Sounds good - even helpful with plant ID skills maybe. As we get into early spring, ( just what exactly IS that rosette? )
Yourr Neck of the Woods 2015 Part1
Good; I'll take some photos tomorrow!
Informal survey=
How many do taxes online, go to someone, use Turbo Tax?
What I'm getting at is- the library has been a source where we supply IRS forms for people to pick up. They have cut back, and in surprise move decided to NOT send instruction booklets but tell people to go online or phone and order one sent. And even the State is very stingy with booklets we can hand out. Many people are upset because this is a barrier to them having what they need to do taxes.
SRSLY govvamint, you want our money, deny us the tools to figure out what you want, and will fine and threaten us if we don't comply....?
I have been going to one of the Sr. Centers to have my taxes done--FREE!
You have to make an appointment--as there are a lot of Seniors that use this service.
There is a room full of people doing the taxes--and they are well informed and thorough.
When one is finished--another one of the volunteer tax people comes over and
double-checks everything.
Then it is submitted electronically--and I get 2 copies of my return.
NOT looking forward to this--as I usually owe well over $2000 federal. That hurts!
I just don't have the deductions to lower the amount...Got a refund on State return, though,
which, of course, counts as income for me this year.
Because I am old enough-I have to also take the Mandatory Minimum Distribution from my IRA
(more income)--and i also get alimony--which is more income that i have to pay taxes on.
My HD income is so piddly--it just pays for groceries and utilities. Gita
There was a news story on how they cut the IRS's budget, punishment for that issue with them last year. So because they did wrong we will be punished. If you have any questions forget about getting any help either.
Darcy and I go to an accountant. I used to go to H&R Block but they charged way too much. The lady we go to only charges us 90 bucks, which I think is very fair. We're going on Feb 26th.
We do our taxes online.
I find H.R.Block online is the easiest to use, but have used others in the past. I worked for Jackson Hewitt for awhile but hated it. It was all about selling more services, like instant return or fees paid from the return. I even took coupons to work to give some customers. At the end of season awards dinner, yes you read that right, they give awards for the best sales. I think I had the lowest sales of all. I even told a couple of seniors with some computer experience how to DIY at home. The mark up on services is understandable to a point, overhead, salaries, and such, but these guys are ripping us off.
Most online services are reasonably priced, they are secure, and they do look for obvious errors, and some offer professional review. They have easy step by step instructions. They are the same as the programs sold at the big box stores, so why bother, just log in and setup an account. Have last years return handy, it's a good guide as to what you need to fill out and has all your info ready. Most peoples tax situation remains the same from year to year, and don't fear tax law changes, these programs are up to the minute up to date.
The better online services keep your return on file, just like a tax office, so using the same service next year is even easier. Be sure to write all passwords and pins on your return so you have them next year. Taxes are no mystery and you can do them right from where you may be reading this. If you want help ask, I may have or get you an answer.
Muddy we crossed posted, Ha.
Gita, That is excellent info for seniors about using free services at senior centers, I went to our local center to offer my services when I was registered tax agent and was told they had plenty of Pro volunteers.
Not all Senor centers do it here. I have to drive about 5 miles to the one
that does it, even though I have one a mile and a half from my house.
Before I started to go to the Sr. centers--I used a place called "Tax Solutions".
It used to be free for seniors--but then they lost their grant and had to charge for it.
I like the Sr, Center service better. They are really thorough--and if the person I am with
hits a glitch--someone else will come over to help.
Sally. I will greatly miss the tax forms and instruction books at the Library both federal and state. At least I can print out most forms as they are available 'on line' there. Usually need assistance to get to the site and manage the printing out though. Plus people have to have a library card to do either.
Being self employed complicates the tax picture so I usually do my own (God help me). Have given up trying to explain to DD that if they are getting a big refund each year that too much tax is being withheld each pay period. They say they like getting a big check and don't see that they go into debt each month to make ends meet effectively paying to save. But then they still seem to draw on the Bank of Grandparents...Sigh. Wayne and I sponsor educational opportunities, camps for DGS's each year and play back up for emergency vet or auto expenses. More than half seriously we have told them that for every $100 of support we give their family, that we expect 2 weeks of care for both of us if and when we need it.
Currently several economic game changers on the table here as our newspaper income becomes more of a challenge as paper is changing to early am delivery 7 days a week instead of just weekends. Not sure we will be able to continue as up for 4-5 hours in the middle of the night runs counter to good sleep! So, what to do to have more coming in each month than going out.
Many people use that tax return like an escrow account paying home owners insurance, and property taxes and such. Yes they could increase their income by changing their withholding but would they save it ? In most cases, No. Jamie does that, in the winter he works bocou OT, his withholding is alarming, as high as 25%. every January he gets his bonus check. We used to get fairly high returns for the same reason, too much OT. We were OK in the bracket we were in until the OT pushed us higher. I averaged 10 hours of OT a week, with peaks at 30 hours.
