Tax Time Happy Returns from the Job Search

Tax Time Happy Returns from the Job SearchTax Time Happy Returns from the Job SearchDig out those job-search receipts If you shelled out for resume preparation, employment agency fees or interview-related travel in 2009, you might see some of that money come back to you.Her husband is an aeronautical engineer. They moved from Texas to Connecticut, wzu siche he found work with a defense contractor. She, however, worked in what has become one of the hardest hit sectors in the recession financial services.Obviously, finding a job in her new state wouldnt be easy. Neither, apparently, was doing her taxes, since she didnt have a firm grasp of what job-search expenses she could deduct. And the woman in question was passing up easy opportunities for deductions, said Theodore D. Lanzaro Jr., a certified public accountant and managing partner of Lanzaro CPA, in Connecticut, who helped the woman prepare her tax return.She had had a lot of obvious stuff, like driving to an interview, phone call s, prepping her resume, but she didnt have deductions for talking to a career counselor. She paid somebody $250 for career counseling. Thats deductible, but she didnt know that. She didnt know she could deduct newspapers and magazines she bought to look for jobs.The more they talked about how she was going about finding a job, Lanzaro said, the more deductions they found she could take. Lanzaro and his associates discovered several thousand dollars in Internal Revenue Service deductions the woman would have willingly paid, had she never asked.Shes not alone, said Lanzaro and tax experts who spoke to Ladders. The line between a deductible eintrag and a taxable purchase is not clear. The money you spent to have your resume rewritten is tax deductible, but the money spent on a new business suit is probably not.To help clarify the issue, Ladders asked accountants and tax preparation experts to evaluate the tax liability of some of the most common job-search expenses. In all cases, job s eekers should consult a tax professional for authoritative advice on their individual cases, but the advice that follows can help you determine some of the best guidelines to follow when considering purchases that could be tax deductible.Who is eligible?Many job seekers arent even aware they qualify to deduct job-search expenses on their taxes. They assume deductions are reserved for the unemployed. Not so, said Bob Meighan, CPA and vice president at TurboTax. The IRS allows anyone, employed or not, to deduct some of the cost of finding a job from his final tax bill. The limits apply to what kind of job youre looking for and your individual expenses.In short, your job search must be in the same line of work in which you are currently or were most recently employed, he said. It should also be at a similar level of responsibility with duties similar to those of your most recent job. If you havent held a job in that trade or business for an extended length of time, your job search will be considered for a new trade or business, and your deductions may not be allowed.Recent college graduates should bear in mind behauptung qualifications If you held a college internship or valid job while in college and your search is for a job in the same trade or business, you will be able to deduct job search expenses. Otherwise, it is a new trade under IRS rules.Whats OK to deduct?Some of the most common tax deductions associated with a job search include1. Employment agency/career coaching fees. If you paid for a career coach or used an employment agency, most of the charges are tax deductible. If your employer paid for such services, you may actually have a tax liability. ( See the attached worksheet.)2. Resume preparation. This includes using a professional resume writer, paper, printing and postage.3. Round-trip travel to job interviews. That includes airfare, meals (at 50 percent) and lodging (actual expenses only). For your 2009 return, you can deduct 55 cents per mile fo r driving to and from interviews. In 2010, this deduction will drop to 50 cents per mile. Be warned If you combine a vacation with a trip to conduct an interview, you could get into trouble with the IRS.4. Advertising for a job, such as in the job wanted column of your local newspaper.5. Newspapers and periodicals purchased to search through employment ads.6. Phone charges incurred when setting up interviews.7. Education leistungspunkts for tuition, related fees and books are generally tax deductible. There are two education tax credits of which you should be aware the American Opportunity Credit and the Lifetime Learning Credit.The American Opportunity Credit gives credit up to $2,500 per student for postsecondary education. It breaks down to 100 percent of the first $2,000 of expenses, and then 25 percent of the next $2,000, said Melissa Labant, a tax expert with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. In order to claim the entire $2,500 credit, youd spend a total of $4,000 in education expenses. This credit is more generous than others in that it not only covers tuition, but covers books and related fees as well.Note that married couples filing jointly can get 100 percent of the American Opportunity Credit if their combined income is $160,000 or less, making it widely available to middle-class taxpayers, Labant said.Graduate-level classes typically fall under the Lifetime Learning Credit, she said. This credit covers individuals paying qualified tuition and related expenses at a postsecondary, eligible educational institution. The IRS site points out that unlike the Hope Scholarship Credit, students are not required to be enrolled at least half-time in one of the first two years of postsecondary education.

