I've used H&R Block TaxCut
Posted By: desperado on 2008-01-31
In Reply to: TurboTax or TaxCut - MslaMT
on-line mainly because over the years I've needed "people"  to help with questions on tax issues that were a little complicated, especially last year with a move, partial-residence state taxes, sale of home, etc. I've not had any complaints with it. I paid for the highest service last year so I had unlimited access for questions, and the guy was really great, reviewed and signed the tax returns and actually called me with some questions. I've considered going to TurboTax though in the future because so many seem to like it, just haven't made the switch since I've got everything stored with TaxCut so far.
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Great idea. Thanks. I've had a mental block on
nm
TurboTax or TaxCut
Which program do you think works better?
H&R Block
H&R Block always. The one time I didn't use them, I got audited and ended up having to dish out almost $3k in taxes & penalties.
best to have a brief consult with a CPA and I don't mean H&R Block
there are always a little bit of difference from state to state and where you live regarding a business license etc. Try to find a CPA that specializes in small businesses, especially if you can find someone who perhaps has other MT's for clients? The gist of an IC is you do not have an employer, so you do not have someone to withhold taxes for you. The thing that always throws IC's is the tax withholding stuff. They have a great fear about it. This is where the CPA will help you out a great deal so you can base decisions on facts, not fear.
You will have another form or to to fill out at tax time (Schedule C, etc.) and next year you will have to do quarterly payments, but it's not that hard.
Who Must Pay Estimated Tax
If you had a tax liability for 2005, you may have to pay estimated tax for 2006.
the IRS has a nice site for small businesses, use the link below. any specific questions, feel free to email me.
Get an accountant...even H&R block will do.
I made the mistake of doing the taxes myself one year (TurboTax)and ended up getting audited for that year 2 years later. Luckily it only cost me $1200 but I'm sure it could have been much worse. I just go to H&R Block. At least if I get audited again, they'll handle all the work AND pay my fine if it's something they messed up on.
Here red this....H&R block was the one who told me about it first.
Top 10 Oddball Tax Deductions
TurboTax has outlined some outlandish tax deductions to help you increase your tax refund. We've uncovered what we think are the weirdest deductions allowed, from pet food to free beer to (we're not kidding) a girlfriend.
Can I deduct?
Admit it. As you've worked on your return, trying to come up with extra deductions to pump up your refund, you've taken a few flights of fancy. "Can I claim a deduction for all those blood donations at the Red Cross?" Nope.
"How about a charitable contribution for all the time I donate to the church?" Nope, again. "The wedding gift for the boss's daughter as an employee business expense?" Come on! On the other hand, over the years your fellow taxpayers have beaten the IRS in court on payments for many crazy things that most of us wouldn't even dream of claiming. We've uncovered what we think are the weirdest deductions allowed, ranging from pet food to free beer.
1. Pet food
A couple who owned a junkyard was allowed to write off the cost of cat food they set out to attract wild cats. The feral felines did more than just eat; they also took care of snakes and rats on the property, making the place safer for customers. When the case reached the Tax Court, IRS lawyers conceded that the cost was deductible.
2. Moving the family pet
If you are changing jobs and meet a couple of tests, you can deduct your moving expenses — including the cost of moving your dog, cat or other pet from your old residence to your new home. Your pet — be it a Pekingese or a python — is treated the same as your other personal effects.
3. A trip to Bermuda
This island is more than just a scenic place to visit: It's a great place to schedule a tax write-off. Business conventions held in Bermuda are deductible without having to show that there was a special reason for the meeting to be held there. That's a sweet perk.
Other countries in the Caribbean region qualify, too, including Barbados, Costa Rica, Dominica, the Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guyana, Honduras, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, and Trinidad and Tobago. Meetings held in Canada, Mexico and all U.S. possessions also receive this favorable tax treatment. Attend a convention in Paris, Rome or Beijing, though, and there's no deduction unless you can show it made as much sense to travel abroad as to head to Pittsburgh.
4. Body oil
A pro bodybuilder used body oil to make his muscles glisten in the lights during his competitions. The Tax Court ruled that he could deduct the cost of the oil as a business expense. Lest it be seen as a softie, though, the Court nixed deductions for buffalo meat and special vitamin supplements to enhance strength and muscle development.
5. A private airplane
Rather than drive five to seven hours to check on their rental condo or be tied to the only daily commercial flight available, a couple bought their own plane. The Tax Court allowed them to deduct their condo-related trips on the aircraft, including the cost of fuel and depreciation for the portion of time used for business-related purposes, even though these costs increased their overall rental loss.
