You can say a lot of unkind things about the Internal Revenue Service and the assorted financial powers that be. However, you can’t say they’re not thorough and you can’t say they’re not fast (when they want to be). For example, in mid-March, when most of us were searching for toilet paper and looking down the barrel of layoffs, the IRS was busily writing guidance plans regarding the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
Minutes after being furloughed, people with Individual Retirement Accounts were, no doubt, uneasily eyeing those accounts and doing some sacrificial arithmetic. Considering house, car and child expenses, looting that IRA would have seemed the only option to keep the bigger wolves from the door. However, if under the age of 59 ½, these folks would have had to resign themselves to not only paying a 10 percent early withdrawal penalty, but then also having these premature funds included in their gross income (IRS.gov). Many reluctant fingers dialed financial institutions intending to cash out – needs must when the Devil drives, after all.
And right about here is where the IRS’ thorough contingency planning comes into play. Even before the virus descended, the IRS wasn’t completely heartless; there were certain situations that allowed for taxpayers to go unpenalized after early withdrawals of retirement money. For example, if a taxpayer became disabled, adopted or gave birth to a child, had to pay for tuition or unexpected medical bills, the IRS was willing to forgo that 10% penalty (IRS.gov). Now that Corona has disrupted day-to-day living, the IRS is offering even more altruism.
For “qualified individuals,” the rules have changed. If you have been diagnosed with COVID-19, have a spouse/dependent diagnosed or have been suffering monetary consequences as a result of the VID (laid off, lost child care, reduced hours, etc.), you count as a qualified individual (EA Journal, Vol. 39, No.5) and are eligible for free prizes! Under the CARES Act, you can now take an early distribution of up to $100,000 with no penalty in sight. This money will be counted as income, but “ratably over a three-year period,” unless elected otherwise. In addition, this money won’t be subject to the mandatory and normal 20 percent withholding rule (EA Journal, Vol. 39, No.5). Of course, you are welcome to voluntarily withhold, which would probably make things more orderly in the long run.
Another neat addition within the CARES Act has to do with required minimum distributions. Before these exciting times, those required to take a distribution (age 72 for 2020), HAD to take a distribution. If you didn’t take that cold, hard cash before December 31 of each year, you got bopped with a “50% excise tax on the amount not distributed” (Mintz.com). Depending on your account, that could be quite a wrist-slap. However, seeing as our stock market has been taken to the woodshed, the CARES Act is waiving RMD requirements for this year. But what if you’ve spent the last year on a tropical island paradise, far away and unaffected by the travails of the virus? That’s all right! You do not have to be a “qualified individual” to make use of this perk – this is available to everyone required to take a distribution.
Whatever your opinion of our financial authorities might happen to be, you must give credit where credit is due. During these desperate times, guidance and safety nets have been constructed. Your house and your retirement are safe for now, so at least that’s one thing you can stop worrying about.
The IRS is quick, but your Bourke Accounting tax preparers and bookkeepers are keeping up. As soon as a new regulation makes the scene, your Bourke Accounting pro knows about it. When you sit down with a Bourke Accounting expert, rest assured that the facts are known and the advice is solid.
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.
Sometimes, the Universe seems to gently nudge us in the direction it wants us to go. Like, if a flat tire kept you from attending a party where everyone got Salmonella, you’d say, “Whew! The Universe looked out for me.” Whether the Universe was playing favorites or not, you avoided four straight days in the bathroom, so the end result is the same.
Since the IRS might have an inflated view of itself, it engages in these same practices. For example, the IRS insists that citizens who make their money illegally must report it on their returns. The IRS even offers a vague assurance that it won’t tip off other enforcement authorities. More importantly, it’s insinuated that, no matter how tough the DEA is, the IRS bites harder – so be honest, outlaws!
