Be Ware of Unknow Advertisers - Who is Legitimate?

Dear Everyone - The Gay CPA is legitimate! 02/10/2009

I check every advertiser on my site. It may take a day or two, but please use Safety tips blogged yesterday, when accessing any site.

I reported a fake advertiser yesterday evening and they are gone. The reason for Grizzly Bear Tax Care is because so many individuals who need good tax care are not given dignity during their return and it is reasonable to acknowledge not the best tax service. The Gay CPA will offer planning and sound advice for those in the gay community.


Grizzly Bear is to protect people and give dignity.

Thank you for choosing my site.

Grizzly Tax Cares and Helps advocates due diligence.

Bless us Everyone

ONLY TRUST www.irs.gov

I am seeing some
advertisers on my site that are not familiar. The best way to get to a Secured site; like a tax preparation site, you want to go directly to that site.

I. Safety tip! when you look at the Title of a Site you are Searching, it may say File Free Here on the top, but where it says www. there will be the site name ie; irs and since it is a government agency - .gov. Misleading sites will say www. freeirs. com, leading you to think it is irs. The name of the business or agency should be the First Thing after www or don't go there.

II. A site is secure (safe from normal to high intrusion attempts), when the browser address [example: http://www.yahoo.com/yadayada] that is standard. Secure is https://www.taxslayer.com with a padlock on the browser. Continue to check for the "s" at the end of the http_. You are then secure.

STOP - LOOK - LISTEN UP FRIENDS *

Many tax returns are coming to the IRS in error. The IRS is sending public notices asking tax payers to take just a minute to familiarize yourself with the Recovery Rebate & the Stimulus Package.

There is a lot of information and much of it false telling people they are supposed to be getting these big checks for $12,000.00. They are mis-representing, don't fall for the Scam! I have included the announcement. If you need any help understanding, just leave a post or get with me, but if you have a question, probably 23 other people do too...

Tax Scams
The Tax Gap
Noticias en Español
e-file
Forms and Publications
Frequently Asked Questions
Taxpayer Advocate Service