6. Babysitting fees
Fees paid to a sitter to enable a mother to get out of the house and do volunteer work for a charity are deductible as charitable contributions, even though the money didn't go directly to the charity, according to the Tax Court. The Court expressly rejected a contrary IRS revenue ruling.
7. Breast augmentation
In an effort to get more tips, a stripper with the stage name "Chesty Love" decided to get breast implants to make her a size 56FF. A female Tax Court judge allowed Chesty to write off the cost of her operation, equating her new assets to a stage prop. Alas, the operation proved to be a problem for Chesty. She later tripped and ruptured one of her implants.
8. Landscaping
Sole proprietors who regularly meet clients in a home office can deduct part of the costs of landscaping the property. The deductible portion is based on the percentage of the home that is used for business, according to the Tax Court. The Court also allowed a deduction for part of the costs of lawn care and driveway repairs.
9. Free beer
In a novel promotion, a gas station owner gave his customers free beer in lieu of trading stamps. Proving that sometimes beer and gasoline do mix, the Tax Court allowed the write-off as a business expense.
10. Swimming pool
A taxpayer with emphysema put in a pool after his doctor told him to develop an exercise regimen. He swam in it twice a day and improved his breathing capacity. Turns out he swam in the pool more than his family did.
The Tax Court allowed him to deduct the cost of the pool (to the extent the cost exceeded its added value to the property) as a medical expense because its primary purpose was for medical care. Also, the cost of heating the pool, pool chemicals and a proportionate part of insuring the pool area were treated as medical expenses.
Bonus Oddball Deduction
A girlfriend. The owner of several rental properties hired his live-in girlfriend to manage them. Her duties included finding furniture, overseeing repairs and running his home. The Tax Court let him deduct $2,500 of the $9,000 he paid her. The disallowed portion was for nondeductible personal services.
Updated for tax year 2008
Now H&R block did specify in their tax rules that....sm
The animal had to be a dog and be over 50 pounds in order for it to count. I am taking advantage of everything that is legal as they have screwed us over long enough.
Actually, you can put a block on your credit report that
NO credit card companies solicit you at all. Look up the three credit reporting agencies online and see what their websites say. Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. I don't get any at all except from American Express to my old business name.
As for the automated phone systems, I just push zero a bunch of times until I get a human. Impatient, I am!
yeah, me too, get about 20 a day anymore - block them - sm
that is what I do....granted a new crop comes in the next day, but I just keep blocking away. What is weird is I used to get a couple a day, now about a week or so ago it just went crazy and jumped to as you say 15-20 a day. I really don't want to change my email address either, so I guess I will just keep doing as I am doing, or else turn my Spamkiller back on.
You can block that number from reaching you.
They will block the number but not tell you who it is.
Call them right after a phone call comes in that is a hang up. Apparently, this happens a lot since SBC has an 800 number for this request.
Our block has parties a lot that go well into the night. sm
They have even had a couple of bands come and play. This was a problem last year for me because I needed my sleep and worked weekends. This year, it will be nice since I now work nights. For a short street, it is really lively.
Been around the block lots of time but tell me
what is padding? I have worked in this field for over 30 years now. I have very good speed and regular typing I could do at least 2000 per day. Now with VR and straight combined I do about 3200 per day. My audio will not go that fast in order for me or anyone to do 1000 per hour. The most I have done in an hour (without having to slow the machine down, listening only) was about 600. It cannot be done with my audio system, totally impossible as fast as you can set it.
Yes, they can selectively block sites...
I worked for a company who did that. They had a list of approved sites that we could access, such as onelook, rxlist, physician search sites, E-mail, etc. They would also allow the MTs to put in requests for sites we thought should be added to the "allowed list."
Be careful doing that unless you somehow block out the pt name - could be illegal. nm
?
A friend of mine also had a bad experience with H&R Block
nm
How terrible. They can now block off the tear duct to
help keep moisture in the eyes. I had the temporary one put in and it really did help. I had one eye done and am not happy but I do not have the problems you do. It is so hard to know if you will be in that small percentage with bad results. I hope something is found to help relieve or correct some of the problems you are having...good luck and best wishes.
Preferences? Setting up NP with Doc signature block
Need to set up nurse practitioner dictator with Doc signature block, think I know how it should be set up but it's been awhile. Any current examples or preferences of how anyone likes to do this? Thanks.
Can an employer use software to search what is on your computer and how can you block this? (sm)
When an employer downloads their program onto your computer can they put software on it so that they can get into your computer and see what is on it, such as folders, files, etc? If so, is there any way to block it? This just popped into my mind the other day and I was wondering about it. 
Unlisted number, caller ID, and block unknown callers.
