TOPIC: Taxes, 2017
I. Tax changes
Many of the recently enacted changes to the tax code go into effect next tax season, one big thing changes this year, according to Jill Schlesinger. If you itemize deductions on Form 1040, Schedule A, the new law allows you to deduct qualified medical and dental expenses that exceed 7.5 percent if your adjusted gross income. That is a lower threshold than the previous one of 1 percent. This level will return to 10 percent beginning January 1, 2019.
II. Medical care expenses
Check out the list from IRS, to let you know what qualifies, such as the fees you have paid to the following:
- Chiropractors
- Dentists
- Doctors/Surgeons
- Psychiatrists
- Psychologist
- Non-traditional medical practitioners
- Insurance Premiums you have paid for medical care or Long Term Insurance Policies.
II. Next Year
The IRS has created new Withholding Tables (IRS Notice 1036). However, the amount cited may have enough to cover a lot of taxpayers’ liabilities. Especially if you live in a high-taxed state. They could lose certain deductions.
On IRS.gov, there is a withholding tax calculator. Other resources from the IRS:
IRS Free File Prep and filing software for individuals and families, with incomes of $66,000 or less.
Volunteer Incomes Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling, for the elderly: Free tax help to people who generally make $54,000 or less, persons with disabilities and limited English-speaking taxpayers, who need assistance.
Where is my Refund? Tool on IRS.gov and the IRS2Go phone app.
Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers. A database of return preparers, with credentials and select qualifications.
III. Thoughts from Ann
Other People:
When you think about people, whether it is in the presence or the past, what do you remember most about them?
1. How much money they have made? How rich they are? OR:
2. Were they loving, caring, honorable and honest?
3. Did they truly respect others, and showed it?
4. Did they listen, without comments, judgment or unwanted advice?
5. Lending an ear to a friend, child, spouse or partner, without judgment, will be remembered by others, as a truly understanding friend, relative or spouse, forever.
These memories will help you cope throughout your life. It is better than money, status or fame. It is the best anyone can do for others and for yourself. I still hear my Father and my husband’s Aunt Eva talking to me, and cheering me on. They lived by the following, and so do I:
Compassion
Integrity
Curiosity
Ann
ONSITE CLASSES, 2018
If you, as an agency, wish to book one of our classes at your location, we still have a few 2018 dates open. We are, now taking reservations for 2019.
“Spotlight Class”
4-Day LE/FF FERS Pre-Retirement Planning Seminar
Reno, Nevada
April 17, 18, 19, 20, 2018
Classes for FY: 2018:
Register:
www.governmentseminars.com
info@governmentseminars.com
(619) 697-1334
2018
Dates and Locations listed below
Register Early – Avoid Cancellations
Because we are a “woman-owned small business”, information in in the Federal Acquisition Regulation Manual Subpart 13.3 states that three bids are not required if a contract is under $5 million dollars, and if the company is woman owned. The following are the website addresses:
Website: http://www.acqnet.gov/far/current/pdf/FAR.book.pdf. Subpart 19.15. Woman-owned small business program. www.acquisition.gov/subpart%2018_15h+ml
Save on Travel: We will present an on-site class for you in the United States, or in specific Countries overseas. Just invite us! We have reasonable costs.
Registration:
www.governmentseminars.com
Call us: (619) 697-1334 to register.
Fax: (619) 469-8665
e-mail: info@governmentseminars.com
Payment:
We accept the Government Credit card or your agency’s authorized method of payment.
Our Promise to You:
We will not sell your e-mail address or share it with anyone. We have a strict “no selling policy” for all of our classes. We are not insurance sales people or Financial Planners. We are educators, and we do not allow any selling or promotion of services, in our seminars.
Register Early!
No Selling
We have been told that other seminars companies and Federal Newsletters do point out “the good deals”. We choose not to for several reasons. The most important reason is that our background and resources are in Federal retirement benefits. We are not life insurance, health insurance or mutual fund representatives, and we refuse to take referral fees of any kind. We, too, have noticed what appear to be recommendations in Federal e-mail and hard copy publications on all of these issues. In many cases, they even give you an application or an 800 number in the publication or website. We have been told that fees are paid and, in fact, the article was written by the offering party. BE CAREFUL!! Do your homework.
