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  • It's no wonder Uncle Sam is not very happy here. His vault is empty.
    Don't Mess With Taxes aims to keep him cranky by providing tax and personal finance tips and advice that will put more money in your bank account, not the government treasury.

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  • Intaxication: Euphoria at getting a refund from the IRS, which lasts until you realize it was your money to start with. -- Author unknown, from a Washington Post word contest
  • "Internal Revenue Service: The world's most successful mail order business.” -- Bob Goddard, writer
  • "If you are truly serious about preparing your child for the future, don't teach him to subtract. Teach him to deduct." -- Fran Lebowitz, writer
  • "The United States has a system of taxation by confession." -- Hugo Black, Supreme Court Justice

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      The content on Don't Mess With Taxes is my personal opinion based on my study and understanding of tax laws, policies and regulations. It’s provided for your private, noncommercial, educational and informational purposes only. It’s not a recommendation or endorsement of any company or product. I strongly suggest that when it comes to filing your taxes, you get additional, professional, paid-for guidance from your accountant and other financial advisers who are familiar with your individual circumstances. In other words, don't blame me!

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    « Tax name issues | Main | Free File for rebate-only filers »

    Thursday, March 06, 2008

    States and rebates update

    The California Franchise Tax Board has announced that it won't collect taxes on the federal economic stimulus payments.

    Golden State officials also want to reassure residents about their state filing responsibilities, or more specifically, their non-filing duties. If you don't meet California state income tax filing requirements, then you don't have to file that paperwork even if you're filing a federal 1040 to qualify for the federal rebate.

    You can read the official California FTB announcement, with links to other useful state tax pages, here.

    Iowa, too: Similar good state tax news comes from the Hawkeye State.

    The Iowa Department of Revenue reminds residents that if they don't have to file a state return, that's fine. It has no bearing on their federal filings done just to get their share of rebate money.

    Also, although it's not an official done deal, Iowa officials have announced that pending legislative action will mean that refund rebate money will not need to be reported on 2008 Iowa income tax returns.

    As for Iowa businesses, the Department of Revenue notice says that the state is expected to adopt the federal stimulus package's Section 179 expensing increase, but the state's tax laws probably won't conform to the 50 percent bonus depreciation adjustment for assets acquired in 2008.

    The full Iowa notice can be viewed here.

    The count so far: Right now, we have Alabama "yes" on taxing the federal rebate and, in the "no" column, New York Oregon, California and Iowa.

    Now isn't tracking state rebate tax tallies much more fun than toting up Clinton/Obama delegates!

    All together now, "Yes we can keep that good no-state-tax news coming!"

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    May 2008

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    Tax Calendar

    • tax season 2008

      The first filing deadline has come and gone. But if you got an extension, mark Oct. 15 on your calendar. Until then, stick around. We'll help you finally finish your 1040 and keep an eye on the other tax dates below.

      May 5: ¡Feliz Cinco de Mayo!
      It's time to not only celebrate this Mexican holiday, but to also make some smart post-filing tax moves. Here are five easy ones to consider on this fifth day of the fifth month:
      1) Adjust your withholding.
      2) Contribute to your IRA.
      3) Clean out your closets and give unwanted items to charity.
      4) Rebalance your portfolio.
      5) Set up your 2008 tax record keeping system.

      May 9: The refund and rebate watch is on! When you get your check or checks from the IRS, consider contributing some to your IRA or paying down the credit card that has the highest interest rate.

      May 12: Does your job include tips? If so and you received $20 in tips in April, use Form 4070 to report them today to your employer.

      May 21: As soon as Spring's warm weather arrived, most homeowners began work on their properties. Keep track of your projects because they might boost your home's basis. A larger basis could help reduce any potential tax bill when you sell.

      May 26: If you're on the road as the Memorial Day holiday kicks off Summer, be on the lookout for bargain gasoline. State and local fuel excise taxes can really ramp up pump prices. Maybe it's time to consider a gas and tax saving hybrid.

      May Small Business Tax Calendar: Key filing, deposit and record keeping dates your company needs to know.

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