Wow. Georgia allows tax write-off for fetuses.

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Thursday August 04, 2022 · 7:00 AM PDT

2022/08/04 · 07:00

2021_500_Individual_Income_Tax_Return_-_Blank_form_for_printing11.jpg

This just hit my in box.

The Georgia Department of Revenue has issued a statement that in view of recent U.S. Supreme Court and Georgia Court of Appeals decisions, an unborn child with a detectable heartbeat will be eligible for the Georgia individual income tax dependent exemption, effective July 20, 2022. (Guidance to HB481 LIFE Act, Ga. Dept. Rev., 08/01/2022.)

Background. Based on the June 24, 2022, U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization and the July 20, 2022, 11th Circuit Court of Appeals ruling in Sistersong v. Kemp, the Department will recognize any unborn child with a detectable human heartbeat, as defined in Ga. Code. Ann. § 1-2-1, as eligible for the Georgia individual income tax dependent exemption. The 11th Circuit’s ruling made HB 481’s amendment to Ga. Code Ann. § 48-7-26(a), adding an unborn child with a detectable heartbeat to the definition of dependent, effective as of the date of the court’s ruling, which was July 20, 2022. Note: HB 481 was signed by the Governor on May 7, 2019; it was initially ruled unconstitutional in July 2020, but the ruling was reversed in July 2022.

Exemption allowed for tax year 2022. On individual income tax returns filed for Tax Year 2022 where, at any time on or after July 20, 2022, and through December 31, 2022, a taxpayer has an unborn child (or children) with a detectable human heartbeat (which may occur as early as six weeks’ gestation), the taxpayer may claim a dependent personal exemption as provided for under Ga. Code Ann. § 48-7-26(a) and Ga. Code Ann. § 48-7-26(b)(3) in the amount of $3,000 for each unborn child.

via Thomson Reuters. Have NEVER seen this before. will other states follow suit?

DAY HIKES IN THE DENVER METRO AREA, a Colorado State Open Thread, 9/27/2021

acpa

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Monday September 27, 2021 · 6:00 PM PDT

2021/09/27 · 18:00

no image description available — Red Rocks Park

The Colorado State Open Thread is for people to come and share their interests, enjoyment, thoughts, questions, advice and whatever else concerning Colorado. This diary is a contribution to the series by myself, acpa, at the request and suggestion of our group leader, ColoTim.

So I started training for what I hope will be my second and this time successful attempt to complete the Camino de Santiago about six weeks ago. I made an attempt to go all 490 miles in fall 2018, but dropped off The Way after about 11 days/130 miles when the damage to my feet from ill-fitting boots just couldn’t be ignored any more.

A year ago, in the height of Covid, when fares were cheaper, I bought my round-trip ticket to Madrid, departure date October 18^th. For a couple of reasons I was skeptical this trip would even happen. First off, I tore the meniscus in my knee last October and could barely walk for weeks. With physical therapy though, and a small amount of weight loss, my knee is on the mend. I met with the knee doc two weeks ago, and he blessed my trip. Told me to make sure to pack anti-inflammatories, and show pics the next time we met.

And secondly, I’ve been diagnosed with early stage Parkinson’s. So far, not advanced enough to really impact the quality of my life, except that my typing with my right hand when I write long missives such as tonight’s is noticeably slower than my left hand. The research though is clear – only exercise, especially strenuous exercise, has been shown to slow the progression of this disease. The type of exercise is open to debate – I workout with some folks in a PD boxing class who swear by spin classes. My neurologist just says to get the heart rate up to 80% max, a feat my fancy Garmin watch tells me is easier said than done.

Anyhow, my exercise of choice is walking (as running is no longer an option). So walking the Camino could be a win-win in many ways. Anyway, making multiple loops around City Park is an option, but gets a little old after a while. So here’s what I’m looking for in a hike, and if you’re in the Denver area, and have ideas for me, I’m all ears!

Distance – since I’m in training mode 9-13 miles preferred, or loop that can be repeated
Below timber line – not sure it’s the PD or just aging, but not willing to take the risk. My balance is ok, but why take the chance?
Less than an hour’s drive from Central Denver. Don’t like spending the time driving, plus concerns about carbon foot-print etc.

