. This year will be my first year filing taxes. And I do not know how to go about it. Or what info should I have handy. Any suggestions? I did worked before I became a US…
Taxpayer asks: Haven’t received rebate check and can find no place to contact regarding its status. IRS site is no help. Is there a phone number which will get me somewhere? Thanks. Taxgirl says: Call the toll-free Rebate Hotline at 1-866-234-2942. You can also visit your local Taxpayer Assistance Center.–
Taxpayer asks: What is the rule for claiming mileage for work on your taxes? I thought you could only claim it if your job sends you somewhere besides your normal daily commute, like if you have to travel to attend a meeting. My husband says that everybody on his job claims mileage for every travel…
Taxpayer asks: I recently inherited a substantial (for me) amount of money. I used it to buy a home and to pay off some bills. I have been told I will have to pay inheritance tax and I have also been told it would not be inheritance tax, but income tax I will owe on…
Taxpayer asks: What would you be if you weren’t a tax attorney? Taxgirl says: Ooh, that’s a fun question! I love to write, so I’d love to be published someday. And if I weren’t doing tax, ummmm… I’d either be running some kind of nonprofit organization that does grass roots neighborhood improvements – or I’d…