Prosper With Money

First, let me say that I understand that the government wants our money back from TARP. What they should have done is never have given TARP out in the first place. Listen, even if the government does set in place extra taxes on the 50 largest financial institutions that took TARP, who do you thing is going to end up paying the additional taxes that Obama is proposing. I can answer that question for you you. We will, we will end up with increased fees and less services at these financial institutions. We have to remember that these financial institutions are public companies and not non-profits. They will make a profit and the consumer will continue to pay more in fees to cover the additional taxes. Keep your check books balance to reduce overdrafts and make sure you know what banks are in your ATM network. If you are with one of the 50 largest financial institutions, I recommend you switch to a small local bank or a credit union. Look for a bank or credit union that is active in your community that and that you would not have a problem recommending to someone else.

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I am often asked in late December and early January, what can I do to be better prepared to have my taxes complete. Here are my top 5 answers:

1. Get a folder and label it Taxes 2009. Everything that comes in the mail related to your 2009 tax return goes in the folder. Even if you are not sure if the item relates to your tax return, put it in the folder and let you tax preparer sort through it. When I am preparing taxes one of the most frustrating things (for me and my client) is when we are missing an item and can not complete the tax return until we have the item.
2. Get your charitable giving in order (church contribution statements, Goodwill/Salvation Army receipts, and any out of pocket giving). This will help cut down on time when you and your tax preparer are going over your tax return.
3. Review your tax return from last year and make sure you have all the documents that you had last year.
4. Get your appointment to have your taxes prepared scheduled early this year. As we have all felt the economic slow down over the last year, I believe that a rush could happen (more than usual rush) to get your taxes prepared (to get your refund faster) from January 15^th – February 15th.
5. If you are not sure about a Federal or State tax rebate or tax reduction program, call your local tax preparer, the IRS or your state’s taxing authority. Having all of your documentation and receipts in order will help to make this a smooth process.

Overall, if you are organized and follow the tips above, getting your tax return prepared should not be a process to cause you any concern. The concern at tax perpetration time should be how much money we are giving our Federal and State governments!

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