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General Discussion => Essentially Flyertalk => Topic started by: 420seriouscat69 on January 13, 2014, 10:18:58 AM

Title: Tax returns
Post by: 420seriouscat69 on January 13, 2014, 10:18:58 AM
Are you guys good at these? My Mom and her lawfirm file these for a lot of their clients and i'm hoping to get a big return this year, with all the student loans i've paid off/interest. Do you guys use someone to do yours or are you good at getting the maximum return yourself?
Title: Re: Tax returns
Post by: XocolateThundarr on January 13, 2014, 10:20:11 AM
Are you guys good at these? My Mom and her lawfirm file these for a lot of their clients and i'm hoping to get a big return this year, with all the student loans i've paid off/interest. Do you guys use someone to do yours or are you good at getting the maximum return yourself?

I do my own and I am hoping that I either get a very small return or have to pay just a little bit back to the government.  That would mean I was doing it right.
Title: Re: Tax returns
Post by: yoga-like_abana on January 13, 2014, 10:24:57 AM
fanning for you, just use turbotax
Title: Re: Tax returns
Post by: puniraptor on January 13, 2014, 10:25:29 AM
i've been using taxslayer. mine are pretty easy. I've got my withholdings tuned pretty well to sit pretty close to zero return.
Title: Re: Tax returns
Post by: Tobias on January 13, 2014, 10:28:54 AM
mine are easy.  i've always just done my own.

don't buy a new "flat screen"
Title: Re: Tax returns
Post by: 420seriouscat69 on January 13, 2014, 10:37:31 AM
mine are easy.  i've always just done my own.

don't buy a new "flat screen"
I'm not. New tires, pay off the little I have on my CC, and save the rest.  :cheers:
Title: Re: Tax returns
Post by: Tobias on January 13, 2014, 10:41:13 AM
 :cheers:
Title: Re: Tax returns
Post by: Pete on January 13, 2014, 10:41:34 AM
I use Turbotax.  I tried Taxcut (H&R Block) years ago and it was crap.

I usually have to pay in a bit.
Title: Re: Tax returns
Post by: Brock Landers on January 13, 2014, 10:46:26 AM
Are you guys good at these? My Mom and her lawfirm file these for a lot of their clients and i'm hoping to get a big return this year, with all the student loans i've paid off/interest. Do you guys use someone to do yours or are you good at getting the maximum return yourself?

I do my own and I am hoping that I either get a very small return or have to pay just a little bit back to the government.  That would mean I was doing it right.


I laugh at idiots who think a big tax refund is like a bonus or free money or something.  Hey dumbass that was your own money to begin with.  I've been using a website called TaxACT.com to file mine for the last 5 or 6 years and only get a couple hundred back from Federal and have to pay the state a hundred or so.
Title: Re: Tax returns
Post by: 420seriouscat69 on January 13, 2014, 10:55:20 AM
Are you guys good at these? My Mom and her lawfirm file these for a lot of their clients and i'm hoping to get a big return this year, with all the student loans i've paid off/interest. Do you guys use someone to do yours or are you good at getting the maximum return yourself?

I do my own and I am hoping that I either get a very small return or have to pay just a little bit back to the government.  That would mean I was doing it right.


I laugh at idiots who think a big tax refund is like a bonus or free money or something.  Hey dumbass that was your own money to begin with.  I've been using a website called TaxACT.com to file mine for the last 5 or 6 years and only get a couple hundred back from Federal and have to pay the state a hundred or so.
Some of those dumbasses get a return for the student loan interest they pay off.  :dunno:
Title: Re: Tax returns
Post by: OK_Cat on January 13, 2014, 10:56:23 AM
turbotax is easy.  i love tax time, kids are great.
Title: Re: Tax returns
Post by: XocolateThundarr on January 13, 2014, 10:56:32 AM
Are you guys good at these? My Mom and her lawfirm file these for a lot of their clients and i'm hoping to get a big return this year, with all the student loans i've paid off/interest. Do you guys use someone to do yours or are you good at getting the maximum return yourself?

I do my own and I am hoping that I either get a very small return or have to pay just a little bit back to the government.  That would mean I was doing it right.


I laugh at idiots who think a big tax refund is like a bonus or free money or something.  Hey dumbass that was your own money to begin with.  I've been using a website called TaxACT.com to file mine for the last 5 or 6 years and only get a couple hundred back from Federal and have to pay the state a hundred or so.
Some of those dumbasses get a return for the student loan interest they pay off.  :dunno:

I still get that deduction on my return as well Wacky.
Title: Re: Tax returns
Post by: Emo EMAW on January 13, 2014, 10:57:26 AM
Mrs Emo (accountant) does ours with TurboTax. 
Title: Re: Tax returns
Post by: IPA4Me on January 13, 2014, 10:59:00 AM
i've been using taxslayer. mine are pretty easy. I've got my withholdings tuned pretty well to sit pretty close to zero return.
Ditto. Solid Web based software. I've used it for quite some time. Took a three year break from it while I owned a business. Had to let the accountant do the returns. I'm back using it again since selling. Highly recommend it over Turbo Tax.
Title: Re: Tax returns
Post by: Emo EMAW on January 13, 2014, 11:00:14 AM
i've been using taxslayer. mine are pretty easy. I've got my withholdings tuned pretty well to sit pretty close to zero return.
Ditto. Solid Web based software. I've used it for quite some time. Took a three year break from it while I owned a business. Had to let the accountant do the returns. I'm back using it again since selling. Highly recommend it over Turbo Tax.

