Today TaxMama hears from Jed in Missouri, who says. “I won a trip. Due to health issues, I never booked or took the trip. The voucher has since expired. Now the IRS says I owe tax on the value of the trip. Is this correct?” Dear Jed, What? Yo

Today TaxMama hears from Lenora in Arkansas, who tells us. “Some friends of mine lost their mother due to taking the drug Vioxx® . She died due to complications from taking the drug. Her sons filed suit and are due for a pretty good sum of money. Is th

Today TaxMama hears from Kay in New Jersey, who has done some thinking. “I am an investor in the stock market. How can I avoid a wash sale? For example I own 100 shares of stock A and want to sell it to help offset my capital gains for 2009. However I d

Today TaxMama hears from Sandra in Texas, with this unusual situation. “I owned two rental properties; but one was accidentally torn down by the city. It had damage due to hurricane Ike. Can I take the value of this property off my taxes? Can I take it

Today TaxMama hears from Ingrid in Illinois, who tells us. “We are over 40 and got married in December 2008. We have two homes, separate bank accounts, and maintain our own households. Can we each file Head-of-Household for 2009?” Dear Ingrid,

Today TaxMama hears from Chet in Illinois, with this question. “We are planning on donating many clothes that no longer fit our 9 month old daughter. We received many of these items as gifts. Can we still take a charitable contribution deduction?”

Today TaxMama hears from Ray in Ohio, who has a problem. “My son and I started working for a contractor in Feb 2006 as a sub. The 1099 was in his name and SS#. We worked on a 60-40 split. The 60 came to me, with all expenses paid out of my pocket. We ha

Today TaxMama hears from James in Florida with this question. “I’m a licensed Realtor ® in Florida. If I purchased a home warranty plan for a buyer as a gift at closing, could I deduct the cost from my taxes at years end?” Hi Jason, Youâ€

Today TaxMama hears from Carol in New York who tells us. “ I inherited lakefront property in 1999. I recently sold it for $60,000.00 and I am holding the mortgage with payments being made of $600.00/month. Do I have to report the sale; and how will taxe