Save Money at Tax Time Do it Yourself

Tax time is here and many of us are getting all our w2's, 1099's, receipts and whatever else we think is important to do our taxes together, to go visit our local tax preparers office. They want to make sure they get the most money back they can and are willing to pay from $50 to $200 or more to make sure they do. Well I can tell you one way to make an extra $50 to $200 or more guaranteed! Do your taxes yourself. What did you say? "But I have never done my taxes and I have no idea how to do them. The tax preparer knows all that stuff." Let me tell you with the tax programs available today, anyone can do even the most complex taxes. And many can get the programs for free!

I worked a season with one of the biggest tax preparing companies in the country. I had well over 200 clients and did not have one return rejected by the IRS. I am not an expert on taxes. I am not a CPA. All I did was read the questions from the program to the client, answer them on the screen and did what the program prompted me to do next. If something was out of line and could cause a problem, the program red flagged it for me and told me what to do to make it acceptable. It also gave suggestions that would maximize the return.

When I worked as a tax preparer, I was not paid by the hour, but by how many returns I filed. The faster I got people in and out, the more money I made. This does not motivate someone to be too meticulous with their work. Not that is was all that hard, but some people may get careless concentrating more on quantity than quality.

Case and point: This person I knew's husband went to a tax preparer on the last day of the season. He was self-employed in the construction industry. The preparer asked him a few questions and in about a half an hour told him he owed $1000 and it would cost him $120. Unfortunately, he didn't have the $120, so he didn't get his return filed. The next day I took him into our office and took about one hour and a half hours to go through everything he had. In the end, I got him back $1500. That is a difference of $2500! I filed it online and he had the return in his bank in 10 days.

Go to http://www.irs.gov/efile/article/0,,id=118986,00.html to see all the programs available to file our taxes online yourself. They will tell you what criteria is needed to attain a free copy of the program. Some people may not meet the criteria and have to pay something, but it is usually less than you would pay a tax preparer and you can have them take the fee out of your return. Most of the programs I have seen have a small fee to do state returns, but it is worth it. The programs will ask you questions, the same ones the tax preparers are prompted to ask, and will guide you step by step through the entire process. It is just like going to the tax preparer, but not having to pay for it. And the person doing the return cares a lot more about getting you the most out of your return than most tax preparers, because that person is YOU!

Choosing a Candidate

There are many factors to take into consideration when choosing who to vote for in the coming elections. Of course there are the issues that interest you the most and where each of the candidates stand on those concerns. But in the election mode, so much posturing takes place, it is difficult, at best, to discern who is and who is not sincere. There are those who vote strictly by party, but I feel those are of a dying breed. And some people vote for a candidate because they "like" that person. There is something about them that connects with them. There is no way to determine which one of these are better or even IF one is better than the other, but there is a way to combine these methods to help find who is the best candidate, at least in your opinion.

First, list 5 characteristics that you appreciate most in the people you know. Also, list 5 of the characteristics you appreciate least in the people you know. Now take each of the candidates and check which characteristic you see in each of them.

Second, list 5 characteristics you feel are necessary to make a good, strong leader. Match them accordingly to each of the candidates.

Third, write down the top 3 issues you are concerned about that can be influenced by the particular office for which the candidates are competing, with a pro side and a con side. Match each of the candidates with where they stand on each issue. Keep in mind which ones are more party influenced than others and remember their position in the race for the office may not be the same as their position once they take the office.

You will probably have more than one candidate who seems worthy of your allegiance. One thing to keep in mind is that sometimes the people we like most, are not the best leaders. You may love to go bowling with your bud from work, but he wouldn't do well as the CEO of your company. Likability is great, but it takes more than personality to govern.

Some people say the coming presidential election could be one of the most important in many years. Personally, I don't see that. Yes, we are at war (with someone or something), the economy is wavering, health care is out of control and social security is about to go bust, but don't these things happen about every 4 years? Wouldn't it be nice to elect people who actually DID do something about these things after they were elected? Remember it takes more than just the President to change things, so look at each candidate in every race for each office to choose who is the best fit. Using this method to pick for whom you place your next vote may be a factor in doing just that.

