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Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Tax Fact: 5,000 Changes Since 2001 - Need Some Free Checklists?
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Tax Treats for After Tax Season - Something to look forward to
Hard work deserves a reward, and here's a list of freebies to pursue once you have filed everything.
Cinnabon: Two FREE Classic Cinnabon Bites on April 17th from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. as part of its Tax Day Bites promotion at participating locations.
Schlotzsky’s: Get a FREE “The Original” sandwich with the purchase of a 32oz fountain drink and chips on April 15th. No coupon required.
Guests arriving at Renaissance Hotels between April 12 and 15, 2013, will receive a tax day treat card and complimentary chocolate coins
The Hotel Allegro in Chicago, the “No Taxation Without Libations” package (starting at $179) includes deluxe accommodations and, for $10.40, two cocktails and an appetizer.The Onyx Hotel in Boston is offering the “File in Style” package (Rate code: PFILE) that includes the assistance of an accountant who will actually come to your hotel room, help you finish up your tax paperwork and make sure the signed return is delivered to the IRS.http://www.nbcnews.com/travel/travelkit/hotels-sweet-tax-day-deals-1C8992451
Don't Forget to Clean Up
Office Depot: FREE document shredding, up to 5lbs. This offer is valid at participating locations through May 1st. Make sure to print the coupon before you go. They are also offering a FREE copy of your tax return, up to 25 pages with this coupon as well.
Via freebies.about.com, Cinnabon.com, Arby's, Panda Express, Schlotzsky's, nbcnews.com
Tax Bites
Cinnabon
Boston Market
- Tax Day Rib-bate: Two for $10.40
- 1,040 Ribs Meal Giveaways: Boston Market is giving away 1,040 Ribs Meals to lucky customers. Enter to win! Plus, everyone who enters will receive a $1 Off Coupon.
Panda Express
Free single serving of Samurai Surf & Turf only on April 17th with coupon.
Schlotzsky’s
Schlotzsky’s: Get a FREE “The Original” sandwich with the purchase of a 32oz fountain drink and chips on April 15th. No coupon required.
After Taxes, Will Travel
Now you can get some pretty good travel bargains to celebrate your new found freedom. See the hotel deals you can get from places such as:
“Suite Tax Relief” package (starting at $149) at Kimpton’s Grand Hotel Minneapolis
At the Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa in Hollywood, FL on April 15, desserts with edible dollar bills and chocolate money signs will be on the menu for $4.15.
Guests arriving at Renaissance Hotels between April 12 and 15, 2013, will receive a tax day treat card and complimentary chocolate coins
The Hotel Allegro in Chicago, the “No Taxation Without Libations” package (starting at $179) includes deluxe accommodations and, for $10.40, two cocktails and an appetizer.The Onyx Hotel in Boston is offering the “File in Style” package (Rate code: PFILE) that includes the assistance of an accountant who will actually come to your hotel room, help you finish up your tax paperwork and make sure the signed return is delivered to the IRS.http://www.nbcnews.com/travel/travelkit/hotels-sweet-tax-day-deals-1C8992451
Don't Forget to Clean Up
Office Depot: FREE document shredding, up to 5lbs. This offer is valid at participating locations through May 1st. Make sure to print the coupon before you go. They are also offering a FREE copy of your tax return, up to 25 pages with this coupon as well.
Via freebies.about.com, Cinnabon.com, Arby's, Panda Express, Schlotzsky's, nbcnews.com
Monday, March 25, 2013
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Life Events. Estates. Babies & A Fertility Dog.
A Personal Look at the Importance of Estates.
Life Events. These are what
trigger us to do some serious introspection, to start planning. Most of us
think we plan, but I’m sure many of us are guilty of procrastinating ‘grown-up’
stuff. For example, estate and wealth planning – by no means am I considered ‘wealthy’,
but I do understand the value of taking care of my loved ones. Perhaps it is
because it was such a hard journey for us to have a bigger family.
Inconceivable -
Babies and the Fertility Dog.
I see plastic serving utensils, poker chips,
graffiti-scribbled napkins, pens, broken crayons, raisins, shreds of paper,
drool, apple jacks and other rogue pieces of toys. No, I am not
looking in the garbage can, I am looking at our living
room. Souvenirs from the 2 Kaplan boys (well, maybe 3 including Michael).
Not too long ago, I could not even have imagined this. Not too long ago, it was just Michael, Bruno and me. We were trying to START the family we dreamed off - and it was harder than we thought.
Lots of options were explored while I pursued acupuncture, diet changes, eastern medicine, fertility massages (which did have multiple benefits).
