Comments on: J.K. LASSER’S YOUR INCOME TAX 2008: FOR PREPARING YOUR 2007 TAX RETURN

By: Acute Observer

Acute Observer — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 04:30:35 +0000

There are two reasons to read this book. 1) You are preparing a paper return and want to know more than what is printed in the "IRS Forms and Instructions. 2) You want to read and learn more than what you get from a tax preparer or software. Since your business activities have tax consequences, you should read or browse the relevant sections of this book as it applies to you. Some ignore the consequences of the tax until its too late. Since most people can not tax lawyers, and may not be able to get advice on a phone, or even from the Internet, you need to refer to this book as required. Do not be afraid of the size of the book as most people will not need all the chapters. Chapter 1 covers your "Filing Status". Chapters 2 through 11 covers the taxable wage, salary, other compensation, benefits, dividends and interest, property sales, Tax-free exchanges of property; IRA pension and annuity income, and the rents and royalties, restrictions on the loss, the other income. Chapters 12 to 21 covers deductions from adjusted gross income; standard or detailed deductions; charitable contributions, deductions for interest, taxes, medical expenses, accidents and loss of flight, postage and miscellaneous costs, the travel and leisure and personal exemptions. Chapters 22 to 27 explain how to calculate your taxes, tax credits and deductions. Chapters 28 to 31 about tax planning and savings. Chapters 31 to 39 explain areas that the average person needs rarely. Chapters 40 and 45 has important subjects for the self. Chapters 46 and 47 tell about your tax filing claims and amended returns. [The easiest way to fill out a 1040X is to fill in the new 1040 and then copy the information to the 1040X. ] Chapter 48 provides guidance in case the IRS examines your return so that you may be informed and prepared. Page 724 speaks of "Cases against the IRS for Unauthorized Collection"! To learn more about the history of U.S. tax policy, you need a book in economic history. Income taxes today fall more heavily on workers from the less complex, 1862, 1893 and 1916 tax codes on income. They had a relatively simple way. Class and sectional differences do politics and politics make the tax code. Special Issues continue to complicate the tax code.
Rating: 5 / 5

By: Jay H. Colborn

Jay H. Colborn — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 03:50:49 +0000

Perhaps if I were an accountant, I give it four or five stars. But for me it is written for someone who knows much more than me. It is excessive – too complicated for me to buy again. My tax situation is simple, but the book has so much, complated situations, etc., it is of limited utility for me. Lasser I would write a book for people like me – not so knowledgeable and with a situation which requires only the basics, plus some buying and selling of mutual funds and stocks. Tax software is enough for me.
Rating: 3 / 5

By: Amazon Princess

Amazon Princess — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 03:26:23 +0000

I have not used this book much to pay my taxes. Information about deductions seemed incomplete and lacked details. I was always directed to the IRS website for info. I used TurboTax this year and probably could have done without this book. It is a great resource if you plan to file your own taxes on paper.
Rating: 3 / 5

By: Picky computer user

Picky computer user — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 02:30:58 +0000

Among the tax books, it has the most favorable analysis from the perspective of taxpayers.
Rating: 5 / 5

By: portia

portia — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 02:02:12 +0000

This is the craziest review I've ever written, but there is a problem with this book. Smells – literally. I am a tax preparer and JK Lasser is usually my favorite go to the source when I have a question, but the book this year odors. He made a sort of strong smell of rancid chemically. I was buying this book for years, and there was never a problem before, but this year is different. I do not know what to say. Lasser done its usual excellent job explaining the tax law, but if you are sensitive, the smell of this book is probably really upset.
Rating: 2 / 5