Archive for February, 2009
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I came across a great article the had some very useful tips to help you maximize your tax deductions if you haven’t filled your taxes this year. Below are 5 of the 14 overlooked ways to slash your taxes provided by Wallet Pop…
- If You’re Going Green …
If you made an effort to go “green” in 2008, Uncle Sam wants to put a few extra dollars in your pocket. Unlike deductions against your income, these are actual tax credits … so again every penny ends up in your pocket. Probably the biggest tax credit — between $200 and $3,500 — comes from purchasing a new hybrid vehicle. The weight of the vehicle and how much fuel it saves will have an impact on the size of your tax credit. A new energy-efficient roof for your home can also generate a tax credit of up to $500. If you bought new energy-efficient appliances for your home, these can generate tax savings, too. - If You Pay PMI …
When you take out a first mortgage with less than 20% down, you pay a monthly private mortgage insurance (PMI). If you took your mortgage on or after January 1, 2007, that PMI expense is now deductible. Simply use Line 13 on Schedule A — the same form that you use to deduct mortgage interest and property taxes. Your lender should make this easy by telling you the amount of your PMI premium in Box 4 of your Form 1098. This deduction is scheduled to disappear after 2010, so make the most of it while it lasts! - If You Lost Your Job …
Did you look for a job in 2008? If you looked for a job in the same field and at the same level as the one you left, you might be able to deduct your job search expenses as “miscellaneous itemized tax deductions.” And even if didn’t get the job, your expenses may still be deductible. Possible deductions include agency fees, resume preparation, advertising, postage, long-distance phone calls, and travel. You can claim these job-seeking expenses as long as the amount of all miscellaneous itemized tax deductions is more than 2% of your adjusted gross income (AGI). - Tax Preparation Fees
That’s right… ANY costs pertaining to tax planning. These are easy to forget because they really fall under the category of “miscellaneous” itemized expenses. You can write off your tax preparation fees, plus portions of any legal or accounting fees related to your taxes. Meaning if you sat down with an attorney to review your estate, and you spent a part of that time reviewing the tax implications, that time would be tax deductible. - If You’re a Working Parent…
This one is a tax CREDIT, not a deduction. (A tax credit actually reduces your tax bill dollar for dollar.) If you pay for childcare, including daycare or nanny services, you can reduce your taxes up to $3K for a single child or up to $6K for two or more children under the age of 13. The amount of the credit ranges from 20 to 35% of your child care costs, depending on your gross income. For example, if your income is $43K or more, you can claim a 20% credit on your childcare costs. So if you have one child and you spend $8K a year in childcare costs, you can save 20% off the first $3K — or $600. As always, certain “rules” apply.
If you haven’t filed your taxes yet there are tons of places in and around your area that stay open late so you can get them done. In addition to not having your taxes done yet here is a site offering to pay up to $250 towards the preparation of them.
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The demo for the new HALO Wars can be downloaded at the Xbox Marketplace. The game can be placed into you download que so when you login into xbox live through your xbox you can then download the game. Here’s a bit of information about the HALO Wars game demo…
Halo Wars is a strategy game based on the legendary Halo® universe. Command entire armies of Spartans, Warthogs and more into combat as you join the crew of the “Spirit of Fire” to battle the alien Covenant. Designed from the ground up for the Xbox 360, Halo Wars let you effortlessly command powerful armies in epic battles. (via Xbox.com)
Looking for some HALO Wars downloadable themes and gamer picture packs?
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The new Grand Theft Auto 4 Downloadable Expansion Pack 1 — The Lost and Damned looks to be a really good add on for GTA IV. Here is a bit of information about the expansion pack scheduled to be released on February 17, 2009..
Continue to chase the American dream with the first downloadable expansion pack to the blockbuster fourth Grand Theft Auto franchise entry. Developed by series creator Rockstar North and set in Liberty City, The Lost and Damned features a new main character and plot that intersects with the storyline of Grand Theft Auto IV. Also in this expansion pack are new missions offering an entirely fresh way to explore Liberty City, new multiplayer modes, weapons and vehicles, and a diverse soundtrack with additional music — all with the incredible production values that are the trademarks of Grand Theft Auto. (via IGN.com)
The Grand Theft Auto IV: The Lost and Damned expansion pack is available as a downloadable product on Xbox Live Arcade. Gamers can also keep an eye out for Xbox Live Marketplace token cards available at select retail outlets.
Here is some thing else that is pretty exciting about the upcoming release…
“To celebrate the launch of this exciting new adventure in Liberty City, Xbox and Rockstar Games are bringing you The Lost and Damned LIVE Week, with exclusive contests and great prizes, plus the chance to experience the new multiplayer modes free of charge for all LIVE members throughout the LIVE week, including during the Game with Rockstar and Game with Fame events.” Check out the Grand Theft Auto IV: The Lost and Damned calendar of events page for more information about “Live Week“.
Came across these pretty sweet designer vinyl toys known as the 123KLAN… Visit the Behance gallery for more information
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