I noticed someone ( Julie ?) had mentioned she had helped someone with their taxes. Just wanted to mention that AARP does taxes every year for FREE for any one, it does not matter what age or income you are. There are a few exceptions to what they will do, but they are few. Look oin the newspaper next year to see where they do them.Of course it is a little early to be thinkingof this but tax time will be here begore you know it.
Rosie

On Wed, 13 Jun 2012 09:13:08 -0700 (PDT), rosie >
wrote:

> I noticed someone ( Julie ?) had mentioned she had helped someone with their taxes. Just wanted to mention that AARP does taxes every year for FREE for any one, it does not matter what age or income you are. There are a few exceptions to what they will do, but they are few. Look oin the newspaper next year to see where they do them.Of course it is a little early to be thinkingof this but tax time will be here begore you know it.
> Rosie

Good to know, thanks. Please turn on your line wrap.

--
Food is an important part of a balanced diet.

rosie wrote:
> I noticed someone ( Julie ?) had mentioned she had helped someone
> with their taxes. Just wanted to mention that AARP does taxes every
> year for FREE for any one, it does not matter what age or income you
> are. There are a few exceptions to what they will do, but they are
> few. Look oin the newspaper next year to see where they do them.Of
> course it is a little early to be thinkingof this but tax time will
> be here begore you know it.
> Rosie

Wasn't me. Unless there is another Julie. I use Turbo Tax. Used to be
free for military people but it's not any more. I can't see why anyone
would need help. It's pretty self explainatory.

sf wrote:
> On Wed, 13 Jun 2012 09:13:08 -0700 (PDT), rosie >
> wrote:
>
>> I noticed someone ( Julie ?) had mentioned she had helped someone
>> with their taxes. Just wanted to mention that AARP does taxes every
>> year for FREE for any one, it does not matter what age or income you
>> are. There are a few exceptions to what they will do, but they are
>> few. Look oin the newspaper next year to see where they do them.Of
>> course it is a little early to be thinkingof this but tax time will
>> be here begore you know it. Rosie
>
> Good to know, thanks. Please turn on your line wrap.

I don't think that is something that people can turn on or off. But I could
be wrong.

On Wed, 13 Jun 2012 21:25:30 -0700, "Julie Bove"
> wrote:

> sf wrote:
> > On Wed, 13 Jun 2012 09:13:08 -0700 (PDT), rosie >
> > wrote:
> >
> >> I noticed someone ( Julie ?) had mentioned she had helped someone
> >> with their taxes. Just wanted to mention that AARP does taxes every
> >> year for FREE for any one, it does not matter what age or income you
> >> are. There are a few exceptions to what they will do, but they are
> >> few. Look oin the newspaper next year to see where they do them.Of
> >> course it is a little early to be thinkingof this but tax time will
> >> be here begore you know it. Rosie
> >
> > Good to know, thanks. Please turn on your line wrap.
>
> I don't think that is something that people can turn on or off. But I could
> be wrong.
>
My news reader has it.

--
Food is an important part of a balanced diet.

On Wed, 13 Jun 2012 21:48:40 -0700, sf > wrote:

> On Wed, 13 Jun 2012 21:25:30 -0700, "Julie Bove"
> > wrote:
>
> > sf wrote:
> > > On Wed, 13 Jun 2012 09:13:08 -0700 (PDT), rosie >
> > > wrote:
> > >
> > >> I noticed someone ( Julie ?) had mentioned she had helped someone
> > >> with their taxes. Just wanted to mention that AARP does taxes every
> > >> year for FREE for any one, it does not matter what age or income you
> > >> are. There are a few exceptions to what they will do, but they are
> > >> few. Look oin the newspaper next year to see where they do them.Of
> > >> course it is a little early to be thinkingof this but tax time will
> > >> be here begore you know it. Rosie
> > >
> > > Good to know, thanks. Please turn on your line wrap.
> >
> > I don't think that is something that people can turn on or off. But I could
> > be wrong.
> >
> My news reader has it.

Sorry, I was wrong... my news reader can limit characters per line.

--
Food is an important part of a balanced diet.

"sf" > wrote in message
...
> On Wed, 13 Jun 2012 21:25:30 -0700, "Julie Bove"
> > wrote:
>
>> sf wrote:
>> > On Wed, 13 Jun 2012 09:13:08 -0700 (PDT), rosie >
>> > wrote:
>> >
>> >> I noticed someone ( Julie ?) had mentioned she had helped someone
>> >> with their taxes. Just wanted to mention that AARP does taxes every
>> >> year for FREE for any one, it does not matter what age or income you
>> >> are. There are a few exceptions to what they will do, but they are
>> >> few. Look oin the newspaper next year to see where they do them.Of
>> >> course it is a little early to be thinkingof this but tax time will
>> >> be here begore you know it. Rosie
>> >
>> > Good to know, thanks. Please turn on your line wrap.
>>
>> I don't think that is something that people can turn on or off. But I
>> could
>> be wrong.
>>
> My news reader has it.

