We don’t talk about religion, sex or politics at work – Bill
I once worked with a woman who was very religious. Walking into her office was like walking into the gift shop at the Vatican. One time I said the “d” word in front of her (get your mind out of the gutter, I mean the “d” word that rhymes with “sham”) and she scolded me. I felt like I was standing in front of Sister DeNunzio, getting detention again. So, I watched my language around her, as “cussing” disturbed her sensibilities and I can go 10 minutes without swearing (I just don’t want to).
I asked my boss why he allowed her to have so many religious objects in her office when I wasn’t allowed to hang my Hieronymus Bosch calendar. He looked at me as though I was a half-stupid and possibly dangerous hamster. “Yeah, because I really need a lawsuit right now,” he snorted and walked away.
I thought he was being dramatic. As it turns out, he was just being very cautious: according to Harvard Business School, “the number of religious discrimination complaints has increased by more than 50 percent in the past 15 years.” In addition, “settlement amounts have more than doubled.” It didn’t matter that my coworker’s office looked like 10 churches decided to throw Religious Rave 2000, she was protected under the law.
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission addresses this subject under Title VII (of the Civil Rights Act of 1964). Besides all the good stuff regarding the illegality of discrimination based on religion, it mentions that “religious observances…[including] displaying religious objects” are protected. However, Title VII also vaguely suggests that employers, if a consistent policy is in place, may allow religious iconography in private offices, but prohibit them in common areas. Like with everything else, there is a caveat to this rule: hardship.
If accessories of the employee’s faith “pose an undue hardship,” (EEOC.gov) on the business, the employer can restrict them. For example: Jack works around heavy machinery. Jack wears loose necklaces proclaiming his faith. Jewelry of any kind is strictly banned around the heavy machinery due to safety concerns. If OSHA found Jack wearing jewelry, the company could be fined. In a case like this, the employer would have the right to limit Jack’s religious attire.
Religion, if used properly, is very nice; some find peace and direction through faith. However, religion is also a hot-button issue with many people. I agree with Bill (how did that happen?!) that religion is a subject best not discussed at work. Let’s face it, there are regions in the world that have been kicking each other for eons over religion. Believe whatever makes sense to you. I might not agree with your point of view, but that’s why we have chocolate, vanilla and strawberry, after all.
Which celestial team do you play for? You know what? Bourke Accounting doesn’t care. Bourke Accounting also doesn’t care about your sexuality, your race or the kind of car you drive. Bourke Accounting will care if you forget your W2s and 1099s when you sit down for your appointment, though, so don’t do that. Your Bourke Accounting pro just wants to help you, religious or not.
Come see us any time. Our number is 502-451-8773 and don’t forget to visit our website at www.bourkeaccounting.com. See you soon!
Written by Sue H.
My little cousin told me that she wants to grow up to be a social media “Influencer.”
As I think I’ve told you, I wanted to grow up to be a panther, so I said, “Hey, whatever’s cool, kid.” When I asked if there was any financial future in such an endeavor, I was met with the eyeroll that only a teenager can achieve: Oh, aren’t you cute?
Okay, kid, okay. Let me delve into the mysterious world of Influencers.
I don’t blame the kid for the exasperated rolled eyes. There is definitely money to be made as an Influencer. For example, PewDiePie (real name Felix Arvid Ulf Kjellberg) has an estimated net worth of $30 million (Wealthygorilla.com). Cara Delevingne (model and actress) “can reportedly earn…$230,000-300,000 per branded Instagram post,” according to Blog.archie.co. These guys play video games and frolic on the beach with friends. Interesting times, no?
Probably not surprising, my first thought was: how do Influencers file tax returns? Well, generally, Influencers are considered independent contractors. Stopirsdebt.com mentions that Influencers will receive a Form 1099 for every brand collaborated with ($600 and over). However, it’s pointed out that even if the Influencer is not provided with a Form 1099, the Influencer ought to know how much was earned and should report “it as part of [their] total receipts” (Vidiq.com).
