Tax Guru – Ker$tetter Letter

Tapping Retirement Funds To Start a Business

Best tip: Have a good accountant

It seems that I wasn’t alone in criticizing the folks at Intuit for their failure to provide us QuickBooks Pro Advisors with the ability to help clients who use Apple Macintosh computers. 

This was included in the QuickBooks ProAdvisors newsletter than arrived today:

How to Order Your Personal Copy of QuickBooks: Pro 2006 for Mac
Support Your Clients on Macintosh. To help you support your clients who are using the Macintosh, Intuit is offering you your own not-for-resale copy of QuickBooks: Pro 2006 for Mac. This software’s new features include improved data sharing with QuickBooks for Windows.*

Please fill out this form to receive your free not-for-resale (NFR) copy. Software will ship at the end of each month with the first shipment happening in December 2005.

* NOTE: QuickBooks:Pro 2006 for Mac can convert files from QuickBooks Simple Start, Basic, Pro, Premier, and Premier Accountant Edition 2004, 2005 and 2006 for Windows (U.S. versions, one way: Windows to Mac). QuickBooks: Pro 2006 for Mac can exchange data with QuickBooks Pro, Premier, and Premier Accountant Edition 2006 for Windows (US versions, round trip: between Mac and Windows).

I filled out the application for the copy of the program and hope they send it soon.  I will now have to get serious about buying my first Mac computer. I’ve been waiting for this kind of good reason to get a Mac, especially after reading reviews such as this one from Walter Mossberg of the Wall Street Journal.

IRS Issues Proposed Regulations to Safeguard Taxpayer Information

A key principle underlying the proposed guidance is that tax return preparers may not disclose or use tax return information for purposes other than tax return preparation without the knowing, informed and voluntary consent of the taxpayer.

 

Tax Scam Promoter Judge Rizzo and Wife Sentenced To Prison – Involved with that illegal offshore Global Prosperity Group scam that I’ve blasted on several occasions. 

It’s not clear how much the economy would be affected if taxes go up in a bid to reduce the deficit. – Yes it is; and the DemonRats want to do everything they can to destroy the economy and hurt Bush in the process.

White House Reportedly to Postpone Tax Reform Until After 2006 – Gutless GOP.  If they can’t get their changes passed with control of both houses and the Oval Office, how do they expect to do any better after possibly losing seats in November 2006?

Who pays the taxes – The evil rich pay most of the taxes.

Seniors Beware: Variable Annuities May Not Make Sense For You! – Good advice.  (Courtesy of Milt Baker, CPA)

Investment guru Wade Cook charged in tax evasion case  (Courtesy of Russ Fox)

Shocker: Gas-guzzling SUVs are today’s best buys  (Courtesy of AutoBlog)

Tax credits for hybrid owners still being ironed out for 2006   (Courtesy of AutoBlog)

U.S. Comptroller Warns About Exotic Mortgages – Make sure you know all of the future details of any new loan scheme you sign up for.  Having it reviewed and explained to you by your own accountant would be much better than accepting the word of the loan agents, who often don’t completely understand all of the ramifications, or are so desperate for a commission that they will ram unsuitable programs down your throat.

The FairTax and its Implications for the U.S. Economy

Gutless GOP rulers wimp out again:

When Even Supply-Siders Say Taxes Must Rise, an Unpopular Policy Looks Inevitable

This Alternative Tax? Hey, Wait! Ouch! – The insane AMT is poised to attack more and more people if our rulers don’t get off their butts and address this issue ASAP.

Tax Cuts Could Wait Until 2006, Frist Says – As if they will have more guts in an election year.  Not likely.

Why are Republican leaders governing like Democrats? – Good question from former GOP leader Dick Armey

Republicanism in decline – from Tony Snow

GOP Pushing for Spending and Tax Cuts – This is very difficult to take seriously given their recent track record.

Financial-service ads pander to baby-boomer narcissism

There are 76 million of these folks, born between 1946 and 1964. The oldest among them are just starting to tap their retirement accounts. This audience isn’t just enormous; it’s also wealthy, with something like $2 trillion in spending power.

The Ups and Downs of Flipping Property in Today’s Market