I don't think mine does.

On Jun 13, 11:49*pm, sf > wrote:
> On Wed, 13 Jun 2012 21:48:40 -0700, sf > wrote:
> > On Wed, 13 Jun 2012 21:25:30 -0700, "Julie Bove"
> > > wrote:
>
> > > sf wrote:
> > > > On Wed, 13 Jun 2012 09:13:08 -0700 (PDT), rosie >
> > > > wrote:
>
> > > >> I noticed someone ( Julie ?) had mentioned she had helped someone
> > > >> with their taxes. *Just wanted to mention that AARP does taxes every
> > > >> year for FREE for any one, it does not matter what age or income you
> > > >> are. There are a few exceptions to what they will do, but they are
> > > >> few. Look oin the newspaper next year to see where they do them.Of
> > > >> course it is a little early to be thinkingof this but *tax time will
> > > >> be here begore you know it. Rosie
>
> > > > Good to know, thanks. *Please turn on your line wrap.
>
> > > I don't think that is something that people can turn on or off. *But I could
> > > be wrong.
>
> > My news reader has it.
>
> Sorry, I was wrong... my news reader can limit characters per line.
>
> --
> Food is an important part of a balanced diet.

thank you

On Wed, 13 Jun 2012 21:24:45 -0700, "Julie Bove"
> wrote:


>
> I use Turbo Tax. Used to be
>free for military people but it's not any more. I can't see why anyone
>would need help. It's pretty self explainatory.
>

You've not seen much of the world then. I know of thousands of people
that cannot comprehend checkbooks, bank accounts, tax forms, etc. Take
a ride down the street, open your eyes, and you will see many of them.
I'd bet 90% of minimum wage workers cannot do the 1040EZ either on
line or on paper. They fall prey to overpriced tax services and that
is why I do the forms for some people for free.

One reason the problem exists is because of people like you that don't
know it exists and don't care to be of any help with it.

Ed Pawlowski wrote:
>"Julie Bove" wrote:
>
>> I use Turbo Tax. Used to be
>>free for military people but it's not any more. I can't see why anyone
>>would need help. It's pretty self explanatory.
>
>You've not seen much of the world then. I know of thousands of people
>that cannot comprehend checkbooks, bank accounts, tax forms, etc. Take
>a ride down the street, open your eyes, and you will see many of them.
>I'd bet 90% of minimum wage workers cannot do the 1040EZ either on
>line or on paper. They fall prey to overpriced tax services and that
>is why I do the forms for some people for free.
>
>One reason the problem exists is because of people like you that don't
>know it exists and don't care to be of any help with it.

For those who just need to file a short form there are many places
that will help someone file for free or for a minimal fee, most senior
citizen centers will have someone who will perform that service for no
charge or on a sliding scale based on ability to pay... many banks
will offer that service for free to their depositors. Those who need
to file taking deductions can almost always afford to pay for the
service out of their refund. The thing is most folks don't want
people they socialize with to know their business so rather than have
a friend/acquaintance prepare their taxes for free they pay a tax
service. I've been buying Turbo Tax for many years and do my own
taxes, couldn't be easier... I think anyone who has a computer can use
Turbo Tax... I've offered to do the taxes of people I know for free
but they always refuse, then they lie about their enormous refunds.

sf wrote:
>
> > > > Good to know, thanks. Please turn on your line wrap.

> > "Julie Bove" wrote:
> > > I don't think that is something that people can turn on or off. But I could
> > > be wrong.

>sf wrote:
> > My news reader has it.
> >
> > Sorry, I was wrong... my news reader can limit characters per line.

I did a little creative editing above but I got the quotes right.

My newsreader had 2 options for that.
One is what sf found out....I can limit characters per line.
Normal is 80 (I think) but I made mine 76 just to be safe.

My outgoing option is set to:
"Wrap outgoing, plain text messages at 76 characters."

My incoming message option has a check box to choose or not:
"Wrap incoming, plain text messages to window width."

I use a very old news reader so your's should have those options. Just
search through preferences or options in your news reader.

Gary

Ed Pawlowski wrote:
> On Wed, 13 Jun 2012 21:24:45 -0700, "Julie Bove"
> > wrote:
>
>
>>
>> I use Turbo Tax. Used to be
>> free for military people but it's not any more. I can't see why
>> anyone would need help. It's pretty self explainatory.
>>
>
> You've not seen much of the world then. I know of thousands of people
> that cannot comprehend checkbooks, bank accounts, tax forms, etc. Take
> a ride down the street, open your eyes, and you will see many of them.
> I'd bet 90% of minimum wage workers cannot do the 1040EZ either on
> line or on paper. They fall prey to overpriced tax services and that
> is why I do the forms for some people for free.
>
That's pretty insulting. I worked for less than minimum wage for a few
years when I was living on Cape Cod. Yes, I could have gotten a higher wage
job if I had left the Cape or even drove further down the Cape. But... The
job was more to give me something to do and less about the money. I didn't
really need the money then. So a person's wage has nothing to do with their
intelligence.