I think it's *67 to block unknown callers and *69 to find out last unblocked caller. There is another key combination to press when you want the phone company and/or police department to trace nuisance calls. You can fight this. Public edcuators have it rough. First, no respect in the classroom, then these punk kids think they can mess with you at home. Fight back. Escalate it to police chief, mayor, and supervisor of the phone company if you're getting nowhere with the lowly peons.
I use EXText with my current job and I've used at a couple of other jobs I've had. I've ne
used DocQscribe, but I have used Meditech, Cerner, Vianeta, the Precyse platform (I can't remember the name), Dolbey, and Lanier platform I think was called Cequence (?).
Out of all the different platforms I have typed on, I have liked EXText the best. In my opinion, it's very user friendly, easy to learn, and I really like ESP which is the built in abbreviation expander. Plus it is very easy to create your own normals which I love. My fingers literally never leave the keyboard because there are macro keys for everything. You can use your mouse if you prefer or learn the function macros. I love it. I think I'm more productive on EXText than with any other platform.
Block her E-mail, return mail unopened
On AOL I can determine who I want to receive mail from and block those I do not -- and if they are blocked they get their E-mail back as being "undeliverable". If she sends things out -- send back --unaccepted. But to be simple just E-mail her back or call the recuriter if you don't want to deal with her directly and state -- leave me alone. If she is in another state you should not be scared of her but you may simply have to put it out there in no uncertain terms.
Spell as best you can or blank them and keep going. I've passed many tests when I've left blan
s
As you can already see, you've come to the wrong board! By using the word professional, you've
excluded about 99% of the population of "whatever" it is that hangs on these boards. Certainly not professional for sure! But you sure are doing a good thing for someone! Its the thought that counts. Sorry you met the dregs right at the start.
HELP! I've turned my screen sideways, I can't straighten it up. I know I've seen sm
this before, but I can't remember what it is. Do you realize how hard it is to read sideways? TIA.
I've lost track of how many people who've asked about it to NOT
.
I've always verified every line I've typed (I have my ways) -sm
If you're supposed to be paid a certain $/line, that's what you should be getting no matter how they do billing unless of course it's specified in YOUR contract with THEM.
BTW, I've never caught a company cheating me ever.
I've used it. It's the worst piece of crap I've ever seen.
seriously. I wouldn't wish them on my worst enemy, or their Vianeta program. Awful, just awful.
Wait until you've been there six months and if you've improved
quality and quantity, I'd say go ahead and ask. Otherwise I'd say annually... good luck
I've seen the same every place I've done acute care, and
pointing out dangerous or repeated errors (often in normals for goodness sakes!) never got the result I expected. When I would press the issue, supervisors said if the dictators didn't complain, then the mistakes must not matter!
It didn't matter if the MT changed what had been a cardiac med in the beginning of the report to an antifungal by the end - I kid you NOT! One poor girl used facial for fascial and fascial for facial!
I've used a few expanders, and of those I've used, all must be "coded" to get things lik
One thing I do to get around this, is to create a macro and then link the ShortHand command to the macro. It works for me, but I do the same five clients every day and only have about 20 or 30 macros/Shorthand commands that work like this. This may not work well for you if you have lots of formats and hundreds of docs.
I've been doing this doc for many years, so I've learned how to function with him. sm
I can tell what's a stutter, what's another word, what's just an "uh." Years of experience will get you through a lot.
Wouldn't want to do his charts all day, of course, but a few per day aren't bad. I haven't had to send his to review in a long time, but they do take a little longer to shuffle through.
I've worn contacts for 30 years. I've had both
hard and soft. My vision is much better with the soft ones than they were with the hard ones. When I first started trying contacts soft ones were still new and they couldn't get me to 20/20, so I went to hard. Hard were okay until my eyes started changing shape and then I could no longer wear hard ones. The soft should give you better vision as they conform more to the shape of your eye.
I've been a bully; I've been bullied.
I used to sell a lot on eBay. There are some people who buy high-priced items and play games with you. I've had to call them repeatedly, report them to different agencies. It's not fun. You put time and money into the business of selling, and there are people out there who live to manipulate the system and cause trouble.
And, I've been bullied by buyers who made unreasonable demands, insist that they pay by check when you clearly state you don't accept them. It's not fun, and is one of the reasons I don't sell anymore. People!
I've also bought from some sellers who I would not deal with again because of their unprofessional attitude.
But, overall, ebay can be a great place to be.
I've become the man I've always wanted to marry.
