Nothing seems to make him happier than doing his duty and paying his share to Uncle Sam. Which is quite patriotic, perhaps even noble. Funny thing, though: He apparently doesn’t even have gripes that the tax system is too complicated, and yet he needs a tax accountant to help him figure out the amount he’s all too happy to fork over.
Taxes
16 Freebies and Discounts on Tax Day and Beyond
The deals include free coffee, free breakfast, free food for kids all month, and 50% discounts on alcoholic beverages.
Theory: Simplify the Tax Code and You’ll Wind Up Paying More in Taxes
The idea is that it’s actually good for taxpayers to be frustrated with how absurdly complicated it is to do their taxes. Why? Supposedly because that anger is channeled into efforts to curb government spending.
Scam Trifecta: Fake Tax Refund Schemes, Facebook Gift Card Fraud, and Health Insurance Policies That Don’t Exist
Whodathunkit: A free $1,000 gift card for IKEA is too good to be true.
April 15: The Day to File Taxes, Snag Freebies, Spend Money
All sorts of promotions entice the tax-weary to head out and indulge a bit on Tax Day—perhaps with free Cinnabon cupcakes or free tacos, a discount on your dinner tab or tax-free shopping at a range of retailers.
Economic Indicator: The Price of a Haircut on Craigslist?
Among the data that may give some indication of how the economy is doing: Sales of generic toilet paper and cheap liquor, how new your underwear is, and how hot your waitress is, and how busy the fast-food drive-thru is at breakfast time. Also: passenger subway traffic near San Francisco’s Union Square, and perhaps even the asking prices …
It’s a Deal: Free Copies of Tax Returns at Staples
From now through April 15, Staples is allowing customers to make copies of 30 pages of tax returns (15 double-sided pages) totally free of charge. Find the nearest Staples location here.
How the Economy Is Still Affecting How We Work, Shop, and Live—and How Many Ex-Cons Are Out on the Streets
Compared to the recent past, you’re far more likely to be driving an old clunker, piling up speeding tickets, and living with either Grandma or a spouse you can’t stand. You’re also less likely to reside in Las Vegas, Orlando, or a state prison.
Cheapskate Wisdom About … the Limited Utility of Raising Taxes on the Rich
“The evidence is clear that when marginal tax rates go up, the amount of reported incomes goes down.”
Want an Energy Star Label? No Problem—Even for a Product That Doesn’t Exist
The Energy Department admits it doesn’t properly track how Energy Star labels wind up on refrigerators, air conditioners, and other products. The labels, which are supposed to indicate a product’s energy- (and money-) saving prowess, are often based solely on info provided by the manufacturer, with no independent verification. A recently …
Certainties in Life: Death, Taxes, and an Onslaught of Springtime Tax Deduction Tips
Advice on overlooked tax deductions, tax deductions you think you can take but really can’t, the best (and worst) DIY tax-prep services, and more.
Why People Aren’t Sold on Energy Efficiency in their Homes
How many residents of Boulder, Colorado, does it take to screw in a light bulb? 100,000: Taxpayers foot the bill for teams of techies to go door-to-door and caulk windows, swap old light bulbs for compact fluorescent ones, and install programmable thermostats, all in the name of energy efficiency. Should saving energy—and money—be …