When I was first married, I did go to H & R Block to do the taxes only
because my husband said I should. He said I wouldn't know how to do them
because the military stuff would be confusing. But... The tax person there
didn't know how to use their computer and I had to show them how.

Then we moved to CA. Still went to H & R Block. That person did know how
to use the computer but didn't understand my husband's investments. I had
to help them input the information into the computer. So I was like...
Uh... Something is VERY wrong with this picture! They have some kind of
easy to use software. Now if I had that same software, *I* could do that.
I don't need THEM!

I don't know when they first came out with Turbotax or other at home
software but that was the first I was aware of it. Had I known sooner, I
probably would have turned to it sooner.

I do have a friend who does not have a computer and she has people she knows
do her taxes for her. Heck I would even do it for her if she lived closer,
but she doesn't.

I really do find it hard to believe that the vast majority can not file
taxes. It's truly not hard.

> One reason the problem exists is because of people like you that don't
> know it exists and don't care to be of any help with it.

I just said I would do my friend's taxes. My daughter is in Special Ed.
I'll bet *she* could do taxes. She can follow instructions.

Brooklyn1 wrote:
> Ed Pawlowski wrote:
>> "Julie Bove" wrote:
>>
>>> I use Turbo Tax. Used to be
>>> free for military people but it's not any more. I can't see why
>>> anyone would need help. It's pretty self explanatory.
>>
>> You've not seen much of the world then. I know of thousands of people
>> that cannot comprehend checkbooks, bank accounts, tax forms, etc.
>> Take a ride down the street, open your eyes, and you will see many
>> of them. I'd bet 90% of minimum wage workers cannot do the 1040EZ
>> either on line or on paper. They fall prey to overpriced tax
>> services and that is why I do the forms for some people for free.
>>
>> One reason the problem exists is because of people like you that
>> don't know it exists and don't care to be of any help with it.
>
> For those who just need to file a short form there are many places
> that will help someone file for free or for a minimal fee, most senior
> citizen centers will have someone who will perform that service for no
> charge or on a sliding scale based on ability to pay... many banks
> will offer that service for free to their depositors. Those who need
> to file taking deductions can almost always afford to pay for the
> service out of their refund. The thing is most folks don't want
> people they socialize with to know their business so rather than have
> a friend/acquaintance prepare their taxes for free they pay a tax
> service. I've been buying Turbo Tax for many years and do my own
> taxes, couldn't be easier... I think anyone who has a computer can use
> Turbo Tax... I've offered to do the taxes of people I know for free
> but they always refuse, then they lie about their enormous refunds.

Indeed! My dad is a senior and he uses Turbo Tax. The difference is that
he buys the software each year. I hate having sofware like that on my
computer. I just do it online. He is fearful to do stuff online. Not sure
why. Yes when you do it online you do have to download something and it is
on your computer but... I don't have to deal with a CD. I'm just a less is
more kind of person when it comes to stuff like that.

On Thu, 14 Jun 2012 19:16:23 -0700, "Julie Bove"
> wrote:



>>
>> You've not seen much of the world then. I know of thousands of people
>> that cannot comprehend checkbooks, bank accounts, tax forms, etc. Take
>> a ride down the street, open your eyes, and you will see many of them.
>> I'd bet 90% of minimum wage workers cannot do the 1040EZ either on
>> line or on paper. They fall prey to overpriced tax services and that
>> is why I do the forms for some people for free.
>>
>That's pretty insulting. I worked for less than minimum wage for a few
>years when I was living on Cape Cod.



You may think it insulting, but it is true. It is a FACT.

It does not make them bad people, they just don't have the ability to
do taxes. They have other talents and are good workers. I also know
many people with higher paying jobs that can't do their own taxes, but
it is probably less than the 90% of the others.

What is insulting was your remark that anyone can follow the
instructions. They can't. Both our tax system and educational system
need an overhaul.

Ed Pawlowski wrote:
> On Thu, 14 Jun 2012 19:16:23 -0700, "Julie Bove"
> > wrote:
>
>
>
>>>
>>> You've not seen much of the world then. I know of thousands of
>>> people that cannot comprehend checkbooks, bank accounts, tax forms,
>>> etc. Take a ride down the street, open your eyes, and you will see
>>> many of them. I'd bet 90% of minimum wage workers cannot do the
>>> 1040EZ either on line or on paper. They fall prey to overpriced
>>> tax services and that is why I do the forms for some people for
>>> free.
>>>
>> That's pretty insulting. I worked for less than minimum wage for a
>> few years when I was living on Cape Cod.
>
>
>
> You may think it insulting, but it is true. It is a FACT.
>
> It does not make them bad people, they just don't have the ability to
> do taxes. They have other talents and are good workers. I also know
> many people with higher paying jobs that can't do their own taxes, but
> it is probably less than the 90% of the others.
>
> What is insulting was your remark that anyone can follow the
> instructions. They can't. Both our tax system and educational system
> need an overhaul.