There is no clearer example of the IRS sheepherding us through the corrals of taxes than filing status. If one chooses to file married and jointly, there are a ton of free prizes involved. However, the lack of free prizes associated with married filing separately almost seems like a punishment. Is this because the IRS is lazy and would prefer to process only one return per couple? Is it because the IRS is playing marriage counselor? Either way, separately filing lovebirds get the short end of the stick.
If you’re going through a messy divorce, you’d rather not meet with a Bourke Accounting pro in the same room as that cheating so-and-so. In fact, you’d prefer to forget the whole failed marriage and move on. Obviously, the IRS designed the filing separately option for events such as that. Another motivation not to file with your spouse is if you think the love of your life might be up to some shady dealings. If there’s a suspicion of tax evasion, it will benefit you to steer clear of that return and not be associated with criminality (Investopedia.com). Of course, if you don’t trust your spouse enough to file with her/him, you probably need to reevaluate the relationship.
What about if you’re just an independent person who likes to handle things on your own? That’s cool, but, again, don’t expect the Feds to reward your autonomy. While joint filers are eligible for credits and breaks, separate folks really are left out. For example, the Earned Income Tax Credit is a benefit designed to help working stiffs who aren’t reality tv host “billionaires”. If you meet the requirements, this will reduce the amount of tax owed and might score you a refund. To be eligible to receive this credit, you can file as any status, except – you guessed it – married filing separately. Although you don’t need a child to use this credit, you do need another human being willing to go halfsies on a return with you.
Another example of the IRS’ questionable rule-making is the Premium Tax Credit. This is another program for hard-working folks and it helps people to afford health insurance bought through the Health Insurance Marketplace. When you get your insurance, the Marketplace can either figure out an estimated credit paid to the insurance company to lower your monthly premiums or you can “get all of the benefit of the credit” (IRS.gov) when you file your return. What’s great about this is that if the amount of the credit is larger than what you own in taxes, the difference is a pretty little refund. Everyone’s happy! Everyone but those poor, ignored married citizens with only one name on their 1040.
Perhaps the IRS thinks there is something inherently dishonest about married filing separately filers. Obviously, if your SO makes a million a year and you only make 15 grand, you don’t need help with insurance. Since the IRS doesn’t trust us to voluntarily play by the rules, a little nudge makes everyone honest.
Your Bourke Accounting tax preparer can help you decide which filing status is ideal for you. Bourke Accounting pros can explain the drawbacks and advantages involved and offer your best bet. At Bourke Accounting, understanding your options and making an informed decision is the most important aspect.
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.
Although it might not feel like it this year, we are heading into the festive season. At Bourke Accounting, some of us are already avoiding fast food and introducing healthier habits into our lives. You might be doing the same thing right now – we all want to look nice in our Halloween costumes, holiday photos and socially distanced family gatherings. However, even with the best of intentions, there is danger lurking just around the corner! Danger, I tell you!
While it is certainly cliché, the old adage about “too much of a good thing” being bad serves as a fair warning. For those of you about to get off the couch, beware that, if you’re not careful, the practices you are embarking upon can end up hurting you:
1) Black Licorice. People attempting to lose weight will often turn to black licorice: it’s fat free, it tastes good, it freshens your breath and helps with digestion. But. It also contains glycyrrhizic acid, a harmless chemical in small quantities that can lead to death in heavier doses. Recently, a 54-year-old Massachusetts man lost his life as a direct result of licorice. Perhaps in the interest of healthier living, the man switched from eating several packages of fruit-flavored candy to several packages of licorice a day. Sadly, he passed out in a restaurant and died the next day. The glycyrrhizic acid in his “healthier” licorice is known to cause a “drop in potassium levels… high blood pressure…abnormal heart rhythms and even heart failure” (CNN.com). While most people don’t eat this much licorice a day, just two ounces of black licorice every day can cause heart issues, especially for people over 40 (Livescience.com).