So here’s where I’ve gone recently

WATERTON CANYON

Right length, no shade on return leg though. Bonus that on hot return leg the herd of bighorn sheep was out.

APEX PARK, GOLDEN

Nice forested hike once you get past some sketchy rocky areas. Quick drive from central Denver on I-70. Can repeat the Enchanted Forest loop for extra miles.

S BOULDER CREEK, BOULDER

Also very accessible to central Denver, this time via US 36. No shade for beginning and end of hike. Chock full of Boulder athletes who seem to have no need to carry fluids.

STAUNTON STATE PARK

Scheduled for Sunday, thus no pics. Pretty hike southwest of Denver. Can get crowded.

When all else fails -HIGHLINE CANAL -south Suburbia, Denver

Thank you for reading and I hope you’ll be able to suggest some hikes for me. Because this is the open thread, even if you have something you’d like to post that doesn’t concern hiking, feel free to post it down below. As ColoTim says, the floor is yours…

Poll

35 votes Show Results

What distances do you like to hike?

35 votes Vote Now!

What distances do you like to hike?

A mile on a flat, paved surface is more than I can usually do.

3 votes

A couple of miles on relatively flat surfaces is enough.

6 votes

When I go hiking, I look for something up to five miles in length.

11 votes

I like five to ten miles in length.

6 votes

I go more than ten miles, but I like hiking in nature and staying away from busy trails or cities.

1 vote

It varies, depending upon my hiking partner.

1 vote

I walk however far my dog wants me to take him/her/them.

1 vote

I walk until I find a pie store.

4 votes

Some other answer (see below)

2 votes

The hits keep coming - IRS rules that PPP loan proceeds may create taxable income

acpa

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Thursday April 30, 2020 · 6:01 PM PDT

2020/04/30 · 18:01

One of the big selling points of the much-discussed PPP loans was that, if you followed the guidelines, most if not all of the loan proceeds could be forgiven and you wouldn’t have to pay it back. Couple that with language in the cARES act which specifically states that the loan forgiveness is not taxable and it’s a good deal, no?

Well, what about the deductions you incur while spending down the loan proceeds? The IRS just ruled they’re NOT deductible — increasing taxes for these businesses. Yes, they’re relying on a statute in reaching that conclusion (Sec 265) but really? Personally I think they’re punting to Congress, putting the mess back where it should have been cleaned up before all this. Just one more hurdle for small businesses to overcome in order to survive….

Mothering those removed from their mothers

acpa

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Sunday May 14, 2017 · 8:17 AM PDT

2017/05/14 · 08:17

So today’s Mother’s day. Always a land mine in my house. 3 years ago I adopted a 13-yo, placed with me when she was 11. Victim of physical abuse, emotional abuse, and witness to worse.

I try hard, but I will never be 100% what she needs. She needed a mother who met her needs, not her own. She needed two stable parents, instead she got a raging lunatic and someone who abdicated total responsibility. It will be a good day today if I don’t become the victim of her still unresolved anger.

All is not lost however. I have an older adopted daughter, also placed with me as an older kid, and she’s come out the other side. Couldn’t have been more loving and appreciative in her Mother’s day message to me. Has blessed with me two of the most adorable grandkids a woman could ask for, with another on the way.

Please don’t see this as if I regret my actions. I don’t. It’s just that, for some kids, and adults, today is about loss…..

Head of household filing status gone?

acpa

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Thursday November 17, 2016 · 11:14 AM PST

2016/11/17 · 11:14

So I read this morning on one of my daily tax updates that Mr. Trump will be proposing the elimination of head of household filing status. as a single parent, I can honestly say life is tough enough without taking a major tax hit!!! Anyone else hear this?

And if there others on this forum who’d like to follow and report on proposed tax law changes, let me know.

Why this election has such a personal tone for me

acpa

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Tuesday November 15, 2016 · 6:57 PM PST

2016/11/15 · 18:57

I’ve debated telling my story, but here goes. Years ago, as a single woman, I met someone whose company I enjoyed. At the time I met him, he was actively involved in AA, seemed to have a humility I respected, and was the single dad of a 3-year old (he was granted sole custody based on ex-wife’s drug issues). We had some ups and downs, but two and a half years later bought a house together, in a neighborhood with good schools for his son.