Again, I disagree. Sure there may be some people who can't do taxes. Just
as there are some people who can't put stuff together. I do know people
like that. They think they can't and they won't even be bothered to try.

And if they can't follow instrructions... I don't think that's our school
system's fault. It is a fault in their brain. Maybe they have ADHD. Well,
no. My dad has ADHD and he does his taxes. But I can see how that might
apply to some people.

I also know a lot of people (mainly men) who just refuse to follow
instructions.

Now I could see if a person owned a lot of properties or rental properties
or their own business or had some other complicating factor that they might
need help with their taxes. But an EZ form? Get real! I haven't been able
to file the EZ for many, many years now but there is nothing to that.

On 6/14/2012 10:16 PM, Julie Bove wrote:

> My daughter is in Special Ed.

This explains a lot. I'm not being insulting, just taking in what you
write.

Cheryl wrote:
> On 6/14/2012 10:16 PM, Julie Bove wrote:
>
>> My daughter is in Special Ed.
>
> This explains a lot. I'm not being insulting, just taking in what you
> write.

It's not like I never said it before. I did.

On Jun 14, 9:19*pm, "Julie Bove" > wrote:
> Brooklyn1 wrote:
> > Ed Pawlowski wrote:
> >> "Julie Bove" wrote:
>
> >>> *I use Turbo Tax. *Used to be
> >>> free for military people but it's not any more. *I can't see why
> >>> anyone would need help. *It's pretty self explanatory.
>
> >> You've not seen much of the world then. I know of thousands of people
> >> that cannot comprehend checkbooks, bank accounts, tax forms, etc.
> >> Take a ride down the street, open your eyes, and you will see many
> >> of them. I'd bet 90% of minimum wage workers cannot do the 1040EZ
> >> either on line or on paper. *They fall prey to overpriced tax
> >> services and that is why I do the forms for some people for free.
>
> >> One reason the problem exists is because of people like you that
> >> don't know it exists and don't care to be of any help with it.
>
> > For those who just need to file a short form there are many places
> > that will help someone file for free or for a minimal fee, most senior
> > citizen centers will have someone who will perform that service for no
> > charge or on a sliding scale based on ability to pay... many banks
> > will offer that service for free to their depositors. *Those who need
> > to file taking deductions can almost always afford to pay for the
> > service out of their refund. *The thing is most folks don't want
> > people they socialize with to know their business so rather than have
> > a friend/acquaintance prepare their taxes for free they pay a tax
> > service. *I've been buying Turbo Tax for many years and do my own
> > taxes, couldn't be easier... I think anyone who has a computer can use
> > Turbo Tax... I've offered to do the taxes of people I know for free
> > but they always refuse, then they lie about their enormous refunds.
>
> Indeed! *My dad is a senior and he uses Turbo Tax. *The difference is that
> he buys the software each year. *I hate having sofware like that on my
> computer. *I just do it online. *He is fearful to do stuff online. *Not sure
> why. *Yes when you do it online you do have to download something and it is
> on your computer but... *I don't have to deal with a CD. *I'm just a less is
> more kind of person when it comes to stuff like that.

Many Senior are used to using computers, but you may be surprised at
how many people, of all ages, are not able to file their taxes. They
come to have their taxes done, do not bring the proper parperwork
( tho it is listed clearly what to bring) Some have not filed for
years!

Sorry my lines are so long, but cannot find a way to change them!!
LOL

"Julie Bove" > wrote in message
...

> And if they can't follow instrructions... I don't think that's our school
> system's fault. It is a fault in their brain.

The reasons, I'm sure, are many. Some just don't have the intelligence.




>
> Now I could see if a person owned a lot of properties or rental properties
> or their own business or had some other complicating factor that they
> might need help with their taxes. But an EZ form? Get real! I haven't
> been able to file the EZ for many, many years now but there is nothing to
> that.

;Tis you that has to get real. In my 50 year working career, I've met many
hundred people. Most of them are really nice people, but they just can't do
a simple tax form. Add in a state form and they are really out of their
ability. According to the IRS Commissioner, 80% of all people use tax
preparers.
http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefi...-his-own-taxes

Another fact is that the lesser earning people have less ability for this
type of thing. Be it education, lack of intelligence, whatever, they just
can't do it. Again, I'm speaking from real life experience. I've helped
people with taxes, bank accounts, assorted application forms, replying to
legal notices, and on and on.

Applying your ability to the rest of the populations is just plain wrong.
Go stand outside a tax preparation office and see the clients. Go to a
factory or housekeeping department of a hotel, farm laborers, fast food
workers and ask them if they do their own taxes. Get out of you comfort
zone and see what is about the world. I see this every day.

On 6/15/2012 9:45 AM, Ed Pawlowski wrote:

> Another fact is that the lesser earning people have less ability for this
> type of thing. Be it education, lack of intelligence, whatever, they just
> can't do it. Again, I'm speaking from real life experience. I've helped
> people with taxes, bank accounts, assorted application forms, replying to
> legal notices, and on and on.

