Here red this....H&R block was the one who told me about it first.
Posted By: MTmom on 2009-02-27
In Reply to: You are probably going to be really in a mess - Looney
Top 10 Oddball Tax Deductions
TurboTax has outlined some outlandish tax deductions to help you increase your tax refund. We've uncovered what we think are the weirdest deductions allowed, from pet food to free beer to (we're not kidding) a girlfriend.
Can I deduct?
Admit it. As you've worked on your return, trying to come up with extra deductions to pump up your refund, you've taken a few flights of fancy. "Can I claim a deduction for all those blood donations at the Red Cross?" Nope.
"How about a charitable contribution for all the time I donate to the church?" Nope, again. "The wedding gift for the boss's daughter as an employee business expense?" Come on! On the other hand, over the years your fellow taxpayers have beaten the IRS in court on payments for many crazy things that most of us wouldn't even dream of claiming. We've uncovered what we think are the weirdest deductions allowed, ranging from pet food to free beer.
1. Pet food
A couple who owned a junkyard was allowed to write off the cost of cat food they set out to attract wild cats. The feral felines did more than just eat; they also took care of snakes and rats on the property, making the place safer for customers. When the case reached the Tax Court, IRS lawyers conceded that the cost was deductible.
2. Moving the family pet
If you are changing jobs and meet a couple of tests, you can deduct your moving expenses — including the cost of moving your dog, cat or other pet from your old residence to your new home. Your pet — be it a Pekingese or a python — is treated the same as your other personal effects.
3. A trip to Bermuda
This island is more than just a scenic place to visit: It's a great place to schedule a tax write-off. Business conventions held in Bermuda are deductible without having to show that there was a special reason for the meeting to be held there. That's a sweet perk.
Other countries in the Caribbean region qualify, too, including Barbados, Costa Rica, Dominica, the Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guyana, Honduras, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, and Trinidad and Tobago. Meetings held in Canada, Mexico and all U.S. possessions also receive this favorable tax treatment. Attend a convention in Paris, Rome or Beijing, though, and there's no deduction unless you can show it made as much sense to travel abroad as to head to Pittsburgh.
4. Body oil
A pro bodybuilder used body oil to make his muscles glisten in the lights during his competitions. The Tax Court ruled that he could deduct the cost of the oil as a business expense. Lest it be seen as a softie, though, the Court nixed deductions for buffalo meat and special vitamin supplements to enhance strength and muscle development.
5. A private airplane
Rather than drive five to seven hours to check on their rental condo or be tied to the only daily commercial flight available, a couple bought their own plane. The Tax Court allowed them to deduct their condo-related trips on the aircraft, including the cost of fuel and depreciation for the portion of time used for business-related purposes, even though these costs increased their overall rental loss.
6. Babysitting fees
Fees paid to a sitter to enable a mother to get out of the house and do volunteer work for a charity are deductible as charitable contributions, even though the money didn't go directly to the charity, according to the Tax Court. The Court expressly rejected a contrary IRS revenue ruling.
7. Breast augmentation
In an effort to get more tips, a stripper with the stage name "Chesty Love" decided to get breast implants to make her a size 56FF. A female Tax Court judge allowed Chesty to write off the cost of her operation, equating her new assets to a stage prop. Alas, the operation proved to be a problem for Chesty. She later tripped and ruptured one of her implants.
8. Landscaping
Sole proprietors who regularly meet clients in a home office can deduct part of the costs of landscaping the property. The deductible portion is based on the percentage of the home that is used for business, according to the Tax Court. The Court also allowed a deduction for part of the costs of lawn care and driveway repairs.
9. Free beer
In a novel promotion, a gas station owner gave his customers free beer in lieu of trading stamps. Proving that sometimes beer and gasoline do mix, the Tax Court allowed the write-off as a business expense.
10. Swimming pool
A taxpayer with emphysema put in a pool after his doctor told him to develop an exercise regimen. He swam in it twice a day and improved his breathing capacity. Turns out he swam in the pool more than his family did.
The Tax Court allowed him to deduct the cost of the pool (to the extent the cost exceeded its added value to the property) as a medical expense because its primary purpose was for medical care. Also, the cost of heating the pool, pool chemicals and a proportionate part of insuring the pool area were treated as medical expenses.