How Birchboxs CEO Handles Advice From Others - The Muse

How Birchboxs CEO Handles Advice From Others - The MuseHow Birchboxs CEO Handles Advice From OthersIm the queen of second opinions. I cant buy a pair of jeans without sending a mirror selfie to someone else to get more input, I refuse to book a hotel without checking at least three different review sites, and I still struggle to send tricky emails without first running them by someone else on my team. Because of this, Ive ended up buying pants that I hate two weeks later, or staying at a hotel that wasnt my vibe, or writing an email that didnt really sound like me, all because someone else told me to. So, recently Ive made it my goal to seek out advice with the goal of making the most educated decision, rather than seek it out to get my decision.Which is why when I spoke to Katia Beauchamp, the CEO and founder of Birchbox, a subscription service for beauty products, about her ultimate life mantra, I was thrilled to hear she lived by the same philosophyMy best advice is to seek advice . All the time, you should ask people about their experiences and how they weigh options and pick paths forward. I made the mistake early on of not spending enough time doing this. Why? Because I was busy, for one, and because it invited so many different opinions and ideas- it made my head spin. Ive since realized that its not about bringing someone in to actually get an answer. This is about gathering as much perspective as possible, and it should never stop. It is about learning all the time it is the only way to speed up the journey of developing an even deeper sense of and instinct for what you are doing. Outside ideas are there for you to consider, to think about, and question whether you want to take pieces of themit is up to you to use them to shape your vision, beliefs, and drivers. Many people talk about information overload and decision fatigue. But like Beauchamp, I choose to believe theres another side to the coin- receiving options is liberating, with the right mindset .As she explains, asking for someone elses advice isnt about getting the right answer out of them. Rather, its about adding perspective to your current situation so you can choose the right answer for you.So, how can you ensure a second opinion doesnt cloud your judgement? Consider these two things before reaching outWhat part of your decision are you unwavering on? What part of your decision are you unsure about?Going back to the jeans example, I may be certain that I want them in a dark wash, but unsure whether I should go with ripped or classic. So, when I ask for a second opinion, I can ask them what they think about the style to steer them toward helping me make that decision.The same thing goes for career advice. People may throw ideas out there for the kind of job you should have, the kind of path you should take, the kind of responsibilities you should own, or the kinds of decisions you should make. You can let it overwhelm you, or you can pick and choose what you want to fa ctor in, and let everything else kiste to the wayside.It seems silly, but its truly that simple. Once you see others advice as something you can take rather than something you have to take, the pressures off, and you can make decisions that align with your values.As Beauchamp says, this will only help you develop stronger internal instincts- and ultimately a better sense of who you are.

6 email mistakes youre making (and how to fix them)