A lot of people are just plain intimidated. It rubs me the wrong way
to pay to pay my taxes, and I can fill out a form. Still, between the
two of us, it's hard to figure out what the bleep the state is asking.
Federal's easier because I don't have a complicated financial life.
A little complicated, but not too.

But a lot of people, they look at that form and it's a no go. I
don't think they're stupid, they just think it's harder than it is,
and the ads that pop up every year don't help. Personally, I'd be
inclined to look at last year's form and use it as a guide where to
put what numbers, but that's me.

nancy

"Nancy Young" <replyto@inemail> wrote in message
>
> A lot of people are just plain intimidated. It rubs me the wrong way
> to pay to pay my taxes, and I can fill out a form. Still, between the
> two of us, it's hard to figure out what the bleep the state is asking.
> Federal's easier because I don't have a complicated financial life.
> A little complicated, but not too.
>
> But a lot of people, they look at that form and it's a no go. I
> don't think they're stupid, they just think it's harder than it is,
> and the ads that pop up every year don't help. Personally, I'd be
> inclined to look at last year's form and use it as a guide where to
> put what numbers, but that's me.
>
> nancy
>

Intimidation is a big factor.

I use Turbo Tax and have for years. I work in another state so I have two
state forms to do. TT makes it faster and easier even though I have to pay
for it. The Mass tax is more complex than the Federal and that gives some
people here at work the willies. I've been doing taxes for a few people
every year. These are people that have good intelligence, do a great job,
are otherwise self sufficient, but get lost when it comes to things like tax
forms.

To change the subject a little, how about people that won't work overtime
because they pay too much in taxes so it is not worth it. I have to try to
explain that situation to them also. Again, mostly lower wage earners that
get big refunds in their situation.

On Jun 13, 12:13*pm, rosie > wrote:
> I noticed someone ( Julie ?) had mentioned she had helped someone with their taxes. *Just wanted to mention that AARP does taxes every year for FREE for any one, it does not matter what age or income you are. There are a few exceptions to what they will do, but they are few. Look oin the newspaper next year to see where they do them.Of course it is a little early to be thinkingof this but *tax time will be here begore you know it.
> Rosie

I asked. My local AARP group would not touch anything but a simple
form. Besides, we need to keep the local tax pros in business.

On Jun 14, 12:24*am, "Julie Bove" > wrote:
> rosie wrote:
> > I noticed someone ( Julie ?) had mentioned she had helped someone
> > with their taxes. *Just wanted to mention that AARP does taxes every
> > year for FREE for any one, it does not matter what age or income you
> > are. There are a few exceptions to what they will do, but they are
> > few. Look oin the newspaper next year to see where they do them.Of
> > course it is a little early to be thinkingof this but *tax time will
> > be here begore you know it.
> > Rosie
>
> Wasn't me. *Unless there is another Julie. *I use Turbo Tax. *Used to be
> free for military people but it's not any more. *I can't see why anyone
> would need help. *It's pretty self explainatory.

Some ppl cannot fathom these software programs. Turbo used to cost
too. I used it for years until the year they wanted some other type
of subscription or sumthin.

On Jun 14, 5:16*pm, Brooklyn1 <Gravesend1> wrote:
> Ed Pawlowski wrote:
> >"Julie Bove" wrote:
>
> >> *I use Turbo Tax. *Used to be
> >>free for military people but it's not any more. *I can't see why anyone
> >>would need help. *It's pretty self explanatory.
>
> >You've not seen much of the world then. I know of thousands of people
> >that cannot comprehend checkbooks, bank accounts, tax forms, etc. Take
> >a ride down the street, open your eyes, and you will see many of them.
> >I'd bet 90% of minimum wage workers cannot do the 1040EZ either on
> >line or on paper. *They fall prey to overpriced tax services and that
> >is why I do the forms for some people for free.
>
> >One reason the problem exists is because of people like you that don't
> >know it exists and don't care to be of any help with it.
>
> For those who just need to file a short form there are many places
> that will help someone file for free or for a minimal fee, most senior
> citizen centers will have someone who will perform that service for no
> charge or on a sliding scale based on ability to pay... many banks
> will offer that service for free to their depositors. *Those who need
> to file taking deductions can almost always afford to pay for the
> service out of their refund. *The thing is most folks don't want
> people they socialize with to know their business so rather than have
> a friend/acquaintance prepare their taxes for free they pay a tax
> service. .

You can say that again. All those gabby guts yentas wud have yer
business all over town. Hell, I won't even take advantage of those
free shredding bees. "Just leave it in our locked bin and......""
Oh, sure.

