Catherine

Funny, yes, -- but in the following kind of way:

Wonderful, Jack!!

How to piss off a frog... http://grumpyelder.com/2014/04/how-to-piss-off-a-frog-video/

Has anyone used a collection agency?

Latest update -- *FINALLY* the DCF commissioner gave in to pressure to resign. A necessary - but not sufficient - step towards freeing Justina. http://hosted2.ap.org/wrko/afb5c11d61c140368f0a3bb63800228a/Article_2014-04-29-US-Massachusetts-Child-Welfare/id-fdb1dba7f8f447998ab21191e770ee86

We all get those -- the same folks year after year who "forgot their checkbook" or something. And for the most part, they pay up. For a few years I put on my yearly letter "no new work can begin until past balances are paid in full" along with a copy of the invoice. That usually got fast payment with embarrassed apologies. This year for the very few who owe, I am being much more stringent about billing them. First reminder goes by email before the client has even left the street. Second goes by US Mail and includes a $15 late payment fee. Third (haven't had to do this yet!) will add 1-1/2% interest to the total with a note that interest will be billed monthly.

He looked like he had big hands until the video got to the picture of him holding Grampa's finger!

Congratulations JACK!!! And to Caleb and his mama, too!

Gee -- maybe the bonuses were so they could pay their back-due taxes? In which case, I have a couple of clients who could use a job at the IRS themselves - they might finally resolve pesky tax problems.

Not merely lack of understanding but actual disdain and contempt.

I have several non-citizen (permanent, legal resident) clients for whom FATCA and FBAR are serious considerations in whether or not to continue living and working (and paying taxes!) here, and/or to apply for citizenship here. So it also impacts good, hardworking, law-abiding, tax-paying non-US citizens as well -- and drives some of them to leave and take their reporting requirements and tax dollars OUT of the system. Your article, KC, also did not mention the -extremely- nasty fine system. Failure to report (even with NO malice or criminal intent) can result in fines of HALF THE MONEY held in those accounts. If that is not confiscatory, I do not know what is. No crime; a mere failure to report an account. And now they are starting to want info on accounts a taxpayer has NO control over, such as eligibility for foreign pensions.

I got a renewal notice from Drake and jumped at it. Their program gives you a $400 discount for renewing early, dropping $100/month-ish until you get up to full price. Fully refundable by 12/31. Refundable minus some kind of fee if you bail before e-filing any returns. FWIW

Thank you, Michaelmars!

Also here: http://constitutiondecoded.com/gbtp-tax-day-rally-video.html with text here: http://constitutiondecoded.com/gbtp-tax-day-rally-april-13-2014.html

One of the clubs here in MA runs an annual "machine gun shoot" as a fundraiser. We went a number of years ago; you bought ammo for the gun you wanted to try and got to fire those rounds. Pricey (and this was well before the cost of ammo skyrocketed a few years ago) but tons of fun. They had Gatling guns and Tommy guns and all kinds of historic military firearms. The "targets" were some outer-shell-only old cars and other vehicles bought from a junkyard for the purpose. My personal favorite part was flummoxing my instructor by being able, first time, to do 2 and 3 round bursts. Not common for "girls" apparently.

Married over 70 years; held hands EVERY morning at breakfast. Died 15 hours apart. http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2014/04/19/they-held-hands-at-breakfast-every-morning-over-70-years-of-marriage-is-it-any-surprise-it-took-him-so-little-time-to-follow-her-in-death/

I don't scare Tom? Pout. Guess I will settle for being loved!

Yes; Frontsight. they seem to have some really interesting classes but all I recall is that they're farther out west than I am willing to drive...

Just beautiful, KC - thanks for sharing!

how 'bout this one - for Jack & others.

MsTabbyKats -- there are locking mailboxes you could use for your drop-off clients. (see link) Label it "Tax Drop-Off" and attach it to the front of your house - perhaps off to the side of the door, where the mailman won't accidentally use it. Then folks can drop off whenever and not disturb YOU at your work (or in your slippers, or whatever). Sure, still charge the surcharge! http://www.homegardenandpatio.com/curb/mail_box.htm

Ahem. That is more properly, rights as listed in the 5th Amendment. Our rights pre-date, transcend, and supersede the Constitution. They are a gift to us from our Creator.

sure -- if you have a pdf, you can use the "secure send" under the Resources menu on my web site, grant-financial.com and that will get it to me securely and fast. Or, call my office and tell Ruby (the receptionist) I said it was OK to put your call through 781-652-8994

You have a GREAT post-season, Tom. Remember to drop by if you visit the Boston area for any reason. We'll see you 'round the virtual water cooler!

They are also doing themselves and you a favor by getting to know and trust you - and you getting to know them -- now, while their situations are simple. I had a kid from the local deli come to me in high school; couldn't figure out a 1040-EZ on Turbo Tax to get his $150 refund from his after-school job. Kept asking me questions and eventually I told him to just bring me his stuff. He has been a client ever since -- and he's now in his late 20's. Serious girlfriend, talking about getting married and buying a house -- he will be a client forever.