Well, it didn’t take long for his true personality to show, but by then I felt trapped. Partly because of the real estate market, but mostly because I had seen his flashes of anger and wanted to be a support system for his son (and I should also mention I never saw anything that rose to the level of a reportable offense, but definitely saw verbal abuse and fear and intimidation).

The other thing that became apparent over the years was his died in the wool conservatism. He knew I had voted for Obama, and that I was a Democrat. Things I heard: libtard, you’re just jealous of Sarah Palin because of her looks, that’s why you don’t like her, way too much Bill O’Reilly, Obama was not born in the US because of some typeface on the birth certificate, etc etc etc. And in anger I heard worse. In the middle of one argument, in front of his son, he screamed at me that I was a “baby killer”. Why? Because I was pro-choice (mind you I’ve never been pregnant, much less had an abortion — at least partly thanks to Planned Parenthood).

But here’s the worse I heard, and why I know racism runs deep in the Trump camp. We were having a fairly civil conversation, and he said something that to this day I am ashamed of myself for sitting through and not getting up and leaving the relationship right then and there. I said something to the effect “I can’t believe you just said that” but I didn’t leave, and I should have.

Fortunately I did start to see a counselor, in addition to receiving spiritual counseling from a nun at a Jesuit retreat center not too far away. I was in tears one day, feeling so torn, and she said to me “God didn’t put you on this earth to enable his anger”. That was the day that for me it was over. I kept my plans to myself, found a place to live, gave him notice at 7:30 one morning, and had movers there 15 minutes later.

I am now friends on FB with his son (now 15). he’s an active DJT supporter, which can only come from what he hears at home. I hope he gets a chance to separate and find himself, and someday find the courage and insight to fight against the bullies like I saw him do as a younger child.

And if the bulk of the die hard Trump supporters are like my ex, we’re in for a rough ride. It will take energy and focus to fight back. But I refuse to let them have the last say. We as a society cannot afford what they have to offer. I’ve never felt the need to fight back as hard politically as I do now, and it’s largely because of what I experienced in the not too distant past.

As always, thank you for reading.

Repealing the ACA, my thoughts

acpa

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Friday November 11, 2016 · 9:10 AM PST

2016/11/11 · 09:10

My experience with the Affordable Care Act, posted to my FB page this morning:

So I'm going to write a completely political post, something I rarely do. It's about the Affordable Care Act, otherwise known as Obamacare. I understand that it's first on Trump's agenda to repeal. As a CPA and fiscal conservative, I also understand why. It's large, hard to understand, and expanded our social safety net.

However, as a CPA who works with small businesses and individuals exclusively, I can tell you that the ACA has been a godsend, particularly for those small businesses who are owned by a single owner, just starting out, or struggling to rebuild their businesses after the recession. I can't tell you how many people, pre-ACA, I knew who either could not afford health insurance or who were forced to redirect funds that could have/should have gone to building their businesses spent disproportionately large sums of money on health insurance.
There were/are definitely some aspects of this law that had to go - for instance, the early requirement for expansion of 1099 reporting. Small businesses were up in arms about this provision, and rightly so. It was taken out of the law before it ever went into effect.
So my caution is this. If this law is repealed, what will it be replaced with? and please, please think of your neighbor, the small business owner, looking to grow their business. For many repeal of this law will have long term, negative consequences

At least one school district is getting in front of the hate.

acpa

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Thursday November 10, 2016 · 6:18 PM PST

2016/11/10 · 18:18

Received this today from my daughter’s school district, which is very diverse economically and raciallly.

Dear xx Schools Community:

We in xx Schools Belong and Thrive together. Yesterday, we celebrated the incredible support and generosity of our community, which approved bond and mill levy proposals for our schools and students. While we are so happy and humbled by this support for our students and for education, the end of this election season has also reminded us of the deep divisions our country is experiencing. Many in our own community, including our own families and students, have concerns and are fearful for the future. Although our country has a long way to go to building trust and healing the hurt caused by such a divisive election season, we deeply believe that we as a country have more in common than what divides us.

Our mission at xx Schools has not changed – we will prepare ALL students for success through learning, leading, engagement, and action. As we always have, we will continue to welcome all families and educate all children in our community.