On Jun 14, 8:48*pm, "Julie Bove" > wrote:
> Ed Pawlowski wrote:
> > On Thu, 14 Jun 2012 19:16:23 -0700, "Julie Bove"
> > > wrote:
>
> >>> You've not seen much of the world then. I know of thousands of
> >>> people that cannot comprehend checkbooks, bank accounts, tax forms,
> >>> etc. Take a ride down the street, open your eyes, and you will see
> >>> many of them. I'd bet 90% of minimum wage workers cannot do the
> >>> 1040EZ either on line or on paper. *They fall prey to overpriced
> >>> tax services and that is why I do the forms for some people for
> >>> free.
>
> >> That's pretty insulting. *I worked for less than minimum wage for a
> >> few years when I was living on Cape Cod.
>
> > You may think it insulting, but it is true. *It is a FACT.
>
> > It does not make them bad people, they just *don't have the ability to
> > do taxes. They have other talents and are good workers. * I also know
> > many people with higher paying jobs that can't do their own taxes, but
> > it is probably less than the 90% of the others.
>
> > What is insulting was your remark that anyone can follow the
> > instructions. They can't. *Both our tax system and educational system
> > need an overhaul.
>
> Again, I disagree. *Sure there may be some people who can't do taxes. *Just
> as there are some people who can't put stuff together. *I do know people
> like that. *They think they can't and they won't even be bothered to try.
>
> And if they can't follow instrructions... *I don't think that's our school
> system's fault. *It is a fault in their brain. *Maybe they have ADHD. *Well,
> no. *My dad has ADHD and he does his taxes. *But I can see how that might
> apply to some people.
>
> I also know a lot of people (mainly men) who just refuse to follow
> instructions.
>
> Now I could see if a person owned a lot of properties or rental properties
> or their own business or had some other complicating factor that they might
> need help with their taxes. *But an EZ form? *Get real! *I haven't been able
> to file the EZ for many, many years now but there is nothing to that.

Aren't you the one who couldn't figure out how to line a round shelf?
I'll bet you never bothered to try after all the advice that was
offered!

Ed Pawlowski wrote:

> You've not seen much of the world then. I know of thousands of people
> that cannot comprehend checkbooks, bank accounts, tax forms, etc. Take
> a ride down the street, open your eyes, and you will see many of them.
> I'd bet 90% of minimum wage workers cannot do the 1040EZ either on
> line or on paper. They fall prey to overpriced tax services and that
> is why I do the forms for some people for free.

Too true. If anybody doubts that, I've seen the proof on TV talk
shows. I think it's Jimmy Kimmel's shtick. They send somebody out on
the street to ask passersby simple questions and they get a lot of
embarrassed giggling and blank stares, but very few correct answers.
Like "Where is Independence Hall?" and "Which countries fought the
Spanish-American War?" Those are real stumpers.

"rosie" > wrote in message
...
> I noticed someone ( Julie ?) had mentioned she had helped someone with
> their taxes. Just wanted to mention that AARP does taxes every year for
> FREE for any one, it does not matter what age or income you are. There are
> a few exceptions to what they will do, but they are few. Look oin the
> newspaper next year to see where they do them.Of course it is a little
> early to be thinkingof this but tax time will be here begore you know it.
> Rosie

I do my own taxes, thank you.

I don't know what AARP * thinks* it can do for me, for a fee. Discounts on
vacations! Discounts on cruises! Discounts at hotels! Whooo hooo! Sorry,
but I'm not interested.

Joining AARP doesn't offer me a damn thing I'm interested in. I have
financial advisors who help me allocate and invest my money. It definitely
doesn't involve AARP.

Jill

Ed Pawlowski wrote:
>
> To change the subject a little, how about people that won't work overtime
> because they pay too much in taxes so it is not worth it. I have to try to
> explain that situation to them also. Again, mostly lower wage earners that
> get big refunds in their situation.

LOL! I know a few of those myself. They don't want to earn more money
because it might put them in a higher tax bracket.

Also, maybe more what you are talking about - whenever working overtime, you
really do get less net pay for those extra hours (as compared to the regular
40). I suspect the overtime really is taxed higher only because they might
assume you're getting time and a half?

In my company, overtime hours are optional and just at normal pay. I've
explained to coworkers that, even if they tax the heck out of that 6th day,
it still all balances out when you file your tax return each year.

Gary

On 6/15/2012 5:04 PM, Gary wrote:
> Ed Pawlowski wrote:
>>
>> To change the subject a little, how about people that won't work overtime
>> because they pay too much in taxes so it is not worth it. I have to try to
>> explain that situation to them also. Again, mostly lower wage earners that
>> get big refunds in their situation.

> In my company, overtime hours are optional and just at normal pay. I've
> explained to coworkers that, even if they tax the heck out of that 6th day,
> it still all balances out when you file your tax return each year.

