2006 Taxes

I've largely finished this year's US federal & Maryland state tax returns for myself and kent4str. For the most part, our returns are trivial as we've each been working for one employer the entire year and living in the same residence; the only complication comes from the business income & deductions related to square dance calling and even that was pretty easy thanks to QuickBooks and good record keeping. We'll both be getting healthy returns again this year, the bulk of which will pay down the equity line of credit.

The only surprise for was how little I gave to qualified charities this past year. While I do regularly shovel spare money and checks to worthy causes, not all are gov't registered 501(c)(3) organizations; even when they are, not all of them are in a format which allows for receipts and proof of donation (eg. passing the hat at an event). Of course, now that DC Diamond Circulate has its 501(c)(3) status for the 2009 IAGSDC convention, I'll likely send the bulk of my charity dollars there.

I've also been slack on obtaining matching funds from my employer for qualifying donations. Checking the matching funds history database, I found I had only submitted two requests all of last year. I've just finished making six more matching fund requests totalling $350, and may submit a couple more if I can find them in their 501(c)(3) database.

2006 Taxes

I've largely finished this year's US federal & Maryland state tax returns for myself and kent4str. For the most part, our returns are trivial as we've each been working for one employer the entire year and living in the same residence; the only complication comes from the business income & deductions related to square dance calling and even that was pretty easy thanks to QuickBooks and good record keeping. We'll both be getting healthy returns again this year, the bulk of which will pay down the equity line of credit.

The only surprise for was how little I gave to qualified charities this past year. While I do regularly shovel spare money and checks to worthy causes, not all are gov't registered 501(c)(3) organizations; even when they are, not all of them are in a format which allows for receipts and proof of donation (eg. passing the hat at an event). Of course, now that DC Diamond Circulate has its 501(c)(3) status for the 2009 IAGSDC convention, I'll likely send the bulk of my charity dollars there.

I've also been slack on obtaining matching funds from my employer for qualifying donations. Checking the matching funds history database, I found I had only submitted two requests all of last year. I've just finished making six more matching fund requests totalling $350, and may submit a couple more if I can find them in their 501(c)(3) database.

Upcoming Square Dance Calling Workshop

kent4str and I are hosting a workshop in Silver Spring, MD, 12-3 PM, February 11, to improve our square dance calling under the gentle guidance of sensei Dayle Hodge. Our primary focus is on Plus dancing but we'd like to work on some A2 as well if we have sufficient folks and time allows. Refreshments will of course be served.

If you're available, please let me know... I'll send directions. We currently have 10 volunteers but would like a couple more so ensure no one has to dance to exhaustion and in case of last minute cancellations.

Upcoming Square Dance Calling Workshop

kent4str and I are hosting a workshop in Silver Spring, MD, 12-3 PM, February 11, to improve our square dance calling under the gentle guidance of sensei Dayle Hodge. Our primary focus is on Plus dancing but we'd like to work on some A2 as well if we have sufficient folks and time allows. Refreshments will of course be served.

If you're available, please let me know... I'll send directions. We currently have 10 volunteers but would like a couple more so ensure no one has to dance to exhaustion and in case of last minute cancellations.

Snow!

Finally, it snowed last night. It wasn't much, just an inch or so of fluffy powder but it's better than nothing.

I needed only twenty minutes this morning to broom the fluff off the sidewalk, driveway and walkway, yet it was sufficient to cancel school for the day in nearly every county surrounding DC & Baltimore and delay the school day by two hours in DC itself. Pussies.

Snow!

Finally, it snowed last night. It wasn't much, just an inch or so of fluffy powder but it's better than nothing.

I needed only twenty minutes this morning to broom the fluff off the sidewalk, driveway and walkway, yet it was sufficient to cancel school for the day in nearly every county surrounding DC & Baltimore and delay the school day by two hours in DC itself. Pussies.