Bonus Oddball Deduction
A girlfriend. The owner of several rental properties hired his live-in girlfriend to manage them. Her duties included finding furniture, overseeing repairs and running his home. The Tax Court let him deduct $2,500 of the $9,000 he paid her. The disallowed portion was for nondeductible personal services.
Updated for tax year 2008
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H&R Block
H&R Block always. The one time I didn't use them, I got audited and ended up having to dish out almost $3k in taxes & penalties.
best to have a brief consult with a CPA and I don't mean H&R Block
there are always a little bit of difference from state to state and where you live regarding a business license etc. Try to find a CPA that specializes in small businesses, especially if you can find someone who perhaps has other MT's for clients? The gist of an IC is you do not have an employer, so you do not have someone to withhold taxes for you. The thing that always throws IC's is the tax withholding stuff. They have a great fear about it. This is where the CPA will help you out a great deal so you can base decisions on facts, not fear.
You will have another form or to to fill out at tax time (Schedule C, etc.) and next year you will have to do quarterly payments, but it's not that hard.
Who Must Pay Estimated Tax
If you had a tax liability for 2005, you may have to pay estimated tax for 2006.
the IRS has a nice site for small businesses, use the link below. any specific questions, feel free to email me.
Get an accountant...even H&R block will do.
I made the mistake of doing the taxes myself one year (TurboTax)and ended up getting audited for that year 2 years later. Luckily it only cost me $1200 but I'm sure it could have been much worse. I just go to H&R Block. At least if I get audited again, they'll handle all the work AND pay my fine if it's something they messed up on.
Now H&R block did specify in their tax rules that....sm
The animal had to be a dog and be over 50 pounds in order for it to count. I am taking advantage of everything that is legal as they have screwed us over long enough.
Actually, you can put a block on your credit report that
NO credit card companies solicit you at all. Look up the three credit reporting agencies online and see what their websites say. Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. I don't get any at all except from American Express to my old business name.
As for the automated phone systems, I just push zero a bunch of times until I get a human. Impatient, I am!
yeah, me too, get about 20 a day anymore - block them - sm
that is what I do....granted a new crop comes in the next day, but I just keep blocking away. What is weird is I used to get a couple a day, now about a week or so ago it just went crazy and jumped to as you say 15-20 a day. I really don't want to change my email address either, so I guess I will just keep doing as I am doing, or else turn my Spamkiller back on.
You can block that number from reaching you.
They will block the number but not tell you who it is.
Call them right after a phone call comes in that is a hang up. Apparently, this happens a lot since SBC has an 800 number for this request.
Our block has parties a lot that go well into the night. sm
They have even had a couple of bands come and play. This was a problem last year for me because I needed my sleep and worked weekends. This year, it will be nice since I now work nights. For a short street, it is really lively.
Been around the block lots of time but tell me
what is padding? I have worked in this field for over 30 years now. I have very good speed and regular typing I could do at least 2000 per day. Now with VR and straight combined I do about 3200 per day. My audio will not go that fast in order for me or anyone to do 1000 per hour. The most I have done in an hour (without having to slow the machine down, listening only) was about 600. It cannot be done with my audio system, totally impossible as fast as you can set it.
I've used H&R Block TaxCut
on-line mainly because over the years I've needed "people"  to help with questions on tax issues that were a little complicated, especially last year with a move, partial-residence state taxes, sale of home, etc. I've not had any complaints with it. I paid for the highest service last year so I had unlimited access for questions, and the guy was really great, reviewed and signed the tax returns and actually called me with some questions. I've considered going to TurboTax though in the future because so many seem to like it, just haven't made the switch since I've got everything stored with TaxCut so far.
Yes, they can selectively block sites...
I worked for a company who did that. They had a list of approved sites that we could access, such as onelook, rxlist, physician search sites, E-mail, etc. They would also allow the MTs to put in requests for sites we thought should be added to the "allowed list."
Be careful doing that unless you somehow block out the pt name - could be illegal. nm
?