I have years of experience in that subject. Yup, when your pay is
calculated, the amount runs up against a tax table and it's as if you
made that amount all year long, that's why so much is taken out of
your check. You'll be happy when you file for the year.

nancy

"Ed Pawlowski" > wrote in message
...
>
> "Julie Bove" > wrote in message
> ...
>
>> And if they can't follow instrructions... I don't think that's our
>> school system's fault. It is a fault in their brain.
>
> The reasons, I'm sure, are many. Some just don't have the intelligence.
>
>
>
>
>>
>> Now I could see if a person owned a lot of properties or rental
>> properties or their own business or had some other complicating factor
>> that they might need help with their taxes. But an EZ form? Get real!
>> I haven't been able to file the EZ for many, many years now but there is
>> nothing to that.
>
> ;Tis you that has to get real. In my 50 year working career, I've met
> many hundred people. Most of them are really nice people, but they just
> can't do a simple tax form. Add in a state form and they are really out
> of their ability. According to the IRS Commissioner, 80% of all people
> use tax preparers.
> http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefi...-his-own-taxes
>
> Another fact is that the lesser earning people have less ability for this
> type of thing. Be it education, lack of intelligence, whatever, they just
> can't do it. Again, I'm speaking from real life experience. I've helped
> people with taxes, bank accounts, assorted application forms, replying to
> legal notices, and on and on.
>
> Applying your ability to the rest of the populations is just plain wrong.
> Go stand outside a tax preparation office and see the clients. Go to a
> factory or housekeeping department of a hotel, farm laborers, fast food
> workers and ask them if they do their own taxes. Get out of you comfort
> zone and see what is about the world. I see this every day.

We don't have state tax here. Maybe that's the difference? Actually most
of the people I am in contact with now are very intelligent.

On Fri, 15 Jun 2012 17:04:00 -0400, Gary > wrote:



>
>Also, maybe more what you are talking about - whenever working overtime, you
>really do get less net pay for those extra hours (as compared to the regular
>40). I suspect the overtime really is taxed higher only because they might
>assume you're getting time and a half?

Yes, the tax table is assuming you make that much money every week and
deductions are taken accordingly. If (an exaggeration) you worked 40
hours OT you'd get equal to 100 hours at your regular rate for the
week. At the end of the year though, total wages are taxed at the
proper rate. You get that money back.

On Fri, 15 Jun 2012 12:56:37 -0400, "jmcquown" >
wrote:



>I don't know what AARP * thinks* it can do for me, for a fee. Discounts on
>vacations! Discounts on cruises! Discounts at hotels! Whooo hooo! Sorry,
>but I'm not interested.
>
>Joining AARP doesn't offer me a damn thing I'm interested in. I have
>financial advisors who help me allocate and invest my money. It definitely
>doesn't involve AARP.
>
>Jill


Membership is about $12 a year. You can get that back on one stay at
a hotel. Of course, you can tell them you are a member anyway as no
one has ever asked to see my membership ID.

Now that we are on Medicare, they also have one of the best prices on
supplements through United Healthcare. The same policy is available
from other sources, they just happened to be the best price around
here. That varies by state by my rate is about $20 a month less than
others. Plan F is plan F though, no matter the source.

On Jun 15, 11:56*am, "jmcquown" > wrote:
> "rosie" > wrote in message
>
> ...
>
> > I noticed someone ( Julie ?) had mentioned she had helped someone with
> > their taxes. *Just wanted to mention that AARP does taxes every year for
> > FREE for any one, it does not matter what age or income you are. There are
> > a few exceptions to what they will do, but they are few. Look oin the
> > newspaper next year to see where they do them.Of course it is a little
> > early to be thinkingof this but *tax time will be here begore you know it.
> > Rosie
>
> I do my own taxes, thank you.
>
> I don't know what AARP * thinks* it can do for me, for a fee. *Discounts on
> vacations! *Discounts on cruises! *Discounts at hotels! *Whooo hooo! Sorry,
> but I'm not interested.
>
> Joining AARP doesn't offer me a damn thing I'm interested in. *I have
> financial advisors who help me allocate and invest my money. *It definitely
> doesn't involve AARP.
>
> Jill

Well, I do know they can do your taxes for you. Free and correctly.You
do not have to belong, nor do you have to be retired or poor. They
will do your taxes Free, if you do not have any of the things they
will not do, off hand I think owning a farm is one, and I forget the
others.

On Fri, 15 Jun 2012 15:33:06 -0700, "Julie Bove"
> wrote:



>
> Actually most
>of the people I am in contact with now are very intelligent.
>

Next time you are at a dinner meeting for the Mensa Club, ask the
busboy, dishwasher, parking attendant, cleanup crew and such if they
do their own tax forms. Oh, that's right you are not in contact with
lesser intelligent people. You must never go out.

The higher your intelligence, the more people you are in contact with
of lesser intelligence.

Ed Pawlowski wrote:

> The higher your intelligence, the more people you are in contact with
> of lesser intelligence.

Maybe Julie has a Cocoon of Intellectual Purity. To keep out, you
know, the inhabitants of the inferior gene pool.

