Taxes On the Street

Roni Deutch Tax Center launched a new YouTube channel and in our first video we took to the street to see what average Americans know about taxes and the IRS. Check out the hilarious video below!

The Enunciation of DEUTCH

People always make fun of how I stress “Deutch” when saying my name. I thought I'd join in on the fun, check this hilarious new video my team created: The Enunciation of DEUTCH

How do you pronounce your name? Send me a message on Twitter or FaceBook!

We all Make Mistakes – Even the Government

Today is the fourth day of taxes, and the featured topic on 12DaysOfTaxes is the covered the top 10 mistakes people make on their tax returns.



Below is a list of the top 10 mistakes, to check out the summary of each mistake head over to 12DaysOfTaxes.com.

1. Math Errors
2. Sign and Date Your Return
3. Attach Forms
4. Social Security Number
5. Check Subject
6. Verify Check Amount
7. List all Dependents
8. File Form 8606
9. Save Copies
10. File on Time

Two W-2’s, and a Partial Payment in a Money Tree…

Today is the second day of taxes, and the featured article at 12DaysOfTaxes.com is titled, “9 Ways to Cut Down on Paper Usage this Tax Season.” Below is a summary of the article, but be sure to check out 12DaysOfTaxes.com for the full version along with details on how you can win $500 in gift cards!

1) Keep all important documents and tax forms in a designated file, drawer, or even box.

2) E-file your state and federal income returns.

3) E-file quarterly tax payments.

4) Save copies of online purchases on CD-R and thumb drives instead of printing them out.

5) Use software or electronic payments for payroll taxes.

6) Use a virtual fax instead of a fax machine that prints out on paper.

7) If you intend to buy a new car, consider making the purchase online.

8) Paper has two-sides: use both!

9) Print preview before every print.

“Hi, I’m Roni Deutch!”

While, it is nice to get noticed, the "flickering bale light of hell" is a bit much.

12 Days Of Taxes

I am excited to announce the launch of 12DaysOfTaxes.com, a new site that will showcase some of my employees celebrating the 12 days that lead up to tax day. Although the full site will not be up until April 4, they posted the following short teaser video.



For more information check out 12DaysOfTaxes.com and signup for the newsletter.

World’s Dumbest Taxpayer

An Oregon man trying to pay his taxes in cash led to the state’s largest marijuana bust in over 10 years after a tax clerk smelt marijuana on the money.

According to the Associated Press, in Oregon, the Benton County sheriff's department arrested a man for trying to pay a tax clerk his tax liabilities with $600 in cash. Paying your taxes in cash is not usually considered illegal – however, the bills this gentlemen used apparently smelled like marijuana.

The concerned tax worker reported Eric Brian Michaelis to the Benton County sheriff’s department who then discovered over 230 marijuana plants inside Michaelis’ home. Deputies found plants in almost every room in his house, some reportedly over four feet tall. They also discovered a back-up generator that could be used to power "grow lamps" in the case of an electrical power outage.

"It's safe to say that it's at least the biggest indoor marijuana bust in the last 10 years," claimed the Chief Deputy District Attorney Chris Stringer.

Mr. Michaelis was arrested and forced to turn over $65,000 in cash that was seized in his house. He was also sentenced to 16 months in prison. However, there was no mention as to whether his original $600 payment was accepted or not.

As we get closer and closer to tax day stories that mention taxes are gaining popularity. Usually these articles talk about humorous tax deductions or advice on filing your taxes, but this article really stood out and made me laugh aloud. I guess the lesson learned is that federal taxes and illegal drugs do not mix.

Strangest Tax Deductions

Kiplinger has a new article on Yahoo finance with the top ten oddball tax deductions. All of which seem too be fake, but are actual examples that were held up in court. Some of the deductions include cat food for a junkyard owner, the cost of moving a pet, and a trip to the Bahamas among many others. Keep in mind that these deductions are not typical, and not recommended to include on individual taxpayers' returns.

Nine Craziest Tax Write-Offs

Bankrate.com has added a new article to their website with the nine craziest tax write-offs that you’ve ever heard of. Included in the top crazy deductions is a landlord who claimed he was renting a limousine to drive his tenants around, a woman who tried to take a day care tax credit for her dog sitter, and a man who tried to deduct expensive meals and theater tickets. To read details on all nine crazy tax write-offs click here.