Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with taxforms

Where do they get their money?

Diablevert — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 18:04:04 -0800

How do I find out who's been giving grants to a non-profit foundation? I'm doing some research on a foundation, considering applying for a position with them. One of the things they're looking for is someone to help with grantwriting --- and I'm wondering how to find out who they're getting grants from currently, to better understand how they see their mission and what funding options they're already pursuing. I've had some success digging up one of their major donors though googling, and I know they have an endowment, but I'm not sure how to find out about the rest. I've looked up their filings with the state charity regulator, but they don't seem to list the names of the granting organization, and neither does their annual report.

1099-S Solicitation Issue

GregWithLime — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 20:37:00 -0800

We are in the process of closing on the sale of our house (Hybrid-FSBO). I have a question about the 1099-S Solicitation form. Can you help? We are selling the home generally as FSBO. By that, I mean we paid a flat-fee to get listed in MLS. That means I don't have an agent to ask this question.

On the 1099-S Solicitation form, there is a question that says, "I have not used any portion of the home for business". Technically that is not true. But, tax-wise it is true. We have never taken the tax deduction for the square feet of our home that are dedicated to our business. We purposely did that to avoid the capital gains complication.

So, is the statement true since we did not claim to use any part of the home for business?

Thanks for the help!

Help Me Keep the Guys in the Green Visors From Chopping Down My Door.

foxy_hedgehog — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 04:34:06 -0800

I can't pay my taxes right now, but according to the IRS's information form on payment plans, if I can pay within 120 days I don't need a installment plan -- which would charge interest. The form requests that I call the IRS to notify them and get more information. However, I haven't been able to get through on their phone line for the last week, and now it's the 15th. What should I do? I can pay what I owe within 120 days, just not right now, and I would love to avoid the interest charges that come with a payment plan. The only official form that seems to let you request a late payment is the installment plan request -- what form should you submit, if any, to tell the IRS that payment is coming within 120 days?

I don't want you to think I'm using AskMe as a substitute for doing the footwork myself -- when I say I can't get through to the IRS on their phone line, I don't mean that I've been put on hold for long periods of time. I mean the system has disconnected me after telling me it's swamped with calls from fellow taxpayers.

I've tried emailing my accountant, who, one would assume, would both know the answer to this question and take care of it for me, but either because he too is swamped or is being unprofessional I haven't heard back from him. Yes, I'll keep this in mind when selecting a tax preparation professional for next year.

I'm sure their is a simple answer to this. I just want to make sure that I take the proper steps to avoid being in any kind of arrears with the IRS.

Thanks, and good luck to everyone getting their paperwork out!

Help me make sense of small businss tax forms!

kmtiszen — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 20:09:14 -0800

Starting a small, part-time, home-based eBay business in New York. What are the implications of registering for a Sale & Use Tax certificate? It looks like I'm going to need this certificate (DTF-17, I believe) before I deal with most wholesalers. I'm having trouble wrapping my head around the purpose/implications of all these wonky tax forms, especially the "sales & use" tax. Could somebody possibly explain this one to me in my right-brained kind of English? What will it mean once tax time rolls around in April?

Unfortunately, I was not born with a gift for this kind of stuff, and I envy all of you who were. So thanks in advance for your big brains!