Poetry by cloudpoet37

The Water and the Wind

Here I am, the water, sitting still, just sitting still
I lie her flat against the sky not knowing why, just wondring why
Why the sun should rise each day, to shine on me in shades of gray
To stir a longing deep inside, a hunger for the rising tide

You are the wind forever gone, forever gone
With silent swiftness passing through, you're passing through
Never still you keep your pace, with emptiness you fill each space
Only then to fly away, to leave behind an endless play

I feel a moving as you pass, that feeling stirred has come at last
And as you brush against my face, a current starts to rush, to race
The waves rise high, I want for more, but it soon ends as I reach the shore
The feeling gone, I'm still again, I lie in wait, for what, for when

Here I am, a silent sea, waiting still, I'm waiting still
Waiting for the coming wind to pass by me, go pass by me
And so we dance to brilliantlt, the wind that moves the mighty sea
Who knows when we shall meet again, for I am the water and you are the wind

Illegal Immigrants (Kick 'em or Keep 'em?)

It seems each election year we come up with some of the same old problems. One that is always at the forefront is, "Illegal aliens are stealing our jobs and using our resources!" You can go anywhere and see them on the side of the road, waiting to be picked up by someone who will pay them less to do more than we are willing to do. (Doesn't that just ruffle your tail feathers?) Who do these people think they are and what are they trying to do?

I'll tell you who they are. They are people! Human beings trying their best to support and provide for their families by working hard. They come from poor counties with poor economies. They have sacrificed their homes and left their families to try to provide a better life for them. They do the jobs most people are unwilling to do. They came here illegally because they could not afford or were unable to attain a work visa, because of quotas or some other technicality. But their hungry children don't understand quotas or technicalities.

Yes, they send their money back home to help their families, but they also contribute to the local businesses with their purchases while they stay here to work. They are also helping to keep the prices down on many things you buy every week by supplying low cost labor. After a while, they will go back home to be with their families and someone else from the family will come here to help support them.

They go to your churches to worship. The same church you attend to share the good news that we all love and support each other no matter who we are or where we are from. That's who these people are! Why should we send them back home?

I'll tell you why we should send them back home! They are taking our jobs. How can we compete with someone who is willing to work for less than I am willing to accept? They came here illegally. If they want to come here and work, then do it the right way, so they pay taxes like the rest of us. Then when they file for food stamps and other government programs, they are entitled to use them.

They won't learn our language and expect us to cater to them by offering bilingual courses in our schools. When I call a business and get the automated answering system, I actually have to press a number on my phone just to hear the information in English! That is why we should send them back!

These are some of the arguments from either side. Then there are the economic experts telling us our economy depends on these low budget laborers to curb inflation. Our aspiring candidates have been addressing this problem as election time approaches and will tell us all basically what we want to hear about it, then sweep it under the carpet until next election comes near.

What do you think? Our government has tried both approaches. In 1954, Operation Wetback deported the illegal aliens back to Mexico, but that did not solve the problem. In 1986 hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants were issued amnesty and granted citizenship, yet still the problem persists. What is your solution? Kick 'em or keep 'em?

Immigration to the USA (Is the Golden Door Still Open?)

"Give us your tired, your poor,Your Huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore, Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"

Is the Golden Door open? Since October 28th 1886 the inscription on the Statue or Liberty seems to be an invitation to anyone looking for a better life in The United States of America, but legislation enacted throughout history does not always seem to reflect the same sentiments. As times have changed and public opinions and perceptions have changed, the invitation has been restricted and limited. Before and after the arrival of Lady Liberty, the US has shown preferential treatment to some and discriminatory treatment to others.

• The Naturalization Act of 1790 specifically restricts immigration stating "any alien, being a free white person, may be admitted to become a citizen of the United States". While "Give us your tired,your poor..." was not written then, this does seem to contradict a document written a few years prior to this legislation which declared that "all men are created equal".

• In the 1840's industrialization boomed in the US. This along with crop failures and food shortages in Ireland and Germany and failed European revolutions created a period or mass immigration to the United States. As the melting pot becomes more diverse, the "old" re-evaluates the way they allow the "new" into "their" country.

• The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo of 1848 was passed after the Mexican War and granted citizenship to approximately 80,000 Mexicans residing in the southwest. This seems to be in line, but the US will confront granting citizenship to Mexicans again.

• In 1849, immigration from China increases significantly after gold is discovered in California.

• In 1854 legislation was passed prohibiting Chinese immigrants from testifying against whites in California courts, giving Chinese an unfair disadvantage for success. The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 restricts Chinese immigration. This is way before "Made in China" was seen on so many products bought in the USA.

• The Alien Contract Labor laws past in 1885 and 1887 prohibited immigration to certain laborers into the United States. This limited immigration to skilled laborers needed to establish a new trade or industry and those coming to perform domestic services. To the unskilled "Average Joe" the Golden Door is closed.