6 emaille mistakes youre making (and how to fix them)6 email mistakes youre making (and how to fix them)Last week I posted on my social networks asking people to share their email pet peeves. I expected a few responses, since who doesnt want an opportunity to vent? What I did notlage expect welches such a passionate response with very specific details about what irks everyone beyond measure.If youre wondering if your own emails are annoying, its fine to ask your friends or colleagues for their input. I believe the only way we can become better at what we do is by paying constant attention to the feedback we receive, said Liviu Tanase, CEO of ZeroBounce. Asking others what you could improve in your email technique shows modesty and the desire to listen and learn. Thats a great starting point for progress. But dont randomly try to correct the egregious email techniques of others Offering unsolicited advice is always tricky, Tanase offers, but if its someone you care about, there are d elicate ways to suggest an improvement. Use your best judgment.This article could easily have been called 600 Of the Extremely Annoying Things You Do on Email and Must Stop Immediately, but for the purposes of brevity and clarity, Ive whittled down the list to six of the worst offenders.In no particular orderYou hit reply allTheres a point in every email chain where the group share must stop. In fact, the vast majority of email chains should not include everyone in every department youve ever worked with. Heres a good rule of thumb pretend that those copied on the chain will invoice you for your time - much as a high-priced attorney might. Would you still copy them on the memo about the frosting on the cupcakes at the company picnic? Probably not.You use text speakPlease dont. Unless its your BFF, leave the cutesy text acronyms for those youre sure willunderstand them. Nothing looks less professional than a business email rich with ur kk andYou rambleThen ramble some more They say that time is money, so including dozens of superfluous details in an email keeps people from doing their actual jobs. If you have a lot to say, try to break up each point into short readable sections. If you have too much to say, send yourself a copy of your very important email first and then scan through for readability before hitting send.You send a DM when you should email/You email when you should send a DMPersonally, I hate it when random strangers try to pitch me using social media. While I love to engage with others online, I prefer it to be measured in increments and not pressured. For me at least, sending an email means I can filter it and save for future reference. My very busy friend Eugene is quite the opposite and loathes email. If you need to reach him urgently, Facebook messenger or similar is his stay in touch method of choice. The takeaway lesson here? Find out if the person youre in touch with even uses email, and if not, their preferred communications method.You neglect to properly define yourself or your companyNever assume that the person on the receiving end knows who you are and what you do. Youre probably best off using a loose formula when it comes to initial or early contacts. Tanase says in personal or strictly business email, There are some basic guidelines we all know and should follow. And a lot has to do with the image youve created for yourself or your organization. Does your company have a more serious approach in the way it communicates? Then use the saatkorn tone of voice whether youre sending a blast or a one on one email. Have you always infused your communication with lots of personality? Tanase says Dont be afraid to do the same in your emails. But, theres a fine line between having personality and coming across as unprofessional. Make sure you dont cross that line.You send out emails no one cares aboutI dont have any handy statistics about the bazillion people we encounter over a lifetime, but its definitely a lot. Nev er assume that someone knows or remembers you or your company. More than that, never assume they want to hear from you. And if you do randomly write, try to offer them something - knowledge, a laugh, a business tidbit they probably missed. Tanase says Billions of people around the world are using email to communicate. Its fast, efficient, and has turned into an incredible revenue generator for businesses of all sizes. Speaking of unsolicited advice, if theres one I would give, it would be to take good care of your email list. Its your number one asset and its hygiene makes a crucial impact on your email marketing ROI.

