If your household is anything like mine, you’re in full summer camp mode right now… With school out, summer becomes a whirlwind of vacations and summer camp – especially for working parents who depend on summer camp as child care. Fortunately, expenses associated with summer camp may result in a tax break in the form…
Taxpayer asks: Hi TaxGirl, Great website. You have put together a stunning resource. I really have enjoyed looking around! I have a brief question. I am 23, have a job, and live on my own. I went ahead and filed a federal return in February claiming myself as a dependent. I received a tax refund…
The arrival of catalogs at my house have done quite a bit to up my daughter’s work ethic. She has it in her head to buy an American Girl doll, complete with accessories, and if you know anything about the brand, you know it’s not cheap. With that, she’s been offering to do all kinds…
I’m not rich. I don’t own a mansion. I don’t have a maid (that would be me). I don’t have a chauffeur (that’s me), a gardener (still me), or a chef (also me). But I’ve had household employees. Chances are, you have, too. You see, household employees are something that we associate with the rich…
Taxpayer asks: I was in college until May, and have been supporting myself since. I just filed my taxes for free at turbotax.com, filed as an independent, and got the email that my return has been accepted. Then my parents told me that they claimed me as a dependent so that they could keep me…
(Editor’s Note: Somehow, in the chaos of my Sunday morning, I didn’t paste in the second part of the question and first part of my answer. So, edited to reflect those changes… sorry about that!) Taxpayer asks: I’m 23, full time student, lived at home for free, worked…$6500 with withholding of $500. Can I file…
Taxpayer asks: I started a new business working from home in November 2009 and so far dont have income just losses. I also have my child in daycare and wanted to file his daycare tuition but with no income to report turbo tax isnt letting me use this. How do I go about using the…
Taxpayer asks: This last year I had a son born who only survived 1 day. Do I need to get a Social Security number for him? Do I claim him as a dependant? Taxgirl says: Gosh, I honestly can’t imagine how difficult this is for you and your family. My sympathies and thoughts are with…
Taxpayer asks: My daughter worked as a bagger (bagged groceries) last year at our base commissary. The baggers do not receive a salary and work strictly for tips. I already checked with the “Head Bagger” at the commissary who said no type of 1099 will be sent. How do I go about claiming the monies…
Taxpayer asks: My daughter only made $3,900.00 this year, then was laid off… She only worked for one employer.. so is she illegible for the Work Pay Credit… it comes to about $252.00 which would help her out considerably, because she is only getting back $116.57. She is in her thirties with no dependents. Taxgirl…