What do you like better about it?

Is the gain worth the PITA of re-entering all the stored info in the new app?
Title: Re: Tax returns
Post by: puniraptor on January 13, 2014, 11:07:57 AM
i've been using taxslayer. mine are pretty easy. I've got my withholdings tuned pretty well to sit pretty close to zero return.
Ditto. Solid Web based software. I've used it for quite some time. Took a three year break from it while I owned a business. Had to let the accountant do the returns. I'm back using it again since selling. Highly recommend it over Turbo Tax.

What do you like better about it?

Is the gain worth the PITA of re-entering all the stored info in the new app?

probably not.

i've been loyal to it since the year I graduated I did my taxes with like 4 different online things to compare results and taxslayer gave me a few hundred dollars larger refund. I don't know if I made a mistake or something to cause that, but I've stuck with it since.
Title: Re: Tax returns
Post by: lopakman on January 13, 2014, 11:09:28 AM
Mrs. Lopak is a Tax Manager and CPA.  I haven't done taxes in 11 years.   :Woohoo:
Title: Re: Tax returns
Post by: The_Wippuh on January 13, 2014, 11:11:51 AM
I use TurboTax and have been happy with it.  I get the notion that getting a big refund is like giving the govt an interest free loan for the year, however my wife and I have used our refund last year to replace all the upstairs windows in our home and have a huge basement waterproofing/wall reinforcement project going on right now that will be pretty much paid off with our refund. 

I look at it as a savings account that I truly cannot touch for a year.  Getting about the same return rate :p
Title: Re: Tax returns
Post by: _33 on January 13, 2014, 11:22:03 AM
It's fun to get a big tax return though.
definitely is, feels like you won the lotto.

No. It feels like I'm a dumbass for giving the government an interest-free loan.

Nope. Don't care about that.  Jackpot!
Title: Re: Tax returns
Post by: Mikeyis4dcats on January 13, 2014, 12:52:16 PM
I use whichever I find the best deal on.   Some years thats TT, others something else.   The free TT last year was pretty good though.
Title: Re: Tax returns
Post by: hemmy on January 13, 2014, 01:17:09 PM
I do consulting work on the side occasionally so I always end up owing money since the paychecks from that have no tax taken out. The self employment tax really blows.
Title: Re: Tax returns
Post by: 3maw on January 13, 2014, 01:35:28 PM
glad to see my choice in turbotax is verified :thumbs:
Title: Re: Tax returns
Post by: felix rex on January 13, 2014, 01:35:59 PM
I'm really happy to pay for the enjoyment I get from not doing my taxes. Does his own taxes = mows his own yard.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk (http://tapatalk.com/m?id=1)
Title: Re: Tax returns
Post by: sys on January 13, 2014, 02:45:54 PM
i used the free form from the irs instead of a tax program that you have to pay for last year and it was still super pud to do.  don't expect to ever pay a dime again.


lol @ the people that get worked up about giving the govt a no-interest short-term loan (lol could be suspended if those people have really super giant tax bills).
Title: Re: Tax returns
Post by: GoodForAnother on January 13, 2014, 02:49:32 PM
I wish I was still poor enough to qualify for a student loan write-off.  grats, wacky.   :thumbs:
Title: Re: Tax returns
Post by: steve dave on January 13, 2014, 03:08:15 PM
Some of those dumbasses get a return for the student loan interest they pay off.  :dunno:

you can only deduct $2,500 in student loan interest and that's only if you made less than $65k (pro-rated between $65k and $80k). and paying them off has nothing to do with it, it has to do with how much interest you paid last year, not how much of the loan.
Title: Re: Tax returns
Post by: star seed 7 on January 13, 2014, 03:10:52 PM
Some of those dumbasses get a return for the student loan interest they pay off.  :dunno:

you can only deduct $2,500 in student loan interest and that's only if you made less than $65k (pro-rated between $65k and $80k). and paying them off has nothing to do with it, it has to do with how much interest you paid last year, not how much of the loan.

Stop hiding behind the mods
Title: Re: Tax returns
Post by: Emo EMAW on January 13, 2014, 03:14:42 PM
Some of those dumbasses get a return for the student loan interest they pay off.  :dunno:

you can only deduct $2,500 in student loan interest and that's only if you made less than $65k (pro-rated between $65k and $80k). and paying them off has nothing to do with it, it has to do with how much interest you paid last year, not how much of the loan.