On 6/15/2012 10:32 AM, Ed Pawlowski wrote:
> "Nancy Young"<replyto@inemail> wrote in message
>>
>> A lot of people are just plain intimidated. It rubs me the wrong way
>> to pay to pay my taxes, and I can fill out a form. Still, between the
>> two of us, it's hard to figure out what the bleep the state is asking.
>> Federal's easier because I don't have a complicated financial life.
>> A little complicated, but not too.
>>
>> But a lot of people, they look at that form and it's a no go. I
>> don't think they're stupid, they just think it's harder than it is,
>> and the ads that pop up every year don't help. Personally, I'd be
>> inclined to look at last year's form and use it as a guide where to
>> put what numbers, but that's me.
>>
>> nancy
>>
>
> Intimidation is a big factor.
>
> I use Turbo Tax and have for years. I work in another state so I have two
> state forms to do. TT makes it faster and easier even though I have to pay
> for it. The Mass tax is more complex than the Federal and that gives some
> people here at work the willies. I've been doing taxes for a few people
> every year. These are people that have good intelligence, do a great job,
> are otherwise self sufficient, but get lost when it comes to things like tax
> forms.
>
> To change the subject a little, how about people that won't work overtime
> because they pay too much in taxes so it is not worth it. I have to try to
> explain that situation to them also. Again, mostly lower wage earners that
> get big refunds in their situation.
>
>
I think that in general a lot of people simply don't want to think about
money and finances. To add to taxes try to get someone to think about
why a 6 year car loan is such a bad idea or how much more it costs to
have say a 25 or 30 year mortgage instead of a shorter term or how
expensive it is to carry a balance on a credit card.

On 6/15/2012 9:52 AM, Nancy Young wrote:
> On 6/15/2012 9:45 AM, Ed Pawlowski wrote:
>
>> Another fact is that the lesser earning people have less ability for this
>> type of thing. Be it education, lack of intelligence, whatever, they just
>> can't do it. Again, I'm speaking from real life experience. I've helped
>> people with taxes, bank accounts, assorted application forms, replying to
>> legal notices, and on and on.
>
> A lot of people are just plain intimidated. It rubs me the wrong way
> to pay to pay my taxes, and I can fill out a form. Still, between the
> two of us, it's hard to figure out what the bleep the state is asking.
> Federal's easier because I don't have a complicated financial life.
> A little complicated, but not too.
>
> But a lot of people, they look at that form and it's a no go. I
> don't think they're stupid, they just think it's harder than it is,
> and the ads that pop up every year don't help. Personally, I'd be
> inclined to look at last year's form and use it as a guide where to
> put what numbers, but that's me.
>
> nancy
>
Thats one of the reasons I think we need to get rid of all of the
convoluted procedures and require that the government only can have one
tax such as a sales tax. This would eliminate all of the $20 tax on each
phone line and taxes like the 18% Johnstown flood tax (of 1936) we pay
on alcohol purchases in PA.

It would be fair to exempt basic stuff as is done now such as food
prepared at home, "non-fancy" clothing, medical etc. The side effect is
when you had to pay an additional 30% when purchasing something you may
actually participate in elections.

On Sat, 16 Jun 2012 18:50:26 -0400, George >
wrote:

>
> It would be fair to exempt basic stuff as is done now such as food
> prepared at home, "non-fancy" clothing, medical etc. The side effect is
> when you had to pay an additional 30% when purchasing something you may
> actually participate in elections.

So, you're saying countries that have a VAT tax also have a higher
percentage of qualified voters who participate in general elections?

--
Food is an important part of a balanced diet.

On 6/16/2012 7:04 PM, sf wrote:
> On Sat, 16 Jun 2012 18:50:26 -0400, >
> wrote:
>
>>
>> It would be fair to exempt basic stuff as is done now such as food
>> prepared at home, "non-fancy" clothing, medical etc. The side effect is
>> when you had to pay an additional 30% when purchasing something you may
>> actually participate in elections.
>
> So, you're saying countries that have a VAT tax also have a higher
> percentage of qualified voters who participate in general elections?
>

Not at all. VAT is designed to obfuscate the taxes paid by the end user
and to be a bureaucrats dream because of the complexity since everyone
who handles a product in any way must pay taxes and get exchange credits
etc.

On Sat, 16 Jun 2012 21:11:11 -0400, George >
wrote:

> On 6/16/2012 7:04 PM, sf wrote:
> > On Sat, 16 Jun 2012 18:50:26 -0400, >
> > wrote:
> >
> >>
> >> It would be fair to exempt basic stuff as is done now such as food
> >> prepared at home, "non-fancy" clothing, medical etc. The side effect is
> >> when you had to pay an additional 30% when purchasing something you may
> >> actually participate in elections.
> >
> > So, you're saying countries that have a VAT tax also have a higher
> > percentage of qualified voters who participate in general elections?
> >
>
> Not at all. VAT is designed to obfuscate the taxes paid by the end user
> and to be a bureaucrats dream because of the complexity since everyone
> who handles a product in any way must pay taxes and get exchange credits
> etc.

Vat tax doesn't come across to me as that. It's a tax for those who
can afford to pay more.

--
Food is an important part of a balanced diet.