Agree. In the US the tipping culture has gotten out of hand. Tipping is meant to cover situations where it’s legal to pay your staff under minimum wage and thus tipping evens that out (I still hate it but that’s the current law). I only tip in those industries, or industries where the person providing the service is self-employed/subcontracting in most situations (salons, spas, etc), or where the service is above and beyond or very specialized. Otherwise, it only encourages a culture where it’s expected that the consumer subsidize wages.

I do understand that tipping gives more $ in the pocket of lower wage workers, but I feel too strongly that it will lead to an eventual shift of tipping for ANY service I the long run and I cannot encourage that. I own a small business and I pay my employees very well. It is the responsibility of the employer to do this not the consumer/customer/client.

Certified public accountant

You know…I always thought that cat feets were universally adorable. Then I got my massive orange tabby who has the LONGEST toes I have ever seen on a cat. They are truly disgusting and I tell him so daily (but still kiss them all the time while choking back vomit) >.<

Tax Accountant in U.S.

You don’t need a CPA (and I say this AS a CPA). Don’t get me wrong, if a CPA’s primary experience is in tax, they will do just fine. But you don’t NEED one. Even if your tax situation is complex. An Enrolled Agent (or EA) goes through a rigorous testing process and is run by the IRS. A CPA also goes through a rigorous testing process but it’s 4 parts and only one is tax. An EA exam is 3 parts and it’s ALL tax. So if your tax situation IS complex I recommend one or the other…but an EA is highly qualified and often times less expensive.

All that said… neither is necessary but make sure your tax preparer is at least certified and either is required to take annual continuing education or does so regardless. Tax laws change all the time. EAs and CPAs have CPE requirements…so if ur preparer isn’t one of those, make sure they’re still learning the new stuff. All a person needs to file another persons tax return is a number called a PTIN and literally anyone can pay a fee and get one.

And if you can handle filing yourself (which the vast majority can easily do, and I would rather they do so because why throw your money away if you don’t have to) the IRS is expanding their guided free file program for 2024 to the whole United States (it was in limited testing for 2023) and many states are expected to sign on so you can get fed and state taxes filed for free. IRS.gov has more info on all that.

Not sure if it’s bad photoshop or bad angle…but it looks like there is only one leg coming out of her dress.

Yes, direct file is guided with a checklist. However there are only certain situations where a taxpayer would qualify for direct file - there’s income limitations and only certain income types qualify (u would not be able to use it if u are self-employed or own rental properties for example). The IRS is planning to expand this but for now it’s limited tho the vast majority of taxpayers would qualify.

Anyone can use the free fillable forms but u either have to know what you’re doing or be comfortable reading irs form instructions if you have a more complex tax situation.