I was told I needed 2 phone lines, but was told I was dialing into the doctors' system. What woul
A friend of mine also had a bad experience with H&R Block
nm
How terrible. They can now block off the tear duct to
help keep moisture in the eyes. I had the temporary one put in and it really did help. I had one eye done and am not happy but I do not have the problems you do. It is so hard to know if you will be in that small percentage with bad results. I hope something is found to help relieve or correct some of the problems you are having...good luck and best wishes.
Preferences? Setting up NP with Doc signature block
Need to set up nurse practitioner dictator with Doc signature block, think I know how it should be set up but it's been awhile. Any current examples or preferences of how anyone likes to do this? Thanks.
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Great idea. Thanks. I've had a mental block on
nm
Can an employer use software to search what is on your computer and how can you block this? (sm)
When an employer downloads their program onto your computer can they put software on it so that they can get into your computer and see what is on it, such as folders, files, etc? If so, is there any way to block it? This just popped into my mind the other day and I was wondering about it. 
Tax guy told me to hold 30%. After first year when got idea what I would be making, he told me
:P
Unlisted number, caller ID, and block unknown callers.
I think it's *67 to block unknown callers and *69 to find out last unblocked caller. There is another key combination to press when you want the phone company and/or police department to trace nuisance calls. You can fight this. Public edcuators have it rough. First, no respect in the classroom, then these punk kids think they can mess with you at home. Fight back. Escalate it to police chief, mayor, and supervisor of the phone company if you're getting nowhere with the lowly peons.
I told you once, I told you twice, eTransPlus is going down the drain!
Don't expect communication from anyone, we are only little "peons."
Block her E-mail, return mail unopened
On AOL I can determine who I want to receive mail from and block those I do not -- and if they are blocked they get their E-mail back as being "undeliverable". If she sends things out -- send back --unaccepted. But to be simple just E-mail her back or call the recuriter if you don't want to deal with her directly and state -- leave me alone. If she is in another state you should not be scared of her but you may simply have to put it out there in no uncertain terms.
I was told
I was told that I could be sued by the client or dr for what I transcribe and the company will not help me in any way. Now I called State Farm and told them what I wanted and they said that due to it being in the medical field they would not cover me....
I was told
the same thing. Some said they had to wade through stacks of resumes looking for resumes that even remotely came close to meeting the requirements they posted. I can see why the best ones don't post their job openings. I know the company I am working for has offered a referral bonus, they are hiring for all shifts, all hours. I don't refer people, referral bonus or not, but I would encourage anyone who is not happy to post their resume and pray they are contacted by this company or another equally good one.
Better to see the doc & be told all's well than (sm)
Have it be appendicitis & run the risk of rupturing. If you still have your ovaries, could be a cyst/adhesions/whatever. Or it could be just a strained muscle or something. If it were me, I'd check with my doc. Just my opinion, tho'.
Hope you feel better soon, regardless of what it is
someone told me that
she knew a guy who lost about 50 pounds in 3 months by drinking a gallon of water a day plus a gallon of Arizona green tea. Sounds like he was either overhydrated or bouncing off the walls! In any event, he was certainly spending a lot of time for pee breaks.
I was NEVER told anything
I had to be up to speed (12,000 lines) in one payperiod even starting on the new program and new account in order to not have to pay for computer and keep insurance. NEVER has the office I work out of ever said you could put a note on there and say it is new account and were we given time to get used to a new account.
MQ is for the birds. No continuity of rules at all.
Whoever told you all men are like this? Him? nm
x
That's what I was told by QA.
They told me that. Don't blame me.
I was told it can't be done
Or maybe we're thinking of different dictionaries. I was asking about the main word dictionary that comes with Stedmans. Is that the one you're referring to, or just the custom dictionary you create?
If it's the main dictionary, I would love to know how you do it. Please share.
I was told to
Shake up a bottle or can of 7up or sprite really, really well.. let it sit a few so it doesn't spray you lol..then warm it up a little bit. That does the trick for our 20 month old :)
What my doc told me-
"What!!!!! You're upping your rate????? IT'S ABOUT TIME!!!!" That was 2 years ago.