2) Water. We all know you gotta stay hydrated. Drinking water flushes out toxins, leads to better skin and keeps our brains good and wet. Too much water can also lead to death. In 2007, a California radio station ran a contest, “Hold Your Wee for a Wii.” Contestants were asked to drink large quantities of water and the last person to use the bathroom was named the winner of the video game system. 28-year-old Jennifer Strange didn’t win the Wii, but she did win hyponatremia and, tragically, death (Theregister.com). When humans drink too much water, the kidneys can’t process it quickly enough and water builds up in the bloodstream. With nowhere to go, the water then moves into the cells, which can prove deadly when it flows into the brain and causes swelling (Dripdrop.com and Scientificamerican.com). While water intoxication isn’t that common, it pays to watch what you drink.
3) Nutmeg. Speaking of watching what you drink, be careful around eggnog. Like almost everything in moderation, the nutmeg in eggnog won’t hurt you in normal doses. However, it only take about 2-3 teaspoons for nutmeg to change from a nice warm, spice into a bad trip. Nutmeg contains a chemical called myristicin which, in large doses, causes hallucinations, grogginess, heart palpitations and, in extreme cases, organ failure (Healthline.com). While fatal nutmeg intoxication is rare, if your little Johnny keeps asking you for tins of nutmeg, you might want to question what happened to all of his “baking” experiments.
It’s hard to keep track of what’s healthy now; one day something is good for us, the next, it’s the Devil incarnate. The main thing to remember is that there is nothing, absolutely nothing, in huge quantities that is ever good for us. Eat clean, healthy food, but don’t say “no” to a doughnut here and there.
Bourke Accounting tax preparers and bookkeepers make sensible choices both with their bodies and with your paperwork. For example, Bourke Accounting pros know that your two dependents are good for a credit, but your 23 dependents are good for an IRS audit. Bourke Accounting will always let you know when you’re trying to have too much of a good thing.
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.
Sometimes, it’s good to show your political views. Going to the voting booth is a good way; donating money to your favorite candidate’s campaign is another. However, during these decisive times, passionately arguing for your side at social functions or at work should probably be avoided. Even at Bourke Accounting, where free expression is valued, we tend to avoid talk that is too political. Americans are sensitive at the moment and political discourse is capable of leading to – unintentional – hurt feelings and ill will.
While it may be ill-advised to voice your views during family gatherings, it seems that more people are desperate to share their particular position with the world. Recently, it’s been difficult to drive without being bombarded by scores of bumper stickers. With all of the conflicting views on display, one starts to experience a sort of dissociative identity disorder when out grabbing a gallon of milk.
Now, we are not only witness to stickers supporting Republicans or Democrats, but rather multiple, controversial topics: Pro-Mask, Anti-Mask, Black Lives Matter, Blue Lives Matter, Pro-Choice, Pro-Life…can’t we just go back to your kid being an honor student? Or, better yet, what about some nice Grateful Dead emblems?
So why this rise in car devaluation? Walter Goettlich, a doctoral student in sociology, suggests that when there’s a “feeling that peoples’ voices aren’t heard at a national or structural level,” (Rewire.org) we see an increase in individualized, public messages, like bumper stickers. When the world is screaming and we are hurting, it’s as though we are powerless to do anything but lend our voices to the cacophony. Think about it, when was the last time you saw a quiet prison scene in a movie? Or even a serene moment that took place in a mental institution? We are in Bedlam, bumper stickers included.
Problematically, a rise in bumper stickers could actually lead to more accidents and erratic driving. Psychologist William Szlemko performed a study in 2008 that showed people with bumper stickers are “16 percent more likely to be the aggressor in incidents of road rage” (ChryslerCapital.com). Crazy, right? However, Szlemko and his colleagues argue that, when a person puts her/his mark on a car, they are effectively marking their property and territory. Because of this, they are much more likely to react in a negative, aggressive way if they feel their territory has been violated (ChryslerCapital.com).
