Real tax questions from real readers, answered. Got a question of your own? This is where Taxgirl answers them.
Taxpayer asks: So I have been seeing Turbo Tax ads on TV that say it will give you a value for any clothing items that you donated, and that you can claim those as a tax deduction. Now what I am wondering is how would I prove that I donated these? Charities don’t give you…
Taxpayer asks:Hi Taxgirl, I have a question about deducting books as business expenses. If I run, say a web development business, and I purchase both technical and business books, are the purchases tax deductible as business expenses? I’ve searched and searched, but can’t seem to find anything. Thanks for your advice. Taxgirl says: Absolutely! To…
Taxpayer asks: I loved your presentation at BlogHer. Your session addressed more of my blogging concerns than any other I attended. My friend and I have been discussing taxes and blog product reviews lately, and I have a few interrelated questions. I would really appreciate whatever help advice or resources you can offer. I have…
Taxpayer asks: This year, I will have been married for 25 years. To celebrate, I bought my wife a very nice piece of jewelry; I have never purchased anything this expensive for my wife before (if you do not count our house and cars). My friend has advised that I will need to pay gift…
Taxpayer asks: Quick question from a slightly embarrassed newbie. Although I’ve been working as an hourly consultant for a few years, this year is the first year during which ALL of my income was received via 1099-MISC (I’m not incorporated in this state (Georgia), invoice an onsite consulting firm for my hours, and have checks…
I’m getting quite a few in the queue, so beginning the week after Thanksgiving, I’ll ramp up to at least once per week. Have a question about charitable donations, individual tax planning or reporting? Ask the Taxgirl.
Monday marks the official “back to school” date of many schools here in the US. My oldest daughter started last Tuesday and my youngest daughter starts on Monday. It is a busy time. Around this time, there are a lot of questions that come up about tax deductions for tuition, 529 plans, teacher expenses, education…
Taxpayer asks: My son’s grandmother has offered to pay his tuition for graduate school this year. Can she get a tax deduction for this? Does my school have to report this as income? Taxgirl asks: First of all, as someone with a slew of student loans for graduate school, tell your son that he’s very…
Taxpayer asks: I regularly donate blood to the Red Cross. Can I deduct this on my taxes? Taxgirl says: This is by far the most interesting question that I’ve ever received on Ask the Taxgirl – and I’ve received some pretty good queries! It’s interesting because my first thought was “why not?” It’s a product….
Today’s question was not emailed but asked in person at BlogHer! It was asked after my session, so I thought I’d post it for the benefit of everyone. Taxpayer asks: Do I have to pay sales tax on sales through my web site? Taxgirl says: This is such a loaded question. I’ll start off by…