Seriously...I have been doing his work for 11 years, always afraid of raising the rate because I knew he always had other sending him letters and calling him. I finally took a deep breath and upped it last year...a whole penny more per line. That's when he made the above statement.
I don't print any of his work. He calls my 800 number to dictate and I PCAnywhere his work to his computer twice a week. It used to be 20 minutes twice a week, now it's up to 40 minutes twice a week.
HE told ME that others want to charge triple what I charge. Well, I can make him happy if he wants me to up my rates again. 
He gives me $100 bonus at Christmas and a wonderful card thanking me for the terrific service I provide to him. I love this guy and would never, ever think about dropping him.  and he told me he would never, ever THINK of dropping me for someone else.
FYI, 11 years ago, I charged him $.15 a line/65 character line, now I charge $.16. He's one of the fantastic few doctors who appreciate the MT. For that reason, I also appreciate him and send him Omaha Steaks at Christmas (no more than $50).
My vet told me it's HIS job to sm
do anal glands and no one but a vet should do it as it can be tricky and mistakes can cost an owner money and I agree with him. My previous cocker had glands that would plug up and he had a certain way that he would do that caused her no pain and she would need to be on antibiotics for a week after. I've NEVER done my own dog's, always took them to the vet, per HIS recommendation that no one BUT A VET should do glands. Personally, if demand that much from your groomer, then I wouldn't want you for a customer.
what would you do when your 10y/o told you
honestly, I don't know how to handle this without hurting her feelings. please help!! need some good advice. Thanks in advance
I have not been told
that it is required to switch to VR. I have also not spoken to anyone with that works with the company that was *forced* into doing VR. I have been told that it is an option.
He should have told you before but
as an MT with many years of experience (25), I would not appreciate very much having someone with less than half my experience as my "manager" and QA person. And I know a lot of seasoned MTs who feel the same way. Of course I could have the job if I really wanted it and I don't, I just want to transcribe. But still I expect someone who at least knows as much as me, if not more, to be my supervisor.
She is saying that she was told that
she had a position with a certain company, but was told that she needed to buy a DocShuttle program in order to do her job. Once she bought the program from them, they never contacted her again. She was asking if anyone else had had this experience.
this has been told everywhere sm
That story has circulated around many, many times. Supposedly, the story is not true. You can Google it if you want, but according to research, it is a hoax.
Not what I was told sm
I was told I need one to work for a local company. I'll just have to call them directly next week. Thanks!
Who told you this??
I think you can get disability insurance but usually you have to cover employees with WC insurance but if you are an IC without employees, I don't think you can get it. But you could call your state WC division and ask them as I have been known to be wrong. But I don't have any. And if you subcontract to someone I don't think that they can require that you carry it yourself but again I could be wrong.
she was never told she was only IC.
x
We were told
at one point that to type in Word and copy and paste was a HIPAA violation and would be grounds for being let go immediately. Anyone else know of this?
Was told I could...
I work for Spheris and made that clear to my accountant. He insisted a few years ago I could write my home office, DSL, etc. off one year. Guess what? The IRS wanted $300 back, so I don't bother trying to write anything off anymore.
then she would have told you how as well.
where I worked there were also settings per Transcriptionist and one of them was allow skip - Y or N.
Don't you think it would be better to talk to someone at the job? Most will work with you.
I was told this (sm)
An MTSO that outsources all of its transcription made the decision that proofreading/editing that transcription before returning it to doc offices just wasn't cost effective for them and so they have eliminated that step and are trying to get by without it.
That means any mistakes made by transcriptionists with little or no comprehension of the English language beyond medical terminology are being sent through to go in patient records unless someone on the receiving end takes the time to proof everything first.
Of course if they do this, and discover the poor quality of work they're receiving, the MTSO will likely end up losing the account - but they'll just turn around and find somebody else.
And in the meantime, God only knows what sort of mistakes are NOT being found simply because quality isn't cost effective.
My CPA told me it was much better
for me tax-wise to be a SE than an IC. He said to be an SE was the best of all possible worlds. I did not ask him why. I pay for his expertise and I trust him.
He told me...
Jan needs a Xanax . You're a spaz, sorry, but it's true.
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