is anyone doing or planning anything in 2009 that will qualify you for any tax benefits? new cars? home improvements? what else you got?

 

IRA. That's about it.

 

I'm spending the year dead for tax purposes.

 

Well for 2009 I am deployed... so no taxes are being taken out of my paycheck.. or I think there are still some, but very little... yay.

 

I am with Joe on this one. I am going to declare myself dead and then part way through the year, I'll declare myself as a new born. That should give me plenty for tax breaks

 

now that my gf is almost done with school, I plan to take advantage of her stimulating my package.

 

geothermal heating/cooling.

 

It's good when you can claim yourself as your dependent.

We'll get a tax credit for our new energy efficient windows. This will also be our first full year of mortgage interest, property taxes, etc. to itemize (we bought in August) so that will knock our tab down a good bit compared to '08. I had to write the feds a check for almost $3K last month. Apparently I made a slight miscalculation when setting up our withholdings.

 

same, im witholding an extra $150 less a paycheck on purpose with no withholdings on my w2.....failboat.

 

I hope to hook up the energy efficient windows. also windows that OPEN would be cool.

looks like custom andersen woodwright insert windows.

 

It's a shame that those of us who just keep the damn windows open all the time don't get any kind of credit. The four years I lived in Carlsbad, I never once turned on either the A/C or the furnace.

 

you poor poor bastard.

 

Our problem was that the windows didn't CLOSE very well. In the winter you could feel cold drafts coming in all around them. Of course the wife wanted the ones that tilt in for cleaning (at least she cleans them), and we got the seven layer UV coated triple pane argon gas filled whiz-bang ****. The house has fifteen windows. The new ones seem fine I guess. Perhaps I'll enjoy them more in another ten months when I'm done paying for them.

 

so far i've replaced 1 window, does that count for anything? i've got so many projects i'm wondering if i should put some in front of others to get done this year to take advantage of any tax breaks.

like i saw one that said if you install a 75% or better alternative heating source you get $1500, i already bought a wood stove i've yet to install but it's only rated at like 69%.

edit: heres a link for energy star, does anyone have a link to a more complete list?\
http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?...pr_tax_credits

 

I started looking at solar panels for the house last year. MD is pretty good with tax credits but that ****'s expensive and it's hard to know if companies are legit with a pretty small user base.

Frank

 

I think i'm going to do like Joe and stay dead for 2009. I cant find a job anyway. I think i'll likely just end up doing 10/hr yard work under the table for the summer. I dont want to work as a consultant anymore cause it screws me out of financial aid for making too much money. I miss making 40/hr though :(

 

new companys can oprate at a loss in canada for the first 5 years so thats my plan