#the thing about deductive reasoning is sometimes you deduct incorrectly

[confessedlyfannish]

DP x DC Writing Prompt #5

Damian does not glance back at Bruce when he knocks on the door. Instead they both wait in silence.

After a moment, the door opens.

"Hello," Jasmine, Jazz, Fenton greets politely, unsurprised to find the Waynes on her doorstep. Damian's expression grows ever darker at this revelation.

"Hello Ms. Fenton, are your parents home?" Bruce asks, placing a firm hand on Damian's shoulder, to ground as much as to restrain. To his credit he does not shake it off.

"No, they're out of town for a conference," the eighteen year-old says, opening the door wider. "But I think you'd better come in."

Bruce would normally decline, but Ms. Fenton is a legal adult and he has already, even unknowingly, waited 16 years. Damian makes the choice for him, striding past the threshold.

"Please take a seat," Jazz says as she leads them to the living room. She ignores Damian's swinging head as he takes in the home. It is deceptively large, a 90s style house filled with modern furniture. The walls are bright, with purple and green accents that would normally feel garish but somehow work. The stairs leading to the second floor are lined with family photos that Bruce yearns to take a closer look at. "Can I get you anything? Coffee? Water?"

"No, that's alright, thank you," Bruce says, taking a seat on the long plush couch. A men's windbreaker lies haphazardly thrown across one of the arms. A closed container of Oreo cookies sit on the coffee table next to a physics textbook open to chapter 16, half covered in highlighter and filled with sticky notes. There's a child's painting framed next to the tv, a handprint made to look like a thanksgiving turkey in bright blue.

For the home of experimental scientists, it is cozy and well lived-in.

Damian repeatedly glances at the stairs through the doorway.

Bruce clears his throat. "We were hoping to--"

"I've texted--oh, I'm sorry," Jazz says, having spoken at the same time. Bruce gestures for her to go on.

"I've contacted Danny, he should be here soon. He was out with some friends." Jazz explains. As she hadn't pulled out a phone in their presence, Bruce can only deduce they have some sort of camera at their front door. This also explains Ms. Fenton's complete lack of surprise at their appearance.

"So you know who we are." Damian says, the first words he's spoken since they arrived at the house and the longest sentence he's spoken since they arrived in Amity Park.

"I do," Jazz says, calm in the face of Damian's clearly simmering anger. Bruce trusts him not to attack Ms. Fenton, but he still watches him carefully.

"He told you about me," Damian says. It is the same question, but it is also not.

"He did," Jazz says.

Damian swallows. "I see," he grits out.

Jazz's neutrality slips and her face softens in sympathy. "Damian," she starts hesitantly, but before she can say anything else the front door opens.

A moment later Bruce's son walks through the doorway, and Damian is on him.

This is what Bruce hoped to prevent, but despite his numerous checks of Damian's luggage his son has still managed to smuggle a small dagger, which he now produces and swings in a calculated arc at Daniel Fenton's jugular.

Danny dodges cleanly, and dodges every swipe thereafter in a manner that speaks to continued practice long after his time at the League. Damian is a perfect product of his training, but it is up against Danny his flaws come to light. He is just as good as he always was, but Danny is better.

In a matter of seconds Damian grows frustrated and sloppy in his attacks, completely atypical for him. Danny takes Damian out at the knees and pins him down with one arm, pressing his face into the carpet.

"Calm down," he orders. His voice is deeper than Damian's at sixteen to his twelve, the accent that still traces Damian's words completely gone from his speech. Damian growls and thrusts his head back into Danny's face, meeting it with a sharp thunk. He rolls up as Danny recoils, putting distance between them. Danny glares at him from several steps away, hand to his forehead. Damian tosses the dagger into his other hand as he charges, and to Bruce's surprise Danny does nothing more than turn his face to the side, allowing Damian to draw a sharp line down his cheek.

Damian stops dead in his tracks.

"Are you done?" Danny asks, blood beginning to pool at the seam of the cut.

Damian's expression is stricken, eyes stuck on the blood starting to drip down his brother's face.

"I said, are you done, Damian?" Danny asks. His voice is cold.

Damian hears him this time, and he flushes red. "I--you--"

Danny sighs. He looks at Jazz, whose expression is back to carefully controlled.

"Are you alright?" he asks her. She nods.

"You left me," Damian accuses, standing there holding his bloody dagger limply.

Danny turns back to him, raising an eyebrow.

"You left me," Damian repeats louder, rapidly blinking.

"Yes. I did." Danny provides no excuse nor any explanation. His stance is unyielding.

Damian's eyes bounce wildly, shifting to Jazz and Danny slides smoothly in front of her, protectively. He looks at Damian warily, not as if he is his brother, but as if he is a danger. Damian flinches.

Hope is the last to die, Bruce thinks, watching as that last bit of hope Damian had is extinguished, the knowledge working its way through every inch of his body like ice in his veins. His eyes darken. He turns and runs from the room, the front door slamming shut not a moment later.

Jazz stands up, pulling a few tissues from the box on the coffee table. She presses them to Danny's face, cupping his cheek until he holds it himself. "I'm going to go get the first aid kit," she says gently. It is a thinly veiled excuse to leave them alone, and Bruce is grateful for it as she heads for the stairs.

They both wait until her footsteps have faded, taking each other in. Bruce looks at his mother's eyes and the sharp turn of Talia's nose. Damian's everything, four years older.

"You shouldn't have come here," Danny says, throwing himself on the armchair Jazz has just vacated.

"You know who I am," Bruce says carefully.

Danny glares. "I've kept your secret. She nor my parents know."

"I know," Bruce says. "That's not what I meant. You know who I am. And who I pretend to be. So you know I am familiar with masks."

"And?" Danny asks, looking vaguely bored.

"And so I can recognize when someone is wearing one. Damian will too, once he's calmed down."

Danny's expression sharpens. "No, he won't. Because you are going to go to back to whatever bed and breakfast you're staying in, pack up, hop in your private jet and fly him back to Gotham immediately before the League realizes you've gone. If they haven't already," he mutters.

"This is about the League then," Bruce says. "Do you not believe I can protect you?"

"I don't need your protection," Danny snaps, and watches Bruce actively extrapolate with a dawning resignation. "So this is the World's Greatest Detective at work," he says, slumping bonelessly into his chair, the first teenager-y thing he's done.

"Damian's in danger from the League," Bruce says. Danny glares from his slump. It's almost cute. "And as long as the League doesn't know about you, he's safe."

"Draw your own conclusions," Danny says, baring his teeth. Damian often makes the same face. "As long as you leave."

"I can protect him. I can protect you both," Bruce says. "Let me help you."

Danny closes his eyes. He centers his breathing in an exercise someone has clearly walked him through in the past. Bruce would bet money on the adoptive sister waiting patiently upstairs.

"Mr. Wayne. You are not my father," he says. "My trust in you extends to the point that I left Damian in your care, but that is where it ends. And that was when it was sanctioned by the League. By coming here you have endangered those sanctions."

Bruce disregards the sting, doubling down on his analysis. Talia had left Damian with Bruce well after Danny had left the League. But Danny speaks as if the decision had been his.

Or perhaps, Bruce realizes, it is not that Danny decided upon it, but that Danny allowed it to continue.

Bruce takes a second to review what Oracle had gone over with him before they left for Amity. Daniel Fenton had by all accounts, since leaving the League, lived a fairly normal life. His adoptive parents were eccentric scientists dabbling in the occult but their findings that bordered pseudoscience circulated a very niche community of like-minded eccentrics. The bulk of their income came from alternative energy, a more viable source of study that they'd veered harder into in the past year or so, a government contract with the EPA currently in the works. This had in part funded a vacation to an all-inclusive resort the family had taken that past summer.

Danny received average grades in school, above average in science and mathematics, declining sharply in his freshman year and sophomore year before evening out around the second semester. He had gotten into fights repeatedly with one student in particular, suspended for two weeks following an incident that resulted in a the student receiving a black eye. Teachers reported him to be highly intelligent but distracted and removed. They had recommended he be evaluated for an attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. He had no social media. He had missed multiple picture days. The ones he had attended he was sneezing, or a blur of movement, even going so far as to fall off his stool, legs flailing. Bruce had drank up every last one as Barbara had waited patiently.

A normal life. A family vacation to Bermuda. Average grades.

His freshman year, distracted and removed. The same year Damian had arrived at Bruce's home. Masks upon masks.

"You have informants within the League," Bruce says. Danny, to his credit, has no discernible tell. But there is no other explanation. "What will you do, if they find out you are alive?"

"That is none of your concern," Danny says, but he might as well be saying whatever I have to.

He never stopped practicing, after all.

"If they go after Damian, it is my concern."

"And that is why you need to take Damian back to Gotham before they do." Danny says. "I will take care of it."

Damian had barely spoken since he had realized Danyal was alive. But Bruce had seen the reverence in his eyes as he looked at the file.

"الوريث الصحيح" he had murmured. The rightful heir.

"You are proposing going after the entirety of the League with no backup," Bruce says. "Even if you think they won't kill you, you won't win either."

"Maybe they will," Danny says lightly. "Kill me. That would also work."

Bruce inhales sharply. "Danny," he starts.

"Go home, Mr. Wayne," Danny says, pushing himself up with one hand. The other still clutches the wad of tissue to his cheek, partially soaked with blood. "Go take care of your son."

"I'll go," Bruce says, "I'll take him to the Watchtower. And then I'll come back."

"Mr. Wayne-"

"I should've come for you," Bruce interrupts. "Sixteen years ago. I should've come for you."

Danny's brow furrows. "You had no idea I existed."

"But if I had. I would've come. I never would've left you there. And now that I know, I am not leaving you now."

For the first time Bruce watches Danny be completely caught off guard. He openly gapes at Bruce.

"You would've died," Danny lands on, voice thin. "They would've killed you."

"Unlike you, I would've brought backup." Bruce says, mimicking Danny's lightness.

He's lying. Sixteen years ago he would've thrown himself at the League to save his newborn son without a plan, without a thought beyond rescuing his baby.

Danny barks out a laugh. "You would've laid siege to Nanda Parbat with The Big Blue Boy Scout?" he looks wistful. "That would've been rad."

Bruce sees his opening. "Danny," he stands, eye to eye with his son. "Let me help you."

Danny evaluates him. "The Batman," he says softly. "I didn't want you to come, then. I didn't need one more person I had to prove myself to. All I wanted was to live amongst the stars, in the quiet of the cosmos."

"You want to be an astronaut," Bruce says. At Danny's cocked head, he says without shame, "I read your essay on personal heroes. You wrote about Edward White. Ad Astra Per Aspera."

Danny smiles slightly, sadly. "It is a rough road."

"You can be whatever you want to be," Bruce says. "I won't stand in your way."

"Even if I want to be Danny Fenton?" he asks.

"Even then."

Danny sighs. "I don't need your help Bruce," he says. "No," he says as Bruce opens his mouth. He pulls the wad of tissues away from his cheek. Underneath the splotches of dried blood the gash in his face has cleanly knit itself together, a faint white line now all that remains.

"I don't need your help," he says clearly. He holds a palm forward, and a green fire grows from its center, until the flames are licking delicately up his fingers.

"I know The Batman does not kill. But I am not a Robin. I am something else entirely," Danny says, his eyes reflecting the green of the flames. Or not, as he looks up at Bruce, his eyes green all on their own. They are sad. This is why he stayed away, Bruce realizes. Not out of fear. Danny is not afraid. Danny is tired.

But for his brother, Danny will wake up.

"And If the League takes one step towards Damian, I will raze them to the ground."

[daniels09stuff]

Implement These 6 Steps To Reduce Denials For Your Practice

The workflows you handle every day at your practice be it patient check-in, check-out, the billing process, or revenue cycle management – everything is the same no matter how big or small you are.

Maintaining your revenue flow through efficient billing and claims is important in healthcare practices that stand a chance to pose bigger challenges. Identifying claim denials from both patients and companies to reduce the denials rate and the time between patient service and payment will affect various teams, from the front office staff to the backend team.

Time is the best investment

In 2018, Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA) found that out of $3 trillion in total claims submitted, $262 billion were denied, which is $5 million in denials on average.

Here are some of the top causes of high denial rates

Missing information

Sometimes, a mandatory field is left blank on a claim form or patient information is incorrectly entered which can trigger a claim denial. Missing information usually triggers around 60% of medical billing denials.

Duplicate claim or service

A single visit with one provider is submitted twice or more times.

The payer doesn’t cover the service

It can’t happen that every health insurance plan covers every procedure. So before administering services, verify if all the things will get covered or not.

Improper coding

Coding is required to maintain the fullest level of specificity, considering all identifiers and modifiers. Detailed coding will lower denial rates, particularly in claims systems where denials are easily identified.

The patient is ineligible for services

You need to verify if your patient is covered by insurance. Double checking the insurance information at the first visit is important.

The claim is missing authorizations

If appropriate approval for a service isn’t acquired before the patient getting the care, the claim will probably be denied. While presenting a claim, ensure proper authorization was gained for the service and link or attach all appropriate documentation.

For major reasons that will reduce denial rates, 24/7 Medical Services recommends some simple steps that often offer dramatic results. Changing the mindset is one of the major factors. For example – ask your patients “How would you like to pay today?” instead of “Would you like to pay today?”

Best practices to proactively prevent denials

90% of denials can be prevented. So, while implementing changes in the everyday process of practice, some simple operational changes can surely save you both time and money.

Considering you don’t know where to begin, you can utilize these techniques to prevent denials:

Educate and communicate

Both internal and external communication is a usual key to the success of any practice, and in the ever-changing healthcare sector, it’s imperative. Right from the front office to your medical staff and back office, it’s important that your staff understands their responsibility and its role in your success. Everything from patient check-in to clinical care, and collecting patient payments need to be taken care of in order to ensure optimal better revenue outcomes and customer satisfaction.