In addition to hostile drivers, our new wave of bumper stickers is leading to hostile pedestrians. For example, as early as 2016, a gentleman’s car was torched and vandalized with anti-That Guy in The White House graffiti. The burning Mustang’s only offense was having been accessorized with a Pro-That Guy bumper sticker. This instance was not the only one, sadly. Many people, on both sides, have experienced spray-paint, broken windows and slashed tires as a result of proudly acknowledging their political allegiance.
We deserve our freedom of speech. We also deserve to be left alone when we exercise it. Going to jail for destruction of property doesn’t get a point across in any logical way. We need to cast our votes and grow up! More so, we need to peacefully respect differing opinions – no matter how hard it is to do.
Bourke Accounting bookkeepers and tax preparers won’t judge your bumper stickers (the office doesn’t have a great view of the parking lot, anyway). In fact, your Bourke Accounting expert won’t judge anything about you. Bourke Accounting pros understand that there’s a reason they made chocolate, vanilla and strawberry and there’s room for all of us here.
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
Just as art imitates life, the financial world mirrors the population’s habits. In addition, this logical trajectory includes the Internal Revenue Service – no matter what Americans get up to, the IRS will create a procedure to govern and legitimize it. It’s interesting to note that these bastions of financial civility engage in practices that, when performed by an individual, seem a little distasteful and maybe even desperate. It just goes to show that presentation is truly everything.
Take, for example, a gentleman who has a love for the ponies. When he gets a hot tip, he marches to the pawn shop, sells one of his few valuable possessions, goes to the track and lays his money down. If all goes well, he returns the next day and (for a small free) retrieves his property. While pawn shops are legal, the activity itself is predatory and vaguely unwholesome. In addition, selling memories out of desperation is depressing. When one uses the word “pawn shop,” there is an element of the shady clearly implied.
However, when a financial institution uses the term “repurchase agreement,” hardly anyone pictures a dusty, dim market of broken dreams. This is odd, as there is no difference between the two concepts. A repurchase agreement is a way to raise short-term cash by selling government securities to another party and buying them back, usually the next day, at a higher price (Investopedia.com). Sound familiar? While pawn shops see brisk business, their more affluent sibling, the repo market, enjoys $2 trillion to $4 trillion worth of trades each day (Brookings.edu) – pawn is popular, no matter what color the collar is.
Also similar to pawn shops, the buyer is protected if the seller can’t come up with the money to actually get the stuff back; the securities act as both the product being sold and the collateral for the loan (Investopedia.com). The buyer agrees to sell back according to the contract payment schedule, but before that, she/he is the legal owner. If the seller ends up going bankrupt, the buyer isn’t required to wait for the courts to make decisions before reselling the securities (Investopedia.com).
Pawning things out of necessity is bad, but not listening to your mom is worse. We were taught that, if you lend money to a relative, you may as well consider it a gift when you hand it over. If that lesson didn’t stick, the IRS is here to reiterate it. Say you lent your sister a boatload of money. She promised to pay you, you spit on your palms and shook. But. She didn’t pay you and now you wonder if you can deduct that amount on your return. No, no you can’t. Because you had a sneaking suspicion that you’d never see that money again, the IRS says that you have to consider it a gift and you’re not allowed to deduct it as a bad debt (IRS.gov). However, if you do things the right way, you might be able to deduct a “maximum of $3,000 per year in bad loans against ordinary income” (Creditcards.com). While a family member might be wounded when you pull out the promissory note, payment schedule, collateral description and interest rate (Marketwatch.com), these will allow you to deduct. Basically, the IRS needs proof that you never intended your loan to be a gift. Bury them in paper and deduct away!
Presentation is what it’s all about; with enough big words and legal-sized paper, the most questionable undertakings can attain an aura of legitimacy. If Fortune 500 companies can make “pawn” sound good, just think what you can do!
No matter how much you pretty it up, Bourke Accounting doesn’t want you to pawn your stuff. If you make another loan to your sister, your Bourke Accounting rep will be happy to notarize the terms for you. Bourke Accounting’s priority is helping you to keep as much as you can. You can’t take it with you, but Bourke wants to make sure you enjoy while you’re here.