Education is the key to success for our students and to the long term prosperity for all of us. It helps us to find common ground and bring respect and understanding, rather than anger and fear.

As you do your own reflecting in the days ahead, please know that our teachers, school leaders and support staff at xx Schools are there for your students and families. We remain committed, now more than ever, to the inclusion, love, care, and respect of our fellow neighbors – and especially to our students. Our students are a vital part of our community, and we will continue to advocate for them to ensure their success and well-being.

We encourage our community, our teachers, and school leaders to create safe spaces where hopes, fears and differences can be discussed. In support of these conversations, we wanted to provide a set of resources for educators and families (please see further below).

We have much to look forward to and be proud of in xx Schools where we all Belong and Thrive. We are so encouraged by the support we have experienced in our community. Please know that we will continue the important work of providing our students with the best educational opportunities now and in the days ahead.

I just kicked a trump supporter out of my office

acpa

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Thursday July 14, 2016 · 10:35 AM PDT

2016/07/14 · 10:35

I’m a cpa who works with small businesses, so I get a variety of clients in my door. I try to stay away from politics, but there’s one long-term client who knows I’m a Democrat who’s been very vocal about being a Trump supporter. He pays too much in taxes, the Mexicans coming over the border are taking the jobs etc etc etc. The conversation first went south when I mentioned a former foster kid was going to be staying with me on a short-term basis until he can find some government -subsidized housing (there’s a special housing grant program for kids who age out of the system and aren’t adopted). he started to complain about his tax dollars going to that program, and I shut him down pretty quickly. Can you imaging complaining about helping out kids who have no family and no where else to turn????

and then he started in on Obama speaking about race at the recent Dallas service. But I really was at the end of this conversation when he started in on how Trump was going to get assassinated so Hillary wouldn’t get prosecuted, as the 6 year statute of limitations was running out soon, and there have been 49 deaths of people around the Clintons, etc etc. At that point, I was done, stopped the conversation, reminded him I had a mortgage to pay and work to get through, we’d be in touch next week when I had his work ready. I like this guy, need the work, so we’ll continue to work together, but we are not going near politics again!

Sadly, justice was served last week.

acpa

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Monday September 14, 2015 · 8:04 PM PDT

2015/09/14 · 20:04

A little background. 3 years or so ago I became a certified foster parent. All well and good, I have since adopted the girl who was my first placement. She's now 14, probably doing as well as she can. She has an older brother, though, one who's been involved in the juvenile justice system since I've known him, and her. I've gotten to know him well, including his placement in my home a year and a half ago for 10 weeks, until he got into trouble again, and picked up another juvenile sentence.

acpa

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Saturday June 13, 2015 · 7:24 PM PDT

2015/06/13 · 19:24

I have a loved one who is now being held in our local adult jail. Had just turned 18, did something stupid, got caught. The whole system, though, seems to be rigged to restrict access in every way possible. Here's what I've learned in 3 short weeks:

1. You cannot have a face-to-face visit. You can't even have a visit through plexiglass. you go down to the jail, on your appointed time, and videoconference your loved one. You sit in a little cubicle, with a tiny screen on the wall. They come on the screen, and they're in a big room with lots of other guys milling about. Absolutely no privacy. You only get this appointment after spending anywhere from 10-90 minutes on hold with Securus, the company that handles these things.

Poll

217 votes Show Results

Have you ever supported a loved one in the justice system?

217 votes Vote Now!

Have you ever supported a loved one in the justice system?

Yes, unfortunately

115 votes

Thankfully no

102 votes

One young man's journey through our juvenile justice system

acpa

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Monday January 05, 2015 · 8:54 PM PST

2015/01/05 · 20:54

As I look back on this year, I can't help but reflect on the changes and insights E. brought into my life. I was first introduced to E. about 18 months ago. I was a foster parent at the time, and he was/is the older brother of my now adopted daughter. He was 16 at the time, and was waiting sentencing on a theft charge, in addition to possession of marijuana charges. As a ward of the state, the powers that be thought he would be best served by spending time in a local boot camp program run by a division of youth corrections. It was a good program, and they reached out to me and his sister for family visits. It was my first introduction to the criminal justice system for juveniles, but wouldn't be my last.

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