Real tax questions from real readers, answered. Got a question of your own? This is where Taxgirl answers them.
Taxpayer asks: I have a quick question regarding tax deductions. My husband and I are both military. I am National Guard and he is active duty National Guard. It was brought to my attention that we can deduct internet service & cell phone service as a deduction under unreimbursed employee expenses. The justification is that…
Taxpayer asks: The reader who asked the question (regarding your Feb 28 cell phone deduction post) seemed to presume she’d deduct the cost of the “extra line” (which is usually a minimal cost), but let’s say she was just getting her phones set up from scratch. Could she have given her brother the primary line…
Taxpayer asks: My childcare provider says that she doesn’t know her TIN? but she has her state G.E. tax license number. She doesn’t want to give me her social security number, which is understandable, but I do want credit for this expense. What can I, or should I, do? When I plugged in the number…
Taxpayer asks: I left my job as an editor at a media company, but continue to do some freelance work for them. When I submitted an invoice, I was told that for tax purposes I couldn’t be paid by them as an independent contractor in the same year that I was an employee. This means…
Taxpayer asks: I am a permanent resident overseas. I file my USA tax return every year, but never have to pay tax as I pay enough here in this country. Will I still get the rebate and how can they direct credit if they have never been given my bank account details? I have a…
Taxpayer asks: After 17 years and one 12yr old daughter, I was divorced in October 2007. The decree stated we would file jointly for 2007. However, the idiot was not co-operative and I had no W2’s . (He hasn’t paid child support either) My accountant said I could file for 1/2 of his income. I’m…
Taxpayer asks: After 17 years and one 12yr old daughter, I was divorced in October 2007. The decree stated we would file jointly for 2007. However, the idiot was not co-operative and I had no W2’s . (He hasn’t paid child support either) My accountant said I could file for 1/2 of his income. I’m…
Taxpayer asks: Hi, can I report my 2007 1099MISC income with my 2008 tax return? Taxgirl says: I wouldn’t. The IRS will receive a copy of the 1099-MISC issued by the payer and will expect to see corresponding income on your return. When the information doesn’t match up, you will likely receive a notice from…
Taxpayer asks: I spent most of last year paying off my credit card. A friend told me that this was deductible but I don’t know where to put it on my taxes. Where does it go? Taxgirl says: I’m guessing that your friend hasn’t filed a tax return since the Reagan era… Personal debt (other…
Taxpayer asks: Hi taxgirl, There is a woman at our church who recently lost her home in a storm. A few of us put our heads together and decided to take up a collection for her. We collected money, housewares, bedding, you name it. She lost almost everything that she owned so we started from…