jelti

Congratulations.

It's supposed to be taking the U.S. Passport Office up to 10 weeks (because the entire process is backlogged) nowadays unless you chose expedited service, in which case, I believe, it'll be about two weeks IF you submitted your application AFTER March 23, 2007.

Normally, getting a new passport can take up to six weeks (two weeks for expedited service once again), which is already a fairly long time if you're in a rush.

Here's the information from the U.S. Department of State on Passport Application Processing Times.

Yikes...I was hoping that was only for people who have never had a passport before. You'd think it'd be quicker for name-changes because our information is already in the system.

This might get moved, but I wasn't sure where else it fit in.

Long story short, I just recently (about two weeks ago) sent in my passport to get my last name changed in it. I've had my passport for longer than a year, which means that they can't just modify it, I actually had to fill out the application to get a whole new passport. The fee was like $67.

Anyway, husband and I are flying to Ireland on May 16th (first time we'll have been back since he got here in November of 05), and now I'm worrying that my passport won't get here in time!

They already cashed the check (it showed up in my online banking account), so that's a good sign. But does anyone remember how long it took to get your new passport with your name change? Please tell me no more than a month, or I'm pretty much screwed.

Ahhhh, I need more help!!

So, just for the heck of it, I filled out both forms 1040 and 1040 EZ, and the 1040 EZ is showing that I get a refund (albeit a small one), but the 1040 is showing that I OWE money!!!

What on earth am I doing wrong?? How is this even possible? Help please...I don't wanna get in trouble.

You can use the 1040-EZ if you're either of:

• single
  
• married-file-jointly
  

AND have no itemised deductions

(source -- instructions on backside of 1040EZ)

Oh yeah! That's right, the reason we had to use the 1040 last year was because we included the 2555EZ. Whoohooo! The 1040EZ is quicker!

Thanks!

1. No; the forms are different for nonresidence (and for federal taxes, residency means "been in US for over 183 days of the tax year")
   
2. Yes; if you don't itemise deductions @all, you may be able to use the "shortcut-forkover" (1040-EZ) form
   

Shows how much I know about taxes, but I thought I couldn't fill out the 1040EZ if we file jointly?

Hi Everyone!

Ok, so I lost last year's taxes. I've torn the house apart looking for them, and I have to give up. They're nowhere to be found.

So, I was just wondering two things:

1) Do I need to include another declaration of US residency for my husband, even though the one we submitted last year asked to treat him as a US resident for the 2005 tax year and all future tax years?

2) I'm guessing we don't have to do a 2555-EZ this year since we haven't even left the country since Aidan got here. So does that mean the only thing I have to submit this year is our regular ol' 1040?

Thanks so much in advance! I really appreciate the help!

Yodrak,

I understood your instructions the first time. I believe you may have missed the point of my response.

Regardless, thank you for the information.

Peace.

jelti,

My instructions are different for a reason. I agree with you that perhaps we shouldn't need help to decipher government instructions, but we are surrounded by examples clearly indicating otherwise.

Let me try again.

- you and hubby know how much income you've received and how much tax you've had withheld year to date, and how much per pay period. It's information that should be on your most recent pay statements.

- you know how many more pay periods are remaining this year, so you can estimate total pay and total tax withheld for the year if you do nothing.

- download a Form 1040 from the IRS web site and fill it out with the information you have available to estimate what your tax obligation will be.

- if your estimated tax obligation is more than your estimated withholding, divide the difference by the number of pay periods remaining in the year.

- adjust the number of exemptions, and additional withholding if necessary, on a new W-4 so as to increase your withholding amount by the necessary amount for the rest of the year.

Yodrak

Yodrak,

..... We shouldn't need outside help to decipher these instructions, and your instructions are different than what is on the W-4. .....

jelti,

This withholding informtion is not on your pay statements?

Estimate what your 2006 incomes will be by the end of the year. Fill out a 1040 on that basis to get an estimate of how much tax you will owe. Subtract how much tax has been withheld to date. Select your withholding exemptions, and additional withholding amount as may be necessary, to have the necessary amount withheld over the course of the remaining paychecks in the year. This is elementary school 4-funtion math - addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division - although a bit of basic junior high algebra might be useful.

Yodrak

....

Anyway, when I started working at my current job back in February, I filled out my W-4, and I believe I claimed 2 ... Or maybe I claimed 1. I think it was 1. Ah, I'm not sure...I'm waiting for my Human Resources lady to call me back.

Anyway, now that's Aidan's working, I need to fix my W-4 form quick because I definitely don't ever want to "owe" taxes! Aidan has to fill out his W-4, too. We already know that we need to claim zero, but I believe we also need to have an additional amount withheld from our paychecks to avoid having to pay taxes at the end of the year. But I've also heard that only one spouse needs to have the additional amount withheld, which would be me. Anyone have any info about this?

.....