It really is stupid.  Not that I have a ton of loans or interest or whatever, but just the general policy that higher wage earners get to deduct less, if any, of student loan interest is pud.  Should be equal across all tax payers, IMO.
Title: Re: Tax returns
Post by: Asteriskhead on January 13, 2014, 03:17:49 PM
Some of those dumbasses get a return for the student loan interest they pay off.  :dunno:

you can only deduct $2,500 in student loan interest and that's only if you made less than $65k (pro-rated between $65k and $80k). and paying them off has nothing to do with it, it has to do with how much interest you paid last year, not how much of the loan.

It really is stupid.  Not that I have a ton of loans or interest or whatever, but just the general policy that higher wage earners get to deduct less, if any, of student loan interest is pud.  Should be equal across all tax payers, IMO.

edit: nevermind.
Title: Re: Tax returns
Post by: sys on January 13, 2014, 03:23:07 PM
It really is stupid.  Not that I have a ton of loans or interest or whatever, but just the general policy that higher wage earners get to deduct less, if any, of student loan interest is pud.  Should be equal across all tax payers, IMO.

why?
Title: Re: Tax returns
Post by: michigancat on January 13, 2014, 03:23:23 PM
i used the free form from the irs instead of a tax program that you have to pay for last year and it was still super pud to do.  don't expect to ever pay a dime again.


lol @ the people that get worked up about giving the govt a no-interest short-term loan (lol could be suspended if those people have really super giant tax bills).

I honestly didn't realize this existed. My taxes are brutally simple so I'll give it a try this year.

Also (because of kids) I've maximized the deductions my company lets me take and I still should get some back this year.
Title: Re: Tax returns
Post by: 420seriouscat69 on January 13, 2014, 03:26:43 PM
Some of those dumbasses get a return for the student loan interest they pay off.  :dunno:

you can only deduct $2,500 in student loan interest and that's only if you made less than $65k (pro-rated between $65k and $80k). and paying them off has nothing to do with it, it has to do with how much interest you paid last year, not how much of the loan.
Good to know. Thanks, SD! I'm really bad at this stuff.
Title: Re: Tax returns
Post by: pissclams on January 13, 2014, 03:32:02 PM

i used the free form from the irs instead of a tax program that you have to pay for last year and it was still super pud to do.  don't expect to ever pay a dime again.


lol @ the people that get worked up about giving the govt a no-interest short-term loan (lol could be suspended if those people have really super giant tax bills).

I honestly didn't realize this existed. My taxes are brutally simple so I'll give it a try this year.

Also (because of kids) I've maximized the deductions my company lets me take and I still should get some back this year.
use turbo tax to e-file your fed return for free
Title: Re: Tax returns
Post by: Emo EMAW on January 13, 2014, 03:32:30 PM
It really is stupid.  Not that I have a ton of loans or interest or whatever, but just the general policy that higher wage earners get to deduct less, if any, of student loan interest is pud.  Should be equal across all tax payers, IMO.

why?

Why shouldn't it?  I think the need for justification why it's the way it is outweighs the need for justification for my preference for change.
Title: Re: Tax returns
Post by: michigancat on January 13, 2014, 03:34:46 PM

i used the free form from the irs instead of a tax program that you have to pay for last year and it was still super pud to do.  don't expect to ever pay a dime again.


lol @ the people that get worked up about giving the govt a no-interest short-term loan (lol could be suspended if those people have really super giant tax bills).

I honestly didn't realize this existed. My taxes are brutally simple so I'll give it a try this year.

Also (because of kids) I've maximized the deductions my company lets me take and I still should get some back this year.
use turbo tax to e-file your fed return for free

yeah I guess I've used H&R block and didn't have to pay to file federal. But it looks like California has a free file thing that will probably be worth it.
Title: Re: Tax returns
Post by: Tobias on January 13, 2014, 03:38:42 PM
yeah, i always use whatever's free to do federal (last couple of years i think i've just used taxact) and then just reenter the stuff on the KS state site to do that for free as well.  i BBS enough that the time/value thing still works just fine.
Title: Re: Tax returns
Post by: ShellShock on January 13, 2014, 03:40:53 PM
Anyone ever tried to deduct utility cost on their taxes? I rent out a room in my house to a guy I know and half of the utilities would technically be landlord costs...not trying to get a huge debate going here, just feeling out how tax bendy/thrifty some of you bastards are...haha

FWIW, i'm not reporting the income from the rental either...cash transaction only
Title: Re: Tax returns
Post by: treysolid on January 13, 2014, 03:42:05 PM
I do my own. Between my mortgage and maxing out the ol' Roth (thanks adulthood!), I should be getting something substantial back this year.  :Woot:
Title: Re: Tax returns
Post by: michigancat on January 13, 2014, 03:48:46 PM
I do my own. Between my mortgage and maxing out the ol' Roth (thanks adulthood!), I should be getting something substantial back this year.  :Woot:

how would maximizing a roth get money back.
Title: Re: Tax returns
Post by: Emo EMAW on January 13, 2014, 03:52:20 PM
It wouldn't.
Title: Re: Tax returns
Post by: steve dave on January 13, 2014, 04:06:00 PM
Deduct it anyway trey, YOLO
Title: Re: Tax returns
Post by: Tobias on January 13, 2014, 04:07:29 PM
this is inadvertently a kinda enjoyable "what is my income/how much am i willing to lie to the IRS about it" thread
Title: Re: Tax returns
Post by: 420seriouscat69 on January 13, 2014, 04:14:33 PM
this is inadvertently a kinda enjoyable "what is my income/how much am i willing to lie to the IRS about it" thread
I've learned a lot today. Thanks everyone. I'm getting too old to be naive about taxes this time of season.
Title: Re: Tax returns
Post by: ShellShock on January 13, 2014, 04:17:21 PM
this is inadvertently a kinda enjoyable "what is my income/how much am i willing to lie to the IRS about it" thread