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.
The Bourke Accounting website declares that we think “tax and accounting work is fun” and you are invited to come play with us. If you’ve ever sat down with a Bourke tax preparer or bookkeeper, you know that this is true; our staff likes to laugh. From the music that constantly plays to the sleepy dogs in the corners, we offer a casual and welcoming atmosphere – the Commes des Garcons suit jackets and tasteful art seem to be the only indications that you haven’t stumbled upon a hippie commune.
While Bourke is relaxed (and relaxing), don’t let appearances fool you. When it comes to their calling, our specialists are deadly serious. At the end of your consultation, your associate will have already figured out at least two options to maximize your benefits and keep you on the up and up. Oh, and don’t let those nice personalities be mistaken for weakness: if the IRS wants to play, Bourke welcomes them, too.
Since restrictions have eased, many of you might be considering traveling now. Before you cuddle up to unfamiliar animals, keep in mind that – much like Bourke associates – there are a lot of things in this world that aren’t exactly what they seem:
1) Platypuses. What possible danger could this mishmash of fuzzy, duck-billed, web-footed, egg-laying mammal pose? As it turns out, venomous platypus feet are a thing. When the platypus boys get in the mood, the spurs by their cute lil toes fill up with venom. Much like drunken guys at last call, male platypuses will fight for love. Platypus venom isn’t lethal to humans, but the neurotoxin in it drops the victim’s blood pressure, causes cold sweats, nausea and excruciating, long-lasting pain (Slate.com); the pain is so bad that our painkillers can’t even touch it. If stabbed by a platypus, your doc will inject you with local anesthesia and you’ll get to wait it out (Slate.com). The upshot is that sometimes a wave is better than a cuddle.
2) Flannel Moth Caterpillars. In Kentucky, we know the snakes that should be avoided, but we don’t generally think chubby, lumbering caterpillars can make us hurt. This is exactly the problem when considering the tribble-reminiscent flannel moth caterpillar. While they’re not hunting humans on purpose, their bodies are covered with “hollow, venom-filled quills” (Lawnstarter.com). Brush up against one of these loveable creatures and the contact can lead to severe pain, swelling and intestinal problems (Lawnstarter.com). Problematically, every person reacts differently: while one individual can experience discomfort, another can end up in the hospital with organ shutdown (Insider.com). It pays to remember that not every caterpillar is Alice’s harmless and stoned philosopher.
3) Slow Loris. Imagine the cutest, big-eyed Disney creature in the universe. Then imagine the creature with poisoned elbows (pictured above). This Asian native is the only known venomous primate that can cause your death (Popsci.com). When slow lorises are threatened, they raise their arms over their heads, dance around like a cobra, lick the crooks of their arms (to activate their venom) and bite. The venom contains around 200 volatile components and, just for fun, “the structure of the venom is not yet known” (Bioweb.uwlax.edu). In addition, it smells really bad. Without medical intervention, Gizmo could end you.
Before canoodling with a strange, adorable creature, it pays to do research. Likewise, before diving into a relationship with an unknown professional, you should examine credentials – not every pro is a Bourke pro.
Bourke Accounting bookkeepers and tax preparers don’t have time for IRS investigations. Because of this, Bourke Accounting experts keep it simple by following the rules. While you can share a laugh with your Bourke Accounting envoy, rest assured that the advice you receive will never come with poison elbows or venomous feet spurs.
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.
Whether you force art or a fart, the result is the same: you end up with s**t – Someone Smart
A tax return prepared by Bourke Accounting follows a linear script: W2 wages, interest income, child credit, etc. If you end up owing $17,000, your Bourke pro will feel bad, but those capital gains will still shine proudly on your Schedule D. Likewise, you probably won’t attempt to claim your healthy – but unemployed and TikTok addicted – 30-year-old son as a dependent because it wouldn’t make sense to the storyline. Even though we might want it to go a different way, sometimes the story is just the story.
