Friday, February 29, 2008
My visit to the "victim imapact panel"
Last Thursday I was invited to the Washoe County "victim impact panel" as a guest. If, you are/have been convicted of any crime that involves being under the influence while driving a vehicle...you get a seat in the class. For 90 minutes you heard stories from victims that were on the other side of drunk drivers. It was a real eye opener in the classroom...but also outside in the parking lot of the County building. When you are convicted of a DUI crime you loose your license, or have heave restrictions on your privileges. To make a long story short a lot of people drove themselves to the class...oops...and to make matters worse some drove drunk! I wanted to get in their face and say "are you that stupid"? I then have to remind myself that that alcoholism is an illness and hope that some day they will see the light. For many that night was a really eye-opener and some heard the sound of a jail cell closing for a second, third, or fourth time.
Myths about IRS checks
There are a lot of rumors about there about the so-called rebate checks that are coming in the mail...this should clear some things up!
From the Internal Revenue Service:The Internal Revenue Service today moved to set the record straight on several issues surrounding administration of the 2008 Stimulus Payments. Approximately 130 million taxpayers will receive checks of at least $300 beginning in May 2008."The most complete and up to date information is at IRS.gov," said IRS Spokesman Raphael Tulino. "But the IRS is concerned that many important details are not being communicated clearly enough. To that end, we'd like all taxpayers to know the facts."MYTH - The Stimulus Payment will reduce a taxpayer's 2008 refund.FACT - The payment will NOT reduce refunds or increase the amount owed when a 2008 return is filed.MYTH - The Stimulus Payment is taxable.FACT - It is NOT taxable, but taxpayers are encouraged to keep a copy of the IRS notice they will receive later this year listing the amount of payment. In the event a taxpayer does not qualify to receive the full amount this year but does next year, the letter will be a record of the previous amount received.MYTH - Taxpayers needn't do anything in order to receive a Stimulus Payment.FACT - Taxpayers must file a 2007 tax return in order to be eligible for a payment. After filing a 2007 return, however, the taxpayer is set and the IRS will do the rest.MYTH - Everybody is eligible for a check.FACT - At the minimum, a taxpayer must have at least $3,000 of "qualifying income" to receive either $300 (Single) or $600 (Married Filing Joint). Qualifying income includes Social Security benefits, certain Railroad Retirement benefits, certain veterans' benefits and earned income, such as income from wages, salaries, tips and self-employment. For taxpayers filing joint tax returns, only a total of $3,000 of qualifying income from both spouses is required to be eligible. Also, for those who don't normally file, a tax return (form 1040A) will be needed this year to get a check.MYTH - A taxpayer can file with any taxpayer ID number and get a check.FACT - All taxpayers (both spouses on a joint return) must have a valid SSN in order to be eligible.MYTH - Only paper checks will be issued.FACT - Direct Deposit is available and encouraged. Eligible taxpayers who choose direct deposit for their 2007 tax year refund will receive their Stimulus Payment the same way.MYTH - The IRS will contact taxpayers either by phone or e-mail about their payments.FACT - Watch for scams! IRS will not contact taxpayers by phone or e-mail about Stimulus Payments or refunds.The IRS reminds those who don't have any other requirement to file a tax return that submitting a tax return to qualify for the economic stimulus payments does not create any additional tax or trigger a tax bill. In addition, the stimulus payments will not have any effect on eligibility for federal benefits.
From the Internal Revenue Service:The Internal Revenue Service today moved to set the record straight on several issues surrounding administration of the 2008 Stimulus Payments. Approximately 130 million taxpayers will receive checks of at least $300 beginning in May 2008."The most complete and up to date information is at IRS.gov," said IRS Spokesman Raphael Tulino. "But the IRS is concerned that many important details are not being communicated clearly enough. To that end, we'd like all taxpayers to know the facts."MYTH - The Stimulus Payment will reduce a taxpayer's 2008 refund.FACT - The payment will NOT reduce refunds or increase the amount owed when a 2008 return is filed.MYTH - The Stimulus Payment is taxable.FACT - It is NOT taxable, but taxpayers are encouraged to keep a copy of the IRS notice they will receive later this year listing the amount of payment. In the event a taxpayer does not qualify to receive the full amount this year but does next year, the letter will be a record of the previous amount received.MYTH - Taxpayers needn't do anything in order to receive a Stimulus Payment.FACT - Taxpayers must file a 2007 tax return in order to be eligible for a payment. After filing a 2007 return, however, the taxpayer is set and the IRS will do the rest.MYTH - Everybody is eligible for a check.FACT - At the minimum, a taxpayer must have at least $3,000 of "qualifying income" to receive either $300 (Single) or $600 (Married Filing Joint). Qualifying income includes Social Security benefits, certain Railroad Retirement benefits, certain veterans' benefits and earned income, such as income from wages, salaries, tips and self-employment. For taxpayers filing joint tax returns, only a total of $3,000 of qualifying income from both spouses is required to be eligible. Also, for those who don't normally file, a tax return (form 1040A) will be needed this year to get a check.MYTH - A taxpayer can file with any taxpayer ID number and get a check.FACT - All taxpayers (both spouses on a joint return) must have a valid SSN in order to be eligible.MYTH - Only paper checks will be issued.FACT - Direct Deposit is available and encouraged. Eligible taxpayers who choose direct deposit for their 2007 tax year refund will receive their Stimulus Payment the same way.MYTH - The IRS will contact taxpayers either by phone or e-mail about their payments.FACT - Watch for scams! IRS will not contact taxpayers by phone or e-mail about Stimulus Payments or refunds.The IRS reminds those who don't have any other requirement to file a tax return that submitting a tax return to qualify for the economic stimulus payments does not create any additional tax or trigger a tax bill. In addition, the stimulus payments will not have any effect on eligibility for federal benefits.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Thursday, February 7, 2008
A taste of spring
I don't know about you...todays weather is just what the doctor ordered. The snow and cold tempatures were getting a little old and to have a 50 degree+ day was awesome. I washed my car after a month and even opened the sunroof! Yippee...now watch it snow 10 feet next week...don't forget this is Northern Nevada.
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