14 ODD BALL TAX DEDUCTIONS – REALLY!
Kiplinger has set forth 14 unusual tax deductions. Who knows maybe one applies to you. The Tax Courts have allowed items ranging from breast augmentation, swimming pools to moving the family pet. Click this link to find out more.
Ask TaxMama Issue 542 – Poor Poor Purim
February 26, 2010 by Tax Blog
Filed under Questions & Answers
Dear Family,
Let’s start with a quick reminder – if you want to take a deduction for contributions to Haiti on your 2009 tax return, you must make your contribution by February 28th.
Speaking of February 28th, that is also the last day to take the 2009 EA Exam. Those of you planning to sit for the exam…get off your tushies and do it NOW!
I just heard from two people who truly did not believe they would be passing the exams by the end of this testing window. Our guy in Japan tells me that when I told in December that he would be able to finish his studies and pass before the testing deadline ended, he just couldn’t even imagine that he could learn that much, that quickly. He passed his last part yesterday – and is all done!
The other lady was in deep, deep despair two months ago. She was so burned out from family, studying, disappointments and failing the toughest exam, she wanted to throw in the towel and come back in the summer. She passed this week.
Why do I tell you this? Aside from intense pride in their success?
And aside from inviting you to join this year’s class?
http://irsexams.com/registration/
Because I want you to be inspired to accomplish the things YOU want to do in your own life. Sometimes, things look so dark, so dismal and problems impossible to overcome (especially tax problems), that you literally give up, withdraw into yourself and become emotionally catatonic. You may still function on some automatic level. But you’ve lost heart and all sense of life and purpose. You’re not alone.
In practically everyone’s life, we face such times. One person, speaking to a group this week told us that recently, he was so dejected, felt like such a failure, that he was going to walk away from everything he had built up – and just give up. He got over it because when he made the announcement, friends reached out to him from all over the world and brought him back to life. Which is why he is still around to teach me exciting new things.
If you’re feeling trapped, hopeless, or as if you can’t deal with another thing, please, take heart. Your problem, your set-back is temporary. Whether deal with it yourself (and that is often my nature, too…idiotic though that may be)or get help – break down your problem into components, like puzzle pieces. Work on just one piece of that puzzle at a time. Solving one problem, getting past one roadblock is much easier than trying to do it all once.
The first success will start a small spark of hope. The next one will raise that spark to a small flame of pleasure. By the third solution your hope and enthusiasm will be flaming bright. You will be on track again.
In fact, that’s a little bit like the events in the Book of Esther, the story of Purim. Listening to an online discussion by Rabbi Simon Jacobson this week, made me realize that the events that took place in Persia in the 5th century BC, took place over a period of years. Somehow, in the telling of the Story of Queen Esther, it feels as if all the events happened over a few months. And talk about Esther’s despair – learning that your entire race of people is about to be wiped out. Your choice is to go face the king uninvited and risk being put to death for your impertinence, or stay safe and watch everyone else die. And even then, even if you do risk your life to speak to your king, what’s if he annihilates all your people anyway? http://www.our-learning.com/blog
To all profound problems, there is a solution.
Faith and prayer were definitely a part of Esther’s solution.
But she didn’t rely solely on that (unlike the man in the flood).
Esther also had a plan.
She saved the Jews of Persia. And gave us THE most joyous holiday of the year – Purim.
http://www.jewfaq.org/holiday9.htm
In IRS News today we learn what to do when you move your home or office, and how to Check the Status of Your Refund.
http://taxmama.com/category/asktaxmama/irs-news/
This week TaxMama’s TaxWatch tells you all the different types of tax breaks you can use even if you don’t itemize.
http://www.marketwatch.com/taxes
In today’s Money Funny we meet a man waiting for God.
http://taxmama.com/category/asktaxmama/money-funnies/
In TaxQuips this week we get into an intense argument about whether your tax pro should give you a copy of your depreciation schedule with your tax return or not? What do you think?
http://taxmama.com/forum/taxquips/lack-of-depreciation-schedules/
The rest of the week, we learn about education credits, exotic medical travel, and funding retirement plans on the basis of rental income.
http://taxmama.com/category/tax-quips/
As always, we love your feedback, opinions and ideas.
You are what makes all this fun – and interesting!
Please use the Comments link online.
http://taxmama.com/ask-taxmama-issue-542-purim/
TaxNerd gear makes a bold statement year-round. And it helps attract the opposite sex!