I live alone, am 46, never married, no kids, just dogs horses and chickens and just got done building a new house out in the boonies away from the rat race. (Used to live in Manhattan) Couldn't be happier. Selfish maybe, but never out of time, never stressed, and I don't take anything out on others. There's something to be said for being alone but not lonely. I'm not looking for a man to "make me complete." They only sap me of my time, energy and money (how little of it there is with MQ). I consider myself lucky getting to choose my time with friends, and not just stuck with a deadbeat partner. Ladies especially: Be strong and allow yourself to be independent. Any old man will not make you stronger!
You know I've done the grilling...I've tried it all...
And I find the best way to cook steak is in a good quality thick-bottom nonstick pan on top of the stove. I found this trick on the internet. I heat the pan on high and when nice and hot, throw on the steak, no butter and no oil. It browns almost immediately, cooks fairly quickly, and seals in the juices - tender, moist and delicious!!!! It doesn't even need seasoning but salt and pepper before cooking. ;)
I've not only typed, them, I've had a few, myself! LOL
.
I've done that already!
I've actually done that, seems
like it's slow getting the needed information. Thought I could do some research on my own. Thanks!
I've seen this too (sm)
and it took me a while to figure it out, but because of a particular acct this gal was placed on I was able to figure it out. She is top notch when works at her usual pace, but when she has something better to do she will leave her work until the last possible minute and it is crap when she turns it in.
i've got 3 going right now and have for
several months. 7 days a week, 6a-6p then a little after my son goes to bed. 1 full time w a hospital, two part time. all are from home. i'm dumping the hospital one today and going full time at one of the current part time and i will probably get rid of the part time one once i know the new full time will work out. did that make sense???
no life, but had to be sure before left the full time job......
I've been through a few
of these things and where there's smoke, there's usually fire. MRC acquired Medifax (both swore it wasn't going to happen), MQ acquired MRC (both swore it wasn't going to happen) and lastly, I was working for ddi when the owner sent out an email adamantly proclaiming that ddi would NEVER be sold. I think it was a week, maybe two, and guess what? Another email stating what wasn't going to happen had just happened.
For all MQ-ers, I wouldn't worry about it. Life goes on. So what if Spheris does buy MQ...I doubt individual MTs will see much change except the signature on the paycheck. I guess I worked for MQ about 3 years or so after they acquired ddi and not a thing changed until I was transferred to another office and the "new platform." They were constantly out of work, not to mention the line count going to hell in a handbasket. I didn't have time to sit around all day waiting to see if they had a report they needed typed, so I moved on.
So....please everybody, cheer up, it isn't the end of the world coming or anything like that.
Now I've seen it all...
Just got a check from corporate for...hold on...1 cent. Yes, thats right - 1 CENT. I don't know whether to laugh or cry. Actually I didn't think you could even WRITE a check for a penny. Oh well, I guess a penny saved is a penny earned. Rotten bananas to MQ, I say.
That's it...you've got it.
Does it make you feel better attacking someone you don't know like that? AND insulting a huge group of people you don't know anything about? They're not the enemies, nor am I.
Who did you vote for? Was it someone who said "Offshoring is good for America"?
THAT, my friend, is your enemy.
YES! I've been up since 4:00 a.m.
because the dogs were barking in the living room at something outside in the yard. Hubby just made me lunch of a tuna sandwich and minestrone soup. I'm done working today, so I've got three hours to go take a nap.
I've been with them for a while...but...
even the starting pay is very, very good.
I've still never had a NEW new car.
I don't see the point in it. They lose their value so quickly. Plus, why would I want to drive something that's worth half what my house is with all the nuts on the road? And insurance and licensing costs are so high, too.
I've done max 200 per day. nm
x
I've never tried that!
I like to make soy candles in Mason jars. It is a hobby that I absolutely love! Last summer I sold them at the local farmer's market and gave some as Christmas gifts. It's a lot of fun!
we've all been there
I dont really understand what is going on but i think we have all been in that situation where you try do something nice or helpful and ended up regretting it. it makes things difficult for future references because it causes us to be hesitant when trying to be helpful or nice in the future, which is one of the few explanations i can think of for ppl who never seem to be nice or helpful. maybe they have tried in the past & got burned by it and now they are bitter.
anyway all you can do is move on and try not to let other ppl & their negativity get to you. don't let their issues change you as a person. you did the right thing by deleting the rude email, don't waste your time on it.
I've had that before, and I
also noticed, looking back, that the very first thing that happened was I was suddenly extremely fatigued before it happened.
Reminded me a little of labor pains. I'm glad you're feeling better. I know that when it hits, it knocks you right on your butt.
You've already done it
If you would open up your message, you will see 'reply by email'. Anytime you post a message and fill in the 'email' box with your email address, people will be able to email you.
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