The Landscape and Garden Blog
Feb
27
Americans who find themselves injured or suffering from a debilitating illness that prevents them from working are usually eligible for benefits from the Social Security Administration — provided that they can prove their disability will permanently prevent them from returning to work. There are actually two different benefits offered: Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability (SSD).
SSI is designed to help disabled workers who fall into low income brackets and do not have the work credits needed to qualify for SSD benefits. Unlike SSD, the funds for these benefits come from the Treasury Department, although the program is administered by SSA. Supplemental Security Income is also available to individuals over the age of 65 who meet specific income guidelines as well as those who are blind.
SSD benefits are available to anyone with work credits accumulated through the social security system. These individuals must prove they have enough work history and credits as well as prove the severity of their disability. There are certain conditions that will automatically qualify them for benefits. These are known as compassionate allowances. However, the worker will still have to prove they have enough work credits.
Anyone who has become disabled will want to consult with a social security disability lawyer in order to determine which benefits match their specific situation. The lawyer will also be able to guide them in preparing their claim to reduce the chances of it being denied.
Feb
18
While much of the hassle has gone out of filing taxes for those with fairly straightforward returns, there will always be individuals whose financial situation is more complicated or those who have experienced a major event in their life that changes their tax status. These people may find themselves hunting for obscure tax forms and instructions in order to complete their return by Tax Day .
Tax forms are obtainable directly from the IRS. Individuals can visit a local IRS office or call their hotline and have the appropriate forms and worksheets mailed to their home or office. It is also possible to find forms at other government offices, such as the post office or a state department of revenue. Libraries and some financial non-profit organizations also keep copies of more popular tax forms available.
However, this is the digital age. Most people have gotten used to being able to access things online. It is certainly possible to find tax forms online and print them and fill them out before sending them in with a tax return. It is also possible to get forms that can be filled out on the computer. Some of these will even do calculations while others are simply glorified typewriters.
It’s really not so important where to find a specific form, but that any return submitted to the IRS have all the necessary forms and worksheets to support it. Otherwise the taxpayer may find themselves facing an audit.
Feb
11
As part of the green movement to save the environment, many homeowners are investigating tax credits and rebates that are available for those who invest in home improvements designed to make their home more energy efficient. These programs range from credits for installing solar panels to rebates for using energy efficient appliances. There are even programs for installing better windows or using specific building materials and paints.
One ongoing credit has been extended to apply to 2011. It provides a tax credit for those who install energy efficient retrofits on hot water equipment or HVAC systems. These energy tax credits, also known as 25c tax credits , have been in effect for several years. However, the amounts for 2011 have be reduced. Homeowners can deduct up to 10% of the costs associated with the improvement up to $500. There is also a lifetime cap, so that homeowners who have claimed 25c tax credits since 2005 are limited to a total of $500.
These credits apply to qualified improvements to central air conditioning, heat pumps, furnaces, and hot water boilers. There are credits for advanced main air circulating fans, natural gas and propane boilers as well as oil furnaces and oil hot water boilers. Homeowners can consult with their preferred heating Phoenix company to see which improvements will qualify for specific credits.
Designed by Tim Sainburg from Brambling Design