Shop at www.taxnerd.net or http://www.zazzle.com/taxmama*
Hugs from your favorite TaxNerd,
http://www.zazzle.com/taxmama*
Eva Rosenberg, EA
Your TaxMama® is watching…out for you.
www.TaxMama.com
www.snurl.com/homebiz-tax
www.TaxMama.com/TaxQuips
www.IRSExams.com
www.TaxNerd.net
==========================————————————————————-
TAX CALENDAR
http://www.taxmama.com/taxcalendar.html————————————————————-
03/01/2010 File Paper copy W-3’s with Social Security Admin including copies of W-2’s
03/01/2010 File paper copy of US transmittal of US information Returns
03/01/2010 Farmers & Fisherman – Use Personal Income Tax Return – Sole Proprietor
03/16/2010 S-Corp Election Decision Due (if Applicable)
03/16/2010 S Corporate Returns Due / Calendar Year
03/16/2010 Issue K-1’s S Corporate Returns / Calendar Year
03/16/2010 Corporate Returns Due / Calendar Year
03/16/2010 Corporate Returns/S Corp Extensions Due / Calendar Year
03/16/2010 Foreign Persons US Income subject to withholdings
03/16/2010 Annual Tax Return of US Income subject to withholdings of Foreign Persons
03/16/2010 Employers Make Monthly Payroll tax deposit on the 15th of each month
03/16/2010 Electing Large Partnerships – Issue K-1s to partners – even if you’re on extension
03/31/2010 Electronic filing of W-3’s with Social Security Admin including issued W-2’s
03/31/2010 Electronic filing of US transmittal of US information Returns————————————————————-
From TaxMama® to You!————————————————————-
Follow TaxMama®’s Tweets – http://twitter.com/TaxMama
You are invited to put a TaxQuips Widget on your phone, social networking page, website, or… You’ll get the TaxQuips as soon as they published – long before they are distributed in by e-mail. It’s a nifty gadget. Just pick up the code and paste into your site or application.
http://www.widgetbox.com/widget/taxmamas-taxquips-daily-tax-podcasts
Download TaxMama’s 2010 iphone Tax Calendar. My gift to you.
http://snurl.com/taxcalendar
Never miss a tax deadline again!
The customizable tax calendar is here.
Add or Remove dates. Add your own reminders – get alerts.
http://snurl.com/itaxmamapro
- Ask TaxMama :: Where taxes are fun and answers are free
- www.TaxQuips.com :: The number ONE free tax podcast online
Five Tips for Taxpayers Making a Move
February 26, 2010 by Tax Blog
Filed under Questions & Answers
The IRS offers five tips for taxpayers who have moved or are about to move. If you’ve changed your home or business address, make sure you update that information with the IRS to ensure you receive any refunds or correspondence from the IRS.
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- How to Change Your Address You can change your address on file with the IRS in several ways:• Correct the address legibly on the mailing label that comes with your tax package;
• Write the new address in the appropriate boxes on your tax return;
• Use Form 8822, Change of Address, to submit an address or name change any time during the year;
• Give the IRS written notification of your new address by writing to the IRS center where you file your return. Include your full name, old and new addresses, Social Security Number or Employer Identification Number and signature. If you filed a joint return, be sure to include the information for both taxpayers. If you filed a joint return and have since established separate residences, both taxpayers should notify the IRS of your new addresses; and
• Should an IRS employee contact you about your account, you may be able to verbally provide a change of address.
- Notify Your Employer Be sure to also notify your employer of your new address so you get your W-2 forms on time.
- Notify the Post Office If you change your address after you’ve filed your return, don’t forget to notify the post office at your old address so your mail can be forwarded.
- Estimated Tax Payments If you make estimated tax payments throughout the year, you should mail a completed Form 8822, Change of Address, or write the IRS campus where you file your return. You may continue to use your old pre-printed payment vouchers until the IRS sends you new ones with your new address. However, do not correct the address on the old voucher.
- Postal Service The IRS does use the Postal Service’s change of address files to update taxpayer addresses, but it’s still a good idea to notify the IRS directly.
Visit IRS.gov for more information about changing your address. At IRS.gov, you can also find the address of the IRS center where you file your tax return or download Form 8822, Change of Address. The form is also available by calling 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).