Uncle Sam has his hands too far into all of our pockets as it is...no reason for him to see a little side income that I have as he takes 25%+ from every paycheck anyways...

Disclaimer: If anyone has other tax evasion tactics, i'm all ears.
Title: Re: Tax returns
Post by: sys on January 13, 2014, 04:18:27 PM
Why shouldn't it?  I think the need for justification why it's the way it is outweighs the need for justification for my preference for change.

we generally have a moderately progressive tax scheme where we expect people to pay increasingly greater percentages of their income as tax at higher income levels.
Title: Re: Tax returns
Post by: treysolid on January 13, 2014, 04:24:35 PM
aw, crap.
Title: Re: Tax returns
Post by: Tobias on January 13, 2014, 04:27:46 PM
i abide by the rules when doing my taxes.  america and all that.
Title: Re: Tax returns
Post by: Emo EMAW on January 13, 2014, 04:29:46 PM
Why shouldn't it?  I think the need for justification why it's the way it is outweighs the need for justification for my preference for change.

we generally have a moderately progressive tax scheme where we expect people to pay increasingly greater percentages of their income as tax at higher income levels.

And they already do on the income side.  It's a double KITN to do it on deductions. 
Title: Re: Tax returns
Post by: Willesgirl on January 13, 2014, 04:30:53 PM
I use Turbo Tax, but not the free one. Rental properties (and some other things) aren't addressed on the free one, so I pay for it. Still a lot cheaper than paying an accountant.
Title: Re: Tax returns
Post by: 420seriouscat69 on January 13, 2014, 04:36:50 PM
I use Turbo Tax, but not the free one. Rental properties (and some other things) aren't addressed on the free one, so I pay for it. Still a lot cheaper than paying an accountant.
Don't you get a break this year being married now? Not sure how it works. I know kids help.
Title: Re: Tax returns
Post by: mocat on January 13, 2014, 04:38:25 PM
I use Turbo Tax, but not the free one. Rental properties (and some other things) aren't addressed on the free one, so I pay for it. Still a lot cheaper than paying an accountant.
Don't you get a break this year being married now? Not sure how it works. I know kids help.

it's like watching A Beautiful Mind without all the genius math parts
Title: Re: Tax returns
Post by: sys on January 13, 2014, 04:46:17 PM
And they already do on the income side.  It's a double KITN to do it on deductions.

it's a consistent philosophy.  people go crazy about increases/decreases to marginal rates so legislators wanting to eff with the tax code are almost forced to do so with deductions, etc.  voters tend to mostly ignore those.
Title: Re: Tax returns
Post by: sys on January 13, 2014, 04:48:50 PM
aw, crap.

you probably still made the right decision.  pay into the roth when your income is relatively low, switch to traditional if you hit higher marginal rates.   convert your traditional ira to a roth in any years where you have lower income again and have space before hitting higher marginal rates.
Title: Re: Tax returns
Post by: Trim on January 13, 2014, 04:50:49 PM
I use Turbo Tax, but not the free one. Rental properties (and some other things) aren't addressed on the free one, so I pay for it. Still a lot cheaper than paying an accountant.
Don't you get a break this year being married now? Not sure how it works. I know kids help.

it's like watching A Beautiful Mind without all the genius math parts

:lol:

You can hide behind me anytime, mocat.
Title: Re: Tax returns
Post by: star seed 7 on January 13, 2014, 04:53:50 PM
i have a serious tax question, but i don't really want to ask it because i think some of the resident tax too cool for schoolers would laugh at me. what kind of place has this become?   :frown:
Title: Re: Tax returns
Post by: puniraptor on January 13, 2014, 04:58:43 PM
i have a serious tax question, but i don't really want to ask it because i think some of the resident tax too cool for schoolers would laugh at me. what kind of place has this become?   :frown:

do it
Title: Re: Tax returns
Post by: michigancat on January 13, 2014, 04:59:31 PM
i have a serious tax question, but i don't really want to ask it because i think some of the resident tax too cool for schoolers would laugh at me. what kind of place has this become?   :frown:

grow up and ask your question.
Title: Re: Tax returns
Post by: michigancat on January 13, 2014, 05:00:19 PM
It isn't a lack of knowledge that will get you mocked, it's a proud display of knowledge that is completely incorrect.
Title: Re: Tax returns
Post by: Willesgirl on January 13, 2014, 05:02:18 PM
I use Turbo Tax, but not the free one. Rental properties (and some other things) aren't addressed on the free one, so I pay for it. Still a lot cheaper than paying an accountant.
Don't you get a break this year being married now? Not sure how it works. I know kids help.