Questions and Answers about the Recovery Rebate Credit

The following are answers to some basic questions regarding the recovery rebate credit. Check back periodically for updates and additional questions and answers that may be added.
Basic Information
Q. What is the recovery rebate credit?
A. This credit is a new refundable credit that is related to the 2008 economic stimulus payment. Generally, a credit increases the amount of a refund or reduces the amount of taxes owed. Those who did not receive their economic stimulus payment (or did not receive what they were fully entitled to) in 2008 are eligible for the credit.
Q. What is the basis of the recovery rebate credit calculation?
A. The recovery rebate credit is calculated the same way and with the same requirements as the 2008 economic stimulus payment. The only difference is that the credit is based on the tax year 2008 income tax return and the stimulus payment was based on the tax year 2007 income tax return.
Qualifying for the Rebate
Q. Who is eligible?
A. Those who were eligible for the stimulus payment but did not receive it (or did not receive what they were fully entitled to) in 2008 are eligible for the credit. Also eligible for the credit are those who did not meet the requirements for the stimulus payment last year but whose circumstances have since changed, causing them to now meet the requirements.
Q. Why doesn’t everyone qualify for the rebate?
A. Most taxpayers have already received their full benefit in advance in the form of the 2008 economic stimulus payment. However, if certain conditions changed for taxpayers in 2008, they may be eligible for an additional benefit.
Q: How will the recovery rebate credit payments be made?
A: The Treasury won't send out separate economic stimulus payments for 2009. Instead, those eligible will claim the rebate credit on their 2008 returns. Credits generally increase the amount of a refund or reduce the amount of taxes owed.
Q. I was claimed as a dependent on my parents’ 2007 tax return, and was not eligible for the stimulus payment, but I lived on my own in 2008. Do I qualify for the rebate?
A. That depends on whether you can be claimed as a dependent on your parents' 2008 return. The rebate is based on circumstances that occurred in 2008, while the stimulus payment was based on the 2007 tax return filing information. You'll have to use the tax booklet's worksheet on claiming the recovery rebate credit to see if you're eligible to claim it.
Claiming the Credit
Q. How do I claim the recovery rebate credit?
A. Use the recovery rebate worksheet that is found in your 2008 tax booklet to figure the credit you can take, if any. Then, include that figure in the payments section of your 2008 tax return.
Q. How do I get help figuring the credit?
A. The IRS will figure the credit for you, if you enter “recovery rebate credit” next to line 70 on your Form 1040 (line 42 of Form 1040A; line 9 of Form 1040EZ). You can also access the online recovery rebate tools using the recovery rebate credit link on this Web site. For taxpayers filing electronically, the software will calculate any credit they may be due.
Q. What information do I need to figure the credit?
A. You need to know the amount of your 2008 economic stimulus payment to complete the recovery rebate worksheet. The IRS sent recipients Notice 1378, Economic Stimulus Payment Notice, which reported this amount and any reductions that were made to pay other debts. If you don’t have your notice, you can use the online tool How Much Was My 2008 Stimulus Payment? to find the amount.
Q. My filing status in 2007 was different than it is for 2008. Does this impact the amount of the credit I can claim?
A. Maybe. That's because married taxpayers who file jointly are each assumed to have received half of the economic stimulus payment. So, if your filing status for 2008 changed to or from Married Filing Jointly or if you remarried in 2008, follow these directions to determine the amount you need to use when determining the recovery rebate credit.
Q. What tools are available to help figure the credit?
A. The IRS will post interactive tools on this Web site to help figure the Recovery Rebate Credit: the Recovery Rebate Credit Calculator and How Much Was My 2008 Stimulus Payment?. The 2008 tax packages also include a worksheet to help figure the credit.
Q. When can I expect to receive my rebate?
A. The rebate is part of your 2008 income tax refund. The amount you receive for the recovery rebate credit will be included as part of your refund, as shown on your tax return. Unlike the stimulus payment, it will not be issued as a separate check. You can check the status of your refund under Where’s My Refund?. Generally, you will receive your refund within 6–8 weeks after you file your return.
Q. I am not required to file a tax return, but I still would like to get the rebate. How do I claim the rebate?
A. You must file a tax form to claim the credit, and be sure to fill in lines 7, 20a and 70 of your Form 1040 (lines 7, 14a and 42 of Form 1040A; lines 7 and 9 of Form 1040EZ).
Q. Because the IRS applied part of my stimulus payment to an outstanding debt, I actually received less than the total amount as stated on my Notice 1378. What amount should I use when figuring my credit?
A. You must use the total amount — the amount before the deduction to satisfy the debt — as stated on your Notice 1378. That total is considered to be the amount of your stimulus payment, even though part of it was used to satisfy a debt.
Economic stimulus payments received
Q. Do I have to claim my stimulus payment as income on my 2008 income tax return?
A. No, the stimulus payment is not reportable as income on your 2008 income tax return.
Q. My stimulus payment was more than what the worksheet calculates my recovery rebate credit to be. Does this mean I will have to pay the difference?
A. No, you do not need to repay the difference, and the difference will not affect your return. However, your recovery rebate credit will be zero.
Q. Will the payment I received in 2008 reduce my 2008 refund or increase the amount I owe for 2008?
A. No, the stimulus payment will not reduce your refund or increase the amount you owe when you file your 2008 tax return. The combined amount you received in the form of an economic stimulus payment plus any additional amount you receive, if any, in the form of a recovery rebate credit is independent of the normal tax you would have paid.
Q. I have no earned income and no filing requirement, but I filed a 2007 economic stimulus payment return to get the payment. Do I have to file a 2008 tax return?
A. If you received your stimulus payment, no. If you did not receive the stimulus payment, and do not pay income tax but have at least $3,000 in qualifying income for 2008, then you should file a 2008 tax return to receive the recovery rebate credit.
Related items:
Recovery Rebate Credit Information Center
Economic Stimulus Payment Information Center
1040 Central




Page Last Reviewed or Updated: January 16, 2009
Accessibility Freedom of Information Act Important Links IRS Privacy Policy USA.gov U.S. Treasury

Free File - Fillible Forms From the IRS!

It's your Birthday - It's your Birthday - It's your Birthday - It's Your Birthday!!!! WEE HO!

If you can read instructions, you can file your Tax Return for ***FREE***

The Year of the Taxpayer!