Links:
-
Form 8822, Change of Address (PDF 60K)
- Ask TaxMama :: Where taxes are fun and answers are free
- www.TaxQuips.com :: The number ONE free tax podcast online
- IRS Form 8822 :: Change of Address
- IRS Topic :: How to Notify IRS When you Move
- IRS Topic :: Moving Expenses
Seven Things You Should Know About Checking the Status of Your Refund
February 26, 2010 by Tax Blog
Filed under Questions & Answers
Courtesy of IRS
Are you expecting a tax refund from the Internal Revenue Service this year? If so, here are seven things you should know about checking the status of your refund once you have filed your federal tax return.
- Online Access to Refund Information Where’s My Refund? or ¿Dónde está mi reembolso? are interactive tools on IRS.gov and the fastest, easiest way to get information about your federal income tax refund. Whether you split your refund among several accounts, opted for direct deposit into one account, used part of your refund to buy U.S. savings bonds or asked the IRS to mail you a check, Where’s My Refund? and ¿Dónde está mi reembolso? give you online access to your refund information nearly 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It’s quick, easy and secure.
- When to Check Refund Status If you e-file, you can get refund information 72 hours after the IRS acknowledges receipt of your return. If you file a paper return, refund information will generally be available three to four weeks after mailing your return.
- What You Need to Check Refund Status When checking the status of your refund, have your federal tax return handy. To get your personalized refund information you must enter:• Your Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number• Your filing status which will be Single, Married Filing Joint Return, Married Filing Separate Return, Head of Household, or Qualifying Widow(er)
• Exact whole dollar refund amount shown on your tax return
- What the Online Tool Will Tell You Once you enter your personal information, you could get several responses, including:• Acknowledgement that your return was received and is in processing.• The mailing date or direct deposit date of your refund.
• Notice that the IRS could not deliver your refund due to an incorrect address. In this instance, you may be able to change or correct your address online using Where’s My Refund?.
- Customized Information Where’s My Refund? also includes links to customized information based on your specific situation. The links guide you through the steps to resolve any issues affecting your refund. For example, if you do not get the refund within 28 days from the original IRS mailing date shown on Where’s My Refund?, you may be able to start a refund trace.
- Visually Impaired Taxpayers Where’s My Refund? is also accessible to visually impaired taxpayers who use the Job Access with Speech screen reader used with a Braille display and is compatible with different JAWS modes.
- Toll-free Number If you do not have internet access, you can check the status of your refund in English or Spanish by calling the IRS Refund Hotline at 800-829-1954 or the IRS TeleTax System at 800-829-4477. When calling, you must provide your or your spouse’s Social Security number, filing status and the exact whole dollar refund amount shown on your return.Refund checks are normally sent out weekly on Fridays. If you check the status of your refund and are not given the date it will be issued, please wait until the next week before checking back.
Links:
- Ask TaxMama :: Where taxes are fun and answers are free
- www.TaxQuips.com :: The number ONE free tax podcast online
- IRS Tool :: Where's My Refund
- IRS Spanish Tool :: ¿Dónde está mi reembolso?
No Profit in Waiting For God
February 26, 2010 by Tax Blog
Filed under Questions & Answers
After a major storm, a flood had overtaken the town. As the flood waters were rising, a man was on the stoop of his house and another man in a row boat came by.
The man in the row boat told the man on the stoop to get in and he’d save him.
The man on the stoop said, “no, I have faith in God and will wait for God to save me.”
The flood waters kept rising and the man had to go to the second floor of his house.
A man in a motor boat came by and told the man in the house to get in because he had come to rescue him.
The man in the house said, “No thank you. I have perfect faith in God and will wait for God to save me.”
The flood waters kept rising. Pretty soon they were up to the man’s roof and he got out on the roof.
A helicopter then came by, lowered a rope and the pilot shouted down in the man in the house to climb up the rope because the helicopeter had come to rescue him.
The man in the house wouldn’t get in. He told the pilot, I have faith in God and will wait for God to rescue me.”
The flood waters kept rising and the man in the house drowned.
When he got to heaven, he asked God where he went wrong. He told God that he had perfect faith in God, but God had let him drown.
“What more do you want from me?” asked God.
“After all, I sent you two boats and a helicopter!”
- Ask TaxMama :: Where taxes are fun and answers are free
- www.TaxQuips.com :: The number ONE free tax podcast online
- Money Funnies at TaxMama.com :: More Tax and Money Humor and Inspiration
- More Money Funnies at TaxMama.com :: Where you can post your comments
Why is the U.S. Olympic Committee Tax-Exempt?
