Real tax questions from real readers, answered. Got a question of your own? This is where Taxgirl answers them.
Taxpayer asks: ¿Cómo puedo obtener un ITIN?(How can I get an ITIN?) Taxgirl says: Since I get a lot of variations on the theme of this question (SSN/EIN/ITIN), I will answer a bunch of them at one time: To get an SSN (Social Security Number), you will need to complete Form SS-5, Application for a…
Ooh, you can tell that tax season is beginning! My inbox is chock full. I do not always answer questions in the order that I receive them. I consider the timeliness of the question (1099 reporting instructions before deductions, for example), the number of similar questions that I’ve received, the value to the reader and…
I just received an email from a reader who wanted me to correct my statement in my earlier “ask the taxgirl” post that “[i]ndividual taxpayers generally do not provide forms 1099-MISC for payments made to vendors for personal services” because she believes that “childcare expenses are personal services that require a 1099-MISC.” I appreciate the…
Taxpayer asks: I paid a contractor $855 for a roof repair. He did not furnish his TIN or complete and return a W-9. Must I pay the 28% withholding tax on the $855 to the IRS? Taxgirl says: I am going to assume from your question that you are an individual taxpayer and not a…
I’ve received a bunch of questions over the past fews days like this one: Taxpayer asks: Will retirees on fixed income that pay income taxes receive the rebate? Taxgirl says: It’s really important to understand that nothing is set in stone yet. Despite an accord of sorts between the House and the White House, as…
Taxpayer asks: Can you please tell me what I should do if the independent contractor has not provided me with his TIN or EIN number? Should I send in the 1099 without a number? Taxgirl says: This is probably one of those answers that I’ll get flak for but I’m giving you my opinion anyway……
Taxpayer asks: Hello, My husband’s business gets letters from people asking for cash donations/sponsorships. Specifically, when students write to us asking for sponsorship for a People to People Ambassador program for their son/daughter to attend, or Cheer camp sponsorship for their cheerleading daughter to attend, or asking for a sponsorship for their child’s go-kart racing…
Taxpayer asks: Hi Taxgirl, I’m helping a non-profit run its VITA program this year. I just found out today that due to late passage of the AMT patch, taxpayers trying to claim ed credits won’t be able to file until the Service fixes its computers. The target date for that is Feb. 11. Do you…
A couple of quick things to note as we get closer to tax season… 1, I recommend that you search my site before asking your question. I might have already answered it and it will save you some agita. Use the search feature in the sidebar or browse the ask the taxgirl category. 2, Don’t…
Taxpayer asks: Hi Taxgirl, Hi, I’m a blogger and had a question about advertising income and taxes. I read your guest post on ProBlogger about deductible items for bloggers and am finding it VERY useful! My question is this — I belong to a few advertising network who charge advertisers to run ads on my…