We haven't filed yet, so I have no idea. I'm guessing we're going to get screwed because we both have pretty decent incomes. No kids so no good deductions.
Title: Re: Tax returns
Post by: steve dave on January 13, 2014, 05:13:09 PM
I have a very, very good accountant. Business gets handled.
Title: Re: Tax returns
Post by: Dugout DickStone on January 13, 2014, 05:16:35 PM
I use Turbo Tax, but not the free one. Rental properties (and some other things) aren't addressed on the free one, so I pay for it. Still a lot cheaper than paying an accountant.
Don't you get a break this year being married now? Not sure how it works. I know kids help.

We haven't filed yet, so I have no idea. I'm guessing we're going to get screwed because we both have pretty decent incomes. No kids so no good deductions.

Kids are just mediocre deductions.  mortgage interest on the other hand
Title: Re: Tax returns
Post by: michigancat on January 13, 2014, 05:38:55 PM
I use Turbo Tax, but not the free one. Rental properties (and some other things) aren't addressed on the free one, so I pay for it. Still a lot cheaper than paying an accountant.
Don't you get a break this year being married now? Not sure how it works. I know kids help.

We haven't filed yet, so I have no idea. I'm guessing we're going to get screwed because we both have pretty decent incomes. No kids so no good deductions.

Kids are just mediocre deductions.  mortgage interest on the other hand

depends on if you're willesgirl rich or limestone outcropping rich
Title: Re: Tax returns
Post by: sys on January 13, 2014, 05:40:56 PM
Kids are just mediocre deductions.  mortgage interest on the other hand

hey emo, are you outraged that the rich and coastal urban dwellers get these huge mortgage interest deductions and poor, middle class and midwestern get less?
Title: Re: Tax returns
Post by: chum1 on January 13, 2014, 05:46:17 PM
Kids aren't deductions.  They're credits.  No wonder you people require software.
Title: Re: Tax returns
Post by: sys on January 13, 2014, 06:20:49 PM
Kids aren't deductions.  They're credits.

liabilities, actually.
Title: Re: Tax returns
Post by: Rage Against the McKee on January 13, 2014, 06:22:08 PM
Kids are just mediocre deductions.  mortgage interest on the other hand

hey emo, are you outraged that the rich and coastal urban dwellers get these huge mortgage interest deductions and poor, middle class and midwestern get less?

It seems like the poor and middle class should at least be able to deduct interest on credit cards and auto loans if the system were fair.
Title: Re: Tax returns
Post by: Trim on January 13, 2014, 07:32:01 PM
I also use BITB, CPA.
Title: Re: Tax returns
Post by: Emo EMAW on January 13, 2014, 09:48:22 PM
Kids are just mediocre deductions.  mortgage interest on the other hand

hey emo, are you outraged that the rich and coastal urban dwellers get these huge mortgage interest deductions and poor, middle class and midwestern get less?

When was I ever outraged about anything?

Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Tax returns
Post by: sys on January 13, 2014, 09:53:53 PM
When was I ever outraged about anything?

never, for as long as i've known you.  an emotionless simulacrum of a human being.
Title: Re: Tax returns
Post by: Emo EMAW on January 13, 2014, 09:54:40 PM
Anger isn't binary brah.

Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Tax returns
Post by: lopakman on January 14, 2014, 08:24:52 AM
Kids aren't deductions.  They're credits.  No wonder you people require software.

This and it's only $1000 per kid and the credit starts phasing out at $110,000.  I guess if you're poor it's pretty cool.  I think we got a couple hundred dollars one year and have been phased out since.  Also, with the child care tax credit you can only claim up to 6k in expenses for two or more kids.  Our childcare expenses in 2013 were just under 20k. 
Title: Re: Tax returns
Post by: 420seriouscat69 on January 14, 2014, 09:35:14 AM
I love how some ppl act like they make "SO MUCH $" on this board at times.

Pro tip: You're not poor if you're making 40k or higher. And by saying that, does not reflect my current salary, just saying, I think that's the salary that draws the line. Of course making higher is alway better tho. However, grats, lopa.
Title: Re: Tax returns
Post by: _33 on January 14, 2014, 09:39:07 AM
I love how some ppl act like they make "SO MUCH $" on this board at times. I make a lot too btw, just saying.

Title: Re: Tax returns
Post by: XocolateThundarr on January 14, 2014, 09:48:46 AM
I'm so broke I can't even pay attention.  :frown:
Title: Re: Tax returns
Post by: lopakman on January 14, 2014, 09:49:54 AM
I love how some ppl act like they make "SO MUCH $" on this board at times.

Pro tip: You're not poor if you're making 40k or higher. And by saying that, does not reflect my current salary, just saying, I think that's the salary that draws the line. Of course making higher is alway better tho. However, grats, lopa.