Watching the made-for-TV Olympics the other night, I could not help but wonder: Why does the federal government subsidize the United States Olympic Committee by granting it tax-exempt status? The question is especially interesting because The Washington Post reports the USOC may soon ask for direct government support.
The law provides a specific tax exemption for organizations that “foster national or international amateur sports competition,” according to the IRS. But much of the competition the USOC fosters is not amateur at all. True, amateurs still participate in some minor sports. But marquee U.S. team sports like hockey and basketball, and the glamour individual sports such as skiing and ice dancing (is this really a sport?) are dominated by professionals. Ski racer Lindsey Vonn, for instance, made an estimated $3 million last year from race winnings and endorsements. We’ve come a long way from the days when the Olympics stripped a track-and-field gold medal from Jim Thorpe because he made a few bucks playing semi-pro baseball.
Then there is the matter of the way the USOC itself makes and spends money. To learn more, I pulled the committee’s IRS Form 990 for 2007 and 2008.
On the income side, the USOC is a massive marketing operation that makes money by charging for sponsorship and broadcast rights. In 2007, a year in which there were no games, USOC had revenue of $147 million. More than half—over $78 million—came from corporate royalties. The story was roughly the same in 2008, although, because summer games were played that year, the numbers were far bigger (including $123 million in broadcast rights). USOC is in a titanic battle with the International Olympic Committee over how to divvy up that TV money. In 2003, NBC paid the IOC a staggering $2 billion for the rights to broadcast the games through 2012.
In contrast to its carefully crafted public image, the olympic committee gets relatively little from individual charitable donations. According to The Washington Post, the group expected to raise only about $10 million in such contributions in 2009.
The way USOC spends its money is even more troubling. For context, the American Institute of Philanthropy recommends that charities spend at least at least 60 percent, and preferably 75 percent, of income on programs. Yet in 2007, the USOC spent about two-thirds of its revenue on administrative expenses, including almost $35 million on salaries, benefits, and other compensation. In 2008, at least 20 of its top executives earned $200,000 or more.
In ’07, the committee distributed about $57 million–or less than 40 percent of its income– to its member athletic organizations, various foundations, and individual athletes. For instance, the speedskating association got $2.8 million, Hockey USA got $1.3 million, the curling association got $635,000, and the badminton association got $237,000 (I guess those birdies are cheap).
Much of the money pays for coaches and training costs. What do the athletes get directly? In 2007, the USOC distributed a total of about $14 million in “grants” and spent another another $3 million on health insurance for elite athletes. And, no doubt, some who play less commerical sports could use the help.
But let’s not kid ourselves, it has been a long time since the Olympic movement was about the love of sport. Today, the Olympics is about big bucks entertainment provided mostly by highly-paid athletes. It would be an outrage if, in an era of $1 trillion-plus deficits, Congress provided direct funding for the USOC. It is bad enough the Olympic committee enjoys tax-exempt status. I can’t image why Washington subsidizes a private organization to create commercial entertainment. The producers of American Idol–the winter games’ prime-time competition– seem to do a fine job of running made-for-TV competitions without government subsidies. Why can’t the Olympic movement?
Tax and Deduction Software Reviewed and Compared [Tax Time]
It is, unfortunately, that time of year again. If you’re thinking about buying tax software from TurboTax or H&R Block, or using their free online deduction tools, the New York Times and Consumer Reports have done the legwork in comparing the two.
The Times considers TurboTax and H&R Block at Home as ease of mind purchases for those with taxes that aren’t quite corporate enough to warrant a full-fledged accountant, but not so simple as to require just a few checkboxes. Neither software, however, is a perfect solution:
Before you buy a tax-preparation program, understand that it won’t be a panacea. You still have to keep good records – they matter mightily if you’re audited – and, in complicated situations, you may need to research tax laws yourself. The software can’t tell you whether tuition for your Spanish class is deductible, only that job-related educational expenses might be. What’s more, it won’t ease the headache you may get by trying to find answers on the I.R.S. Web site. The agency provides reams of guidance, but the rules can be murky for people who muck about with them only occasionally – even pros.
Meanwhile, for those with a good number of charitable and other deductions, Consumer Reports tackles the pros and cons of each software provider’s free online offerings to help you value and deduct the proper amount for donated goods and resources.