We found a wonderful doctor that helped us along the way - Dr. Brian Kaplan. Many visits later - finally success! Over the moon! We excitedly started preparing for our arrival. After the crucial 1st trimester passed, I was getting more pressure from work. Bruno and Gizmo (our family dog) were lying down with me a lot more when I got home. They sensed there was something wrong. Things weren't right. I was directed to bed rest. I thought we were fine. But we weren't. We lost our first baby at home. Devastated does not even begin to describe the pain. The best description I could use - inconsolable. I missed him. I still do. And now, here I am crying as I type.
A friend who lost a child once said, she was no longer afraid of dying, knowing she will see her baby again.
I'll see our Angel again.
As soon as I was able, we were trying for another baby. For folks who have been blessed to start a family easily, you probably are not too familiar with fertility treatments. I thought I understood everything, I discovered I only know a little bit of this science. Even with all the doctor visits, blood tests and medications, the hardest thing to deal with was the wait. How soon can we check if we will be parents? We waited. The wait took years.
Then, during a break from online research, I stumbled upon a foto of a goofy puppy needing a home. Looked like a shepherd, but was half husky. I needed to channel my maternal instinct and convinced Michael we needed to 'foster' this dog. So, we (Michael, Bruno and me), trucked over to the shelter. Whoa. Love at first sight. She bonded immediately with Bruno and made me laugh. Michael said we should just think about it, and I did. I brought her home while Michael was out. Well, Bruno and I did. And Frida moved in (permanently).
Bruno now had to share his castle, but I know he loved having a little side kick. I trained with her, and boy, did she spark some laughter in this house. She would lie in bed with me frequently, but she started lying her head on my belly more and more. A few weeks after Frida came home, we discovered I was pregnant. All that stress to start a family vanished when puppy came to us. She is our little Fertility Dog.
Cautiously optimistic, I did everything I could to play it safe. I didn't even work out. (Well, that was a little more self-serving). Diligently, I went to the doctor each week, blood tests, ultrasounds, CVS (not the drug store), and more. After each trimester, I felt a sense of relief. Then one day, I had a headache I could not get rid of. It got progressively worse. I noticed swelling under my right eye. So, my mom brought me to the doctor. I had an infection. I had to be checked into the hospital immediately. I had to be quarantined as to not make the infection worse. I was 8 months pregnant.
I called Michael to tell him I was being admitted to the hospital, but I had to let work know and asked if he could bring my laptop and an overnight bag. Michael rushed over immediately. And he did bring exactly what I asked for - my laptop - in an overnight bag. And nothing else. Very literal of him. But he was nervous. To make up for an empty overnight bag, he brought over 3 weeks-worth of clothes the next day - mostly pants.
The usual protocol for infection called for medication that would risk putting me in pre-mature labor. I had the MRI, blood tests and an incredible headache throughout. But the one thing I wanted the results on the most was from the pre-natal nurse that came several times a day to check the baby's heartbeat. I anxiously listened to the doppler to make sure baby was ok. Our doctor was incredible. Dr. Patricia Larson - she is the best. She really took care of us. But overall, if it wasn't for my Dad, who immediately diagnosed I should see a specialist and recommended I see his colleague, Dr. Larson, and who watched over me the whole time at his hospital . . . he is the one who kept us together. I cannot begin to express the admiration and love we have for this man.
Not too long ago, I could not even have imagined this. Not too long ago, it was just Michael, Bruno and me. We were trying to START the family we dreamed off - and it was harder than we thought.
Lots of options were explored while I pursued acupuncture, diet changes, eastern medicine, fertility massages (which did have multiple benefits).
We found a wonderful doctor that helped us along the way - Dr. Brian Kaplan. Many visits later - finally success! Over the moon! We excitedly started preparing for our arrival. After the crucial 1st trimester passed, I was getting more pressure from work. Bruno and Gizmo (our family dog) were lying down with me a lot more when I got home. They sensed there was something wrong. Things weren't right. I was directed to bed rest. I thought we were fine. But we weren't. We lost our first baby at home. Devastated does not even begin to describe the pain. The best description I could use - inconsolable. I missed him. I still do. And now, here I am crying as I type.
A friend who lost a child once said, she was no longer afraid of dying, knowing she will see her baby again.
I'll see our Angel again.
As soon as I was able, we were trying for another baby. For folks who have been blessed to start a family easily, you probably are not too familiar with fertility treatments. I thought I understood everything, I discovered I only know a little bit of this science. Even with all the doctor visits, blood tests and medications, the hardest thing to deal with was the wait. How soon can we check if we will be parents? We waited. The wait took years.