I think you and I have different definitions of poor.  But then again when I was your age I was married with a kid on the way, so responsibilities you know.  Can't really support a family on 40k.
Title: Re: Tax returns
Post by: Emo EMAW on January 14, 2014, 09:50:49 AM
So hypothetically if someone had a rental property in an LLC...how many years could that LLC go making almost no money before it raised red flags with the IRS?
Title: Re: Tax returns
Post by: chum1 on January 14, 2014, 09:56:09 AM
I love how some ppl act like they make "SO MUCH $" on this board at times.

Pro tip: You're not poor if you're making 40k or higher. And by saying that, does not reflect my current salary, just saying, I think that's the salary that draws the line. Of course making higher is alway better tho. However, grats, lopa.

I think you and I have different definitions of poor.  But then again when I was your age I was married with a kid on the way, so responsibilities you know.  Can't really support a family on 40k.

How many people would be shocked to learn this?  200 million?
Title: Re: Tax returns
Post by: 420seriouscat69 on January 14, 2014, 09:57:07 AM
I love how some ppl act like they make "SO MUCH $" on this board at times.

Pro tip: You're not poor if you're making 40k or higher. And by saying that, does not reflect my current salary, just saying, I think that's the salary that draws the line. Of course making higher is alway better tho. However, grats, lopa.

I think you and I have different definitions of poor.  But then again when I was your age I was married with a kid on the way, so responsibilities you know.  Can't really support a family on 40k.
That's fair and a good point. I guess i'm in the mode where I want to pay my bills right now and have enough extra to travel to cats game when I want to. I do see this changing as I get older and think about marriage, family, house, etc.
Title: Re: Tax returns
Post by: michigancat on January 14, 2014, 10:33:20 AM
I love how some ppl act like they make "SO MUCH $" on this board at times.

Pro tip: You're not poor if you're making 40k or higher. And by saying that, does not reflect my current salary, just saying, I think that's the salary that draws the line. Of course making higher is alway better tho. However, grats, lopa.

I think you and I have different definitions of poor.  But then again when I was your age I was married with a kid on the way, so responsibilities you know.  Can't really support a family on 40k.

How many people would be shocked to learn this?  200 million?

You can easily raise a family for under 40k in the US, but possibly not with the privileged lifestyle everyone here enjoyed.
Title: Re: Tax returns
Post by: michigancat on January 14, 2014, 10:33:45 AM
Also, fanning, didn't you brag about making $100k at your last job?
Title: Re: Tax returns
Post by: 420seriouscat69 on January 14, 2014, 10:40:14 AM
Also, fanning, didn't you brag about making $100k at your last job?
I said it had potential to, before I got let go, I was on pace to, and that was just to shut up carnes about my student debt. I obviously fell into his troll trap.
Title: Re: Tax returns
Post by: lopakman on January 14, 2014, 10:59:15 AM
I love how some ppl act like they make "SO MUCH $" on this board at times.

Pro tip: You're not poor if you're making 40k or higher. And by saying that, does not reflect my current salary, just saying, I think that's the salary that draws the line. Of course making higher is alway better tho. However, grats, lopa.

I think you and I have different definitions of poor.  But then again when I was your age I was married with a kid on the way, so responsibilities you know.  Can't really support a family on 40k.

How many people would be shocked to learn this?  200 million?

You can easily raise a family for under 40k in the US, but possibly not with the privileged lifestyle everyone here enjoyed.

Yes, I should have said I would hate to raise a family on 40k.  Also, the people that are raising families on 40k probably don't think it's that easy. 
Title: Re: Tax returns
Post by: Dugout DickStone on January 14, 2014, 11:07:54 AM
I also use BITB, CPA.

3 of us.
Title: Re: Tax returns
Post by: The_Wippuh on January 14, 2014, 11:21:27 AM
40k a year is a lot more than you think.  You can live on that pretty easily to be honest.  Even afford a nice mortgage.

Here's a sample budget of what it may cost to live comfortably
$1200 mortgage
$200 power
$150 car gas
$600 groceries
$100 phones
$75 gas
$100 car insurance
$75 misc utilities (water, trash, etc...)

That simple little budget, which could be cut tighter in some areas probably, is $2500 a month, which is $30,000.  That's probably leaves you a little left after taxes, not totally sure.  Then you could build in some clothes, tv, internet, etc....  If you're in an apartment, you could do a little more.  The problem comes in with ill advised car payments (you can't afford a brand new Camry on that) and other stupid stuff like financing items you don't truly don't need.

40k/26 pay periods = $1538/80 hours = ~$19.23/hr.  This just kind of gives you a reference.  Lots of people on here would perk up at the idea of $20/hr for a job.

Are you going to "get ahead" on the above, probably not.

The problem comes in when you're a single parent with no education, making slightly above minimum wage at a dead end job.
 
$10/hr * 80hrs = 800 * 26 pay periods = $20,800/year.  That is rough.
Title: Re: Tax returns
Post by: felix rex on January 14, 2014, 11:30:43 AM
I feel sad for people grinding it out in used Camrys.