If you have taken a Pre-Retirement Planning Course through Ann Fagelson Government Seminars, we allow free follow-up questions, which may have gone unanswered during the class. Students only!
Only for Students
This offer is only for those who have attended our classes, not for relatives, friends or colleagues. Student must have their current book in front of them when calling.
Thank you for your interest in our Newsletter and our programs. Please spread the word about our company and have your friends join the mailing list through our website for their “free” subscription.
Register Early and Avoid Cancellations
Ann Fagelson Government Seminars
PO Box 19863
San Diego, CA 92159-0863
(619) 697-1334
(619) 469-8665 fax
www.governmentseminars.com
e-mail: info@governmentseminars.com
Our Fiscal Year 2018 course schedule, open dates, agenda details and costs are now online at:
www.governmentseminars.com.
Questions?
We do not accept phone calls regarding specific information generated from this free Newsletter. Details of all topics raised in our articles are fully discussed within our retirement planning seminars. For complete details about our programs and registration information, please click on www.governmentseminars.com.
COURSES
Calendar Year 2018
classes will include
Special Category issues, when applicable.
FERS 2-Days (By Agency requests, only.)*
Pre-Retirement Planning (Understanding Your Benefits)
Target Audience: Entry level & Mid-Career employees
Cost: $500 Per employee
Dates: *This two-day class is offered onsite, to agency-hosted classes,only, with 30 or more employees, minimum.
CSRS 2-Days (By Agency requests, only.)*
Pre-Retirement Planning (Understanding Your Benefits)
Target Audience: Close to retirement employees.
Cost: $500 Per employee
Dates: *This two-day class is offered onsite, to agency-hosted classes, only, with 30 or more employees minimum.
CSRS 3-Days – 2018
Pre-Retirement Planning ( Understanding Your Benefits)
Target Audience: Close to retirement employees.
Cost: $600 Per employee
Dates: 2018
June 19, 20, 21, 2018 – San Diego, CA
December 4, 5, 6, 2018 – San Diego, CA
This class is, also, available for on-site programs, with 30 or more employees.
FERS 3-Days
Pre-Retirement Planning (Understanding Your Benefits)
Target Audience: Entry-Level, Mid-Career and close to retirement employees.
Cost: $600 Per Employee
Dates: 2018
This class is, also, available for on-site programs with 30 or more employees.
2018 Open dates and locations, for FERS employees. (3-Days)
January 30, 31, February 1, 2018 – Honolulu, HI (Still Open)
May 8, 9, 10, 2018 – Sacramento, CA
May 21, 22, 23, 2018 – Boise, ID
June 5, 6, 7, 2018 – Portland, OR
June 12, 13, 14, 2018 – San Diego, CA
September 18, 19, 20, 2018 – Reno, NV
November 6, 7, 8, 2018 – Portland, OR
CSRS & FERS 4-Days LE/FF
Pre-Retirement Planning (Understanding Your Benefits)
Target Audience: Law Enforcement/Fire Fighters/Military Reserve Techs/FAA
Cost: $700 Per Employee
Dates: 2018
January 16, 17, 18, 19, 2018 – Redding, CA
April 17, 18, 19, 20, 2018 – Reno, NV
May 15, 16, 17, 18, 2018 – Boise, ID
November 13, 14, 15, 16, 2018 – San Diego, CA
We still have a few open dates, for agency sponsored onsite programs.
COSTS:
2-Day Classes $500 per employee
3-Day Classes $600 per employee
4-Day Classes $700 per employee
Cost includes: Full training, large workbook, extra materials and the inclusion of employee’s spouse at no charge. Guest spouse will be expected to share all materials with their employee spouse. Accompanying spouse must be registered in advance prior to the start of the program.
30 or more employees from one agency:
Ask about our group discounts for agency sponsored programs for 30 or more employees attending, either at the agency’s site or in one of our open classes. All 30 employees must be from one agency.
Our class discounts requires a 30 employee minimum for one class. We do not give discounts for under 30 employees.
Contact us: (619) 697-1334 info@governmentseminars.com
Register: www.governmentseminars.com
Travel Restrictions?
Some agencies are experiencing travel restrictions. If you are in a city with several federal agencies, why not have us do the traveling and planning for you. I’m looking forward to talking with you.
Ann
