Please remember, absolutely NOTHING is more important for the future of America, and ultimately the world, than making sure Trump is NOT returned to the White House and today’s Trump-embracing and Religious Right-controlled Republican Party does NOT gain control of Congress. The greatest enemies facing America. True American values, and American freedoms and democracy today are NOT Russia, China, or radical fundamentalist Muslims – it is Trump, the Republican Party, and radical fundamentalist (actually fake) Christians. I very sincerely believe that if Trump wins and/or Republicans gain ..read more

  It’s been a while since we had some BUZZ. * Good news. “IRS enhances Where’s My Refund? tool for 2024 filing season”. Don’t bother your preparer if your refund is late.  There is absolutely nothing he, or she, can do to expedite the processing of your return or the issuance of your refund.  Go here first. Most states have similar tools on the applicable department’s website. * At TAXJAR (new to me) Sarah Craig provides a listing of “2024 sales tax holidays”. * TaxGirl Kelly Phillips Erb explains “Investment Income Can Be Tricky At Tax Time—Here’s What You Need To Know” at FORB ..read more

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  * From the IRS – “Michigan taxpayers impacted by severe storms, tornadoes and flooding qualify for tax relief; various deadlines postponed to June 17”. * F.I. TAX GUY Sean Mullaney, and Andrea MacDonald, discuss “Tax Return Reporting for Net Unrealized Appreciation.”   * Kay Bell reports “FTC alleges H&R Block deleted customer tax data, used deceptive advertising” – (highlight is mine) “The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) this afternoon announced it has filed an administrative complaint against H&R Block for wiping out customers' entered data as a way to pressure t ..read more

  This I know to be true. Extreme fundamentalist Christians are no less a danger and threat to America, and to freedom and democracy, than extreme fundamentalist Muslims.  Or any group that distorts/perverts religious beliefs and teachings. The separation of Church and State, a basic concept that American democracy was built on, requires that the specific beliefs of one individual sect or religion is NEVER legislated or forced upon the populace by the government.  As an intelligent and patriotic American, and one who happens to have been raised on the true teachings of Jesus Chr ..read more

  * From Kay Bell at DON’T MESS WITH TAXES – “Attention Alabama & Maryland shoppers: Special sales tax holiday savings come your way in February”. * From the IRS - “West Virginia taxpayers impacted by severe storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides qualify for tax relief; various deadlines postponed to June 17”. * Speaking of disaster relief, Jeff Stimpson reports on “Tax relief for Maine weather victims” at ACCOUNTING TODAY. “Individuals and businesses in parts of Maine that were affected by severe storms and flooding that began on Dec. 17 now have until June 17 to file various fed ..read more

  As the tax filing season begins here is some good advice, taken from my book THE JOY OF AVOIDING TAXES - You should not rush to be among the first taxpayers of the year to have your taxes done. Do not give or send your tax preparer your ‘stuff’, or attempt to prepare your own returns, until you have received all the forms and information needed to complete the returns! That means every W-2, every 1099, and every K-1 and all the cost basis information on the sale of investments. Over the years I have had several experiences where a client came in very early in the season and had his or h ..read more

  Although I have retired, I still celebrate the beginning of the tax-filing season with my annual posting of - THE TWELVE DAYS OF TAX SEASON On the first day of tax season my client gave to me a Closing Statement for the purchase of a home. On the second day of tax season my client gave to me 2 year-end brokerage statements. On the third day of tax season my client gave to me 3 mortgage statements (without, of course, any analysis of how much of the mortgage interest reported represents interest on acquisition debt). On the fourth day of tax season my client gave to me 4 W-2s. On th ..read more

  * Kay Bell does a good job of identifying “Tax statements you need to file your 2023 return” at DON’T MESS WITH TAXES. * And Kay reports “IRS offers guidance on how to answer the tax return digital assets question”.  A new post at BOBSERVATIONS – “The Real Enemy of America”. * From the IRS - “Connecticut taxpayers impacted by storms qualify for tax relief; various deadlines postponed to June 17” - “The Internal Revenue Service announced today tax relief for individuals and businesses in parts of Connecticut affected by severe storms, flooding and a potential dam breach that began o ..read more

  America has never been in more danger than it is today. Trump, his mindless followers, and his Republican enablers pose the greatest threat to American freedom and democracy in our country’s history. Trump is a totally worthless piece of excrement, completely devoid of humanity, integrity, and honor, who does not possess a single redeeming positive human quality, and who has never performed a single totally unselfish positive act in his entire adult life.  In the history of our country no one single individual has done more damage to America, the American people, American values ..read more