It’s also necessary that your employees know important elements like what services you do and do not provide, what is covered by the insurance plan of every patient, their co-pays and deductibles, and accurate coding for each service provided. Even a simple flu shot with missing payment adds up.

Verify insurance before the service

Never expect even a long-term patient hasn’t experienced an insurance plan change because of job changes or loss, turning 65 and starting Medicare, going on and off Medicaid or commercial insurance because of income, and other factors that influence coverage. Indeed, even similar insurance can have a different group or member ID number, coverage, deductible, or co-pay from year to year. Verify a patient’s insurance before each and every visit.

Understand your payers

Most providers accept 15, 20, or more insurance plans. Even identical plans have variations in their features. They also need each provider to enroll in their plan before any reimbursement is completed.

This might be complex with a close relationship with your important payers makes it easier to know the current and ever-changing rules for healthcare necessity.

Proper documentation

With greater complications brought by ICD-10 coding, more specificity is required in your documentation and paperwork. The shorthand notes of previous cases don’t cut it if you want to reduce denials and get timely payments. Again, education and communication are necessary.

Leveraging technology

Investing in practice management or a similar system can be expensive and time-consuming. It will be a waste of that investment if your staff doesn’t use it to their full advantage. If everyone in your staff is trained properly, there could be fewer chances that important information gets lost in the translation. Remember, hospitals can come across challenges with shifts and departments; due to practice management or such systems.

Some of the services 24/7 Medical Billing Services offer are providing complete IT solutions, implementation, support, and training. We use advanced systems to provide you with review and flag claims before they are sent to the payer.

Avoid mistakes today to prevent them in future

It’s always good to prevent mistakes today to avoid them in the future. You can avoid mistakes today, to avoid negligence in patient care. Patient care is important for your healthcare brand and hence, giving proper attention to details will let you win.

Learn more

If you are experiencing a denial rate, a detailed analysis for implementing improvements to your revenue cycle can help you grow. Learn more about preventing denials by getting in touch with 24/7 Medical Services. Contact us info@247medicalbillingservices.com

Read More : 

[tenacioususedcars]

Inside A Used Car’s Finance and Insurance Room

If you’ve bought a used car for sale from a dealership, you’ve likely been in a finance and insurance room.

Those are the rooms salespeople take you to after you’ve finished haggling and have settled on a price. In that room, many dealerships offer financing for the car, as well as other products and services, including extended warranties, rustproofing and paint protection, all of which can make money for the dealer.

It’s important that you be prepared before entering the F&I room, because what’s discussed in there is negotiable and, depending on the driver and the car, sometimes unnecessary.

Before the F&I room became a dealership standard, a customer and salesperson finalised vehicle pricing on their own and the deal was done. When customers were offered extras, they typically turned them down. With the arrival of the F&I room, dealerships were able to separate those processes and start fresh in a seemingly lower-pressure environment where a finance person took the part of finalizing paperwork while offering consumers some extras.

Today, much of these negotiations can be done via email or even over the phone, but the offers will remain the same.

Interest Rate and Credit Score

It may be tempting to go with the dealership’s lender simply because it’s convenient, but dealerships typically serve as middlemen, marking up interest rates to give them a share of the finance money. Always shop around at banks and credit unions, and find your best rate before you set foot in a dealership.

When you’re securing a car loan, one of the main factors that lenders use to determine your interest rate is your credit rating. Have your credit score with you in the F&I room in case there’s a discrepancy between what the dealership shows and what you have.

Many automakers offer low-interest rates with longer terms, like zero-percent financing for 60 months. These low rates are usually a good deal (and sometimes the best you’ll be able to get, from any source), but only people with top-tier credit scores qualify. Things to consider:

Special interest rates are sometimes available through dealership financing institutions that aren’t advertised as national incentives. Ask the finance manager if there are any special rates available.

Know the national average interest rate for new and used cars.

Read the fine print on websites that offer to give you your credit score for free, as some do so through a free trial, then charge you if you don’t cancel your membership.

Extended Warranties

Extended warranties aren’t always bad, but they may not be necessary in the age of well-built cars with long-term factory warranties and manufacturer-backed certified pre-owned cars. If you’re buying a certified pre-owned car, it likely already has an extended powertrain warranty.

Some new cars have factory 100,000-mile powertrain warranties that are good for the original owner of the car. If you want the peace of mind that comes with extended protection sold by the dealer, though, consider the following:

The price of an extended warranty is often negotiable.

Extended factory warranties are preferable over private programs, mainly because you know what you’re getting: a reasonable level of coverage and support at any same-brand dealership. Remember: A third-party warranty may only be supported by the dealer that sells the warranty to you.

Be cautious of the way dealerships present the final cost. Some may lump the extended warranty into monthly payments, which masks the overall cost; make sure you know exactly how much the warranty will cost you over the length of the loan.

Some extended warranties have deductibles when repairs are needed. Read the fine print to know what’s covered, what isn’t and how much it will cost you to make a claim. Do not rush this process.

Rustproofing, Undercoating and Accessories

Rustproofing is often unnecessary because most new cars have generous corrosion protection warranties and effective paint protection from the factory. Things to consider:

Paint protection is little more than wax and sealant that you can apply yourself or have done at a detail shop for less. Likewise, fabric protection is little more than Scotchgard or its equivalent.

If applied incorrectly, undercoating can block important water drains under the car and potentially accelerate rusting.

Accessories like mud flaps, wind deflectors and spoilers may be offered in the F&I room. If you want these but aren’t inclined to install them yourself, or don’t want to hassle with a tint or accessory shop, then the dealership is a convenient place to get these kinds of accessories installed. Some more extensive accessories may be included in a factory warranty but only if they’re installed by a dealer.

It’s important to be prepared when shopping cars for sale Western Cape to Gauteng, before sitting down to close the deal on a car so you’re not overwhelmed when all these extra offers are pitched at you in the F&I process. The best thing you can do is research, research, then research some more. Today, it’s easier than ever to do so, as credit scores, loan preapprovals and information about cars’ warranties can be found online. Remember - always buy a used car from a reputable used car dealer, like Group 1 Cars.

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Article source: https://www.cars.com/articles/inside-the-finance-and-insurance-room-1420681080413/

[trentteti]

Your June 2019 LSAT Instant Reaction

You did it! You studied for months, training your brain to think about information in way you never thought you’d have to. You’ll never look at the word “unless” the same way again. You put those skills to the test by doing tons of practice exams. You made sacrifices along the way — to your friends, your better halves, your hobbies, your Saturday mornings that could have been spent doing literally anything other than a full practice exam.

But this afternoon, you entered your test center and finished the one that counts — the real deal. The true test. The June 2019 LSAT. And after you spent four nasty, brutish, and somehow still too-short hours reading some stuff and coloring in some bubbles, you emerged. And that is cause to celebrate.

…And yet, you’re here. On a blog. An LSAT blog, even. Looks like you’re putting the celebration on hold until you unpack that exam a little bit more. Maybe get a few things off your chest in the comment section. Or just figure out which section was your experimental section.

But that’s all right! We’re here for you. As we do following every exam, we’re using this post to address what we’ve heard about this exam, to see how our predictions fared, use our well-honed powers of deduction to figure out which sections was your experimental section, and more.

And yet … we can’t get too specific. We are free to discuss how difficult certain parts of the test were, how your proctor and the quality of your test center fared, and what were the topics of passages, games, and LR questions. We can even try to identify the experimental sections used on this test. We cannot cannot discuss the answers to the questions or how to get them, lest we incur the wrath of LSAC. If your comment is removed, it most likely violated some kind of rule or was close enough that we didn’t want to risk it. Here’s a pretty good guide of what’s acceptable.

But, based on reports from test takers, here’s what we know about this June exam (and are allowed to talk about).

Logical Reasoning

Well, we might as well get the embarrassing part out of the way: we were super wrong about our prediction that the multiple-prompts-per-stimulus-style questions would return on this exam. I haven’t even heard that those appeared in anyone’s experimental section. But as they say, shooters shoot, and you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.

That said, there was a weird thing that happened in this test’s scored Logical Reasoning sections: both sections had 26 questions, according to test takers. If Reading Comp had the typical 27, and Logic Games had the typical 23 — as test takers are also reporting — that’s [pulling out calculator, running the numbers, waiting for the response] a total of 102 questions. Which, if true, is tied for the most questions to ever appear on a single LSAT. Almost every LSAT has 100 or 101 questions. They’ll sometimes dip down to 99 questions — though it’s been a long time since that’s happened. The last time an LSAT has had 102 questions, though, is December 2010. So, June test takers, we’ll apologize on behalf of LSAC that you had to endure at least one more question than almost any other test taker.

Now, we won’t know exactly how the Logical Reasoning sections shook out until the exam gets released in a few weeks, but we did hear many reports of the questions’ subject matter. One question that seemingly everyone remembers is the one about spiders from Guam. It remains to be seen, however, if these spiders — like the spiders from Mars — accompanied Ziggy while he played guitar.

Other questions referenced dieting pilots, evil vampires, cheetahs and whales and endangered birds, bus routs and bike lanes, chemicals that cause strokes, and healthy oats. So, you know, normal dinner table topics. Also, because the people who write this exam love to get topical (and also because questions can take years to actually appear on an exam after they’re written), there was apparently a deeply 2016 question about journalists using polling data to incorrectly predict the winner of a election.

Logic Games

On the real, scored Logic Games section, there was a game about oil and watercolor paintings, a game about product commercials, a game about people’s occupations (and apparently they were really classic occupations, like doctors, lawyers, judges, and nurses), and a game about people attending movies at a festival.

Most reports about the game section do not suggest it was especially difficult (so we were wrong about that prediction, too). But some are saying the last game was a bit of a slog — the kind where there aren’t a ton of deductions or an opportunity to make scenarios, and you had grind it out in the questions.

There was a game in the experimental logic games section that some got about putting decorations on four walls that people hated. Like, people who were subjected to that game expressed a level of antipathy towards the “wall” game that’s usually reserved for walls proposed by 2016 presidential candidates that no journalist who’s looked at the polling thinks can win that election.

Reading Comprehension

Finally, the Reading Comprehension section was just about universally regarded as the hardest section on this exam. On the real RC section, there was a passage about reproducing films, a passage about fish farming, the requisite legal passage about the reliability of witness testimony, and a passage about, apparently, everything from African storytellers known as griots to the musical traditions of Wolof-speaking people to the blues. The fish farming passage seemed to be the most difficult to most.

Final Takeaways

The good(-ish) news from this exam is — 102 questions aside — there wasn’t anything especially novel or unique or panic-inducing. No reports that I’ve heard would suggest that your score on this exam would be substantially different than your recent practice exam scores, barring any test center disasters. If those diagnostic scores were around your target score, it’s time to party. If you want to keep that party going all the way to the June 27 score release date, no one (other than perhaps your liver) is going to stop you.

There’s not much else to do now except sit back, stay busy, and wait for your score. If you’re not too thrilled when you get your score back, then chill. It’s going to be ok. You won’t be penalized for retaking the LSAT. You might want to try a different kind of prep. For example, if you exclusively went to an LSAT prep class, try doing an online LSAT course. If you did purely online, try a hybrid course where you get live instruction streamed live to you. Or, if you’ve done all the above, let’s talk about tutoring. Our Academic Managers can help match you with a tutor that fits your personality!

If, on the other hand, you’re thinking about canceling this score, you have some time to make this decision. You can read up on LSAC’s official cancellation policy here. The official cancellation policy according to LSAC: you have until 11:59 pm EST on the sixth day after the exam to cancel using your LSAC account. In layman’s term: you have until Sunday, 11:59 pm Eastern to cancel. So sleep on it. Take a look at this video, for the advice from Blueprint co-founder Matt Riley.

Before canceling, you should also be aware that nearly every law school will simply use your highest LSAT when constructing your academic index, or whatever calculation it uses to assess you as an applicant. Although law schools will see every score you got on the LSAT, the vast majority of them won’t hold having multiple LSAT scores against you to a significant degree. For most test takers, our recommendation is … don’t cancel. Choose to receive your score, just on the chance that you’ll be happy enough to with the score that you don’t have to study for the next exam. For more thorough discussion of this issue, check out this blog post.

Either way, you deserve a hearty congratulations. So get off this post, leave your computer for a little bit, and enjoy the life you’ve neglected to study for this test! If you decide you’d like to take another shot at the exam in July, we’ll be here for you, ready to help.

Your June 2019 LSAT Instant Reaction was originally published on LSAT Blog

[elizabethcariasa]

Don't make these 10 tax-filing mistakes

Federal and most state, tax returns are due in few days. Don't panic! You still have time to finish your return (or get an extension).

If you do decide to just be done with your Form 1040 — new, but not necessarily improved this year under Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) changes — make sure you don't make any of these common filing errors in your rush to finish.

For the most part, tax software has helped eliminate a lot of mistakes. Still, we're not yet at the total tax automation point yet. And that old garbage in, garbage out adage about computer data definitely applies to tax returns.

In fact, it's more critical, since one wrong tax entry could be multiplied across several forms or schedules, producing a costly tax error.

So that you won't end up in such a situation, check out these 10 common tax mistakes that millions of taxpayers make every year. Some are directly from the Internal Revenue Service. Others are based on my and other filers' experiences.

1. Missing or inaccurate Social Security numbers: This nine-digit number was not intended to be our universal identifier, but, for better and in this age of identity theft often for worse, that's what the Social Security number has become.

There's been some talk about changing that for tax filing, but until that happens, you've got to include it on your annual return. The IRS won't process a 1040 without it. This identity number requirement extends to you as the primary filer, as well as the Social Security numbers for your spouse and any dependents.

These numerals are crucial because so many tax-related transactions, from income statements to investment earnings to retirement plan contributions and distributions, are keyed to this number.