• Low Income, you are eligible for Earned Income Credit, in 8 days you can have your Federal Tax Return for 2008 for Free. This means the $300.00 - $600.00 you would be charged in preparation and loan fees will be back in your home and family where it belongs.
• Consider yourself middle class in terms of pay? Do you know you are going to owe a little cheese to SAMMY, and now you are hacked off because you know you gotta pay some little twerp who just learned how to enter data in a machine around $100.00 bucks [or for some of us the $30.00 we may pay for "Free File" using other companies software] to do your return - AND have to pay in too...You can file free. All the forms you need are there. All instructions for each form are viewable while you are on that form. FREE *
• Tax person * hate filing your taxes where you work? Like keeping your financial business to yourself? YOU WILL LOVE THIS.
• Old School? - You know how to do your simple tax return on paper and by-Jobie that is the only true way? If you aren't familiar with the computer, ask that grand baby to show you how to get to the IRS website. Instructions are to follow:
• Haven't done your taxes for a few years? You can go back and do every year FREE. Do you know how much money this will save you? For those who were scrambling to file for the Stimulus check, and you didn't get it done, now is a good time to finish. If you can read instructions. You can do this.
• Rich? HATE giving anyone a penny to do what you may be able to do yourself? Do you wait until April 15Th [traditionally] to do your taxes to put off paying Uncle SAMMY, and the Big Twerp CPA who has been gouging you every year and you are ready to put it in his/her eye? Here is your chance...If you are High Income, you probably need to wait until the middle of March 2009 to do your Tax Return. This is when 2008 Tax Law Changes are done, and all Forms will be available.
• Love to File Extensions? Hate to pay $25.00 - $50.00 or more for that pleasure? You can electronically file an Extension. How much? FREE!
• Seniors - Disabled - Not required to file, you can file if you want to, just to stay in the system. Free * Free * Free

Go to www.irs.gov click on the "Individual" Tab. Under the picture of the happy mixed family at the picnic table, the third item down (02/02/09) is a Link to Free File. At the top of Free File page it gives options for Your choosing a Tax Software or letting the IRS find a company for you. The next option is Choose Your Forms, click on that. It will advise you that you are leaving the IRS website, go ahead. You will come to a simple pretty blue form 1040. Have your last year Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) - that is the bottom line on the front page of your Last Year's Tax Return (2007). Come up with a pin number. Most choose last 5 of the Social Securtiy Number, because you always have it and can remember it. Choose your forms. If you are not sure if you will need a form, go ahead and choose it, you can delete it later. Come back later for further instructions....

If you have any questions. Leave them here, and I will do my best to get your Answer - This Year is the Year of the Tax Payer, because I am working for Free doing this as well. Any income I would earn is by over a thousand visits to my page...[maybe April 14Th huh?]. Really, let me help, this Old Grizzly knows her stuff! I have resources and training, that I get from the IRS. I am an approved e-file company. This is my Karma building year, and Americans and Visitor workers need all the Helps and benefits they can get.

For confidentiality - email: grizzly.bear@att.net

***Case examples from all past years may be used without names or any identifying features. Due Diligence is Primary! Any questions intended to commit fraud? Don't ask me, because I will advise you to the illegality and possible punishments. -0- Tolerance. Honest questions - Priceless! :8 - ) ***

Free File Forms - 2008 Tax Year

Good morning Taxpayers, [Happy Superbowl 43! Steelers vs Cardinals]
***Here is an update on the new Free File Forms available from the IRS Free File link.

Go to www.irs.gov, in the Search Box, type Free File. You will be directed to a split page. The top portion of the page gives income limitations for Free File using approved Software. The IRS gives two options with Free File with Software; 1). You choose the Company, 2). The IRS will choose for you after you answer a couple of questions. http://www.irs.gov/efile/article/0,,id=118986,00.html

The next option on Free File using Software is that you choose your own. There are different reasons to choose, but find the one who best suits your needs without charging too much.

On the Bottom half of this page, Taxpayers are given the option of choosing their own forms; 1040, 1040A, or 1040EZ.

***** No income limits for using these forms. Some Forms for the more complicated returns will not be available until March of 2009. This is when Congress is done with 2008 Tax Law, and it is final.

***** Five Star rating for any Dependent who needs to file an income tax return. Remember Parents and Guardians; if you claim a dependent on your Tax Return who has earnings, they are required to File a Tax Return. After working for years at one of the big name tax firms, I can tell you the prices charged for a Dependent 1040EZ is too much. By getting your youngster started with Free Forms, this will give them a better understanding of their 'tax life". Oh yeah; It is completely free to file electronically. I have run into a glitch on the start-up, but on Monday I will be in touch with the IRS to find out Whatz up.

My tax return is more complicated because I legally take every penny possible, and I was up to 8 forms & worksheets last night when I realized I could not locate the place to enter W-2, 1099, 1099R [incoming money] forms. Again, I probably missed something on the sign in, but it should not be so hard to locate these areas of entry. Follow-up Monday night if I can get off of Eternal Hold.

~ Software - TaxSlayer is still my favorite. They are user friendly, provide links to information to what you are doing without charge. Under certain income limits; it is Free Fed & Free State = 9.95 E-File.