Yodrak,

I do appreciate the help, but could definitely do without the belittlement. Knowledge of basic math doesn't always help when one's brain can't read past the fine print. We shouldn't need outside help to decipher these instructions, and your instructions are different than what is on the W-4. You seem to assume that those with any elementary education should know what they are doing, and those who seek assistance lack brain matter. It's not all black and white. Maybe you should try seeing in colour sometime.

Peace.

jelti,

This withholding informtion is not on your pay statements?

Estimate what your 2006 incomes will be by the end of the year. Fill out a 1040 on that basis to get an estimate of how much tax you will owe. Subtract how much tax has been withheld to date. Select your withholding exemptions, and additional withholding amount as may be necessary, to have the necessary amount withheld over the course of the remaining paychecks in the year. This is elementary school 4-funtion math - addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division - although a bit of basic junior high algebra might be useful.

Yodrak

....

Anyway, when I started working at my current job back in February, I filled out my W-4, and I believe I claimed 2 ... Or maybe I claimed 1. I think it was 1. Ah, I'm not sure...I'm waiting for my Human Resources lady to call me back.

Anyway, now that's Aidan's working, I need to fix my W-4 form quick because I definitely don't ever want to "owe" taxes! Aidan has to fill out his W-4, too. We already know that we need to claim zero, but I believe we also need to have an additional amount withheld from our paychecks to avoid having to pay taxes at the end of the year. But I've also heard that only one spouse needs to have the additional amount withheld, which would be me. Anyone have any info about this?

.....

Melissa - see my PM to you.

Thanks Rebecca. I sent you a reply.

I'm no tax expert here, but I believe the amount of tax you need to pay will highly depend on how much you make that year. Hubby and I claim married, 0 but as last year I made more than the year before that, we got less return and even had to pay the state tax. Two years ago, we also claim married 0 but since I only worked for 2 months, we got bunch of return.

Yep, I believe you're correct. The more you make, the more you pay! Which is why, I believe, when two spouses are both working, you might need to have an additional amount withheld (from one or both paychecks) to avoid having to pay taxes at the end of the year. I'm just not sure why I have to fill out the form as if my husband has been working an entire year, when he just started Monday.

Hi everyone!

So, as many of you have already read, my husband Aidan (aidan80) got a job! Whooohoooo!

Anyway, when I started working at my current job back in February, I filled out my W-4, and I believe I claimed 2 because I was married but my spouse was not working (we needed all the money we could get). Or maybe I claimed 1. I think it was 1. Ah, I'm not sure...I'm waiting for my Human Resources lady to call me back.

Anyway, now that's Aidan's working, I need to fix my W-4 form quick because I definitely don't ever want to "owe" taxes! Aidan has to fill out his W-4, too. We already know that we need to claim zero, but I believe we also need to have an additional amount withheld from our paychecks to avoid having to pay taxes at the end of the year. But I've also heard that only one spouse needs to have the additional amount withheld, which would be me. Anyone have any info about this?

The instructions say "Divide line 8 by the number of pay periods remaining in 2006. Blah blah blah, enter the result blah blah, This is the additional amount to be withheld from each paycheck." WHAT?! That doesn't make sense because Aidan has not been working a full tax year! Why do they want almost $200 dollars withheld out of each of my next 6 paychecks?! OMG! Am I totally not doing something right?? And if Aidan has to do this as well, then we'll be making about the same as we were when only I was working! I'm so confused! How on earth are we ever supposed to save money now?

I figured I'd ask you guys because most of you have gone through the same situation. So what do we do...claim zero and then have the additional amount withheld from only my paycheck? Or are we supposed to claim zero and have the additional amounts taken from both of our paychecks? Any advice?

Thanks so much in advance.

Just curious, how many months did it take you to get pregnant? My husband and I are trying for one year now and still no luck. I am getting discouraged. Any suggestions? websites? I will take any advice.

Have great day!

Selvi

http://www.fertilityfriend.com

Good luck!

Swing and a miss.

Hit a sore spot, did I? Poor baby.

Guys, seriously, ignore this one. He's just a troll. Too bad he's not as entertaining as his many predecessors.

I find it hilarious that you have the nerve to imply that I'm ignorant when your posts paint the picture of someone whose grammar and spelling do nothing for the reputation of Irish education.

Buh-bye.

If I were you, I'd worry a lot more about my own ignorance than someone else's grammar mistakes. You want to blame Aidan's grammar and spelling mistakes on Irish education? Ok. Go for it. Now what's your excuse?

Buh-bye. B)

Ahhh, I can't believe I hadn't seen this thread!

Thought I'd add my contribution. Here is a very well-written essay about the no-poo method, written by an online friend of mine. She's awesome, and has been no-pooing for a long time now. Lots of tips and trouble-shooters in her essay. Have a read!

Oh my gosh I always thought this kind of thing only happened in the movies!!! I'm glad everybody is ok.