A Social Security number also is critical when claiming several tax credits, such as the child tax and additional child tax credits, as well as ones for educational expenses and dependent care costs.

When you run your final tax software check, it should point out any missing Social Security numbers. But what it won't know is whether the digits are correct. So double check. A wrong tax ID number, when checked by the IRS against other data it has on you, will at best slow down the processing of your return. At worst, it could cost you valuable tax breaks.

2. Misspelled or different names: Sure, the bulk of the information on your tax return is numerical, but words — specifically names — are important, too. Spell all names listed on a tax return exactly as listed on the taxpayers’ Social Security card.

What's the big deal if you've gone by a middle or nickname all your life and enter that on your Form 1040? Plenty. When the names of a taxpayer, his or her spouse or their children don't match the tax identification number that the Social Security Administration has on record, the IRS processing machine likely will kick out or slow down the tax return.

Name issues often are a problem for the newly married. Many folks still change their surnames when they marry, whether the "I do's" are exchanged by a bride and groom or spouses in same-sex marriages, which the IRS now recognizes.

In these cases, if you didn't alert the Social Security Administration (SSA) of your name change after your wedding, your new name on your 1040 or other tax statements could cause a problem when you file your first joint tax return. Get in touch with the SSA ASAP to reconcile this.

The same issue also arises when marital bliss doesn't last and ex-spouses change names after a divorce. Again, make sure Uncle Sam's appropriate agencies know that, too.

3. Improperly claiming a dependent: Sometimes determining just who is your tax dependent can be messy. There are lots of rules about relationships and support earned or provided and who lives for how long in your house. You also must have the Social Security number of the person (see #1), either a child or qualifying relative, you're listing as a dependent on your tax return.

Sometimes the eligibility confusion leads to an innocent mistake as to who can be listed as your tax dependent. Other times, though, folks knowingly claim a person as dependent to get a tax break, such as the refundable Earned Income Tax Credit.

Faking dependents is not a good idea. This is willful disregard of the tax laws and your responsibility to meet them. Such intentional tax violations could lead to tough penalties, sometimes of the criminal nature, on top of the unpaid tax and interest added to it that you thought you were escaping with your fake dependent ploy.

Think the IRS might be too busy to catch your suddenly larger family? Think again. The IRS knows that filers sometimes add people, either real or imaginary or even pets, on their returns. That's why tax examiners look at who has and hasn't been listed before on your returns.

4. Using the wrong filing status: Some taxpayers unintentionally claim the wrong filing status. That innocent error could be costly, such as choosing single in the first tax-filing season since your divorce when you have primary custody of your children and really should be filing as the more tax-beneficial head of household.

Filers have five filing status options, and each could make a difference in your ultimate tax bill.

The IRS' online Interactive Tax Assistant can help you pick the proper filing status. E-file software also helps prevent mistakes here.

Advice from the IRS in Form 1040 instructions

5. Using whole, rounded numbers: Yes, round numbers are easier to add and subtract.

Yes, your tax software rounds entries.

And yes, even the IRS says you can round your dollars and cents on your Form 1040 entries.

But when it comes to deductions and business expenses, it tends to make the IRS think that you're, uh, making up amounts.

OK, I tend to add tip amounts so that business meal checks come out to even numbers. But I have those receipts to support my OCD.

Other financial transactions, however, rarely end in .00.

At best, all those rounded numbers make it look like you didn't keep good records showing precise amounts. And that could encourage the IRS to take a closer look at all your entries.

6. Entering incorrect bank account numbers: You can have your tax refund directly depositing into a bank account or accounts or retirement plan. That's easy for you and the IRS. Unless you enter the wrong account number and accompanying routing number.

The more numbers you enter on a tax form, the more chances you have to enter them incorrectly. And a wrong account or routing number could cause you to lose your refund entirely.

You can divide your refund deposit into three accounts by filing Form 8888 along with your individual return. It's not a difficult document to complete, but if you put in wrong account numbers, your refund could end up in someone else's account or be sent back to the IRS.

Incorrect account numbers aren't just a problem when a refund is split multiple ways. Even if your refund is going to just one account, make very sure you enter that account and bank routing numbers correctly.

7. Overlooking additional income: Did you have a side job this year? If so, as a contractor you probably received a Form 1099-MISC or maybe a 1099-K detailing the extra gig earnings.

What about savings and investment accounts? For these, you should have received Form 1099-INT and Form 1099-DIV statements.

In these 1099 situations, the IRS knows precisely how much extra money, either as wages or unearned investment income, you made because it got copies of those forms, too.

If you forget to include any of these earnings on your return, IRS examiners will let you know you that it knows and that you owe taxes on that money, too. And depending on when your oversight is discovered, you also could owe penalties and interest on the unreported earnings.

8. Making credit or deduction mistakes: Here's a non-news flash. The tax code is complicated. In fact, many of the changes made by the TCJA have, say many tax professionals and filers, have made things worse in this regard instead of better. That means there are lots of opportunities to make mistakes as you look for tax-saving credits and deductions.

Errors are frequently made by folks claiming two popular tax breaks, the additional child tax credit. Both of these credits are refundable, meaning they can get you a refund even if you don't owe any tax. That's part of the reason the IRS now must hold refunds related to these tax credits until mid-February.

But the IRS also sees each year errors by filers figuring their child and dependent care credit and even in selecting their standard deduction amount. For example, a taxpayer who's 65 or older and/or blind, can claim a larger standard deduction.

Follow the tax filing instructions carefully, either those in IRS publications and forms or as part of your tax software. Again, the IRS' online Interactive Tax Assistant also can help you determine if you're eligible for certain tax credits or deductions.

9. Math miscalculations: The IRS is all about the numbers. So it's no surprise that the most common error on tax returns, year after year, is bad math.

Arithmetic errors range from simple addition and subtraction to more complex tax items, like those credits and deductions just mentioned in mistake #8. Figuring things like the EITC or the taxable portion of a retirement account distribution, for example, is more difficult and results in more math errors.

The IRS' 207 Data Book, the latest available edition, shows that in processing 2016 tax returns, the agency caught more than 2.5 million math errors. Considering that most of us use tax software, in large part because it does the math for us, that's astounding.

Source: IRS 2017 Data Book

Again, the garbage in, garbage out factor comes into play here. The wrong number on one form's line produces a wrong calculation that gets transferred to another form, exponentially compounding the math error.

So pay close attention when you enter your numerical data into your tax return.

10. Missing the deadline: Finally, don't make the biggest tax season mistake of all, missing the filing deadline.

Millions of taxpayers put off filing until the very last minute. That's OK as long as your mailed paper return is postmarked by the April filing deadline or you hit "enter" to e-file your 1040 by midnight in your time zone on April 15.

This year, some folks get a couple of extra days. Thanks to the convergence of the Patriots Day and Emancipation Day holidays, taxpayers in Maine and Massachusetts don't have to file their federal tax returns until April 17.

Get an extension: But regardless of your filing due date, if you just can't finish your forms by the deadline, get an extension.

Filing Form 4868 will give you six more months, until Oct. 15, to get all your tax return material filled out correctly and into the IRS.

The extra filing time is granted as long as you get your request to the IRS, either by mailing the paper form or electronically asking for an extension by, for most of us, Monday, April 15.

Remember, though, that this automatic extension applies only to filing your tax the forms. You still must send by your filing deadline any tax you owe with your extension request. If you don't, you could face late-filing or non-filing penalties.

Nobody wants to pay Uncle Sam a penny more than necessary, so don't make the mistake of missing the filing deadline. Or any of the 9 other potentially costly tax filing errors.

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[christophergill8]

Shutdown could revive tax refund advance products

Even in the best of tax times, folks are impatient when it comes to getting their refunds. They want them yesterday, looking to collect on the forces savings account they created when they intentionally had too much put into their paycheck withholding.

Then comes 2019, where every day it's looking more like parts of the federal government, including the Internal Revenue Service, will be in shutdown mode when the annual tax return filing season starts on Jan. 28.

While the Treasury Department and IRS say they will do what it takes to make this year as normal as possible, many are skeptical.

Some doubt the IRS will be able to meet its usual pledge to deliver most refunds in 21 days or less. Note, too, that this time frame begins on Jan. 28, not with returns filed earlier either via individual tax software programs or the early-opened Free File, and applies to e-filers who opt to have their refunds directly deposited into a financial account.

Note also that some folks' refunds must by law be held until at least Feb. 15. These are the refunds from returns where the Earned Income Tax Credit and/or refundable portion of the child tax credit are claimed.

Shutdown refund effects: On top of these expected delays, there's a new twist in 2019 thanks to the federal funding stalemate on Capitol Hill.

Hundreds of thousands of federal employees are even more anxious about when they'll get their refunds. These are the folks, including IRS personnel, who are working without pay under closure contingency plans, as well as their unpaid colleagues who are furloughed.

Will the perfect storm or usual refund eagerness + financially struggling federal workers + the continuing government shutdown = a resurgence of refund anticipation loans (RALs) and/or their cousins, the refund anticipation checks (RACs)?

Probably.

Evolution of refund impatience options: RALs and RACs, as their names imply, are based on the amount of federal tax refund filers expect. They are offered by lenders and typically via tax preparation operations.

RALs were for many years the main tax-time financial product for filers wanting quicker access to their over-withheld income taxes. These loans are made by banks, secured by and repaid directly from the proceeds of the taxpayers' refunds.

After complaints by consumer groups over the fees, sometimes which reached triple digit annual percentage rates, RALs fell out of favor.

The IRS even got in on the act by ending its debt indicator notation, which essentially was a credit check for potential lenders noting whether a taxpayer will get an expected refund in full or whether some or all of the money will be offset by other government obligations, such as student loans or child support. 

But RALs didn't die. They just morphed into advances that are promoted as not charging interest or fees to the consumer for the loan. These new RALs boomed, even though consumer activists worried about the possibility that unscrupulous tax preparers could impose other charges to make up for the cost of the loan.

Financial evolution also came into play, with RACs moving into the vacated refund-related space.

With RACs, a bank opens a temporary account into which the IRS direct-deposits the refund monies. After the refund is deposited, the bank issues the consumer a check or prepaid card, or makes a direct deposit into the consumer’s own bank account, and closes the temporary account. A RAC doesn't speed up refund access, but does allow the consumer to have the tax preparation fees deducted out of the refund.

Potential high cost of early refund cash: A report issued last March by the National Consumer Law Center (NCLC) and the Consumer Federation of America (CFA) found that in 2017 taxpayers took out more than 1.7 million RALs, up from 1.5 million the year before.

Another 20.5 million obtained a RAC, up from nearly 19 million in 2016, according to the NCLD/CFA report.

It's hard to blame people who counted on the refunds to pay the credit card charges they racked up on holiday gifts last month. It's even harder to blame people who are dealing with day-to-day expense issues in the midst of the longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history.

Sometimes, the very messy real life just gets in the way.

Refund advance admonitions: But RALs and RACs do raise some concerns.

What if you estimated incorrectly and you don't get the amount of refund you expected? That's often the case with the aforementioned offsets.

This year things could be worse in the wake of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act's changes. Some have predicted that millions who didn't adjust their payroll withholding to comply with the new tax laws could owe Uncle Sam instead of getting a refund.

Whatever the reason, if your refund is less-than-expected or nonexistent, it will create additional financial problems.

With a RAL, even if your numbers are close, if you don't pay back the loan back promptly, you could face what are unusually high, some say egregious, interest rates on the unpaid balance.

RACs, even though they are tied to preparer fees, also offer financial dangers. The NCLC/CFA reports points out that if a taxpayer pays $35 to defer payment of a $350 tax preparation fee for three weeks, the annual percentage rate (APR) would be equivalent to 174 percent.

3 refund advance tips: Still, some see refund-based money as the better or only option. If you do opt for an advance based on your expected federal tax refund, at least go into the short-term financial space with eyes open.

Years ago, I wrote a piece for Bankrate on refund advance products and what to consider instead. I've done the same many times here on the ol' blog.

That earlier advice still generally stands. And given the circumstances complicating filing season 2019 and associated refunds, it's a good time to highlight it again. Here are three refund advance things to think about in advance of getting such a financial product.

1. Comparison shop. Don't go to the first preparer offering refund-based services or products. Look at several and take note of potential maximum APRs as well as the tax preparation fees that would be offset by a RAC. Also check with a local bank or credit union, which might be able to provide you a short-term personal loan at a lower rate.

2. Consider a no-interest credit card. Yes, if you're relying on a forced IRS refund savings account, a way to get into more debt might not be the best answer. But a no-interest credit card may be the best way to pay some bills or buy groceries. Again, pay attention to terms. The 0 percent rate is short-term and could take a major jump up once that expires.

3. Talk to your creditors. In unusual circumstances like the current government shutdown, they might be more inclined to work with you to pay your bills.

Here's hoping that the shutdown will be over soon and all this talk of delayed refunds and refund advances will be moot. But if worse comes to worst, be ready so that you don't dig an even deeper financial hole.

You also might find these items of interest:

Refund loans and the once-a-year rich

Millennials find tax refund anticipation loans appealing

Fed shutdown underscores why to adjust payroll withholding

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  from Tax News By Christopher https://www.dontmesswithtaxes.com/2019/01/will-the-government-shutdown-revive-refund-advance-products.html

[kennethherrerablog]

The Ultimate Prescription for Dealing With Medical Debt

So you went to the ER or underwent an expensive medical procedure. Now the bill is here, and you’re worried that the shock is going to send you back to the hospital — and further into debt.

Your health is your most valuable asset. Yet there’s something so frustrating about going into debt over it. You didn’t decide to splurge on a hospital stay or a costly battery of tests just because.

Add in the maze of medical jargon and coding, health insurance and hospital billing departments, and medical debt can be downright maddening.