Then, during a break from online research, I stumbled upon a foto of a goofy puppy needing a home. Looked like a shepherd, but was half husky. I needed to channel my maternal instinct and convinced Michael we needed to 'foster' this dog. So, we (Michael, Bruno and me), trucked over to the shelter. Whoa. Love at first sight. She bonded immediately with Bruno and made me laugh. Michael said we should just think about it, and I did. I brought her home while Michael was out. Well, Bruno and I did. And Frida moved in (permanently).
Bruno now had to share his castle, but I know he loved having a little side kick. I trained with her, and boy, did she spark some laughter in this house. She would lie in bed with me frequently, but she started lying her head on my belly more and more. A few weeks after Frida came home, we discovered I was pregnant. All that stress to start a family vanished when puppy came to us. She is our little Fertility Dog.
Cautiously optimistic, I did everything I could to play it safe. I didn't even work out. (Well, that was a little more self-serving). Diligently, I went to the doctor each week, blood tests, ultrasounds, CVS (not the drug store), and more. After each trimester, I felt a sense of relief. Then one day, I had a headache I could not get rid of. It got progressively worse. I noticed swelling under my right eye. So, my mom brought me to the doctor. I had an infection. I had to be checked into the hospital immediately. I had to be quarantined as to not make the infection worse. I was 8 months pregnant.
I called Michael to tell him I was being admitted to the hospital, but I had to let work know and asked if he could bring my laptop and an overnight bag. Michael rushed over immediately. And he did bring exactly what I asked for - my laptop - in an overnight bag. And nothing else. Very literal of him. But he was nervous. To make up for an empty overnight bag, he brought over 3 weeks-worth of clothes the next day - mostly pants.
The usual protocol for infection called for medication that would risk putting me in pre-mature labor. I had the MRI, blood tests and an incredible headache throughout. But the one thing I wanted the results on the most was from the pre-natal nurse that came several times a day to check the baby's heartbeat. I anxiously listened to the doppler to make sure baby was ok. Our doctor was incredible. Dr. Patricia Larson - she is the best. She really took care of us. But overall, if it wasn't for my Dad, who immediately diagnosed I should see a specialist and recommended I see his colleague, Dr. Larson, and who watched over me the whole time at his hospital . . . he is the one who kept us together. I cannot begin to express the admiration and love we have for this man.
One week in the hospital. One week at home
with visiting nurses. Then, it was getting ready to welcome baby.
Northwestern Hospital, Prentice Center - newly renovated at the time. We check in to be induced. During labor, the resident doctor noticed the baby's heartbeat decreasing. A loud alarm is pushed, and a team of nurses, medics, etc. come in to determine next course of action. Within 30 seconds, I am wheeled into the E.R. for an emergency C-Section. In my mind, I feared if my baby does not survive this, I don't think I can either. But as I am looking up at the ceiling, I see a smiling face of the best OB-GYN on the planet - Dr. Micah Garb. He looks down at me and simply says, 'looks like he wants to come out a little earlier'. This medical team was on fire. By the time Michael got dressed in the surgical gown and ran into the ER, baby Garrett was waiting for him. I was so pumped full of drugs, I couldn't even hold him till hours later. I used to think those shows that have a mom deliver and cry when her baby was born was so melodramatic. Well, call me a Lifetime movie, I bawled.
We were ECSTATIC. Funniest baby ever. Happiest parents ever. But, the poor baby had to contend with us novices. Feeding, diapering, bathing, car seats - our learning curve was quite steep. Every time we were in public with Garrett, it seemed other parents were trying to be helpful with tips - like how to put the car seat in a grocery cart. Apparently, we looked so inept with our baby, people went out of their way to volunteer some guidance - like from across the store. It was like Amateur night at the Apollo.
Despite his parents' novice-ness, Garrett is an energetic, curious, funny child that we are so blessed to have. And seeing him interact with his cousins during a family vacation to Atlantis, I wanted to have the talk with Michael that we should have another little one. And that most likely meant a long process.
So we get back from the vacation, and we resume our regular lives. Even with all our hectic activities, I still notice Frida has been lying by me a lot, and that I've 'missed' something for a few months. So on a lark, I use an old pregnancy test from the Garrett days - way past expiration. I look at it - hmmmm, not used to seeing this sign before '+'. Oh, it must be defective because it is expired. I'll just get another test in the morning. 4 tests later, I think I better share the news with Michael. His first reaction? Get more tests. Reason? Too hard to believe we would be expecting without having to go thru everything we did last time!