Thanks for all the feedback, it's interesting. coleup you're far from alone in missing the forms.
I don't know how the response time is with requesting forms sent directly to your home.
I have to point out that at the end of tax season each year we have BOXES AND BOXES AND BOXES of unused forms and instructions. So I do hope this really is saving the government some money.
may I explain what we can do for people (as the library does a whole lot for people who ask) Hey, even if you have access at home, your printer may go out.
Yes we do ask/require a library card to use our computers. We don't require any sort of ID for a card that lets you use the computers. Use fake info if you like. So a five minute process once gives you computer/internet access forever. (I really think someone should go into the business of building computer labs and letting people rent the time. I think you can at some office depot type places? probably not for internet)
We are (or SHOULD be!) very happy to help one get logged on and directed to IRS site. And for most people, we'd give help all the way through. Due to staffing, we try to get you started and then back off. For tax forms, I would be more helpful if possible.
Usually at my branch if someone asks at Info Desk for one-2 forms printed, we just do that for free. We don't have a strict policy but we get bogged down if it's going to be much longer and tie up the slow printer for a long time. In general we might ask if patron is willing to pay the 15 cents a page on longer documents. But it is really awkward to insert the ' paying for printing' into a request at the info desk, especially for tax forms that in some way probably help pay taxes to support my salary.
Yes I can help with all that- cannot help with the newspaper situation ...8^(
tagging on to Ric- these days it's not like you will earn anything in a savings account even if you COULD keep the money aside for this time of year.
Coleup, Yes I agree with you. I think it depends on what you do with the money when you get the big check or how well balanced your monthly bills are. One child gets a huge check every year and they use it for some big project. They have plenty of $$ to pay their monthly bills and don't have credit card balances. So for them it is a saving acct. But no matter how small a bank savings acct pays it is still more than letting the Gov hold on to your money for a whole year.
Another child also gets a big return, their money just barely pays the monthly bills, a broke down car throws their budget out for the month. When they get their big check some of it goes for fun things and some of it pays off debts that they wouldn't have if they had more $$ each month. Can't seem to get that across to either of them. They like their system, I like mine. LOL
I don't know, I've heard both sides before but I prefer to let Big Brother 'borrow' my money for a year and get a big return. We too are blessed to not have any cc balances and enough to pay our monthly bills. I don't even care if I don't get any interest. It's not like the 80s where interest rates were really getting you something. I think last year we only made like 30 bucks or something in the bank. With returns like that, who cares. Anyway, I would way rather give too much than not enough.
By the by, 'haighr' has a new neck of the woods to play in
http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/1383641/#top
About sunset things froze up. It was very slippy, now there is a winter mix with coarse snow, so you can at least walk on it. Earlier you had to walk off of the paved surfaces to get a grip.
freezing rain here, watch your step in the am!
Very slippy!!! Be careful
Uh oh, they've found downy mildew in columbines in the UK. I hope it doesn't cross the pond. :(
The indestructible "ME" crumbles.....I am coming down with a cold.
ME--who NEVER gets sick!!!--is getting the "Virus"--or just a chest cold.
So many people at work are the walking sick. Maybe I got it from a cart?--
or the buttons on the time clock?--or just touching the many things
everyone touches.
Yesterday--my throat felt scratchy. I knew something was coming...
This morning I woke up with a lot of junk in my throat. Coughed it all up.
Today it feels like it is making it's way into my upper chest. Dry cough.
I have taken 3 doses of Airborne--2 capsules of Amoxacillin--bought a cough medicine
with all the congestion, mucus relief, etc in it.
Will gargle my throat with salt water and go to bed...Hope I can sleep....
Yuk!!! Gita
took it twice already.
Someone (Tony) at work sent my info to this communication site called "Linkedin',
Thinking that he would be more likely to see my "sends" (he never checks his e-mails)
I signed up but have not ventured further yet--like contacting other people whose mug shots
are posted as people "I may know"....
Sounds like facebook--does it not? I have not contacted anyone nor posted on this site.
BUT!!! Guess whose picture was on there????? Paul Novacek's!!!
So handsome..all in suit and tie.....I almost sent him a "hello"--but backed out.
Did not want my e-mail page inundated with people I need to contact. UGH!
However--he had his job description listed under his picture. Here it is!
MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT OFFICER AT LAFAYETTE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION.
Wowsa! SO--he must be working there now? Unless it is old information.
SS--do you know? You keep in touch with him--right?
Let us know! Gita
Linkdin is just like facebook for your professional side of your life.
I'm on it but it doesn't do much for me. If I moved and wanted to find a job in my field in a new location it might be helpful.
Yes Paul got a full time 'real' job, part of what keeps him off DG.
You guys mentioned the freezing rain a couple days ago and I went to Home Depot on the way home from work that night. I opened my car door, went to step out, and immediately fell down. Lol! Luckily I didn't get hurt but the lot was really slippery.