It’s probably of little comfort, but if you can’t afford to pay your medical bills, you have plenty of company.

About 3 in 10 people reported that they or someone in their household had trouble paying a medical bill in the past year, according to a 2017 Kaiser Family Foundation poll of 1,160 Americans over age 18. That same poll also found that 45% of people reported they would struggle to pay a surprise $500 medical bill.

Consider that the average patient with health insurance will pay more than $1,000 out of pocket for a hospital stay, and it’s easy to see how medical bills can quickly become a burden.

But there is hope. You have options for reducing or eliminating medical debt that don’t involve being hounded by debt collectors or filing for bankruptcy.

How Medical Debt Really Affects Your Finances

Before we talk about how to tackle your medical bills, let’s talk about how medical debt works.

Unlike your mortgage lender or credit card company, your doctor or hospital almost certainly doesn’t regularly report your medical payments to the three major credit bureaus. That means that unless your medical debt becomes delinquent, it will not affect your credit score.

Left unpaid, a medical bill will probably end up in collections, just as any other unpaid bill would. That’s when the credit bureaus will be notified.

Even then, medical debt collection works a little differently from other types of debt collection.

Regardless of when the debt was incurred, debt collectors must wait 180 days to report a delinquent medical bill to the credit bureaus, giving you extra time to work out an agreement with your provider or insurance company.

If the collections account is reported to the bureaus, expect your credit score to plummet. The exact impact depends on your credit situation, but even someone with a good credit score could see a drop of as much as 50 to 100 points, though the effect will lessen over time.

The good news is, FICO 9 scoring model weighs medical debt in collections less heavily than past models. The bad news: Most creditors are still using FICO 8.

Like other derogatory marks, an unpaid medical bill stays on your credit report for seven years, though if your insurance company pays the bill, the credit bureaus have to remove the debt from your file.

You could also be sued for what you owe. If a creditor gets a judgment against you, it could result in your wages being garnished or your assets being taken through a court-ordered bank levy.

The statute of limitations for unpaid medical bills varies by state. Typically, it’s between three and six years after the bill was reported as delinquent, though in some states, it’s as long as 15 years. If the statute of limitations has passed on a medical bill, a creditor can’t sue you over the debt, though they still might keep bugging you to pay up.

7 Ways to Deal With Medical Debt You Can’t Afford

When you can’t afford to pay a medical bill, the single worst thing you can do is ignore it. You have a lot of power to negotiate your bill, and medical providers are often willing to work with you.

Trust us: A hospital or doctor’s office will almost always be easier to work with than a debt collection agency. And when you’re dealing with medical debt — or any kind of debt you can’t afford — it’s in your best interest to take action right away.

If you need medical debt relief, try these seven steps. Note that these are all steps to take before your bill has been sent to collections. If your bill has already been sent to collections, don’t just silence your phone. Follow these tips for dealing with debt collectors.

1. Check Your Medical Bill for Errors

As many as 80% of hospital bills have errors, so the first thing you should do when you receive a bill is scrutinize it for mistakes.

Ask the hospital or medical provider for an itemized billing statement, which will include the charges for all medications, tests, procedures and other services.

If you have health insurance, ask your insurer for an explanation of benefits (EOB). This statement will tell you what services you were billed for, how much your insurance was billed, how much your insurance did or didn’t pay, and the amount you still owe.

Some inaccuracies will be tough to spot if you’re not a medical coding expert, but here are some common errors that could be easier for a layperson to catch:

Duplicate billing, i.e., when you’re billed more than once for the same service. This is one of the most common billing errors.

Incorrect patient information: If your name is misspelled, or your insurance information or Social Security number is incorrect, your insurance company could deny your claim.

Charges for canceled tests or procedures

Inaccurate medication quantities

If you don’t understand a charge or believe that your bill has incorrect information, call the hospital billing department or doctor’s office. Be sure to document every conversation.

2. Review Your Insurance Policy

If you have health insurance, read up on all that stuff that made your eyes glaze over during open enrollment — your copays, deductibles, out-of-pocket maximums and whether your providers are considered in-network vs. out-of-network.

Make sure your bill and explanation of benefits match up with what your policy says it covers.

If you think a service should have been covered under your health plan, call your insurance company. You may find that your claim was denied due to an error — say, a procedure that your doctor incorrectly coded — that can be easily corrected.

But sometimes, claims are denied for more complicated reasons. For example, your insurance company may say a treatment is experimental or not medically necessary. In these cases, you have the right to appeal your insurance company’s decision. You can ask for an internal review by your insurer, but the Affordable Care Act also allows you to request an external review by an independent third party. Just be sure to ask your insurance company about any deadlines.

Pro Tip

If you’re appealing your insurance company’s decision, be sure to let your health care provider know to avoid having your bill sent to collections.

3. Negotiate to Pay Less

If you can’t afford to pay your bill, the best thing you can do is be honest about it. Call the hospital billing department or your doctor’s office and tell them about your financial situation. Be ready to provide documentation verifying your status.

Your provider is more likely to negotiate in hopes of getting something, rather than nothing, if they know you don’t have the means to pay the bill in full.

If you can afford to pay at least part of the bill in cash, you’re in an especially good position to negotiate. Try starting small by offering to settle the bill for 25% or 30% of the total in cash.

Pro Tip

Even if you can afford to pay the whole bill, ask if there’s a prompt pay discount. Some providers will give you a discount of as much as 30% when you pay upfront.

If you don’t have health insurance or were billed for out-of-network services, research what an insurance company would have paid for the services you received. Use a website such as Healthcare Bluebook, which estimates what insurers pay for treatments, and offer to pay the discounted price an insurance company would pay.

Regardless of your tactic, don’t expect to negotiate a major discount with a single phone call. Expect to hear “no” a lot. Don’t accept it. Keep asking for the supervisor of the person you’re speaking to and explaining your situation. Document every conversation. If you do agree on a reduced amount, be sure to get it in writing.

4. Ask About Financial Assistance Programs

When you think your medical bill is accurate but you still can’t afford it, call the hospital billing department or provider’s office to let them know.

Hospitals often have financial assistance and charity programs available for people who can’t afford to pay. You’re likely to qualify if you’re on a low income or don’t have a job, are uninsured or still owe a significant amount beyond what your insurance covers.

Some hospitals will require you to first apply for Medicaid, which will cover up to three months of expenses retroactively if you qualify, and then allow you to apply for financial help if you’re rejected.

5. Ask for a Payment Plan

If you can’t negotiate your bill down to an affordable number and you don’t qualify for financial assistance, many hospitals and providers will still allow you to pay your bill in monthly installments. The good news is, this option is often interest-free.

Just be realistic about what you can afford each month, and as with any agreement, be sure to get it in writing.

6. Work With a Medical Bill Advocate

If you’re dealing with an especially large or complex bill, it may be worth consulting with a medical bill advocate who can negotiate for you and possibly find billing errors you wouldn’t be able to spot on your own.

Medical bill advocates typically charge either by the hour (expect to pay $100 per hour or more) or a percentage of the amount they’re able to get reduced from the bill (25% to 35% is the norm). If you’re experiencing hardship, you may be able to get free or low-cost services through a nonprofit advocacy organization.

The Alliance of Claims Assistance Professionals and Medical Billing Advocates of America are two good resources for finding an advocate.

7. Consider Bankruptcy, but Only if You’re out of Options

There’s no such thing as “medical bankruptcy,” but if you’re overwhelmed by medical bills, filing bankruptcy might be your only option.

Unlike your student loan or tax debt, medical debt can be discharged in bankruptcy. Individuals and couples have two options: Chapter 7 bankruptcy, aka “liquidation bankruptcy,” which is for those who don’t have the means to repay their debt; or Chapter 13 bankruptcy, aka “wage-earner bankruptcy,” for those whose income makes them ineligible for Chapter 7.

Bankruptcy will kill your credit score, so be sure you’ve considered all your options before filing. Chapter 7 bankruptcy stays on your credit report for 10 years, while Chapter 13 sticks around for seven years.

Pro Tip

Keep in mind that bankruptcy won’t protect you from future debts, so if you’re anticipating significant medical bills in the near future, you might want to hold off on filing.

Medical Debt Relief: 4 Mistakes to Avoid

Being proactive is key to getting medical debt relief. That said, some solutions sound good but are either unreliable or could make your financial situation even shakier. Here are four things to avoid if possible.

1. Paying Your Bill With a Credit Card

Medical bills typically don’t accrue interest, while credit card interest rates are currently north of 17%. That means you’ll save money on interest by negotiating a payment plan directly with the hospital or doctor’s office.

Even if you have a credit card with a zero-interest introductory period, it’s way better to work out a payment plan. You won’t increase your credit-utilization ratio, which you want to keep low to have a healthy FICO score. Plus, your provider is way more likely to be flexible about adjusting your payment plans or late payments than your credit card company.

2. … Especially a Medical Credit Card

If you can’t afford a medical bill, your doctor’s office or hospital might suggest applying for a medical credit card that typically comes with what’s advertised as an interest-free period. Once that’s up, though, you’ll often pay more in interest than you would with a regular credit card.

But what makes medical credit cards really scary is that “interest-free period” is actually deferred interest. With a deferred-interest card, if you don’t pay your bill in full by the end of the introductory period, you’ll owe interest on the entire amount you charged. Seriously. So if you charge $3,000 and have a $500 balance at the end of the so-called interest-free period, you’ll owe interest on the entire $3,000.

3. Consolidating Your Medical Bills

If you have multiple medical bills, it can be tempting to consolidate them with a loan so you’re making a single payment. But remember: Medical debt usually isn’t accruing interest. So with medical debt consolidation, you’re likely to pay more in the long term.

4. Taking Money From Your Retirement Plan

You may be able to avoid the 10% penalty you’d normally pay on an early 401(k) or IRA withdrawal if you can prove medical hardship. But your 401(k) is protected from creditors in bankruptcy, as is up to $1,283,025 in your IRA, so avoid tapping into these funds if possible.

Plus, when you withdraw from retirement savings, you’re borrowing against your future. If you’re 35, withdrawing $20,000 from a Roth IRA to pay a hospital bill could amount to nearly $115,000 in lost savings by the time you’re 65, assuming average annual returns of 6%.

Pro Tip

Don’t count on crowdfunding to make your medical debt disappear. A 2017 review of 200 GoFundMe campaigns for health care expenses found that 90% of them did not reach their goal.

How to Avoid Medical Debt in the Future

This advice isn’t helpful when you’re already facing medical bills you can’t pay, but the best way to avoid medical debt is to plan ahead before you get treatment.

If you’re planning to get medical care, be sure to verify that your doctor is in your insurer’s network and that your insurer covers the procedure. Ask upfront about projected costs, and then comparison shop.

Also ask your doctor about cheaper generic alternatives to pricy name-brand drugs. If you have health coverage, your insurance company’s drug formulary is a great resource for figuring out what your plan covers.

When possible, avoid the ER and get treatment from your primary care doctor. If you can’t afford to go to the doctor, try these alternative ways to get treatment.

But when it comes to medical bills, the most important thing to remember is this: Don’t put off treatment because you’re worried about the bill. You’ll pay more money in the long term, and it could cost you your most valuable asset: your health.

Robin Hartill is a senior editor at The Penny Hoarder.

This was originally published on The Penny Hoarder, which helps millions of readers worldwide earn and save money by sharing unique job opportunities, personal stories, freebies and more. The Inc. 5000 ranked The Penny Hoarder as the fastest-growing private media company in the U.S. in 2017.

The Ultimate Prescription for Dealing With Medical Debt published first on https://justinbetreviews.tumblr.com/

[roofrepairwales]

Top Reviewed Bridgend Roof Repair Companies

Top Reviewed Bridgend Roof Repair Companies

Any roofing, no matter material, size or design, requires some maintenance and also normal checks, specifically after extreme climate. Abnormalities can result in leaks, creating damages not only to the outside, but additionally to the inside of your home. The quicker you deal with a mistake, the cheaper that roof repairs in Bridgend are likely to be, so why cope with leakages and also damages when experts are standing by to repair the issue?

How About Flat Roof Coverings?

Since these roofs are flat they commonly hold water, especially during spells of hefty rain, thus a little tear or hole can trigger a significant amount of water to go into the residential or commercial property. Certainly extra so than a pitched tiled roof with a comparable sized opening.

As a basic overview, you can repair most flat roofs if the leak is brought on by an influence such as a slipped floor tile, a tree branch or the like, or if the leak is caused by a one-off opening, tear or localised issue that is isolated and also not indicative of an extra widespread problem.

Use Bridgend Experts for a Quality Job

A trusted contractor is especially essential when choosing Bridgend roof ceramic tiles, considering that this type of roofing material needs a good deal of knowledge in order to set up correctly. Fortunately our network of specialist roofing contractors supply a lot of benefits that other networks can not, such as:

Are rated by consumers just like yourselves

Can provide recommendations and also examples of previous job

Are experienced with the type of floor tile you have selected

Are totally trained as well as proficient at mounting your chosen ceramic tile kind

Are fully insured to undertake the job

Can provide a detailed price quote and also time-scale for the job

Owing to the fact that asphalt roofing will certainly include a substantial quantity of weight on to a home's roof trusses and beams, it's essential that these elements be carefully inspected before installation happens. Failure to do so might cause the roof collapsing as well as creating a significant amount of damage to the residential or commercial property. As with many various other kinds of roofing material, it needs to always be laid by an experienced and also certified contractor. This will not only make certain that the job is accomplished according to industry requirements and security criteria; it will certainly offer peace of mind in understanding that the brand-new roofing installation will last for many years.

Leaking Metal Roofing Repairs

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Tile

The most usual form of roofing throughout the Bridgend region it's no surprise that we get various request to change broken or slid tiles. Floor tiles can slide if they end up being removed, or can fracture if damaged by dropping debris or perhaps negative weather conditions. Luckily not only are they extremely hard-wearing as well as robust, yet they are likewise affordable to change when carrying out repairs.

