Clearing the fog of common mistakes

Derive happiness in oneself from a good day’s work, from illuminating the fog that surrounds us. – Henri Matisse This is the time of year, during which we get to do exactly what Monsieur Matisse, up there, advises. We clear the fog of the (unnecessarily, in my opinion) burdensome pile of forms and regulations which form our tax process. Yes, … Read More

Clearing the fog of common mistakes

An easy add-on to your tax preparation process

“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” – John Fitzgerald Kennedy As I wrote a couple weeks ago, the start of the year is pretty important, in my opinion. And the LAST thing you need is to be stressed over finances. Yet that’s, unfortunately, … Read More

An easy add-on to your tax preparation process

Now what?

“It’s income tax time again, Americans: time to gather up those receipts, get out those tax forms, sharpen up that pencil, and stab yourself in the aorta.” – Dave Barry Every year, around this time, I find myself blogging about “procrastination” and its dangers, as well as observations from tax season thus far. But this year is different. I’m writing … Read More

Now what?

Just making sure…

“Obstacles don’t have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don’t turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it.” – Michael Jordan Well, we’re nearing the home stretch in tax season. Since the deadline for individuals (April 15th) is just under a month out, we’ve been “packing them … Read More

Just making sure…

Audit-proof your life

“The past does not define you, the present does.” – Jillian Michaels I hope your weekend went well–our family has been enjoying the Olympics, and, in particular, many of the stories which go with it. If you’ve paid any attention, you probably heard about American, Lindsey Vonn. She’s known as perhaps the world’s top female skier having dominated the World … Read More

Audit-proof your life

Valentine’s Day follow-up

“Lots of people want to ride with you in the limo, but what you want is someone who will take the bus when the limo breaks down.” – Oprah Winfrey So, this is the big question of the week: how did Valentine’s go? Some say it’s a “Hallmark Holiday”, but well–some spouses think otherwise, right? Well, if you blew it, … Read More

Valentine’s Day follow-up

Don’t forget the love

“Character is doing the right thing when nobody’s looking. There are too many people who think that the only thing that’s right is to get by, and the only thing that’s wrong is to get caught.” – J.C. Watts Well, I wanted to start off by giving you a little “nudge” to make sure you at least *remembered* that the … Read More

Don’t forget the love

The best presents for the season (not what you think)

“If you haven’t any charity in your heart, you have the worst kind of heart trouble.” – Bob Hope Well, my family is deep into the holiday season. No matter your religious persuasion, it’s pretty difficult to avoid the non-stop merchant clamor to “buy stuff” in order to properly celebrate what started as a spiritual season. And yes, I’m a … Read More

The best presents for the season (not what you think)

Turns Out You Might Get Taxed, After All…

“Morale is when your hands and feet keep on working when your head says it can’t be done.” – Benjamin Morrell As you know, from previous notes we’ve exchanged, I really do try to steer clear of political disputes. My clients hail from all sides of the political spectrum, and it does me no good to tick off a bunch … Read More

Turns Out You Might Get Taxed, After All…

There ARE Some Shady Tax Pros Out There

“A lot of people like to do certain things, but they’re not that good at it. Keep going through the things that you like to do, until you find something that you actually seem to be extremely good at. It can be anything.” – George Lucas This subject came up in a note I wrote in mid-June, and the topic … Read More

There ARE Some Shady Tax Pros Out There