Well, I really enjoyed carrying baby #2. He was a bigger pregnancy and more active baby in the belly. And Frida liked hanging around the belly, because, she did have something to do with it.
And now our big baby is with us and acting just like his big brother, only he smiles a lot more. Boy, are we thankful God saw us fit enough to give us another baby.
Our first baby, we needed a little help to get. Our other baby came along after Garrett paved the way for him. Our 2 little miracles, from both sides of the spectrum.
So, here we are about 7 years later - 2 messy little boys (or 3 if you count Michael), our furry boy - Bruno the guard dog, and our furry girl - Frida the Fertility Dog.
We live in this sty we call our home. And wouldn't have it any other way.
Northwestern Hospital, Prentice Center - newly renovated at the time. We check in to be induced. During labor, the resident doctor noticed the baby's heartbeat decreasing. A loud alarm is pushed, and a team of nurses, medics, etc. come in to determine next course of action. Within 30 seconds, I am wheeled into the E.R. for an emergency C-Section. In my mind, I feared if my baby does not survive this, I don't think I can either. But as I am looking up at the ceiling, I see a smiling face of the best OB-GYN on the planet - Dr. Micah Garb. He looks down at me and simply says, 'looks like he wants to come out a little earlier'. This medical team was on fire. By the time Michael got dressed in the surgical gown and ran into the ER, baby Garrett was waiting for him. I was so pumped full of drugs, I couldn't even hold him till hours later. I used to think those shows that have a mom deliver and cry when her baby was born was so melodramatic. Well, call me a Lifetime movie, I bawled.
We were ECSTATIC. Funniest baby ever. Happiest parents ever. But, the poor baby had to contend with us novices. Feeding, diapering, bathing, car seats - our learning curve was quite steep. Every time we were in public with Garrett, it seemed other parents were trying to be helpful with tips - like how to put the car seat in a grocery cart. Apparently, we looked so inept with our baby, people went out of their way to volunteer some guidance - like from across the store. It was like Amateur night at the Apollo.
Despite his parents' novice-ness, Garrett is an energetic, curious, funny child that we are so blessed to have. And seeing him interact with his cousins during a family vacation to Atlantis, I wanted to have the talk with Michael that we should have another little one. And that most likely meant a long process.
So we get back from the vacation, and we resume our regular lives. Even with all our hectic activities, I still notice Frida has been lying by me a lot, and that I've 'missed' something for a few months. So on a lark, I use an old pregnancy test from the Garrett days - way past expiration. I look at it - hmmmm, not used to seeing this sign before '+'. Oh, it must be defective because it is expired. I'll just get another test in the morning. 4 tests later, I think I better share the news with Michael. His first reaction? Get more tests. Reason? Too hard to believe we would be expecting without having to go thru everything we did last time!
Well, I really enjoyed carrying baby #2. He was a bigger pregnancy and more active baby in the belly. And Frida liked hanging around the belly, because, she did have something to do with it.
And now our big baby is with us and acting just like his big brother, only he smiles a lot more. Boy, are we thankful God saw us fit enough to give us another baby.
Our first baby, we needed a little help to get. Our other baby came along after Garrett paved the way for him. Our 2 little miracles, from both sides of the spectrum.
So, here we are about 7 years later - 2 messy little boys (or 3 if you count Michael), our furry boy - Bruno the guard dog, and our furry girl - Frida the Fertility Dog.
We live in this sty we call our home. And wouldn't have it any other way.
Because I value this gift I call a family, I work hard – to earn, save and at least give a foundation
for my kids. We all do this in some capacity - those more wealthy can leave a
legacy to their causes, or a spouse finally able to offer that once-in-a-lifetime
vacation to his wife.
What life event will inspire you to plan?
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Talking Tax with Thought Leaders
Get the Insights & Analysis from CCH Experts
Mark Luscombe, JD, LLM, CPA
Principal Federal Tax Analyst
CCH Tax and Accounting, a Wolters Kluwer BusinessTHE SALT MINDS Articles from experts such as:
George Jones, JD
Senior Federal Tax Analyst
CCH Tax and Accounting, a Wolters Kluwer Business
via cchgroup.com
Friday, January 25, 2013
CCH Code & Regs 2013 on the Go
Real-time updates of the Internal Revenue Code and Regulations as maintained by CCH's award winning editorial staff are now available at your fingertips! You'll find the full text of both the Internal Revenue Code and Federal Tax Regulations - final, temporary, and proposed - along with any amendments.