An experienced roofer can replace a few tiles (even ridge ceramic tiles) in an extremely brief time which indicates that expenses can be maintained to a minimum as well as your structure is watertight once again.

Will Repairs Be Covered By Home Insurance?

Your home owners insurance plan normally covers roof leaks as well as various other damages to your roof, as long as the reason for the damage is not specifically omitted by your plan. Yet it is necessary to note: if a leak happens due to an absence of maintenance, you may need to spend for the repairs yourself. Additionally, see to it to consider your home insurance coverage's deductibles to determine whether suing makes the best economic sense.

Could You Mend a Broken Roof Yourself?

Attempting roofing repairs yourself might be very hazardous, particularly if the damage is extreme and also due to fire. Architectural instability of the roof might result in poor drops and significant injury. Attempting roof repairs in continued poor weather can likewise be exceptionally dangerous especially during lightning tornados. Always seek advice from the specialists before trying DIY.

Worn Chimney/Flue Repairs

Faulty or potentially harmful smokeshafts are all too usual throughout Bridgend County Borough. However the majority of people neglect to frequently get their inspected or taken care of just due to the fact that they don't have a trusted company to look to.

You must check, identify as well as repair any kind of problem with any type of chimney regardless of exactly how large or small the job might seem. It is essential to jump on top of problems quickly before they develop into even bigger nightmare problems.

Deterioration Of A Asphalt/Mastic Roof

The problem as well as cost associated with repairing asphalt roofing differs depending on whether your roof is put or shingles. Poured asphalt can sometimes be covered with liquid tar, yet this is not constantly the instance. If a put roof is really badly harmed, which is rather unusual, it may require to be replaced. On the other hand, asphalt shingles are straightforward and economical to repair. Shingles are rather durable and also budget-friendly. Actually, asphalt is the most common roof shingles material in many components of the world because of this. When a tile is loose, missing out on, or harmed, it's very easy sufficient to change that tile (as well as the others around it) promptly to finish a repair as well as stop future damage.

Finding Broken Flashing

Flashing is essential for correct water drainage on all flat roofs regardless of material. Inappropriate or inadequate flashing as well as incorrectly sealed joints can cause profound leaks. Caulks or sealer must not be utilized instead of flashing although they might be less costly options, as these options are not durable enough to stand up to exposure to the components. Paying the rate for correct flashing installation as well as repair might end up saving you money in the future by protecting against the demand for expensive flat roof substitutes.

Regular Inspections are Crucial

Routine examinations are incredibly valuable since they permit you to catch roofing problems early. Without it, the issue will certainly grow and lead to the requirement for an early replacement. If you want to conserve cash in the long-run and shield your home, this overview discusses the value of routine examinations. You must schedule an evaluation any time you suspect damage has taken place. For the majority of property owners, it's straight after hailstorm loss or solid winds since those are the two most common sources of roofing damage. If you're not positive that damage is present, examine your home from the ground and look for indications of damaged or missing shingles, divots in the roof, or fallen arm or legs.

Things That Influence Roof Repair Costs

Relying on the extent of your roof damage, the expenses will certainly fluctuate as necessary. Some roofers might charge a day price, or cost your work separately so you never pay more than the cost estimated. Below are a couple of example standard rates for some common restorative work:

Chimney Repointing - Based on lower-level eaves chimney, repointing the entire chimney.1-3 days £510 - £690.

Replace 1 Tile - Straightforward replacement of a broken floor tile on a regular 2 floor house.1 hr £40 - £60.

Replace 5 Tiles - Basic substitute of approximately 5 harmed floor tiles on a 2 floor house.1-3 hours £80 - £180.

New Lead or Fibreglass Valley - Omitting valley prices (anticipate to pay more for lead than fibreglass).1 day £250 - £300.

Change Ridge Ceramic Tile - Based on a normal 2 floor terraced house needing ladder accessibility.1 hr £35 - £60.

Chimney Restoring - Based upon lower-level eaves smokeshaft, restoring the entire chimney.1-3 hours £1,250 - £1,550.

1/2 Day Price - Repair based upon a daily rate (leaving out materials).1/ 2 day £160 - £190.

Day Price - Repair based upon a daily price (omitting materials).1 day £230 - £310.

Roofing Repair Frequently Asked Questions

Will someone concern my Bridgend residence in the center of the night if my roof is leaking?

Not all roofing business will certainly do after-hours roof repairs, which is why you must use a basic service to get quotes from numerous roofing firms. This way, you do not need to call numerous firms as well as you can conserve on your own time and energy. Simply discuss what you require in the form, and only those business that can assist you with your prompt requirements will call you.

How much do roof repairs cost?

A lot of garages have flat roofs as well as flat roof repairs can be a little extra expensive than standard roof repairs. Depending on the amount of damage and also the state of the roof, these repairs can cost from £250- £490.

Will the roofing company inform me if I need a new roof?

If you've employed a credible company such as one from our network, that company can supply audio, strong suggestions regarding the problem of your roof and also whether you would certainly be better off in the long run with a new one. Sometimes, the degree of the repairs and also the age can warrant the prices.

What things should I take into consideration when hiring a professional to do any type of improvements?

The experience and credibility of a contractor should be thought about, as well as the ideal professional needs to likewise be licensed as well as insured.

Is my broken roof an emergency situation?

Is your roof allowing substantial amounts of water? Is it damaged to the level that it could collapse or obtain substantially even worse? Is there a threat to those living or operating in the structure? If so after that it's likely you need to carry out some emergency repairs or at least have it evaluated asap in order to asses the damage.

What will it cost to replace my roof?

The cost of roof replacement differs with each roof that is installed. Because of this, roofing professionals will certainly require to visit your building to take dimensions and establish what sort of roof will certainly be best for your residential or commercial property. As soon as this has actually taken place, they will certainly have the ability to let you recognize how much the job will certainly cost.

What should I do if a tornado has damaged my roof?

Storm damage can vary from small to considerable, so it is very important to call a professional if you believe there may be any damage whatsoever. This is especially true if you find floor tiles in your garden or if a huge branch has actually dropped onto your building. While you may have the ability to place a tarpaulin to stop leaks, it's best to locate an emergency roofing contractor who can assess and also repair the damage as promptly as possible.

When is it okay to refurbish as opposed to replace?

When there is only small damage or the damage is separated to only a very small area then a repair will suffice, nevertheless if the damage is more substantial then overall roof replacement might be required.

Original post: http://www.roofrepairwales.co.uk/bridgend/

from Roof Repair Wales http://www.roofrepairwales.co.uk/bridgend/

[myfinanceblog]

New Post has been published on My Finance Blog

New Post has been published on http://princefinance.princefamily33.com/2017/07/08/insurance-tips-to-drive-someone-elses-car-3/

Insurance Tips To Drive Someone Else's Car

TIP! Try to get several quotes before deciding on insurance. Each insurance company will focus on different factors when deciding the cost to you.

Auto insurance is large part of being a responsible vehicle owner. However, auto insurance policies seem to be written in the most confusing terms possible. This article can help you to better understand what all of those terms mean. By understanding the terms of the auto insurance world, you will be a more informed consumer.

TIP! A good way to lower the price you pay for insurance is to simply drive fewer miles. Your premiums may go down if you report your low mileage to your insurance provider.

When purchasing auto insurance for your teenager, consider your options. In some cases, it would be cheaper for you to get a separate plan for your child, than it would be to add him or her to your current one. It can sometimes be cheaper to purchase a different policy, but this depends on what vehicles are involved.

TIP! Try to keep a good driving records. You will be charged a considerable amount more for car insurance if you have traffic tickets or accidents on your driving record.

Before you buy any “extras” for you car, have a conversation with your agent to see if this would change your auto insurance premiums. The retail value of aftermarket rims might be $1000, but if they don’t actually add $1000 to your car’s overall value, then it could have negative insurance consequences.

TIP! When the time comes to purchase an automobile, find out what the insurance rates are on the models that you are considering. An insurance agent can let you know which models have the lowest rates.

It is required by most state laws that you have sufficient liability insurance as a driver. It is up to you to find out whether your state has such a law and, if it does, make sure you are in compliance with it. If you lack insurance and are involved in a wreck, not only can it be financially disastrous, but you will also be violating the law.

TIP! When purchasing car insurance for a teenager, compare the difference between adding them to your insurance or buying them their own policy. It can sometimes be cheaper to purchase a different policy, but this depends on what vehicles are involved.

It is a common misconception that the cost of auto insurance automatically drops as the driver reaches 25 years of age. Actually, a drivers insurance rates gradually start to go down when they reach the age of 18 provided that the driver has a clean driving record.

TIP! In many states, all drivers are required to purchase adequate liability insurance. You have to know whether your state requires insurance, and what kind of insurance it requires.

Whatever truck or a car you choose to buy will dictate how much your insurance payment will be every month. If the insurance costs matter to you, then it may be best to keep that in mind when making your choice. The most cost effective choice is to find a simple, yet safe, vehicle that you like.

TIP! Most people incorrectly believe that insurance rates will definitely decrease as a person reaches the age of 25. Actually, a drivers insurance rates gradually start to go down when they reach the age of 18 provided that the driver has a clean driving record.

Think long and hard about what type of insurance coverage is needed. There are many different levels of coverage, and it can be confusing having to decide how much you need. You might want to pay for collision coverage if you’re accident prone, though.

TIP! What kind of vehicle you buy will strongly influence the cost of your monthly insurance premiums. If you can’t be seen without a Lexus or a BMW, you’ll pay high premiums.

Beware of car insurance quotes that seem too good to be true. Be sure to know everything about your insurance, and the reasons why it is cheap. It is important to know the company well before deciding to buy a policy.

Car Insurance

TIP! Never alternate vehicles among members of the family as a means to secure lower policy costs. By having only one driver for each car, you will get a better premium for your insurance policy.

While finding the company that offers the lowest annual premium for your car insurance is important, this is only one of the many factors that you should consider when comparing car insurance quotes. It will pay off in the long run if you look at the details, such as deductibles, limits and total coverage provided.

TIP! The best thing you can do to to keep your car insurance payments low is to maintain a spotless driving record. An automobile accident quickly raises your insurance rates.

Having appropriate insurance saves a lot of money for someone involved in a serious accident. The insured will be required to pay a predetermined deductible determined by their insurance provider.

TIP! Increase your deductibles to spend less. This move may be risky as you will have to pay more in the event of an accident, but your monthly insurance rates will be cheaper.

Choosing car insurance can be difficult because there are often confusing words and phrases that aren’t used in daily life. This article aims to teach you what some of the most commonly used auto insurance terms mean, so that you can make a more informed decision when purchasing an insurance policy. Insurance is a product which should give you peace of mind, and that peace of mind can be more easily gained if you are a well-informed consumer.

[thatrandomsarahchick]

DP x DC Writing Prompt #5

Damian does not glance back at Bruce when he knocks on the door. Instead they both wait in silence.

After a moment, the door opens.

"Hello," Jasmine, Jazz, Fenton greets politely, unsurprised to find the Waynes on her doorstep. Damian's expression grows ever darker at this revelation.

"Hello Ms. Fenton, are your parents home?" Bruce asks, placing a firm hand on Damian's shoulder, to ground as much as to restrain. To his credit he does not shake it off.

"No, they're out of town for a conference," the eighteen year-old says, opening the door wider. "But I think you'd better come in."

Bruce would normally decline, but Ms. Fenton is a legal adult and he has already, even unknowingly, waited 16 years. Damian makes the choice for him, striding past the threshold.

"Please take a seat," Jazz says as she leads them to the living room. She ignores Damian's swinging head as he takes in the home. It is deceptively large, a 90s style house filled with modern furniture. The walls are bright, with purple and green accents that would normally feel garish but somehow work. The stairs leading to the second floor are lined with family photos that Bruce yearns to take a closer look at. "Can I get you anything? Coffee? Water?"

"No, that's alright, thank you," Bruce says, taking a seat on the long plush couch. A men's windbreaker lies haphazardly thrown across one of the arms. A closed container of Oreo cookies sit on the coffee table next to a physics textbook open to chapter 16, half covered in highlighter and filled with sticky notes. There's a child's painting framed next to the tv, a handprint made to look like a thanksgiving turkey in bright blue.

For the home of experimental scientists, it is cozy and well lived-in.

Damian repeatedly glances at the stairs through the doorway.

Bruce clears his throat. "We were hoping to--"

"I've texted--oh, I'm sorry," Jazz says, having spoken at the same time. Bruce gestures for her to go on.

"I've contacted Danny, he should be here soon. He was out with some friends." Jazz explains. As she hadn't pulled out a phone in their presence, Bruce can only deduce they have some sort of camera at their front door. This also explains Ms. Fenton's complete lack of surprise at their appearance.

"So you know who we are." Damian says, the first words he's spoken since they arrived at the house and the longest sentence he's spoken since they arrived in Amity Park.

"I do," Jazz says, calm in the face of Damian's clearly simmering anger. Bruce trusts him not to attack Ms. Fenton, but he still watches him carefully.

"He told you about me," Damian says. It is the same question, but it is also not.

"He did," Jazz says.

Damian swallows. "I see," he grits out.

Jazz's neutrality slips and her face softens in sympathy. "Damian," she starts hesitantly, but before she can say anything else the front door opens.

A moment later Bruce's son walks through the doorway, and Damian is on him.

This is what Bruce hoped to prevent, but despite his numerous checks of Damian's luggage his son has still managed to smuggle a small dagger, which he now produces and swings in a calculated arc at Daniel Fenton's jugular.