• In 1891, inspecting, admitting, rejecting, and processing all immigrants fell under the jurisdiction of the Federal Government. In 1892 Ellis Island opens its doors, to process over 12,000,000 immigrants over the next 30 years. With our Lady nearby to keep an eye on things.

• The Anarchist Exclusion Act of 1901 gives the Federal Government the right to deny immigration based on ones political views. This was a reaction from Congress to the assassination of President William McKinley by a Polish anarchist. So much for freedom of choice.

• The US immigration Act of 1907 again addresses Mexican immigrants and attempts to reorganize the southwest bordering states into the Mexican Border District in order to slow down immigration from the southern borders. Sounds familiar.

• Also in 1907, the Expatriation Act stripped US citizenship from women marrying foreign nationals. An exception was made for Japan, with the condition Japanese laborers would only be allowed to Hawaii and not to the US mainland.

• From 1917 to 1924 numerous legislation was passed to limit the number of immigrants allowed each year, establishing the quota system and imposing passport requirements. (This is understandable and gives some order to the process.) The number of excluded aliens was increased, including the banning of all Asian immigrants with the exception of those from Japan and the Philippines. Again, aren't all men created equal?

• The Tydings-McDuffie Act of 1934, in anticipation of the Philippines' independence on July 4, 1946 stripped US national status from Filipinos and limited the immigration annual quota to 50.
• In 1942 this Act is repealed, making Filipinos citizens again and able to register in the military. I guess when it serves the governments bests interests, they can bend the rules.

• In 1940, The Alien Registration Act required all non-citizen immigrants to register with the Federal Government and acquire an Alien Registration Receipt Card. This is the will evolve into the "Green Card". This will aid in collecting taxes from immigrants employed in the states. It also requires fingerprinting of all aliens over the age of 14 and classifies Korean immigrants as subjects of Japan.
• In 1943 the Chinese Exclusion Act is repealed and by the end of the 1940's all restrictions are removed concerning Asian citizenship. A step in the right direction.

• The Bracero Program was introduced as a guest worker program by Congress in 1943. It brought temporary agricultural workers into the US from Mexico. This program lasted until
• 1964. Some will question if it ever ended.

• The War Brides Act of 1945 allows foreign-born wives or US military men to enter the country.(In 1946 fiancés of American soldiers were also allowed.)

• In 1950, The Internal Security Act restricted the immigration of Communists as well as those "which would be prejudicial to the public interest, or would endanger the welfare or safety of the United States." Could this be a precursor to Homeland Security?

• The McCarran Walter Immigration Act in 1952 laid the foundation for our present immigration system with a quota per country basis, giving preference to family members and skilled laborers. Again, the "Average Joe" is left out.

• Operation Wetback in 1954 deports undocumented workers back to Mexico. Again, does this sound familiar?

• In 1965, The Immigration and Nationality Act focuses on family reunification and lifts quotas based on national origin. Not all is lost!

• The 1968, Act ended discrimination based on race, place of birth, sex and residence. Now we're heading in the right direction. Lady Liberty is smiling.

• The Act passed in 1976 puts an end to preferential treatment to those in the western hemisphere. You mean we ALL are the same?

• The 1986 Immigration Act is commonly know as the 1986 Immigration Amnesty. Hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants were legalized and penalties, along with fines, were imposed on companies who employed illegal immigrants. Isn't that a neat idea!

• In 1995, California passed Proposition 187, prohibiting providing public educational, welfare, and health services to undocumented aliens. It is later ruled as unconstitutional. Well, if we know who they are, can't we get them documented?

• In 1996, legislation is passed establishing income requirements for sponsors of legal immigrants in The Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act in an effort to strengthen border enforcement. This makes is more difficult to gain asylum. This makes sense, if you can't afford it, then don't do it.

• In 1998, to keep up with the rest of the world, The American Competitiveness and Work force Improvement Act was passed. This increased the number of skilled temporary worker companies were allowed to bring into the country. Again, if it benefits the government, the rules can bend a little.

• With the bombing of the Twin Towers, the USA Patriot Act 2001 was passed, making it more difficult to gain access into the country with tools to detect, intercept and obstruct terrorism. This is a good thing. A government does have the responsibility to protect it's people.

In March 2003, the U.S. Citizenship and US immigration Services, or USCIS, was born as the US immigration and Naturalization Service joined the Department of Homeland Security. It's function is to handle US immigration services and benefits, including citizenship, applications for permanent residence, non-immigrant applications, asylum, and refugee services. It's task is difficult and complex. US immigration enforcement functions are now under the Department's Border and Transportation Security Directorate, known as the Bureau of US immigration and Customs Enforcement.