G: I hope you feel better soon!
Feel better soon Gita. Dig out some of your awesome chicken stock.
Ha, oh no Seq!
Once when my kids were small ish, I had them all in the van and stopped to pick up pizza. It was summer and raining. I was coming back to the van, smiling, showing them the big pizza box, when I slipped in my cheap flip flops and to them dropped out of sight. Must have been a shocker to the as it was to me! Luckily both me and the pizza survived intact.
and I quit wearing those stupid cheap flip flops in the rain anyway.
Feel better, soon, Gita!!!
Funny story, Sally. Glad you weren't hurt and you too, Sequoia. I don't need rain or ice to do that. We parked in front of the post office, I went in and as I came around behind the car, slipped on a rock and went down. David was rather startled when I disappeared from view and some stranger came over to see if I was okay. Always nice when one has an audience for such things.
Gita, hope you're over this nasty bug soon. I believe you were recovering from something like that at last year's swap. Shopping cart handles and the other things you mention are good sources of germs.
Feel better, Gita! Joyanna just came down with sore throat, congestion, etc also and was up several times last night. Maybe she & Gita picked up something on Saturday? Hope everybody else stays well!
Need to refill all the feeders before temps drop again -- noaa is saying low of 2' Sunday night!
Yeah, Jill---
All the serving spoons at Chef Lin's--hundreds of people have touched them...
All the chairs...bathroom did not look all that clean either...
Anyway--if my cold stays as it is right now--I am happy.
Seems nothing has gone any deeper in my chest...keeping fingers crossed...
.G.
Yay, Sally, you saved the pizza!
ecnalg, I'm very glad that David was watching out for you and knew you were behind the car. That could have ended badly.
Gita, I hope you feel better soon....and also Joyanna.
Has anyone ever seen that show 'Ridiculousness'? Once on the show, they played a video of some kid licking the handrail all the way down a long flight of out door stairs. Super gross.
kids do stuff like that. fair warning! LOL
Gita, the bathrooms at Chef Lin are kinda beat up, but from what I've seen they get scrubbed down twice/day. I think you're right -- it's the fresh germs on the serving spoons that were probably the culprits.
Joyanna just came home, doesn't seem worse than this morning, yay!
Those serving spoons at buffets are real killers. I didn't realize it until our last cruise. I was talking to the "sanitation guy" early one morning when anyone with sense was in bed. They had the entire crew out scrubbing every surface they could reach on the ship. Every surface! He was telling me about the cruise line's sanitation policy. For starters, no self serve buffet for the first 3 days of the cruise. This is because people carrying diarrareah germs, cold germs etc. when they board are most likely symptomatic by that time so this policy helps cut down on the spread. They've put hand sanitizer, trash cans and tissues both directly inside and outside bathroom doors that way you can sanitize after touching the bathroom door incase the person before you doesn't have clean habits. That major scrub I witnessed is also done on the 3rd day out for the same reasons. Holland America instituted this policy after the other cruise lines were having all the disease problems. They hired an infectious disease specialist to come onboard and scope out all the areas where infection can occur and develop their policies. I thought it was the coolest thing and really appreciated him taking the time to show me around and explain things. He was saying how since the instituted these policies not on passenger has been able to trace an infection back to the ship. I think that's impressive. Lesson learned, use sanitizer after touching anything and keep a healthy immune system.
I'm babysitting Miss Phoebe today in Annapolis. This morning we walked to a bookstore downtown from the Naval Academy gate #3 for a story time with Nanny K. Nanny K dresses up like Mary Poppins right down to the umbrella and whooshes in on the wind. She has a British accent and I could listen to her read ALL day long. What fun!!!! They have a snack, too. I got a mocha from the coffee bar so I could warm up. BRRRRRR!!!! It is cold out there.
We are back home now and warming up. I couldn't drive off the Naval Academy grounds cuz they didn't get me a pass, so I drove as close as I could to the gate and parked before we walked the rest of the way. I had to remind myself to bring my ID so we could get back in through the gate.
Jan, Sounds like a wonderful morning. I am doing the evening shift for Lily & Lucas. My DD and SIL are going out with friends tonight.
Taking Dad to a Dr. Appt. this afternoon he fell a few days ago looks like his elbow might be broken I took him for a Cat scan yesterday. He says it hurts but won't keep it in the sling, keeps using it. Dr was pretty sure there is a break, but the way he is using it, it couldn't be too bad. Time to get ready and go.
Hoping for the best for him, dear!! Keep us updated.
All's good, not broken what they saw on the X-ray was arthritis not broken bone. It will be ouchy for a while yet but otherwise good. Well as good as an arthritic elbow can be.
YAY for no break!!! BOO for itchy arthritic elbow!!
It's snowing fat fluffy flakes...good for the seeds I just winter-snowed, but it would be nice if we just get a dusting.