Businesses that Should be Taxed into Oblivion

My general view of government is that sticks its bureaucratic nose into too much of our personal business. There are exceptions, one of which I was reminded of during a recent visit with my cousin in Chicago. I would like to see the government use more of its taxing authority to drive universally bad businesses – well – mostly out of business.

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My Life as a Volunteer Tax Preparer – Vol. 3.3

I’ve been negligent in writing about my recent experiences at the AARP Tax-Aide volunteer office. I will attempt to catch you up on the interesting (often joyful, sometimes depressing) stories of the taxpayers I have been helping. I will start with today’s session and then work backwards to catch-up. Read more

My Life as a Volunteer Tax Preparer – Vol. 3.2

An awesome day today as a volunteer at the AARP Tax Aide Office. More words of wisdom from the happily retired and a small world interaction. Read more

My Life as a Volunteer Tax Preparer Ch. 3.1

Yesterday I began year 3 of my life as a volunteer tax preparer. It was good to be back at the senior citizens  center and working with friendly taxpayers. Actually, for many, the more correct term would be “tax filers” because they don’t end up paying any income taxes. Read more

Volunteer Tax Preparer – Year Three

Veteran readers may recall that for the past two years,  I have worked during tax season as a volunteer tax preparer at a local senior citizens center.  I work with an IRS sanctioned program called VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) and TCE (Tax Counseling for the Elderly).  The AARP is the actual organizer and sponsor of our local program, called TAX-AIDE. For more about these programs, read this earlier post. Read more

Did You Pay Estimated Taxes?

I mailed a five-figure check to the United States Treasury today. January 18 is the deadline for paying the last installment of your 2010 estimated federal income taxes. (Actually, if you file your Form 1040 by January 31 and pay all taxes due then, you are still in compliance.)

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Ending the Mint Experiment

A few minutes ago I canceled my account with Mint. I opened it earlier this year and have tried to appreciate its value. Unfortunately, it’s been more trouble than its worth.   Read more

When a Budget Really Isn’t

A topic frequently covered by personal finance bloggers is “budgeting.” (I’ve already commented on another dominant yet misguided topic: “How to improve your credit score.”) I read a post last week by a blogger who claimed to have a budget while saying that she hated budgeting. I think her “I hate budgeting” feeling trumped the “I have a budget” pronouncement because the numbers she reported were budget busters, both wide and deep. I’m not going to call her out by linking to her post. There isn’t much worth reading over there anyway unless you are the type that likes to stare at accident scenes. Read more

My Life as a Volunteer Tax Preparer – Season Finale

I finished my second tax season as a volunteer tax preparer. It was hectic with lots of last minute filers scrambling for appointments. I had several interesting experiences. Read more

Tax Return is Finished

I finished our tax return today. I’m leaving town on Tuesday for a few days so I had to wrap up early. The only thing that surprised me about this year’s return is that we got hit with a small bit of the AMT – alternative minimum tax. This development demonstrates how skewed the AMT has become. We have no tax-sheltering activities except for 401(k) deferrals.  We pay a giant heap of tax every year. The AMT was not designed for people like us yet there it is, raising its ugly head on our return. Thanks Congress for this nice gift of illogic. Read more

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