Many have used the same company for years. If you have had no problems and you are happy with the ease of use; don't change. Keep in mind when you purchase the Software in the stores, you are paying a lot more than 9.95, or 14.95. As they say, if you don't know how to use it correctly it will be problems without measure and you can be barred from the IRS by doing your own taxes.

Records, Records, Records. You must have them compiled before you File!

If you use a tax professional, do not put them in the position of "guessing" close to your numbers. This year more than ever, your Tax "people" will be held accountable for erroneous numbers. Do not let any Tax 'people' convince you to "use a Dependent" that you cannot prove the dependency.

I heard one guy in a school for a certain Large name firm say, "they told us no one ever goes to jail for that..."

Try this, go to the Department of Justice website, search Tax Firms & Preparers. Perhaps print out the 20 - 30 pages of firms that have been closed, the tax pros that have been fined and their punishments.

Really Free File - Income level much higher - You must know how to do taxes.

I was excited to see the Program just introduced by the IRS. For the first time ever, a taxpayer who knows how to do taxes, or is good at reading instructions can complete a tax return, electronically straight onto the forms.

If you are a Dependent (Someone else is qualified to claim you on their Personal Federal Tax Return), you can fill out your own Tax Return, without having to pay exorbitant prices for a usually simple form.

It is simple to move through the IRS website and find the links to do your own tax return for Free.

Go to www.irs.gov. When you get to that page, it will be on the front page of the Individual Tab Page, where there is an article about Free File, the two different ways you can file electronically for free, or for a very low cost. Click on the Free File link. There will be two choices where you can link to Free File Software offered by IRS Approved Companies. Many are well known. The benefits of using software is; 1). Keep forever records by software company, 2). There is assistance available when you run across a problem you don't know the answer to. 3). If your State requires you to file a State Income Tax Return, the numbers from the Federal Form will roll down into and fill the State Forms. I prefer TaxSlayer.

Disadvantage: Software Problems; think of your worst computer experience, add the Treasury, Social Security Admin, and the IRS, Cost, Security.

The second choice is new: Go to a linked site and pull your forms needed for your return and file it directly to the IRS without a middleman. All of the benefits are obvious.

Disadvantage: It is brand new and has quirks that must be worked out. It could possibly have large or small problems. Refunds could be delayed an unknown amount of time. The problem returns will be few, but it is good to know. I cannot wait to use it. As I update knowledge on this new program, I will update y'all.

Right now it is just me preaching to my own choir, but I can really help. If you leave a comment or a question I will check in and answer you promptly. If I don't have the technical answer, I will get you to a place to get the answer.

Ready, Set, GO! They're off and Running today!

Good Morning tax payers, and tax professionals.

Today is the day it all begins. The I.R.S. will begin accepting all those tax returns from all those who have simple tax returns.

The only individuals who should be ready to file today, 1). w-2's are the only source of income, and you have gotten them all. ["forgetting" about that w-2 from that one little part-time job because they take too long is a bad idea]. 2). Your income is under $32,000.00, you own no home, or any other deductions. 3). You didn't have any unemployment, royalties, investment income or were self-employed.

Keep in mind; Congress is still working on Tax Law and Code changes for 2008 Tax Year. For the $28,000.00 income and up, I would advise waiting until February 15th before filling. The 'tax year' is pretty much solid by then.

For the low income individuals and families who are eligible for large sums of Earned Income Credit, please try to avoid getting your money in 1 day. You can wait 9 more days and save 200.00 - 400.00 in "loan fees". If you could wait an entire year, you can wait 10 days. The tax operations like Jackson Hewitt, H & R Block, JPL, Liberty make their biggest profits off of the poorest people.

Those Rapid or Instant refunds are not refunds. They are loans at 32% - 383.% interest. I have a few words to say about that, but I am keeping this family friendly.

Have Questions? Worried that the tax person you hired is not giving to you straight? Is it better to go "long form" or short? Can I claim my baby momma baby? Please Post your Questions here. If you can get that Let's talk to work, send me your Questions. Normally you would be paying good money for this service, but this is The Year. I am offering these services for Free. The only source of income would be if I get enough traffic coming to this site. My ultimate goal is to build good karma and open my offices next tax season.

I will be offering TaxSlayer, because as a professional, and a tax payer it is the simplest Free File ware out there. When/If you choose Free File, always approach these tax firms through the IRS website. It is safer.

Do not hesitate to let me know if I can be of any assistance to you: WoodSmoke - Lori