For example, Old Yeller has a terribly sad ending. The book would be pointless if, instead of a shotgun blast, Yeller got a rabies shot and everyone had a picnic. PETA might complain about the trajectory of events, but Old Yeller would mean nothing without the poignancy of reluctant responsibility and loss.
Art and breathing have a lot in common: forcing or restricting either results in catastrophic events. With this in mind, it’s plain that the recent rules implemented by The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences are just, well…bad. Recently, the Academy has released a list of requirements that movies will have to adhere to if they want to even be considered for an Oscar during the 2024 season. However, these rules have nothing to do with masterful dialogue, interesting plots or innovative cinematography. Sadly, these rules have nothing to do with art at all.
Dumping artistic integrity like a murder victim on the side of the highway, the Academy has introduced an alternative concept of censorship. Starting with the 96th Oscars, movies with dreams of winning best picture will have to “meet inclusion standards both on camera and behind the scenes” (NYTimes.com). At first glance, this sounds good: everyone’s invited to the party! Sadly, it’s not like that. Let’s say you’ve written a heartbreaking, well-written screenplay about four Irish boys growing up hard in South Boston. Well, unless one of those boys is a girl or an Alaskan Native, don’t even bother trying for the gold because you haven’t a chance.
Don’t despair! You still have a chance with your four Irish boys if your storyline is “centered on an underrepresented group” (Etonline.com). So, if you make one boy “deaf or hard of hearing” (Oscars.org), you meet the A3 Academy Standard for Main Storyline! You only have to meet two of the four requirements, so if the deaf kid is also gay (A2 General Ensemble Cast requirement), you have a contender right there! You can argue that your story has nothing to do with a gay, deaf Irish boy, but if you want that naked gold guy, it does now.
Inclusion is a beautiful thing; holding visual artistry and autonomy hostage is the exact opposite. When external forces dictate guidelines for acceptable art, the organic nature of the thing is destroyed. Art should not have politics or agendas and, sometimes, you just can’t shoehorn a blind Amish transsexual into a coming of age buddy film.
Boycott the Oscars. Boycott the attempted murder of art.
Bourke Accounting bookkeepers and tax preparers don’t tell nonsensical stories. Bourke Accounting professional stick to the truth and don’t care who has a problem with it. If you want returns and payrolls that mirror reality, come to Bourke Accounting. If you want forced documents that were created under duress, the Academy’s number is in the book.
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.
No, no, no. Bourke Accounting will not bombard you endlessly with holiday talk for the next three months. You’ll be getting enough of that soon and Bourke doesn’t want to be part of the problem. And yet, and yet there is one more little thing to think about regarding the upcoming festivities…
A lot of Americans have been experiencing less than lucrative states lately. When funds are tight, it’s never more obvious or stress-inducing than when the gift-giving season rolls around. Even during normal years, most of us don’t seriously muse, “Hmmm…I got Chad the Jag last year…I guess I’ll just have to go with the Tesla this year.” Because disposable income has become an endangered species, we have to make our present choices really count. Meaningful and inexpensive gifts take imagination, but it is not an impossible effort. To make it a little easier, Bourke Accounting would like you to contemplate the gifts that you should absolutely, under no circumstance, never, never, ever consider:
1) Adult, intimate, fun-time bedroom accessories (when you are not one of the invited guests). No matter how desperately you’d like a grandchild, there is no good possible outcome with this choice. At best, you’ll get a surprised/embarrassed giggle, followed by, “Oh, you are so bad,” further followed by awkward silence. At worst, the recipients might actually use your contribution out of misplaced obligation. And they will, no doubt, however briefly, think of you. If that’s your goal, you have more issues than a simple accounting blog can assist with. A gift of this sort does not make you quirky and unpredictable – it makes you creepy. Don’t be the creepy, would-be grandparent.