Unassisted childbirth isn't limited to neither cars nor movies. Many women choose an unassisted childbirth for a myriad of reasons. Birth is normal and has been happening since the beginning of time.

http://www.unassistedchildbirth.com

http://www.birthlove.com/

Give me Tampa any day. I swear...if I have to drive to Orlando one more time, it'll be the end of me (and my car!). I mean...really...does anyone in this FRIGGIN state KNOW WHAT A BLINKER IS?!?!

Jerks.

Is there a name on the mailbox? If so, is your name on the mailbox too?

Are you using a P.O. box? If so, is your name on the account too?

If there is a name associated with the mailbox and your's is not, they will not deliver it.

We are aware that our "card or document" was originally returned because our name was not on our mailbox--even though we've gotten all our other USCIS mail at that address. Anyway, after we realized the problem, we put our name on the mailbox and informed the post office that we do indeed live there. This was all before our infopass appointment...so the USPS has no excuse this time.

How did you inform the post office that you live there? Did you call your local post office or their general helpline number 1-800-ASK-USPS?

All this talk of the USPS not delivering EAD's is adding to my waiting stress!! I am staying with my in-laws so their mailbox is presumably in their family name so I want to make sure that I have all my bases covered when USCIS finally pull their fingers out and approve my EAD!

-Matt

I don't think there is an issue if there is no name on the home mailbox. But, if they have their name on the mailbox, you should add your name too. In the case of a P.O. box, you should add your name to the account.

Actually, there was no name whatsoever on our mailbox, and our EAD was still returned. To be safe, I definitely recommend that everyone, who currently waiting for an EAd and/or greencard, inform their local post office that they live at their address, and get those sticky letters to put your last name on your mailbox.

Is there a name on the mailbox? If so, is your name on the mailbox too?

Are you using a P.O. box? If so, is your name on the account too?

If there is a name associated with the mailbox and your's is not, they will not deliver it.

We are aware that our "card or document" was originally returned because our name was not on our mailbox--even though we've gotten all our other USCIS mail at that address. Anyway, after we realized the problem, we put our name on the mailbox and informed the post office that we do indeed live there. This was all before our infopass appointment...so the USPS has no excuse this time.

One thing I did find odd...when I informed her that we were expecting a very important document from the USCIS, she quickly looked at Aidan then back to me, then slyly glanced at Aidan again. It was so weird, lol...I mean what was she expecting, a green martian?

A leprechaun.

LMAO!

Maybe, but somehow I don't think she was expecting an Irish person when I mentioned the USCIS.

Just as an update to this mess...we went to the post office to notify them of our dilemma, and to fill out one of those cards. Well, there was no card to fill out. The lady just had me write our address down on a piece of paper and said something along the lines of, "Ok, well I'll inform your mail carrier that you're at that address." No explanations, no apologies (not that I expected one), nothing. I got the feeling that she had no idea why our mail wasn't delivered...nor did she care.

One thing I did find odd...when I informed her that we were expecting a very important document from the USCIS, she quickly looked at Aidan then back to me, then slyly glanced at Aidan again. It was so weird, lol...I mean what was she expecting, a green martian?

The same thing happened to me. We told the postmaster that i was expecting an important letter from USCIS just incase we missed it again. Best of luck with your infopass.

Thanks...we were hoping we wouldn't have to drive all the way to Orlando again, but hey, what can ya do...

Who knows, maybe his EAD will come in the mail this week. I doubt it, but it would be nice.

I'm glad you finally got your RFE. Hope things go a lot smoother for you from now on!!

Dodgeball was friggin hilarious, Anchorman was just alright.

But...Night at the Roxbury is a true classic.

I still haven't seen Nacho Libre or Talladega Nights; probably will wait til they're out on DVD.

Just as an update to this mess...we went to the post office to notify them of our dilemma, and to fill out one of those cards. Well, there was no card to fill out. The lady just had me write our address down on a piece of paper and said something along the lines of, "Ok, well I'll inform your mail carrier that you're at that address." No explanations, no apologies (not that I expected one), nothing. I got the feeling that she had no idea why our mail wasn't delivered...nor did she care.

One thing I did find odd...when I informed her that we were expecting a very important document from the USCIS, she quickly looked at Aidan then back to me, then slyly glanced at Aidan again. It was so weird, lol...I mean what was she expecting, a green martian?

Oh well, doesn't matter now anyway. Our name is on our mailbox, and we're very frustrated that our EAD was returned. Wouldn't you be? My mediocre income just isn't cuttin it for us anymore, and we're extremely tired of living paycheck to paycheck. So if we want to be pissed off at the post office, we're damn well gonna be.

Yes, if anything you should be pissed off with USPS for not being more ####### about your mail. When I moved to my current house, the USPS refused to deliver any of our mail until we had both put our names on the mailbox and filled out a card with our names on them.

Actually, I really do wish they wouldn't have delivered our mail to us in the first place...that way, we'd have known something was wrong and could have got it taken care of before Aidan's EAD ever got approved.

I have truly never heard in my entire life that it was critical to have your name on your mailbox or else you don't get your mail. Maybe I'm just behind the times, lol.