As seen here, legislation on immigration has not always seemed to have been based on sound rational. At times it seemed self serving at best. There are a myriad of considerations to factor into the decisions made concerning who and how people enter into the USA. Current social opinions and perceptions will have a big part in the decision making. With each piece of legislation passed one has to ask the question, "Is the Golden Door still open?"

Poetry by cloudpoet37

Life

Life is a series of guesses we make
A random procession of cause and affect
With each choice we're offered a plethora of consequences
We cherish of suffer according to our perception
Our conscience will either accept or reject

Some of the guesses we make are so simple
To turn on a light, or open a door
But life doesn't make all our choices so easy
Emotions cloud or thinking of rational thoughts
And after the outcome we still want for more

I have been stumbling through life as a blind man
Unable to see what's wrong or what's right
I have made choices, both good ones and bad ones
Some have profited, but most of them have lost
I shudder to think that this is my plight

Some say there's a book that has all the answers
A guide that will take us from cradle to grave
I have been searching for such a vast reference
Reading through volumes, but it still escapes my grasp
Most say my guesses just save or deprave

So as I wander through life's endless chasms
Wondering to go to the right or the left
Making the road map that no one will follow
The high road, the low road, or is there some other
The outcome I shall not know till my death

Then others will judge was it good, was it bad
Was my life a victory or was it a naught
But they're only guessing from their own perception
To justify their lives and put their minds at ease
Such are the rules that they have been taught

So after my passing don't place any value
On something that only is fathomed by one
I have experienced every emotion
The catacomb of my psyche is full as I see
My life will be victory when all is done

Copyrighting Your Works

Copyright is a form of protection provided by the laws of the United States to the authors of “original works of authorship,” including literary, dramatic, musical, artistic, and certain other intellectual works. This protection is available to both published and unpublished works. Copyrights are procured through the Library of Congress at:

Library of Congress
Copyright Office
Publications Section
101 Independence Avenue, SE
Washington, DC 20559-6000

You can also call them at (202) 707-3000. Copyrights can be secured for both published and unpublished works. A work that was created (fixed in tangible form for the first time) on or after January 1, 1978, is automatically protected from the moment of its creation and is ordinarily given a term enduring for the author’s life plus an additional 70 years after the author’s death. Even though the work is "protected" from the time of its creation, registering with the Library of Congress will create a credible date for legal purposed.

As a musician and songwriter, I have utilized the "poor man's copyright" in the past. With the poor man's copyright, the creator of a work simply mails himself/herself a copy of the work. When it is received, it is not opened and the postmark on the mail can be used to prove an approximate time of creation and will hold up in most courts of law. Many people do this because they think an "official" copyright is too costly or hard to get, but that is not the case.

Call or right the Library of Congress to get a packet sent out to with all the forms needed to have your work, or works, copyrighted. The cost of having a piece copyrighted is $45.00. If you have a lot of songs, you can do them all together under a collective name and pay just the one fee of $45.00.

Whatever work you do may seem insignificant, but you never know when lightening will strike. It is always better to be protected.

Marrying a Foreigner (Getting them here!)

A year and a half ago I married an angel from the Philippines. We talked online and on the phone for about 2 years and I went there before we were married.

Then came the task of getting her a visa to come to the states. Now there are people out there who will tell you that you need to get a lawyer and spend thousands of dollars to achieve this. NOT SO!! It is true that it will take, and it took me, approximately one year to complete, but the process is quite easy. The USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services) well take you step by step through the entire process.

Once here, the site will also instruct you on what to do to get citizenship paperwork stared, green card, ssi card and just about anything you want and you don't have to spend thousands of dollars to do it. And to spite what some people may say, there is nothing you can do to speed the process!!

Credit Card Fraud (What to do when it happens)

A friend of mine recently had what he thought was a fraudulent charge on his MasterCard while on vacation in Florida. What it turned out to be was the merchant had inadvertently charged the card twice.

There are two ways to go about correcting this: one is to call the merchant and have him credit the amount back onto the card and the other is call the credit card issuer and have them debit the merchant, by disputing the charge. Since the merchant was in Florida and he lives in Chicago, it was more expedient for him to have is credit card issuer recover his funds. If the merchant had been a local business, he could have just as easily went back there to have his card credited to achieve the same results.

The thing to remember is that if you do feel your credit card has been used fraudulently and the merchant is uncooperative, contact the issuing bank of your credit card to dispute the charge.