2) Household appliances. Unless the beneficiary has expressed an undying need for a touchscreen toaster, don’t do it. The problem with buying appliances for someone (this is especially true for significant others) is the unspoken expectation that the recipient will eventually use it to benefit you in some capacity. By mid-January, that misplaced obligation will kick in again and you will receive a cake or your overgrown hedges will be magnanimously trimmed. However, there might also be a little bit of resentment thrown in with your lemon raspberry sugar cookies. Appliances simply scream responsibility and effort; don’t give gifts that, by their very nature, require work.
3) Clothes. Unless you really know the taste and size of your intended receiver, avoid something as subjective as clothing. If you buy too big, you run the risk of offending; if you buy too small, you could potentially humiliate the person. In a worst-case scenario, the person could then strive to fit into this inappropriate garment – again, avoid gifts that carry responsibility. Even if you know the size, are you sure about the style? Are you sure you’re buying something the recipient would like or are you unconsciously buying what you think would look good? Most people are too polite to say they hate a gift. In addition, these same people will wear an article when they know the giver will be in attendance. Don’t do this to your loved ones. They never asked for hot pink/fluorescent green argyle.
We all know that it’s the thought that counts; anyone you so generously give to should accept the offering with grace. However, wouldn’t it be nice to give a gift that will really be appreciated? Know your audience and don’t get freaky.
Bourke Accounting doesn’t know what to get you this year. Since we don’t know your size, Bourke Accounting will just have to settle with giving you the best bookkeeping and tax preparation services in Louisville. Although financial security is great all year ‘round, Bourke Accounting knows that it’s most appreciated during the holidays – stop in today and see what Bourke 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.
Paris, you ain’t a f*&%ing punk, yah tourist! – NYC Punk Rocker, upon seeing Paris Hilton wearing a Ramones shirt, 2001
If you think about it, tax preparers – like you’ll find at Bourke Accounting – are akin to musicians: they have to keep time with the song they’re playing, they must have a working knowledge of the rules and structure and, most importantly, they have to know how to be innovative without descending into a world of chaos (and penalties). Think of it like this: there is a huge difference between Tekashi6X9 and The Jimi Hendrix Experience. One is irritating noise that is technically music, one is life-changing art.
In 1974, popular music was pretty much nowhere. We had the soulless arena rock of Queen (yeah, I said it), there was the wanna-be sensitivity of The Eagles and the sanitized, over-produced offerings of Steely Dan (not to mention the one-step-away from feminine hygiene jingles of Barbra Streisand). In 1974, popular music had no meaning, no emotion and all of the charm of damp toilet paper stuck to the collective finger of America.
And then, when it seemed that there would be no stereophonic salvation, four funny-looking guys with an obsession for bubblegum pop convinced an NYC bar owner to let them play. The Ramones had arrived at CBGB’s to save the day (and our souls).
What was interesting about The Ramones was that they didn’t sing about “bands on the run” or how “you ain’t seen nothing yet.” No, no, no, The Ramones gave us autobiographical ditties that, at first listen, were cute and energetic. However, there was nothing cute about the confessional song, “53rd and 3rd.” This song depicted bass-player Dee Dee Ramone’s experiences as a professional lover on a well-known Manhattan corner. As it turns out, Dee Dee had a love for pharmaceuticals and no desire to get a proper job. Also, the upbeat song “Beat on the Brat” was Joey Ramone’s observations based on his neighborhood, illustrating children running wild and parents with a penchant for corporal punishment.
The hippie protest songs of the 1960s advocated rebellion against unfair higher powers with an inclusive, “we love everyone” vibe. Punk rock wasn’t quite as optimistic. Punks knew that just saying you love everyone didn’t make it true. Punks were cynical, learning at a young age that “heroes” who espoused “all you need is love” were often the same men who mercilessly abused their nearest and dearest. Punkers were honest in their nihilism and belief that the world really was as bad as a hippie with a peace sign and a clenched fist. Punk rock and The Ramones didn’t sugar-coat to make anyone feel better.