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Title: Re: Tax returns
Post by: mocat on January 14, 2014, 11:33:57 AM
40k a year is a lot more than you think.  You can live on that pretty easily to be honest.  Even afford a nice mortgage.

Here's a sample budget of what it may cost to live comfortably
$1200 mortgage
$200 power
$150 car gas
$600 groceries
$100 phones
$75 gas
$100 car insurance
$75 misc utilities (water, trash, etc...)

That simple little budget, which could be cut tighter in some areas probably, is $2500 a month, which is $30,000.  That's probably leaves you a little left after taxes, not totally sure.  Then you could build in some clothes, tv, internet, etc....  If you're in an apartment, you could do a little more.  The problem comes in with ill advised car payments (you can't afford a brand new Camry on that) and other stupid stuff like financing items you don't truly don't need.

40k/26 pay periods = $1538/80 hours = ~$19.23/hr.  This just kind of gives you a reference.  Lots of people on here would perk up at the idea of $20/hr for a job.

Are you going to "get ahead" on the above, probably not.

The problem comes in when you're a single parent with no education, making slightly above minimum wage at a dead end job.
 
$10/hr * 80hrs = 800 * 26 pay periods = $20,800/year.  That is rough.

if you make $40k you bring home less than $30k after taxes numbnuts
Title: Re: Tax returns
Post by: michigancat on January 14, 2014, 11:38:17 AM
yeah a $1200 mortgage is probably pretty high for someone making $40k
Title: Re: Tax returns
Post by: Dugout DickStone on January 14, 2014, 11:40:15 AM
So hypothetically if someone had a rental property in an LLC...how many years could that LLC go making almost no money before it raised red flags with the IRS?

pretty long
Title: Re: Tax returns
Post by: 420seriouscat69 on January 14, 2014, 11:40:57 AM
My side job (for fun), is all cash. I LOVE IT! Uh oh, my buddy who I work for reads this board, maybe I shouldn't have reported that.  :D
Title: Re: Tax returns
Post by: The Tonya Harding of Twitter Users Creep on January 14, 2014, 11:45:09 AM
 :lol: at people thinking they'll get audited.
Title: Re: Tax returns
Post by: schreds21 on January 14, 2014, 11:46:21 AM
40k a year is a lot more than you think.  You can live on that pretty easily to be honest.  Even afford a nice mortgage.

Here's a sample budget of what it may cost to live comfortably
$1200 mortgage
$200 power
$150 car gas
$600 groceries
$100 phones
$75 gas
$100 car insurance
$75 misc utilities (water, trash, etc...)

That simple little budget, which could be cut tighter in some areas probably, is $2500 a month, which is $30,000.  That's probably leaves you a little left after taxes, not totally sure.  Then you could build in some clothes, tv, internet, etc....  If you're in an apartment, you could do a little more.  The problem comes in with ill advised car payments (you can't afford a brand new Camry on that) and other stupid stuff like financing items you don't truly don't need.

40k/26 pay periods = $1538/80 hours = ~$19.23/hr.  This just kind of gives you a reference.  Lots of people on here would perk up at the idea of $20/hr for a job.

Are you going to "get ahead" on the above, probably not.

The problem comes in when you're a single parent with no education, making slightly above minimum wage at a dead end job.
 
$10/hr * 80hrs = 800 * 26 pay periods = $20,800/year.  That is rough.

if you make $40k you bring home less than $30k after taxes numbnuts
Not to mention deductions for health ins., 401k/Roth/other retirement plans, any other voluntary deducts.
Title: Re: Tax returns
Post by: 420seriouscat69 on January 14, 2014, 11:46:34 AM
Also, my buddy (former coworker) makes a crap load of money playing poker every year. He won a tournament on fox sports last year in Vegas. Anyways, he reports it all. I find that kind of weird, but if you're on tv I guess that makes sense..
Title: Re: Tax returns
Post by: Emo EMAW on January 14, 2014, 11:50:50 AM
So hypothetically if someone had a rental property in an LLC...how many years could that LLC go making almost no money before it raised red flags with the IRS?

pretty long

 :thumbs: :thumbs:
Title: Re: Tax returns
Post by: sys on January 14, 2014, 11:55:50 AM
if you make $40k you bring home less than $30k after taxes numbnuts

married couple with 40k between them?  pretty sure that isn't true.  not in most states at any rate.
Title: Re: Tax returns
Post by: Pendergast on January 14, 2014, 11:57:46 AM
So hypothetically if someone had a rental property in an LLC...how many years could that LLC go making almost no money before it raised red flags with the IRS?

pretty long

 :thumbs: :thumbs:

You have to do it correctly.  Are you amortizing the depreciation of the structure?  Are you placing additional funds (potential profit) into accounts for repairs/maintenance/upgrades?  Are you leaving the funds in an account under the LLC or your name?  If you're taking the profit and putting it in your personal account, the answer is not long, and you'll be in deep crap soon.  If you leave it under the LLC, you have to 'hide' it appropriately, and there are legal ways to do so, with the right CPA.