Danny dodges cleanly, and dodges every swipe thereafter in a manner that speaks to continued practice long after his time at the League. Damian is a perfect product of his training, but it is up against Danny his flaws come to light. He is just as good as he always was, but Danny is better.

In a matter of seconds Damian grows frustrated and sloppy in his attacks, completely atypical for him. Danny takes Damian out at the knees and pins him down with one arm, pressing his face into the carpet.

"Calm down," he orders. His voice is deeper than Damian's at sixteen to his twelve, the accent that still traces Damian's words completely gone from his speech. Damian growls and thrusts his head back into Danny's face, meeting it with a sharp thunk. He rolls up as Danny recoils, putting distance between them. Danny glares at him from several steps away, hand to his forehead. Damian tosses the dagger into his other hand as he charges, and to Bruce's surprise Danny does nothing more than turn his face to the side, allowing Damian to draw a sharp line down his cheek.

Damian stops dead in his tracks.

"Are you done?" Danny asks, blood beginning to pool at the seam of the cut.

Damian's expression is stricken, eyes stuck on the blood starting to drip down his brother's face.

"I said, are you done, Damian?" Danny asks. His voice is cold.

Damian hears him this time, and he flushes red. "I--you--"

Danny sighs. He looks at Jazz, whose expression is back to carefully controlled.

"Are you alright?" he asks her. She nods.

"You left me," Damian accuses, standing there holding his bloody dagger limply.

Danny turns back to him, raising an eyebrow.

"You left me," Damian repeats louder, rapidly blinking.

"Yes. I did." Danny provides no excuse nor any explanation. His stance is unyielding.

Damian's eyes bounce wildly, shifting to Jazz and Danny slides smoothly in front of her, protectively. He looks at Damian warily, not as if he is his brother, but as if he is a danger. Damian flinches.

Hope is the last to die, Bruce thinks, watching as that last bit of hope Damian had is extinguished, the knowledge working its way through every inch of his body like ice in his veins. His eyes darken. He turns and runs from the room, the front door slamming shut not a moment later.

Jazz stands up, pulling a few tissues from the box on the coffee table. She presses them to Danny's face, cupping his cheek until he holds it himself. "I'm going to go get the first aid kit," she says gently. It is a thinly veiled excuse to leave them alone, and Bruce is grateful for it as she heads for the stairs.

They both wait until her footsteps have faded, taking each other in. Bruce looks at his mother's eyes and the sharp turn of Talia's nose. Damian's everything, four years older.

"You shouldn't have come here," Danny says, throwing himself on the armchair Jazz has just vacated.

"You know who I am," Bruce says carefully.

Danny glares. "I've kept your secret. She nor my parents know."

"I know," Bruce says. "That's not what I meant. You know who I am. And who I pretend to be. So you know I am familiar with masks."

"And?" Danny asks, looking vaguely bored.

"And so I can recognize when someone is wearing one. Damian will too, once he's calmed down."

Danny's expression sharpens. "No, he won't. Because you are going to go to back to whatever bed and breakfast you're staying in, pack up, hop in your private jet and fly him back to Gotham immediately before the League realizes you've gone. If they haven't already," he mutters.

"This is about the League then," Bruce says. "Do you not believe I can protect you?"

"I don't need your protection," Danny snaps, and watches Bruce actively extrapolate with a dawning resignation. "So this is the World's Greatest Detective at work," he says, slumping bonelessly into his chair, the first teenager-y thing he's done.

"Damian's in danger from the League," Bruce says. Danny glares from his slump. It's almost cute. "And as long as the League doesn't know about you, he's safe."

"Draw your own conclusions," Danny says, baring his teeth. Damian often makes the same face. "As long as you leave."

"I can protect him. I can protect you both," Bruce says. "Let me help you."

Danny closes his eyes. He centers his breathing in an exercise someone has clearly walked him through in the past. Bruce would bet money on the adoptive sister waiting patiently upstairs.

"Mr. Wayne. You are not my father," he says. "My trust in you extends to the point that I left Damian in your care, but that is where it ends. And that was when it was sanctioned by the League. By coming here you have endangered those sanctions."

Bruce disregards the sting, doubling down on his analysis. Talia had left Damian with Bruce well after Danny had left the League. But Danny speaks as if the decision had been his.

Or perhaps, Bruce realizes, it is not that Danny decided upon it, but that Danny allowed it to continue.

Bruce takes a second to review what Oracle had gone over with him before they left for Amity. Daniel Fenton had by all accounts, since leaving the League, lived a fairly normal life. His adoptive parents were eccentric scientists dabbling in the occult but their findings that bordered pseudoscience circulated a very niche community of like-minded eccentrics. The bulk of their income came from alternative energy, a more viable source of study that they'd veered harder into in the past year or so, a government contract with the EPA currently in the works. This had in part funded a vacation to an all-inclusive resort the family had taken that past summer.

Danny received average grades in school, above average in science and mathematics, declining sharply in his freshman year and sophomore year before evening out around the second semester. He had gotten into fights repeatedly with one student in particular, suspended for two weeks following an incident that resulted in a the student receiving a black eye. Teachers reported him to be highly intelligent but distracted and removed. They had recommended he be evaluated for an attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. He had no social media. He had missed multiple picture days. The ones he had attended he was sneezing, or a blur of movement, even going so far as to fall off his stool, legs flailing. Bruce had drank up every last one as Barbara had waited patiently.

A normal life. A family vacation to Bermuda. Average grades.

His freshman year, distracted and removed. The same year Damian had arrived at Bruce's home. Masks upon masks.

"You have informants within the League," Bruce says. Danny, to his credit, has no discernible tell. But there is no other explanation. "What will you do, if they find out you are alive?"

"That is none of your concern," Danny says, but he might as well be saying whatever I have to.

He never stopped practicing, after all.

"If they go after Damian, it is my concern."

"And that is why you need to take Damian back to Gotham before they do." Danny says. "I will take care of it."

Damian had barely spoken since he had realized Danyal was alive. But Bruce had seen the reverence in his eyes as he looked at the file.

"الوريث الصحيح" he had murmured. The rightful heir.

"You are proposing going after the entirety of the League with no backup," Bruce says. "Even if you think they won't kill you, you won't win either."

"Maybe they will," Danny says lightly. "Kill me. That would also work."

Bruce inhales sharply. "Danny," he starts.

"Go home, Mr. Wayne," Danny says, pushing himself up with one hand. The other still clutches the wad of tissue to his cheek, partially soaked with blood. "Go take care of your son."

"I'll go," Bruce says, "I'll take him to the Watchtower. And then I'll come back."

"Mr. Wayne-"

"I should've come for you," Bruce interrupts. "Sixteen years ago. I should've come for you."

Danny's brow furrows. "You had no idea I existed."

"But if I had. I would've come. I never would've left you there. And now that I know, I am not leaving you now."

For the first time Bruce watches Danny be completely caught off guard. He openly gapes at Bruce.

"You would've died," Danny lands on, voice thin. "They would've killed you."

"Unlike you, I would've brought backup." Bruce says, mimicking Danny's lightness.

He's lying. Sixteen years ago he would've thrown himself at the League to save his newborn son without a plan, without a thought beyond rescuing his baby.

Danny barks out a laugh. "You would've laid siege to Nanda Parbat with The Big Blue Boy Scout?" he looks wistful. "That would've been rad."

Bruce sees his opening. "Danny," he stands, eye to eye with his son. "Let me help you."

Danny evaluates him. "The Batman," he says softly. "I didn't want you to come, then. I didn't need one more person I had to prove myself to. All I wanted was to live amongst the stars, in the quiet of the cosmos."

"You want to be an astronaut," Bruce says. At Danny's cocked head, he says without shame, "I read your essay on personal heroes. You wrote about Edward White. Ad Astra Per Aspera."

Danny smiles slightly, sadly. "It is a rough road."

"You can be whatever you want to be," Bruce says. "I won't stand in your way."

"Even if I want to be Danny Fenton?" he asks.

"Even then."

Danny sighs. "I don't need your help Bruce," he says. "No," he says as Bruce opens his mouth. He pulls the wad of tissues away from his cheek. Underneath the splotches of dried blood the gash in his face has cleanly knit itself together, a faint white line now all that remains.

"I don't need your help," he says clearly. He holds a palm forward, and a green fire grows from its center, until the flames are licking delicately up his fingers.

"I know The Batman does not kill. But I am not a Robin. I am something else entirely," Danny says, his eyes reflecting the green of the flames. Or not, as he looks up at Bruce, his eyes green all on their own. They are sad. This is why he stayed away, Bruce realizes. Not out of fear. Danny is not afraid. Danny is tired.

But for his brother, Danny will wake up.

"And If the League takes one step towards Damian, I will raze them to the ground."

[elizabethcariasa]

Shutdown could revive tax refund advance products

Even in the best of tax times, folks are impatient when it comes to getting their refunds. They want them yesterday, looking to collect on the forces savings account they created when they intentionally had too much put into their paycheck withholding.

Then comes 2019, where every day it's looking more like parts of the federal government, including the Internal Revenue Service, will be in shutdown mode when the annual tax return filing season starts on Jan. 28.

While the Treasury Department and IRS say they will do what it takes to make this year as normal as possible, many are skeptical.

Some doubt the IRS will be able to meet its usual pledge to deliver most refunds in 21 days or less. Note, too, that this time frame begins on Jan. 28, not with returns filed earlier either via individual tax software programs or the early-opened Free File, and applies to e-filers who opt to have their refunds directly deposited into a financial account.

Note also that some folks' refunds must by law be held until at least Feb. 15. These are the refunds from returns where the Earned Income Tax Credit and/or refundable portion of the child tax credit are claimed.

Shutdown refund effects: On top of these expected delays, there's a new twist in 2019 thanks to the federal funding stalemate on Capitol Hill.

Hundreds of thousands of federal employees are even more anxious about when they'll get their refunds. These are the folks, including IRS personnel, who are working without pay under closure contingency plans, as well as their unpaid colleagues who are furloughed.

Will the perfect storm or usual refund eagerness + financially struggling federal workers + the continuing government shutdown = a resurgence of refund anticipation loans (RALs) and/or their cousins, refund anticipation checks (RACs)?

Probably.

Evolution of refund impatience options: RALs and RACs, as their names imply, are based on the amount of federal tax refund filers expect. They are offered by lenders and typically via tax preparation operations.

RALs were for many years the main tax-time financial product for filers wanting quicker access to their over-withheld income taxes. These loans are made by banks, secured by and repaid directly from the proceeds of the taxpayers' refunds.

After complaints by consumer groups over the fees, sometimes which reached triple digit annual percentage rates, RALs fell out of favor.

The IRS even got in on the act by ending its debt indicator notation, which essentially was a credit check for potential lenders noting whether a taxpayer will get an expected refund in full or whether some or all of the money will be offset by other government obligations, such as student loans or child support. 

But RALs didn't die. They just morphed into advances that are promoted as not charging interest or fees to the consumer for the loan. These new RALs boomed, even though consumer activists worried about the possibility that unscrupulous tax preparers could impose other charges to make up for the cost of the loan.

Financial evolution also came into play, with RACs moving into the vacated refund-related space.

With RACs, a bank opens a temporary account into which the IRS direct-deposits the refund monies. After the refund is deposited, the bank issues the consumer a check or prepaid card, or makes a direct deposit into the consumer’s own bank account, and closes the temporary account. A RAC doesn't speed up refund access, but does allow the consumer to have the tax preparation fees deducted out of the refund.

Potential high cost of early refund cash: A report issued last March by the National Consumer Law Center (NCLC) and the Consumer Federation of America (CFA) found that in 2017 taxpayers took out more than 1.7 million RALs, up from 1.5 million the year before.

Another 20.5 million obtained a RAC, up from nearly 19 million in 2016, according to the NCLD/CFA report.

It's hard to blame people who counted on the refunds to pay the credit card charges they racked up on holiday gifts last month. It's even harder to blame people who are dealing with day-to-day expense issues in the midst of the longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history.

Sometimes, the very messy real life just gets in the way.

Refund advance admonitions: But RALs and RACs do raise some concerns.

What if you estimated incorrectly and you don't get the amount of refund you expected? That's often the case with the aforementioned offsets.

This year things could be worse in the wake of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act's changes. Some have predicted that millions who didn't adjust their payroll withholding to comply with the new tax laws could owe Uncle Sam instead of getting a refund.

Whatever the reason, if your refund is less-than-expected or nonexistent, it will create additional financial problems.

With a RAL, even if your numbers are close, if you don't pay back the loan back promptly, you could face what are unusually high, some say egregious, interest rates on the unpaid balance.

RACs, even though they are tied to preparer fees, also offer financial dangers. The NCLC/CFA reports points out that if a taxpayer pays $35 to defer payment of a $350 tax preparation fee for three weeks, the annual percentage rate (APR) would be equivalent to 174 percent.

3 refund advance tips: Still, some see refund-based money as the better or only option. If you do opt for an advance based on your expected federal tax refund, at least go into the short-term financial space with eyes open.

Years ago, I wrote a piece for Bankrate on refund advance products and what to consider instead. I've done the same many times here on the ol' blog.

That earlier advice still generally stands. And given the circumstances complicating filing season 2019 and associated refunds, it's a good time to highlight it again. Here are three refund advance things to think about in advance of getting such a financial product.

1. Comparison shop. Don't go to the first preparer offering refund-based services or products. Look at several and take note of potential maximum APRs as well as the tax preparation fees that would be offset by a RAC. Also check with a local bank or credit union, which might be able to provide you a short-term personal loan at a lower rate.

2. Consider a no-interest credit card. Yes, if you're relying on a forced IRS refund savings account, a way to get into more debt might not be the best answer. But a no-interest credit card may be the best way to pay some bills or buy groceries. Again, pay attention to terms. The 0 percent rate is short-term and could take a major jump up once that expires.