What You Need to Know About Accounting Automation

What You Need to Know About Accounting AutomationWhat You Need to Know About Accounting AutomationFinance functions are increasing the use of accounting automation where it makes the fruchtwein sense. The goal is to boost efficiencies and align with digital transformation initiatives, either in the accounting and finance functions themselves, in the broader business, or both.But this is just a start, as technology continues to advance. Accounting professionals at all levels need to be ready for whatever happens next.Heres more about how automation and other technologies are revolutionizing finance and accounting work, as well as what you can do to stay relevant if youre an accounting employee or job seeker.Accounting automation trendsRobert Halfs new report, Jobs and AI Anxiety, explores how technologies like cloud computing, software robots and virtual reality are already transforming workplaces. The future will see many more automation applications that will have an effect on tradi tional finance jobs. Some of the technologies that will disrupt accounting include the followingRobotic process automation (RPA) - If youve ever written a macro in Excel, then you understand the basis of RPA, which focuses on automating repetitive tasks. Modern RPA tools like Kofax and Blue Prism are extremely powerful and can be used to automate even the most complex processes.Natural language processing (NLP) - NLP focuses on bridging the communication gap between menschenfreundlichs and machines. It turns documents and speech into structured data and enables computers to speak or write in a way that sounds natural.Artificial intelligence (AI) - Were a long way from developing AI that thinks like humans, as popularized in films such as 2001 A Space Odyssey and The Matrix. Today, work in the field of AI focuses on copying human decision-making processes and executing jobs in human ways. For example, some financial firms use AI to assess risk or detect fraud.Machine learning (ML) - ML, a close cousin to AI, allows software to edit itself so it keeps improving without human intervention. The software does this by analyzing vast quantities of data, identifying patterns and using these insights to improve future performance. ML is a potent way for machines to learn and adapt over time.SEARCH ACCOUNTING JOBSHow will automation impact accounting?On the road from manual work to full automation, there will be a few intermediate stages. To use a past example, take banking reconciliation. Previously, reconciliation had to be completed manually, but then tools were created that allowed data to be imported from your firms bank and enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, reducing the manual work necessary. Many of these tools still require some human intervention, such as when theres a data conflict. However, they are improving, and reconciliations are now completely automated in some offices.As accounting automation continues to take over some of the individual du ties traditionally the province of finance professionals, here are some of the tasks it is likely to affectRoutine tasks - Number-crunching is the most obvious candidate for automation. Any job that involves following an algorithm - calculating depreciation, for example - can be automated using existing RPA tools.Compliance - While accountants will still need an excellent understanding of compliance, most key controls can be automated. ML can help improve the efficacy of automated key controls, ensuring there are no costly compliance breaches.Customer interaction - The human touch cant be automated, but NLP can help. NLP allows for the computerization of some customer interactions, from chatbots to contract and document preparation.Strategy - Strategic thinking requires both analysis, where AI excels, and creativity, which is almost exclusively human. Further down the line, this might be an area dominated by what is referred to as symbiotic computing. Symbiotic computing is th e process of people and AI working together as partners to create the best possible results.What can you do to keep your career moving forward?Its unlikely software or robotic finance professionals will completely replace humans any time soon. However, accountants who want to future-proof their careers will increasingly need to work with automated tools to deliver the best possible service. The following skills can help you thrive in a world of increasing accounting automationData analytics - The ability to work with large datasets is becoming a vital skill in all sectors. This requires a knowledge of common reporting tools and experience with cloud-based ERPs.Creativity and strategic thinking - Automation has a tendency to over-standardize matters, which is problematic. Clients will still want to work with finance professionals who can anticipate unique opportunities and plan for all eventualities.Emotional intelligence - This is paramount to any individuals success in the accou nting profession. You need to build rapport with clients, earn their trust and pick up on the nuances of what theyre telling you. Existing AIs cannot provide clients with the same level of trust and empathy people can.Communication - Excellent writing and speaking abilities will always be valued by employers. They enhance customer services and are crucial for cross-departmental collaboration, especially during ongoing digital transformation projects.As long as you stay abreast of changes and keep your skills fresh, accounting automation probably isnt going to be a major threat to your career success. When you focus on how you can work with these innovations and use them to your firms advantage, you can actually advance your career.Learn more about how new technology will affect accounting jobs in our Jobs and AI Anxiety report.

Auditor Resume for Dummies

Auditor Resume for Dummies Certifications can be quite a powerful portion of a resume in some situations, a certification or two can set you head and shoulders over the competition. The capacity to communicate and interact is an essential quality. The auditor should have the capability to remain standing for four hours at one time, be in a position to bend and stoop and utilize safety ladders. In all instances, on-the-job training is given with employment. Auditor Resume and Auditor Resume - The Perfect Combination Membership of the Chartered IIA has to be maintained as a way to use the CIA designation, and CIAs are expected to maintain their understanding and abilities through continuing expert education (CPE). Internal auditing gives a very good comprehension of an organisation and the way that it works and also builds some key transferable skills. Once an auditor has opted to pursue a career in IT auditing, they must pick from a broad array of ever-evolving technology abi lities and certifications. It is crucial to note, however, that an external auditor isnt necessarily involved with the detection of fraud. Working hours are generally normal schreibstube hours. Candidates must have eight decades of on-the-job knowledge in at least one of the regions of the Certified Quality Auditor Body of Knowledge. Accounting Clerk Resume Your accountancy abilities and strengths should be displayed in a user-friendly format. The Foolproof Auditor Resume Strategy A business that has a more complicated delivery process may decide to go for freight invoice verification. Your resume serves as your very first introduction to prospective employers and can figure out whether or not you will progress in the application procedure. If you presently have an Objective Statement and youre struggling for more room, you should think about removing it from the resume. Your resume should be formatted in an easy, professional way. Resume examples are important, but your resume can be turned into even better when youve got a better knowledge of the way to compose your own distinct document. Make your resume expert summary from the most effective few bits. 1 A resume summary is a brief, snappy introduction paragraph that gives you a summary of your very best work. The narrative format lets you control the information which you provide. You may also add your goals for the position, including how you intend to leave an effect on the organization. Career development prospects are helped if youre flexible and can relocate. In spite of no experience, you still ought to show experience. My latest experience is as an auditor for a big worldwide company based in Japan, working with different subsidiaries in the united states and Mexico as well. Get the Scoop on Auditor Resume Before Youre Too Late Bosses want to inform their subordinates what to do and the best way to do it. Night auditors stay available at the front desk to react to overnight eme rgencies. They should be well-groomed with an excellent skill in customer service. Know what it requires to develop into an auditor. Tell him or her why you made a decision to begin a career for a Night Auditor. Duties may differ based on the facility dimensions but the principal job for night auditors is handling accounting duties at the close of the day. 1 general weakness of lots of resumes, is they include a laundry list of job duties as opposed to accomplishments. Theres no harm in attaching a 2 x two headshot provided that its professionally done. Granted employing an expert service is somewhat more expensive, however once you consider it could get you into your dream job, the price is minimal. In order to raise your odds of getting work in internal audit, its highly recommended to find work experience. Show you have a passion for the new area and have been taking every chance to come up with your abilities. Telling someone you managed a huge project is excellent. Ma ybe youve employed your listening skills to fully grasp how you are able to employ your understanding and experience to enhance the operation of others on your team still attempting to learn the ropes. Great communication abilities and the capacity to work well with people at all levels are indispensable. What You Need to Know About Auditor Resume Your measurable achievements ensure it is real. Ideally, it should incorporate both essential skills and preferred aptitudes so that you find applicants that are fully capable and know what is necessary to be effective in the position. As you dont have experience, youll need to emphasize your abilities and educational accomplishments. You dont require experience to get achievements.