If you have a rental property, you should consider finding a CPA experienced in this area, make sure you ask them if they prepare returns for other rental property owners.  Ideally they will have a few clients that are very wealthy, meaning they know all the tricks.  You should also keep buying them whenever possible.  Fastest way to wealth for most people.
Title: Re: Tax returns
Post by: 420seriouscat69 on January 14, 2014, 12:02:02 PM
Do you guys report winnings from a casino? Don't you think that ppl that do are weird?  :dunno:
Title: Re: Tax returns
Post by: Emo EMAW on January 14, 2014, 12:03:42 PM
So hypothetically if someone had a rental property in an LLC...how many years could that LLC go making almost no money before it raised red flags with the IRS?

pretty long

 :thumbs: :thumbs:

You have to do it correctly.  Are you amortizing the depreciation of the structure?  Are you placing additional funds (potential profit) into accounts for repairs/maintenance/upgrades?  Are you leaving the funds in an account under the LLC or your name?  If you're taking the profit and putting it in your personal account, the answer is not long, and you'll be in deep crap soon.  If you leave it under the LLC, you have to 'hide' it appropriately, and there are legal ways to do so, with the right CPA.

If you have a rental property, you should consider finding a CPA experienced in this area, make sure you ask them if they prepare returns for other rental property owners.  Ideally they will have a few clients that are very wealthy, meaning they know all the tricks.  You should also keep buying them whenever possible.  Fastest way to wealth for most people.

Basically I want to take any profit and put it into my current house but make it appear it was spent on the rental. 
Title: Re: Tax returns
Post by: steve dave on January 14, 2014, 12:35:45 PM
Do you guys report winnings from a casino? Don't you think that ppl that do are weird?  :dunno:

vegas casinos will force you to pay taxes on anything over $5k. your buddy writes off all of his winnings by also reporting his losses though.
Title: Re: Tax returns
Post by: chum1 on January 14, 2014, 12:36:12 PM
I love how some ppl act like they make "SO MUCH $" on this board at times.

Pro tip: You're not poor if you're making 40k or higher. And by saying that, does not reflect my current salary, just saying, I think that's the salary that draws the line. Of course making higher is alway better tho. However, grats, lopa.

I think you and I have different definitions of poor.  But then again when I was your age I was married with a kid on the way, so responsibilities you know.  Can't really support a family on 40k.

How many people would be shocked to learn this?  200 million?

You can easily raise a family for under 40k in the US, but possibly not with the privileged lifestyle everyone here enjoyed.

Yes, I should have said I would hate to raise a family on 40k.  Also, the people that are raising families on 40k probably don't think it's that easy.

I thought we were talking about individuals making that amount, not households, in which case your standard for poor is way, way off. 
Title: Re: Tax returns
Post by: 420seriouscat69 on January 14, 2014, 12:41:10 PM
Do you guys report winnings from a casino? Don't you think that ppl that do are weird?  :dunno:

vegas casinos will force you to pay taxes on anything over $5k. your buddy writes off all of his winnings by also reporting his losses though.
Interesting. Thanks for the knowledge.
Title: Re: Tax returns
Post by: Gooch on January 14, 2014, 01:00:13 PM
I use Turbo Tax, but not the free one. Rental properties (and some other things) aren't addressed on the free one, so I pay for it. Still a lot cheaper than paying an accountant.
When did Fanning become a slum lord?
Title: Re: Tax returns
Post by: felix rex on January 14, 2014, 01:10:12 PM
I picture "do my own taxes guy" like a Jeremiah Johnson. I guess that's one way to live. 


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Title: Re: Tax returns
Post by: yoEMAW on January 14, 2014, 01:28:54 PM
I also use BITB, CPA.

3 4 of us.

Pretty sure I also use steve dave's CPA a.k.a. "Accountant to the Mods."
Title: Re: Tax returns
Post by: pissclams on January 14, 2014, 01:32:17 PM
steve dave's CPA has a webmail internet security issue, i wouldn't trust him/her.
Title: Re: Tax returns
Post by: puniraptor on January 14, 2014, 01:46:17 PM
I picture "do my own taxes guy" like a Jeremiah Johnson. I guess that's one way to live. 


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I've always been pretty jealous of that kingstud.
Title: Re: Tax returns
Post by: yoEMAW on January 14, 2014, 07:43:18 PM
steve dave's CPA has a webmail internet security issue, i wouldn't trust him/her.

 :Wha:

That makes five!
Title: Re: Tax returns
Post by: WonderMeal on January 14, 2014, 09:11:10 PM
This is the kind of thread that makes me ask for goEMAW Premium gift cards for Christmas every year.

So hypothetically if someone had a rental property in an LLC...how many years could that LLC go making almost no money before it raised red flags with the IRS?

Someone please answer Emo EMAW's question, TIA.

Also, let's say you had a Canadian Friend who owned a rental property that wasn't in an LLC*. (Not ideal, I know.) How could this friend pay as little tax as possible?

PAGING CPACatz
*The rental property is not in Canada, it's in the US.