3. Talk to your creditors. In unusual circumstances like the current government shutdown, they might be more inclined to work with you to pay your bills.

Here's hoping that the shutdown will be over soon and all this talk of delayed refunds and refund advances will be moot. But if worse comes to worst, be ready so that you don't dig an even deeper financial hole.

You also might find these items of interest:

Refund loans and the once-a-year rich

Millennials find tax refund anticipation loans appealing

Fed shutdown underscores why to adjust payroll withholding

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[christophergill8]

Don't make these 10 tax-filing mistakes

Federal and most state, tax returns are due in few days. Don't panic! You still have time to finish your return (or get an extension).

If you do decide to just be done with your Form 1040 — new, but not necessarily improved this year under Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) changes — make sure you don't make any of these common filing errors in your rush to finish.

For the most part, tax software has helped eliminate a lot of mistakes. Still, we're not yet at the total tax automation point yet. And that old garbage in, garbage out adage about computer data definitely applies to tax returns.

In fact, it's more critical, since one wrong tax entry could be multiplied across several forms or schedules, producing a costly tax error.

So that you won't end up in such a situation, check out these 10 common tax mistakes that millions of taxpayers make every year. Some are directly from the Internal Revenue Service. Others are based on my and other filers' experiences.

1. Missing or inaccurate Social Security numbers: This nine-digit number was not intended to be our universal identifier, but, for better and in this age of identity theft often for worse, that's what the Social Security number has become.

There's been some talk about changing that for tax filing, but until that happens, you've got to include it on your annual return. The IRS won't process a 1040 without it. This identity number requirement extends to you as the primary filer, as well as the Social Security numbers for your spouse and any dependents.

These numerals are crucial because so many tax-related transactions, from income statements to investment earnings to retirement plan contributions and distributions, are keyed to this number.

A Social Security number also is critical when claiming several tax credits, such as the child tax and additional child tax credits, as well as ones for educational expenses and dependent care costs.

When you run your final tax software check, it should point out any missing Social Security numbers. But what it won't know is whether the digits are correct. So double check. A wrong tax ID number, when checked by the IRS against other data it has on you, will at best slow down the processing of your return. At worst, it could cost you valuable tax breaks.

2. Misspelled or different names: Sure, the bulk of the information on your tax return is numerical, but words — specifically names — are important, too. Spell all names listed on a tax return exactly as listed on the taxpayers’ Social Security card.

What's the big deal if you've gone by a middle or nickname all your life and enter that on your Form 1040? Plenty. When the names of a taxpayer, his or her spouse or their children don't match the tax identification number that the Social Security Administration has on record, the IRS processing machine likely will kick out or slow down the tax return.

Name issues often are a problem for the newly married. Many folks still change their surnames when they marry, whether the "I do's" are exchanged by a bride and groom or spouses in same-sex marriages, which the IRS now recognizes.

In these cases, if you didn't alert the Social Security Administration (SSA) of your name change after your wedding, your new name on your 1040 or other tax statements could cause a problem when you file your first joint tax return. Get in touch with the SSA ASAP to reconcile this.

The same issue also arises when marital bliss doesn't last and ex-spouses change names after a divorce. Again, make sure Uncle Sam's appropriate agencies know that, too.

3. Improperly claiming a dependent: Sometimes determining just who is your tax dependent can be messy. There are lots of rules about relationships and support earned or provided and who lives for how long in your house. You also must have the Social Security number of the person (see #1), either a child or qualifying relative, you're listing as a dependent on your tax return.

Sometimes the eligibility confusion leads to an innocent mistake as to who can be listed as your tax dependent. Other times, though, folks knowingly claim a person as dependent to get a tax break, such as the refundable Earned Income Tax Credit.

Faking dependents is not a good idea. This is willful disregard of the tax laws and your responsibility to meet them. Such intentional tax violations could lead to tough penalties, sometimes of the criminal nature, on top of the unpaid tax and interest added to it that you thought you were escaping with your fake dependent ploy.

Think the IRS might be too busy to catch your suddenly larger family? Think again. The IRS knows that filers sometimes add people, either real or imaginary or even pets, on their returns. That's why tax examiners look at who has and hasn't been listed before on your returns.

4. Using the wrong filing status: Some taxpayers unintentionally claim the wrong filing status. That innocent error could be costly, such as choosing single in the first tax-filing season since your divorce when you have primary custody of your children and really should be filing as the more tax-beneficial head of household.

Filers have five filing status options, and each could make a difference in your ultimate tax bill.

The IRS' online Interactive Tax Assistant can help you pick the proper filing status. E-file software also helps prevent mistakes here.

Advice from the IRS in Form 1040 instructions

5. Using whole, rounded numbers: Yes, round numbers are easier to add and subtract.

Yes, your tax software rounds entries.

And yes, even the IRS says you can round your dollars and cents on your Form 1040 entries.

But when it comes to deductions and business expenses, it tends to make the IRS think that you're, uh, making up amounts.

OK, I tend to add tip amounts so that business meal checks come out to even numbers. But I have those receipts to support my OCD.

Other financial transactions, however, rarely end in .00.

At best, all those rounded numbers make it look like you didn't keep good records showing precise amounts. And that could encourage the IRS to take a closer look at all your entries.

6. Entering incorrect bank account numbers: You can have your tax refund directly depositing into a bank account or accounts or retirement plan. That's easy for you and the IRS. Unless you enter the wrong account number and accompanying routing number.

The more numbers you enter on a tax form, the more chances you have to enter them incorrectly. And a wrong account or routing number could cause you to lose your refund entirely.

You can divide your refund deposit into three accounts by filing Form 8888 along with your individual return. It's not a difficult document to complete, but if you put in wrong account numbers, your refund could end up in someone else's account or be sent back to the IRS.

Incorrect account numbers aren't just a problem when a refund is split multiple ways. Even if your refund is going to just one account, make very sure you enter that account and bank routing numbers correctly.

7. Overlooking additional income: Did you have a side job this year? If so, as a contractor you probably received a Form 1099-MISC or maybe a 1099-K detailing the extra gig earnings.

What about savings and investment accounts? For these, you should have received Form 1099-INT and Form 1099-DIV statements.

In these 1099 situations, the IRS knows precisely how much extra money, either as wages or unearned investment income, you made because it got copies of those forms, too.

If you forget to include any of these earnings on your return, IRS examiners will let you know you that it knows and that you owe taxes on that money, too. And depending on when your oversight is discovered, you also could owe penalties and interest on the unreported earnings.

8. Making credit or deduction mistakes: Here's a non-news flash. The tax code is complicated. In fact, many of the changes made by the TCJA have, say many tax professionals and filers, have made things worse in this regard instead of better. That means there are lots of opportunities to make mistakes as you look for tax-saving credits and deductions.

Errors are frequently made by folks claiming two popular tax breaks, the additional child tax credit. Both of these credits are refundable, meaning they can get you a refund even if you don't owe any tax. That's part of the reason the IRS now must hold refunds related to these tax credits until mid-February.

But the IRS also sees each year errors by filers figuring their child and dependent care credit and even in selecting their standard deduction amount. For example, a taxpayer who's 65 or older and/or blind, can claim a larger standard deduction.

Follow the tax filing instructions carefully, either those in IRS publications and forms or as part of your tax software. Again, the IRS' online Interactive Tax Assistant also can help you determine if you're eligible for certain tax credits or deductions.

9. Math miscalculations: The IRS is all about the numbers. So it's no surprise that the most common error on tax returns, year after year, is bad math.

Arithmetic errors range from simple addition and subtraction to more complex tax items, like those credits and deductions just mentioned in mistake #8. Figuring things like the EITC or the taxable portion of a retirement account distribution, for example, is more difficult and results in more math errors.

The IRS' 207 Data Book, the latest available edition, shows that in processing 2016 tax returns, the agency caught more than 2.5 million math errors. Considering that most of us use tax software, in large part because it does the math for us, that's astounding.

Source: IRS 2017 Data Book

Again, the garbage in, garbage out factor comes into play here. The wrong number on one form's line produces a wrong calculation that gets transferred to another form, exponentially compounding the math error.

So pay close attention when you enter your numerical data into your tax return.

10. Missing the deadline: Finally, don't make the biggest tax season mistake of all, missing the filing deadline.

Millions of taxpayers put off filing until the very last minute. That's OK as long as your mailed paper return is postmarked by the April filing deadline or you hit "enter" to e-file your 1040 by midnight in your time zone on April 15.

This year, some folks get a couple of extra days. Thanks to the convergence of the Patriots Day and Emancipation Day holidays, taxpayers in Maine and Massachusetts don't have to file their federal tax returns until April 17.

Get an extension: But regardless of your filing due date, if you just can't finish your forms by the deadline, get an extension.

Filing Form 4868 will give you six more months, until Oct. 15, to get all your tax return material filled out correctly and into the IRS.

The extra filing time is granted as long as you get your request to the IRS, either by mailing the paper form or electronically asking for an extension by, for most of us, Monday, April 15.

Remember, though, that this automatic extension applies only to filing your tax the forms. You still must send by your filing deadline any tax you owe with your extension request. If you don't, you could face late-filing or non-filing penalties.

Nobody wants to pay Uncle Sam a penny more than necessary, so don't make the mistake of missing the filing deadline. Or any of the 9 other potentially costly tax filing errors.

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from Tax News By Christopher https://www.dontmesswithtaxes.com/2019/04/10-tax-filing-mistakes.html

[elizabethcariasa]

Don't make these 12 common tax filing mistakes

Federal, and most state, tax returns are a week from today. Don't panic! You still have time to finish your return (or get an extension).

But don't be in such a rush that you make a costly mistake.

Yes, errors on 1040s still happen, even though most of use tax preparation software that catches errors on our annual returns.

Here are a dozen common tax mistakes that millions of taxpayers make every year. Some are directly from the Internal Revenue Service. Others are based on my and other filers' experiences.

1. Missing or inaccurate Social Security numbers: This nine-digit number was not intended to be our universal identifier, but, for better and in this age of identity theft often for worse, that's what the Social Security number has become.

There's been some talk about changing that for tax filing, but until that happens, you've got to include it on your annual return. The IRS won't process a 1040 without it. This identity number requirement extends to you as the primary filer, as well as the Social Security numbers for your spouse and any dependents.

These numerals are crucial because so many tax-related transactions, from income statements to investment earnings to retirement plan contributions and distributions, are keyed to this number.

A Social Security number also is critical when claiming several tax credits, such as the child tax and additional child tax credits, as well as ones for educational expenses and dependent care costs.

At best, a missing Social Security number will slow down the processing of your return. At worst, it could cost you a valuable tax breaks. So be sure to enter on your 1040 each person's number exactly as it's printed on the Social Security card.

2. Misspelled or different names: Sure, the bulk of the information on your tax return is numerical, but words — specifically names — are important, too. Spell all names listed on a tax return exactly as listed on the taxpayers’ Social Security card.

What's the big deal if you've gone by a middle or nickname all your life and enter that on your Form 1040? Plenty. When the names of a taxpayer, his or her spouse or their children don't match the tax identification number that the Social Security Administration has on record, the IRS processing machine likely will kick out or slow down the tax return.

Name issues often are a problem for the newly married. Many folks still change their surnames when they marry, whether the "I do's" are exchanged by a bride and groom or spouses in same-sex marriages, which the IRS now recognizes.

In these cases, if you didn't alert the Social Security Administration (SSA) of your name change after your wedding, your new name on your 1040 or other tax statements could cause a problem when you file your first joint tax return. Get in touch with the SSA ASAP to reconcile this.

The same issue also arises when marital bliss doesn't last and ex-spouses change names after a divorce. Again, make sure Uncle Sam's appropriate agencies know that, too.

3. Improperly claiming a dependent: Sometimes determining just who is your tax dependent can be messy. There are lots of rules about relationships and support earned or provided and who lives for how long in your house. You also must have the Social Security number of the person (see #1), either a child or qualifying relative, you're listing as a dependent on your 1040 or 1040A.

Sometimes the confusion leads to an innocent mistake as to who is eligible to be listed as your tax dependent. Other times, though, folks knowing claim a person as dependent to get the added exemption amount or to claim the refundable Earned Income Tax Credit.

Faking dependents is not a good idea. This is willful disregard of the tax laws and your responsibility to meet them. Such intentional tax violations could lead to tough penalties, sometimes of the criminal nature, on top of the unpaid tax and interest added to it that you thought you were escaping with your fake dependent ploy.

Think the IRS might be too busy to catch your suddenly larger family? Think again. The IRS knows that filers sometimes add people, either real or imaginary or even pets, on their returns. That's why tax examiners look at who has and hasn't been listed before on your returns.

4. Using the wrong filing status: Some taxpayers unintentionally claim the wrong filing status. That innocent error could be costly, such as choosing single in the first tax-filing season since your divorce when you have primary custody of your children and really should be filing as the more tax-beneficial head of household.

Filers have five filing status options, and each could make a difference in your ultimate tax bill.

The IRS' online Interactive Tax Assistant can help you pick the proper filing status. E-file software also helps prevent mistakes here.

Advice from the IRS in Form 1040 instructions.

5. Using whole, rounded numbers: Yes, round numbers are easier to add and subtract. Yes, your tax software rounds entries.

And yes, even the IRS says you can round your dollars and cents on your Form 1040.

But when it comes to deductions and business expenses, it tends to make the IRS think that you're, uh, making up amounts.

OK, I tend to add tip amounts so that meal checks come out to even numbers. But I have those receipts. Other financial transactions, however, rarely end in .00.

At best, all those rounded numbers make it look like you didn't keep good records showing precise amounts. And that could encourage the IRS to take a closer look at all your entries.

6. Entering incorrect bank account numbers: You can have your tax refund directly depositing into a bank account or accounts or retirement plan. That's easy for you and the IRS. Unless you enter the wrong account number and accompanying routing number.

