Found an old W-2 from the chaotic grad school years (2000) that I never filed taxes on. Is it still possible? Looks like I'm owed money. [more inside]
posted on Jul 16, 2008 - 5 answers 
What is the best financial/tax situation for us? Kid on way, financial aid eligibility concerns. [more inside]
posted on Jul 2, 2008 - 4 answers
What date acquired and cost basis should I put for two items reported on a 1099-B, when there are several unknowns? [more inside]
posted on Apr 10, 2008 - 8 answers
I’m a writer who is spending more and more time in Los Angeles for work. I live in Florida, and am a Florida resident. My question is this: If I rent a place in LA, because I am spending roughly half of my time there, what deductions can I take advantage of? [more inside]
posted on Mar 27, 2008 - 1 answers
Can anyone recommend a good, affordable accountant in the New York City area? I am establishing a freelance business and will need to estimate taxes, think about eventual incorporation, etc.
posted on Sep 6, 2007 - 5 answers
So I will be making x dollars gross in Ontario, that translates to... [more inside]
posted on May 18, 2007 - 4 answers
Health Savings Accounts (HSA's) ... Can they be used as just another tax-free retirement account after you max out your Roth IRA? [more inside]
posted on May 16, 2007 - 6 answers
Tax planning advice for the self employed. The web is full of articles, the bookstores are full of guides. But there is so much "get rich quick" and "pay zero taxes" crap out there that I am not sure where to go for good, solid tax planning advice. [more inside]
posted on Mar 26, 2007 - 5 answers
Tax question: Is it better to diversify (and pay a lot of taxes) all at once, or to spread it out over a few years? [more inside]
posted on Mar 23, 2007 - 15 answers
My wife and I have a relatively high combined income for the first time ever (much to our surprise), but we are pretty financially unsophisticated and getting hit hard by taxes. I am beginning to think the big tax bill for 2006 is a lost cause, but can anyone in MeFi-land offer any advice about how to take better control for 2007? [more inside]
posted on Mar 21, 2007 - 27 answers
Are there any US citizens here who have lived abroad but did freelance or contract work for clients in the States who can share their experiences?
I am a US citizen living in Australia as a Permanent Resident since 2001. I have just gotten some freelance work from the States and need to figure out who I need to talk to on which shores to figure out the details. [more inside]
posted on Mar 13, 2007 - 10 answers
I have a full-time job at a company that offers a 401k program which I'm currently participating in. I also have some freelance jobs that I'm doing. Is it possible to take all the money I get from my freelance work and put it into my 401k and avoid being taxed on it until I eventually take it out at retirement. [more inside]
posted on Nov 26, 2006 - 8 answers
How do I approach the IRS? They got me - dead to rights - I screwed up a few years back, when rolling over my 401K into a IRA (then into a downpayment for my house). I *thought* my credit union paid taxes on that money when I rolled it over. I made a mistake. Now, that I'm "caught up", and ready to pony up the delinquent taxes, what the best way to ask the IRS to waive the penalties? Say "Pretty, please?" Everyone says one *can* negotiate with the IRS. So how, would one go about doing so? What might one do to make a positive outcome more likely?
posted on Nov 19, 2006 - 9 answers
Permanently leaving the U.S. to go back to Europe - do I have to close my bank account and credit cards? [more inside]
posted on Oct 15, 2006 - 13 answers
Do contest winners lose money because of taxes? [more inside]
posted on Apr 30, 2006 - 22 answers
Can my mother, a corporate travel agent, deduct the cost of her digital camera (as a unreimbursed work expense) since she is no longer deducting film & processing costs? [more inside]
posted on Mar 7, 2005 - 2 answers
I decided to try my hand at making a grant application, sent the 8 pages or so letter and forgot all about it. Then yesterday, I got a call indicating that I may actually have a chance of getting some if not all of the amount I requested ($40+ grand for video/photo equipment/NLE gear, stipend). Although I'm seriously excited, I have a few questions to ask you, fellow MeFites:
1. Will I owe taxes for this money?
2. What questions might their lawyer/trustee ask me if they ever call?
3. Do I get to keep the equipment after? (I know its stupid but this is my first time)
4. Can people actually earn a living doing this "grant" gig?
5. Is there some etiquette involved when receiving the moolah? (i.e. hugging the donor, kissing her feet, thank you letters)
6. Am I absolutely, legally bound to follow through with this project?
6. Any advice is welcome.
Thanks for your time and patience.
posted on Nov 8, 2004 - 10 answers