What Is So Fascinating About The Purpose of Writing a Rsum Is to Get a Job.?

What Is So Fascinating About The Purpose of Writing a Rsum Is to Get a Job.? Theres no need to fear the dearth of qualified experience on your resume. You cant compose a productive rsum for those who have zero work target. A superb aim is specific and measurable. An organizations primary goal in hiring is to discover a capable, talented individual that may reflect the corporations values in their work. Dont neglect to include any exceptional training youve completed or appropriate coursework. Ideally, you should choose the qualifications which are most relevant to the position for which youre applying. Following that, writing an overview of your qualifications like your educational attainment and the essential skills needed in the position needs to be performed. 1 advantage for employers to internet resumes is the substantial cost saving in comparison to traditional hiring methods. Actually, a seasoned writer can get the job done much faster than any student as theyve bee n writing academic assignments during their entire life. Utilizing action verbs in resume writing is as simple as any other kind of writing, so long as you know what things to include and what things to look for. Even if youre requested to write down a story about the statement of purpose, that doesnt mean that you need to pen down thesis. There are various tips in writing resumes that you could follow to create a resume which is among a sort that will entice the interest of your employers. Writing a resume can be somewhat intimidating if you are a newcomer to job hunting or whether youre job looking for a while with little if any results. To do this, you have to be purposeful about your work. Your work is to advertise yourself to prospective employers through your resume. Then decide which will be contained beneath their various work in the Experience section of the resume. A great objective is one to which you are totally committed. Among the dominant themes embedded in a number of the written exercises was the significance of establishing career targets and planning how to implement them. The function of the career objective isnt to tell the hiring manger what you would like to escape from the provider. Rather, it is to showcase your skills and abilities that will help you to successfully fulfill the responsibilities of the position. The Purpose of Writing a Rsum Is to Get a Job. Game The ways about how to write an outstanding statement of purpose is defined below. The problem was, I might get a word between questions. The goal of your resume is to create the reader want to vorstellungsgesprch you. In addition, the purpose supporting the work will be fruitful. Choosing Good Purpose of Writing a Rsum Is to Get a Job. The very first portion of your resume should include your contact information and numerous qualifications that you desire to highlight. In that circumstance, its more important to stick to the instructions on the work listin g. Gather a well-organized file of all of the info you must create a good resume. Some personal information besides the contact details should also be included, even though they arent that important. The Demise of the Purpose of Writing a Rsum Is to Get a Job. To assist you compose a perfect letter, have a peek at the points given below that tell you just how to compose a cover letter. A strong cover letter is able to make your application stick out from the crowd.