THREE TIPS FOR TAX SEASON!
1.VERIFY SPELLING ON SOCIAL SECURITY CARD: To make sure your
tax process goes very smoothly, bring
in your social security card for verification of the exact
spelling listed on the card. This is big problem for electronic
filings. If the number does not match the spelling on the card exactly
the tax return will be rejected
2.INCREASE IN CHILD TAX CREDIT: Because
of the increase in the Child Tax Credit you will want
to bring in the social security card for your child as well.
Remember the Child Tax Credit cannot be claimed on a Form
1040EZ.
3. MARRIAGE PENALTY RELIEF: The tax law is providing
for the Marriage Penalty Relief. For 2003 and 2004 taxpayers
filing a joint return will receive twice the basic standard
deduction amount of that of single individuals for 2003 and
2004. However, it is best to itemize your deductions to see
which plan is best for your needs.

HELP! I’VE HAD AN AUTO ACCIDENT.
WHAT DO I DO NOW?
Even the best drivers can be involved in automobile accidents.
Therefore, it is important to know what steps to take immediately
following an accident to protect the life and limb, property
and legal rights of those involved. Doing the right thing,
in the right way, at the right time, may save a life; it
will always lessen, and often avoid, legal problems.
Stop Your Car: Never
leave the scene of an accident in which you or your car were
involved. No matter how slight the collision, if you fail
to stop, you may leave yourself open to criminal prosecution
even though the accident wasn't your fault.
Get Aid for the Injured: If
any person has been hurt, call an ambulance. Unless you
are experienced in giving first aid, don't try it.
You may make matters worse instead of better.
Call the Police: Police
are trained to handle any situation that may arise after
an accident. Let the police take over when they arrive; they
will handle any emergency and investigate the accident. Their
report may be helpful to you later if you are sued or if
you decide to sue someone yourself.
Exchange Information: As the
driver of a vehicle involved in an accident, you are required
by state law to give the other driver, any injured person,
the owner of any damaged property and the police
Your Name
Your Address
Your Motor Vehicle's Registration Number
Information About Your Automobile Insurance
If you leave the
scene of an accident without giving this information, and
property damage or personal injury are involved, you may
be subject to criminal prosecution. You are entitled to this
same information from others involved in the accident.
Don't make statements such as "I'm
not hurt", "I
don't think its too bad" or "I wasn't looking" and
don't admit fault even
if you think you were in the wrong as you may later discover
the other driver was equally or more to blame.
In any event, be courteous and polite to the police and
emergency personnel, any witnesses and the other driver.
See Your Doctor: If you have
any doubts about your own condition or that of the passengers
in your car, see your doctor immediately and ask your passengers
to do the same. Diligently follow your doctor's orders.
Notify Your Automobile Insurance Carrier: Notify
your automobile insurance company immediately and cooperate
with your insurance representatives in their investigation.
Failure to do so may negate your insurance coverage.
If you are hurt or lose work,
you may be entitled to repayment for your loss from the other
party to the accident as well as damages under your own insurance
policy. This is the law's way of putting the wrongfully
injured person, as closely as possible, into the same condition
he or she was in before he or she was injured. If you are
not certain of your rights or responsibilities, you should
consult a lawyer.
More than
likely, you will be contacted by the other driver's insurance
company. Although they often make comments such as "we
want to do what's right" or "we will take care
of you," their
primary goal is to gain information from you and to use that
information to settle claims as favorably as possible for
their company. They are paid to pay you as little as possible
for your injuries and losses. It is entirely up to you as
to whether or not you deal with the other driver's insurance
company; however, you might want to retain the services of
a lawyer to talk with the insurance company so you won't
have to. It is strongly advised you consult a lawyer before
signing any documents or resolving any monetary issues. Failure
to do so may result in your inability to be fully compensated for
your losses. |