For an in-depth look at what software like TurboTax has over human accountants, and where it falls short, reference Gina’s battle of the human accountant versus TurboTax.com.
TurboTax ItsDeductible and H&R Block DeductionPro [Consumer Reports Money & Shopping Blog]
IRS Free File Helps You Prepare and File Your Taxes for Free [Tax Time]
No matter how you look at it, doing your taxes is no fun. But at least the IRS makes things a little easier with Free File, its free online income tax prep program that even files your federal taxes for you electronically.
The Free File program is available to anyone with a 2009 Adjusted Gross Income of $57,000 or less. If that’s you, just head over to the IRS website and choose from a list of approved tax preparers, and get started. If you aren’t sure which preparer to use, just answer a few quick questions and Free File will hook you up with a good match.
The service asks you for all the information it needs from your W-2s, 1099s and other tax forms, drops it into the appropriate forms, does the math, checks for accuracy, and cranks out the completed forms for you to check over. Once you’re satisfied, let the company file your federal taxes electronically. Some services will even handle your state income taxes for a fee.
If you’re above the $57,000 income or just want to do your own taxes, Free File has a section filled with free blank forms you fill out yourself. There are tons of different federal tax forms to choose from, including 1040, 1040EZ, and others. This section of the site doesn’t have any state forms on it, but does allow you to file your federal taxes electronically.
No matter which option you choose, you’ll get a confirmation receipt from the IRS letting you know your return was received, and you’ll see your refund in about 10 days if you opt to have it deposited directly into your bank account. The site also lets you file for an extension if you think you’re not going to hit the April 15th deadline.
Where do you go for free help getting your taxes done? Share your ideas in the comments.
Know How Likely You Are to Get Audited [Tax Time]
You can’t know for certain that your tax returns will be audited, but you can be certain that you’re always a candidate. The IRS itself has laid out a few tips on what triggers their audit sensors.
Photo by alancleaver_2000.
Originally laid out at the IRS.gov site and picked up by the Bargaineering blog, knowing the watch points that the IRS’ computers look for can help you prepare a less noteworthy return. Jim Wang does his best to translate Tax Accountant into Actual Language on one of the more interesting points:
Computer Scoring – … Tax returns are “scored” using two systems – Discriminant Function System (DIF) and Unreported Income DIF (UIDIF). The Discriminant Information Function System (DIF) score gives the IRS an indication of the potential for change in tax due, based on past IRS experience. The Unreported Income DIF (UIDIF), as you can imagine, scores the return on the potential for unreported income. The higher the score, for either, the more likely the return will be reviewed.
Other things to watch out for? Big discrepancies between what your employer(s) report for your income and what you do, and having friends or business associates who claim to have figured out all kinds of clever tax tricks. If your number does seem likely to get pulled from the stack, read up on how to stand up to an IRS audit.
Been audited yourself? Know why it happened? If you feel up to sharing words of warning, even if they’re just about a friend, tell us in the comments.
Top 10 End-of-Year Office Upgrades (You Can Probably Write Off) [Lifehacker Top 10]
By this time next week, it’ll be next year—and too late to turn a great investment in your work life into a lower tax burden in April. Splurge wisely on yourself with these write-off-friendly wishlist items.
Photo by jnyemb.
We have to point out that none of the Lifehacker editors are tax preparers, accountants, or financial advisors. Most of us pay taxes as freelancers, and have grown used to the idea of deducting everything we use to get our jobs done from our independent income. If you’ve got a sideline or freelance business, or itemized business deductions, shopping for some of these purchases—if you need them—could make a lot of sense before the year is up, but consult with a professional before dropping any serious cash in the hopes of a big tax move.
For another take on end-of-year tax moves, check out Gina’s list of essentials for 2009.
10. Plants, lights, and other soft touches
It’s easy to think that the only way to upgrade an office is to come home with a box from OffiStapleDepot. Grab some plants that produce better air or are hard to kill. Give your office some ambient rope lighting, or better sunlight coverage with a mirror. Buy some paint, tarps, and rollers and clear up a Saturday afternoon. You can do a lot for your office without breaking out a single screwdriver or USB cable.
9. A better keyboard and mouse
Your keyboard and mouse still work, but do they actually feel good to use? Do they just function, or do they manage to get entirely out of your way and reduce friction between thought and computer action? Enough said—check out the best mouse and keyboards our readers have used, and invest not only in your tax liability, but your wrists, fingers, forearms, and long-term comfort.