Beyond reporting all income, successful Influencers are highly urged to set up quarterly estimated tax payments. As Mag.octoly.com advises, this can help the individual to “avoid paying a large lump sum at the end of the year.” This is especially important if a taxpayer can “expect to owe tax of $1,000 or more” when a return is filed (IRS.gov).
Besides just the regular independent contractor details, Influencers receive a lot of free “gifts” from companies. Usually, this isn’t a big deal if “the value of each product/service…does not exceed $100 (IRS.gov). However, if that value is over $100, the IRS cordially invites the declaration of the entire worth of the gifts to “be subjected to tax.”
Finally, there are deductions that an Influencer can claim. Like most independent contractors, these include things like home office, cell phones and travel. However, as Vidiq.com warns, the social media star has to be very sure to only claim amounts that are used for the creation of their content. I don’t think that an IRS audit would make for a very interesting post, but I could be wrong.
So you want to be a social media star? First: Create interesting content. Second: Wild success. Third: Get a Bourke Accounting professional to navigate you through ever-changing tax laws. As I’ve said before, Bourke Accounting experts keep up. Also, our talented Bourke Accounting bookkeepers can keep your books, record your estimated tax payments properly and answer any questions you might have.
Come see us any time. Our number is 502-451-8773 and don’t forget to visit our website at www.bourkeaccounting.com. See you soon!
Written by Sue H.
I work for tax preparers. Because of that, I am now in the process of gearing up for my Super Bowl, my Mardi Gras, my harvest season. I am eating better, drinking lots of water and getting plenty of sleep.
I am getting ready for Tax Season.
Of course, this changes my life – longer hours and more responsibilities. Come see me and I might even practice my people skills on you. While it might seem like I’m only thinking of myself right now, I spared a moment for all of you, too.
Hey! Who wants to talk about IRS audits?
So, I was wondering (I know, that’s dangerous for me and everyone else), what is it about a certain tax return that could cause the Internal Revenue Service to come sniffing around? Here are a few guidelines to keep in mind this tax season:
1) Bad math. You might forget to carry that one and, even though it’s an honest mistake, the IRS won’t see it quite that way. According to Clark.com, your silly little slip-up with “basic math errors in adding and subtracting will raise suspicions about what else could be wrong on your return.” You forgot a decimal point and now the IRS wants to know exactly how you afforded to buy that island off the coast. Nerdwallet.com suggests that taxpayers hire a tax preparer (how many times have I said that?!).
2) Failure to report all income. The general consensus is that if you think you’re being clever by “forgetting” that $10,000 1099 work you did in June, well, you’re not. You’re just not. Again, as Clark.com points out, “the IRS gets copies of all the 1099s and W-2s you receive.” Do you honestly think that the Internal Revenue Service isn’t paying attention?
3) You are either too rich or too poor. I included this one because, well, just look at that sentence. Cheatsheet.com mentions that, if you’re on either side of the income spectrum, the IRS is going to be a little curious about you. If you make too much, they kind of want to know how. If you make too little, they “might think you’re hiding some of what you earned.” I know there is really nothing you can do about this one, but I was just putting it out there. I found it surprising and didn’t want to keep it to myself.
With these things in mind, there are two routes that you can travel this tax season: Don’t file your tax return or – and hear me out – you could acquire a reputable and knowledgeable tax preparer to gently guide you. Personally, I think the second choice would look better on you, but I don’t want to tell you what to do.
If you should decide on the latter option, Bourke Accounting is a good option. Our Bourke Accounting experts know what they’re doing and, just like you, want to avoid uncomfortable IRS questions. This tax season could be the best tax season ever, if you work with the right people. Give a call and see what Bourke Accounting can do for you.
Come see us any time. Our number is 502-451-8773 and don’t forget to visit our website at www.bourkeaccounting.com. See you soon!
Written by Sue H.