•Industry's fastest updates! - Immediate reflection of law changes
•Keyword searching
•Browsing
•Emailing documents
•Full hyperlinking between both the Code and the Regs
•Quick access to recently accessed documents and searches
This app also contains all the amendment and history notes to aid the researcher in reconstructing the Code and Regs at any given point in time.
•Industry's fastest updates! - Immediate reflection of law changes
•Keyword searching
•Browsing
•Emailing documents
•Full hyperlinking between both the Code and the Regs
•Quick access to recently accessed documents and searches
This app also contains all the amendment and history notes to aid the researcher in reconstructing the Code and Regs at any given point in time.
Introductory price of $39.99
Other CCH Tax Apps for the professional on the fly:
iPad/iPhone or Android Download
iPad/iPhone or Android Download
iPad/iPhone or Android Download
iPad/iPhone or Android Download
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012
CCH Tax Briefing: 2012 Year in Review
CCH Tax Briefing: American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012
The tax side of the 'Fiscal Cliff' has been averted. Download your PDF.
Source: CCH, a Wolters Kluwer business
From The New Yorker - Shouts & Murmurs: Eric Hague's clever guide to fiscal topography, including the fiscal isthmus, fiscal escarpment, and fiscal fjord. http:nyr.kr/U6Sv7Q
Some of my favorites:
For the full list: http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/shouts/2012/12/guide-to-fiscal-topography.html#ixzz2FRnSJvwD
Tis the Season to be Clicking
For every Like of CCH on Facebook and Share of this graphic, CCH will donate to LadderUp a non-profit organization that provides free tax and financial services to help hard-working famillies and students move up the economic ladder.
(Thank you for your clicks)
Uncertainty during 2012 over what tax laws would govern in 2013
and beyond because of the expiring Bush-era tax cuts clearly was the most
significant development of the year. Now that Congress and President Obama —
through the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 (ATRA) — have provided a degree
of certainty over tax rates into at least the immediate future, taxpayers need
to adjust their tax plans accordingly. Individuals and businesses should
immediately recalibrate strategies in light of ATRA. 2012 was also a
significant year for important tax developments from the Treasury Department,
the IRS and the courts. These developments demand the attention of individual
and business taxpayers not only to caution what is no longer allowed under the
tax laws but also to shape what steps can be taken in 2013 and beyond to
maximize tax savings. With
that forward-looking perspective, this Tax Briefing reviews key federal tax
developments that took place during 2012.
CCH Tax Briefing: American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012
The tax side of the 'Fiscal Cliff' has been averted. Download your PDF.
How the majority of folks most likely have felt.
 |
| Via someecards |
From The New Yorker - Shouts & Murmurs: Eric Hague's clever guide to fiscal topography, including the fiscal isthmus, fiscal escarpment, and fiscal fjord. http:nyr.kr/U6Sv7Q
Some of my favorites:
Fiscal Cliff: The potentially disastrous economic repercussions of the automatic tax hikes and spending cuts scheduled to take effect in 2013 should Congress fail to agree upon a workable alternative by the end of the year.
Fiscal Picturesque Woodland Hiking Trail: The relaxing climb up to the fiscal cliff that leads through the scenic forest of election-year procrastination before arriving at the summit of Mount Crazy Partisan Brinksmanship.
Fiscal Molehill: Where Congress’ T-Mobile contract is up, but it hasn’t made up its mind yet whether it’s going to renew and take the free handset upgrade, or just switch carriers and get an iPhone like all the other Congresses.
Fiscal Isthmus: A narrow strip of public optimism linking two larger bodies of total congressional meltdown.
Underwater Fiscal Cliff: Where Americans must decide whether the long-term costs of resolving the budget crisis exceed the present free-market value of even bothering to have a damn country anymore.
Fiscal Smaug’s Mountain: Where Congress attempts to close the annual deficit by dispatching the House Budget Committee on a quest to find a fabled trove of gold held by a fierce and powerful dragon. Also, the dragon is a metaphor for China.
Fiscal Volcano: When geo-financial pressure builds beneath the Senate floor, causing the Capitol building to spew molten-hot I.R.S. code updates and administrative materials all over the greater D.C. metro area.
Fiscal Indoor Rock Wall: An artificially manufactured fiscal cliff, otherwise known as a fiscal cliff.
For the full list: http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/shouts/2012/12/guide-to-fiscal-topography.html#ixzz2FRnSJvwD
Tis the Season to be Clicking
For every Like of CCH on Facebook and Share of this graphic, CCH will donate to LadderUp a non-profit organization that provides free tax and financial services to help hard-working famillies and students move up the economic ladder.
(Thank you for your clicks)
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