8. Second (or third) monitor
ZDNet columnist and writer of all-things-Microsoft Ed Bott recently tweeted that the loss of his second monitor saw “productivity plummet,” and he wondered how anyone worked with one monitor. It sounds ridiculous—unless you’ve gotten used to the ease of having more than one screen. The easy example is when you’re writing or chatting about something: you keep it open, full-size, on one screen, and use the other to type. You can monitor inboxes and browse on one monitor while injecting thoughts into documents on another, keep files and windows from two different projects separate but within arm’s reach, and, of course, rock much cooler wallpaper. Need more convincing? Check out Gina’s guide to making the most of your dual monitors for how-to inspiration.
7. USB car adapter
This one’s not much in the way of cost, unless your family’s got a fleet. Then again, you’ll be glad you can charge any gadget that accepts any kind of USB connection as a power source, all for the price of two fancy coffee drinks. Want the sleeker solution? This iLuv model goes for $15, and almost fits flush with your car charging port, so it looks like your car was just made to power everyone’s phones, cameras, iPods, and other devices. (Original post)
6. Label maker
Why do label makers capture the hearts of geeks and make organizing actually, sometimes, enjoyable? Because handwriting is often awful and looks unprofessional, and because cutting Post-It notes into little strips is monotonous. Gina has shown us how her Brother changed her life, and many of our readers can vouch for other models, as well.
5. Filing cabinet makeover supplies
If you don’t have a filing cabinet, buy one. If you have one that’s just acting as a side table for your papers and coffee mugs, you need to whip it into shape. That involves folders, labels (and maybe a label maker), and supplemental storage, such as airtight bins, for the files you still need to keep around. After the initial purge, you’ll also need a shredder to start getting a filing system workflow down. Among the safest items you can claim as a home office expense, a filing cabinet is a decidedly un-sexy, but necessary, purchase.
4. Serious, extra battery for a laptop or smartphone
It’s the smartest thing I’ve ever done for myself, at least as far as computers are concerned. My ThinkPad came with a standard six-cell battery, that held a decent charge, at first. But since it’s my main work computer, it sat with a charge constantly connected, and didn’t age that well when consistently exposed to the system’s own heat, or some other abuse I leveled upon it. So I bought a bigger nine-cell battery, wrote it off, but kept it in my laptop bag, not the computer. I keep it charged at about 80 percent, use it only when I’m going to be away from a power plug for some time, and it continues to be my steady backup. If you’ve got a laptop or smartphone with a kind of “meh” battery, you should do the same.
3. External hard drives and online storage
If you’ve got a Time Machine capsule or a big enough USB drive, and you remember to back it up constantly, then you’ve got your data security training wheels on. If you don’t have a storage space in a separate physical location, you’re still just practice pedaling. There are lots of free options, and for most home users, Mozy or Carbonite should fit the bill just fine. Then again, if you don’t have all that much to back up, or it’s not super-private stuff, a simple Dropbox upgrade can be very liberating.
2. A really nice office chair
You and your office chair are probably pretty close. Find a chair that’s not an expense-account-draining special, like certain brands fronted with a particular gentleman’s name (what is it, German Ziller?), but does more for your back than just stand behind it. You can find chairs that offer the same kind of lumbar support and breathe-able fabric, as we once did, and consult our readers’ office chair show-and-tell session for some great ideas. Image from commenter unleashed.
1. Pay for apps you’ve put off buying
We’ve always felt that great software can, and should, be free, but some great software can be made better with a premium edition or subscription. Among the apps we’ve paid for, or reviewed in spite of costing (gasp!) actual money, are virtualization solutions like Parallels 5 and VMware Fusion 3, both of which make Windows a smooth, easy part of the Mac life. Universal capture tool Evernote offers faster transcription and more storage to premium users (along with new offline capabilities on iPhones), while Remember the Milk offers access to its very cool iPhone and Android apps. Speaking of mobile apps, there are quite a few worth considering, including many Pro/Premium versions of our most popular iPhone apps. Point is, if there’s a premium app you’ve put off buying that might actually make a significant impact on your ability to get things done, consider taking the plunge.
What business or office purchases have you previously made with the end of the year in sight? How are you spending your no-time-left funds next week? Give us your game plan in the comments.