While there is a depressing, truthful element to punk and The Ramones, there is also an idealism that suggests that we will get through this, too. The thundering bass, the simplistic, war-like drums, the staccato singing and the screaming guitars all prove that where there is life, there is hope.
Critics have accused punk of being sloppy, undisciplined noise. They’re wrong. Punk is visceral and primal, sure, but it’s also real. Punk and The Ramones are the auditory personification of the Id; there are some of us who will always prefer authenticity to commercial studio representations of humanity.
Bourke Accounting bookkeepers and tax preparers are the punk rockers of accounting. Bourke Accounting pros know what they’re doing, but they won’t pretty up their findings for anyone. If you want an expert to tell you the truth and give you real options to save your back account, come see a Bourke Accounting representative today. Gabba gabba hey.
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.
A new job is stressful. We’ve heard for years that stress levels associated with starting a new job rate up there with buying a house and getting divorced. Not only do you have to learn the standard operating procedures of your new company, but you also have to make nice with people you might not ordinarily associate with. Just the other day, Bourke Accounting welcomed New Bookkeeper Chida into our warm embrace and we are all on our very best behavior. Thinking about New Chida and his current journey has led me to contemplate the ways we sort of sabotage ourselves when first joining a team.
I have only had a handful of serious jobs in my life, but here are some things I’ve noticed to make the transition into a different work environment a little easier:
1. Watch what you say. You’ve just met your co-workers and they are not your friends yet. If you’ve gone through a visceral divorce and someone asks your martial status, give a chagrined shrug, say, “I’m divorced,” and leave it at that. Don’t describe how you caught your ex with the nanny doing things that are illegal in 23 states. No one needs to know every single bad thing that’s happened, phobia or obsession you might have experienced, either. Once you develop an actual relationship with these people, you can expose your inner demons; if you do it before a friendship exists, you’re simply going to scare people. Also – as a libertine, I hate to say this – filter your opinions. We are living in sensitive times, so avoid repeating dirty jokes and deeply felt beliefs regarding politics, sex or religion. It is not going to kill you not to send your new Production Manager a link to “Blue Waf…” never mind. Just watch what you say (and send).
2. Your new boss is not your shrink (this one ties into the above and it’s important). At your last job, you might have had an amazing relationship with your boss. You might have spent the first 15 minutes of every day complaining about your significant other, that stubborn rash or money problems. Your new boss is not that person. If you have a chaotic life, keep it very far from your employer. If you need to take a day off because your kid is up on felony charges for the third time this year, do NOT tell your boss about it. A simple, “I have to handle a personal issue,” will usually suffice to explain your absence. Again, once you develop a real relationship with your boss, stark honesty is fine. Until that happens, let’s all pretend that we’re upstanding, well-balanced civilians with quiet lives.
3. Don’t get involved in office politics. Sometimes when you come onboard, you are obliviously walking onto a battlefield of deeply held animosities and long-established opposing camps. Don’t believe anything you hear about your co-workers. If you hear Chad is the office Lothario who breaks hearts for fun, reserve your judgement until you actually know Chad (or get your heart broken). Keep in mind that you’re showing up on the set mid-season and you don’t know the characters or the history. In addition, humans are social animals and we recruit for our side – so stay out of if until you know what (if any) side you want to be on.
The virus has displaced a lot of American workers. Good workers are being laid off after years of dedicated service and are desperately trying to land on their feet. If you are in this sadly leaking boat, please know that Bourke Accounting is rooting for you and wishing you the best of luck.
Being unemployed is scary. Although your Bourke Accounting expert can’t get you your old job back, they can offer advice regarding transferring your 401(k). In addition, if you’ve just landed your new dream job, your Bourke Accounting pro can help you make sense of the re-vamped and utterly confusing W-4.
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.