The more numbers you enter on a tax form, the more chances you have to enter them incorrectly. And a wrong account or routing number could cause you to lose your refund entirely.

You can divide your refund deposit into three accounts by filing Form 8888 along with your individual return. It's not a difficult document to complete, but if you put in wrong account numbers, your refund could end up in someone else's account or be sent back to the IRS.

Incorrect account numbers aren't just a problem when a refund is split multiple ways. Even if your refund is going to just one account, make very sure you enter that account and bank routing numbers correctly.

7. Overlooking additional income: Did you have a side job this year? If so, as a contractor you probably received a Form 1099-MISC detailing the extra earnings.

What about savings and investment accounts? For these, you should have received Form 1099-INT and Form 1099 DIV statements.

In these 1099 situations, the IRS knows precisely how much extra money, either as wages or unearned investment income, you made because it got copies of those forms, too.

If you forget to include any of these earnings on your return, IRS examiners will let you know you that it knows and that you owe taxes on that money, too. And depending on when your oversight is discovered, you also could owe penalties and interest on the unreported earnings.

8. Missing charitable contributions: You were very generous last year and you're taking tax advantage of your philanthropic nature this filing season. Good for you in both cases. But make sure you don't overlook any charitable donations.

All types of donations, from cash to cars, could be valuable tax deductions, so make sure you count them all when you file.

In addition to these cash and property donations, you also may deduct mileage, parking fees, postage and long-distance phone calls made while performing charitable work.

9. Not signing your tax return: A tax return that's unsigned gets the same treatment as ones missing Social Security numbers. A return lacking a signature — or signatures: when married couples file a joint return, both spouses must sign the 1040 — isn't valid and the IRS won't process it.

The easiest way to avoid this oversight is to file electronically and digitally sign it before sending it to the IRS. Your tax software, either the package you bought or the one you're using on Free File, will walk you through the e-signature process.

If, however, you're still mailing your return, don't be in such a hurry to be done with the job that you stuff your 1040 in the envelope sans signature.

10. Making credit or deduction mistakes: Here's a non-news flash. The tax code is complicated (and will stay that way despite the tweaks to the Internal Revenue Code made by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act). That means there are lots of opportunities to make mistakes as you look for tax-saving credits and deductions.

Errors are frequently made by folks claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and additional child tax credit. That's part of the reason the IRS now must hold refunds related to these tax breaks until mid-February.

But the IRS also sees each year errors by filers figuring their child and dependent care credit and even in selecting their standard deduction amount. For example, a taxpayer who’s 65 or older and/or blind, can claim a larger standard deduction.

Follow the tax filing instructions carefully, either those in IRS publications and forms or as part of your tax software. The IRS' online Interactive Tax Assistant also can help you determine if you're eligible for certain tax credits or deductions. 

11. Math miscalculations: The IRS is all about the numbers. So it's no surprise that the most common error on tax returns, year after year, is bad math.

Arithmetic errors range from simple addition and subtraction to more complex tax items, like those credits and deductions just mentioned in mistake #10. Figuring things like the EITC or the taxable portion of a retirement account distribution, for example, is more difficult and results in more math errors.

In processing 2016 tax returns, the IRS caught more than 2.5 million math errors, according to the agency's 2017 Data Book. Considering that most of us use tax software, in large part because it does the math for us, that's astounding.

Source: IRS 2017 Data Book

Of course, the adage garbage in/garbage out applies here. The wrong number on one form's line produces a wrong calculation that gets transferred to another form, exponentially compounding the math error.

So pay close attention when you enter your numerical data into your tax return.

12. Missing the deadline: Finally, don't make the biggest tax season mistake of all, missing the filing deadline.

Millions of taxpayers put off filing until the very last minute. That's OK as long as your mailed paper return is postmarked by the April filing deadline or you hit "enter" to e-file your 1040 by midnight of the deadline day.

The good news for 2017 taxes is that the April 15 due date is pushed to April 17 because of the weekend and the federal Emancipation Day holiday in Washington, D.C. But if even with a couple of extra days you still just can't finish your forms by the deadline, get an extension.

Filing Form 4868 will give you six more months, until Oct. 15, to get all your forms filled out and into the IRS. You can do so by either mailing a paper form or electronically, again by next Tuesday's due date.

Just remember that an extension to file applies only to the forms. You still must send by April 17 any tax you owe with your extension request. If you don't, you could face late-filing or non-filing penalties.

Nobody wants to pay Uncle Sam a penny more than necessary, so don't make the mistake of missing the filing deadline.

OK. That's my, to borrow an IRS term, Dirty Dozen tax filing errors. Don't make them this year. And if you have others on your own tax errors list, please share them in the comments below.

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[christophergill8]

Don't make these 12 common tax filing mistakes

Federal, and most state, tax returns are a week from today. Don't panic! You still have time to finish your return (or get an extension).

But don't be in such a rush that you make a costly mistake.

Yes, errors on 1040s still happen, even though most of use tax preparation software that catches errors on our annual returns.

Here are a dozen common tax mistakes that millions of taxpayers make every year. Some are directly from the Internal Revenue Service. Others are based on my and other filers' experiences.

1. Missing or inaccurate Social Security numbers: This nine-digit number was not intended to be our universal identifier, but, for better and in this age of identity theft often for worse, that's what the Social Security number has become.

There's been some talk about changing that for tax filing, but until that happens, you've got to include it on your annual return. The IRS won't process a 1040 without it. This identity number requirement extends to you as the primary filer, as well as the Social Security numbers for your spouse and any dependents.

These numerals are crucial because so many tax-related transactions, from income statements to investment earnings to retirement plan contributions and distributions, are keyed to this number.

A Social Security number also is critical when claiming several tax credits, such as the child tax and additional child tax credits, as well as ones for educational expenses and dependent care costs.

At best, a missing Social Security number will slow down the processing of your return. At worst, it could cost you a valuable tax breaks. So be sure to enter on your 1040 each person's number exactly as it's printed on the Social Security card.

2. Misspelled or different names: Sure, the bulk of the information on your tax return is numerical, but words — specifically names — are important, too. Spell all names listed on a tax return exactly as listed on the taxpayers’ Social Security card.

What's the big deal if you've gone by a middle or nickname all your life and enter that on your Form 1040? Plenty. When the names of a taxpayer, his or her spouse or their children don't match the tax identification number that the Social Security Administration has on record, the IRS processing machine likely will kick out or slow down the tax return.

Name issues often are a problem for the newly married. Many folks still change their surnames when they marry, whether the "I do's" are exchanged by a bride and groom or spouses in same-sex marriages, which the IRS now recognizes.

In these cases, if you didn't alert the Social Security Administration (SSA) of your name change after your wedding, your new name on your 1040 or other tax statements could cause a problem when you file your first joint tax return. Get in touch with the SSA ASAP to reconcile this.

The same issue also arises when marital bliss doesn't last and ex-spouses change names after a divorce. Again, make sure Uncle Sam's appropriate agencies know that, too.

3. Improperly claiming a dependent: Sometimes determining just who is your tax dependent can be messy. There are lots of rules about relationships and support earned or provided and who lives for how long in your house. You also must have the Social Security number of the person (see #2), either a child or qualifying relative, you're listing as a dependent on your 1040 or 1040A.

Sometimes the confusion leads to an innocent mistake as to who is eligible to be listed as your tax dependent. Other times, though, folks knowing claim a person as dependent to get the added exemption amount or to claim the refundable Earned Income Tax Credit.

Faking dependents is not a good idea. This is willful disregard of the tax laws and your responsibility to meet them. Such intentional tax violations could lead to tough penalties, sometimes of the criminal nature, on top of the unpaid tax and interest added to it that you thought you were escaping with your fake dependent ploy.

Think the IRS might be too busy to catch your suddenly larger family? Think again. The IRS knows that filers sometimes add people, either real or imaginary or even pets, on their returns. That's why tax examiners look at who has and hasn't been listed before on your returns.

4. Using the wrong filing status: Some taxpayers unintentionally claim the wrong filing status. That innocent error could be costly, such as choosing single in the first tax-filing season since your divorce when you have primary custody of your children and really should be filing as the more tax-beneficial head of household.

Filers have five filing status options, and each could make a difference in your ultimate tax bill.

The IRS' online Interactive Tax Assistant can help you pick the proper filing status. E-file software also helps prevent mistakes here.

Advice from the IRS in Form 1040 instructions.

5. Using whole, rounded numbers: Yes, round numbers are easier to add and subtract. Yes, your tax software rounds entries.

And yes, even the IRS says you can round your dollars and cents on your Form 1040.

But when it comes to deductions and business expenses, it tends to make the IRS think that you're, uh, making up amounts.

OK, I tend to add tip amounts so that meal checks come out to even numbers. But I have those receipts. Other financial transactions, however, rarely end in .00.

At best, all those rounded numbers make it look like you didn't keep good records showing precise amounts. And that could encourage the IRS to take a closer look at all your entries.

6. Entering incorrect bank account numbers: You can have your tax refund directly depositing into a bank account or accounts or retirement plan. That's easy for you and the IRS. Unless you enter the wrong account number and accompanying routing number.

The more numbers you enter on a tax form, the more chances you have to enter them incorrectly. And a wrong account or routing number could cause you to lose your refund entirely.

You can divide your refund deposit into three accounts by filing Form 8888 along with your individual return. It's not a difficult document to complete, but if you put in wrong account numbers, your refund could end up in someone else's account or be sent back to the IRS.

Incorrect account numbers aren't just a problem when a refund is split multiple ways. Even if your refund is going to just one account, make very sure you enter that account and bank routing numbers correctly.

7. Overlooking additional income: Did you have a side job this year? If so, as a contractor you probably received a Form 1099-MISC detailing the extra earnings.

What about savings and investment accounts? For these, you should have received Form 1099-INT and Form 1099 DIV statements.

In these 1099 situations, the IRS knows precisely how much extra money, either as wages or unearned investment income, you made because it got copies of those forms, too.

If you forget to include any of these earnings on your return, IRS examiners will let you know you that it knows and that you owe taxes on that money, too. And depending on when your oversight is discovered, you also could owe penalties and interest on the unreported earnings.

8. Missing charitable contributions: You were very generous last year and you're taking tax advantage of your philanthropic nature this filing season. Good for you in both cases. But make sure you don't overlook any charitable donations.

All types of donations, from cash to cars, could be valuable tax deductions, so make sure you count them all when you file.

In addition to these cash and property donations, you also may deduct mileage, parking fees, postage and long-distance phone calls made while performing charitable work.

9. Not signing your tax return: A tax return that's unsigned gets the same treatment as ones missing Social Security numbers. A return lacking a signature — or signatures: when married couples file a joint return, both spouses must sign the 1040 — isn't valid and the IRS won't process it.

The easiest way to avoid this oversight is to file electronically and digitally sign it before sending it to the IRS. Your tax software, either the package you bought or the one you're using on Free File, will walk you through the e-signature process.

If, however, you're still mailing your return, don't be in such a hurry to be done with the job that you stuff your 1040 in the envelope sans signature.

10. Making credit or deduction mistakes: Here's a non-news flash. The tax code is complicated (and will stay that way despite the tweaks to the Internal Revenue Code made by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act). That means there are lots of opportunities to make mistakes as you look for tax-saving credits and deductions.

Errors are frequently made by folks claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and additional child tax credit. That's part of the reason the IRS now must hold refunds related to these tax breaks until mid-February.

But the IRS also sees each year errors by filers figuring their child and dependent care credit and even in selecting their standard deduction amount. For example, a taxpayer who’s 65 or older and/or blind, can claim a larger standard deduction.

Follow the tax filing instructions carefully, either those in IRS publications and forms or as part of your tax software. The IRS' online Interactive Tax Assistant also can help you determine if you're eligible for certain tax credits or deductions. 

11. Math miscalculations: The IRS is all about the numbers. So it's no surprise that the most common error on tax returns, year after year, is bad math.

Arithmetic errors range from simple addition and subtraction to more complex tax items, like those credits and deductions just mentioned in mistake #10. Figuring things like the EITC or the taxable portion of a retirement account distribution, for example, is more difficult and results in more math errors.

In processing 2016 tax returns, the IRS caught more than 2.5 million math errors, according to the agency's 2017 Data Book. Considering that most of us use tax software, in large part because it does the math for us, that's astounding.

Source: IRS 2017 Data Book

Of course, the adage garbage in/garbage out applies here. The wrong number on one form's line produces a wrong calculation that gets transferred to another form, exponentially compounding the math error.

So pay close attention when you enter your numerical data into your tax return.

12. Missing the deadline: Finally, don't make the biggest tax season mistake of all, missing the filing deadline.

Millions of taxpayers put off filing until the very last minute. That's OK as long as your mailed paper return is postmarked by the April filing deadline or you hit "enter" to e-file your 1040 by midnight of the deadline day.

The good news for 2017 taxes is that the April 15 due date is pushed to April 17 because of the weekend and the federal Emancipation Day holiday in Washington, D.C. But if even with a couple of extra days you still just can't finish your forms by the deadline, get an extension.

Filing Form 4868 will give you six more months, until Oct. 15, to get all your forms filled out and into the IRS. You can do so by either mailing a paper form or electronically, again by next Tuesday's due date.

Just remember that an extension to file applies only to the forms. You still must send by April 17 any tax you owe with your extension request. If you don't, you could face late-filing or non-filing penalties.

Nobody wants to pay Uncle Sam a penny more than necessary, so don't make the mistake of missing the filing deadline.

OK. That's my, to borrow an IRS term, Dirty Dozen tax filing errors. Don't make them this year. And if you have others on your own tax errors list, please share them in the comments below.

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from Tax News By Christopher http://www.dontmesswithtaxes.com/2018/04/12-common-tax-filing-mistakes-to-avoid.html