In a past article I relayed the plight of the widow who stated:
"I didn't realize what an A-B Revocable Living Trust meant and that it had to be divided between the survivor and the deceased spouse and that I am limited as to what I can use from his share."
She told me that she only learned of this after her husband passed away. This is too late for many (there is a way to collapse an A-B Revocable Living Trust, which we'll talk about in another article).

We need real tax reform and we need it now. Previous attempts have been made at tax reform, but they have only provided band-aid solutions that have still left us with too many quirks, complication, and read tape. There are several things Congress could do to simply the tax system and benefit the taxpayers and federal budget at the same time.

Most people trying to make a crust online (or offline for that matter) are so focused on doing just that, they ignore taking simple steps to ensure that they hang on to just as much of it as they can. Instead, they hand over large lumps of their hard-earned money in tax, usually in one of two mistaken beliefs. Either:

Choosing the right tax preparer for your business is a decision best not left until April. A former tax preparer and small business mastermind offers insights into the secret world of tax preparers.
1. All tax preparers are not created equal.

With the massive losses caused by Katrina, the economy of the Gulf Coast region is in extremely bad shape. Fortunately, there is a quirk in the tax code that can help you generate a large refund from your 2004 taxes.
Apply Losses to 2004 Taxes
When a large geographic area suffers a disaster, the President can declare it a federal disaster area. President Bush has made such a declaration for the Gulf Coast area.

If your business has employees, you must pay employment taxes. The payment system can be a bit confusing, so this article discusses how to go about depositing employment taxes with the IRS.
Depositing Employment Taxes

Once a year Canadian taxpayers are required, by law, to file an income tax return in the prescribed form: $150(1).
For individuals: $150(1)(d) ITA, they must do so by April 30 of the following year, provided that they owe any taxes or if they are served with a requirement to file: $150(2) ITA.
There are other rules for corporations, trusts, partnerships and deceased individuals.

As teachers and students head back to school following a glorious summer, it's time to remind teachers to organize 2004 school expenses. Under a temporary tax code change, teachers can deduct certain school-related expenses from adjusted gross income.
Educator Expense Deduction

Whether helping the kids with a down payment on their first home, paying the premiums on a life insurance policy in an irrevocable trust, or moving appreciated assets to a younger generation, annual gifting will touch the lives of millions of Americans. But before the transfer is made, an investor should spend some time looking at the investment and the tax ramifications of the property to be passed.

Knock-Knock-Knock
Who's there?
The IRS!
The next quarterly payment of estimated income tax forthe self-employed is not far off. Network marketers whoreceive a form 1099 at the end of the year, and/or whoare expected to owe $1,000 or more in taxes, must filea form 1040-ES Payment Voucher quarterly to avoidpaying a penalty.
When it comes to paying income tax, I'm like ArthurGodfrey who said, "I am proud to pay my taxes. I'd bejust as proud to pay half as much.