This is more for a tax preparer, but might be useful in your situation that my organization put together.

Top Questions to Ask a Paid Preparer

1. How do you determine your fee and how much will it cost?

   • Reasonable fees vary, but the cost to prepare your return should not be based on the amount of your refund.

2. Are you open and available all year-round?

   • Preparers should be available year-round to help you as needed.

3. What is the expected time frame for receiving my completed tax returns after submitting all required documents?

   • Setting clear expectations is crucial.

4. If the Michigan Department of Treasury or IRS contacts me regarding my return, will you be able to assist me?

   • The answer should be yes because you must respond if this happens.

5. Will you be signing the tax return as a preparer?

   • Yes.

   May I see proof of your PTIN?

   • All signing preparers are required to have a PTIN.

6. How is your data protected?

   • The preparer should have a written security plan as required by the IRS.

7. Will I be receiving my refund directly (i.e., through the mail or direct deposit)?

   • Refunds should come to you directly, and direct deposit is the fastest and safest way to get your refund.

8. Will you provide me with a copy of my completed tax return and return any original documents I provided?

   • Yes.

9. Are you affiliated with a professional organization?

10. How do you learn about new tax laws?

• The best answer is through continuing education.

11. Do you have a professional license, credential, or training? If so, may I see proof including current status?

*A “no” response to questions 8 & 9 does not necessarily mean that the tax preparer has a lesser ability to properly prepare your tax return.

That’s because Google is not only a shit company, it’s also in Trump’s pocket. They changed the name of the Gulf of Mexico for US users. WTF?

Zelda - echos of wisdom. Loved the new concept of the echos, but too easy of a game and too much talking without the option to skip.

This is a good reminder that you can look up Form 990 for any nonprofit (they are required to submit one), which includes any staff that make over $100k.

https://apps.irs.gov/app/eos/

Also, it looks like the “salaries” you found are total compensation, which also includes medical and retirement benefits. The CEO’s salary is around $600k, but also got a $300k+ bonus.

People not understanding how zipper merging works.

https://www.inc.com/minda-zetlin/zipper-merge-driving-merging-courtesy-rules-state-laws-heavy-traffic.html

Not surprised. It’s just Meta being Meta and garbling up all yo data so that it can make money from it. Maybe don’t use the app. Try accessing from your mobile browser.

Darknet Diaries - interesting (and mostly first hand) stories about hacking, the dark web, etc. it’s so crazy how some of these hackers (good and bad) get access to data/companies.

I cannot speak to any of these, however, I learned that that you should just ask. If you can’t ask, put the “human” first such as people with disabilities or people who are deaf, blind, etc. Latine is another term I’ve heard, but in the community, there are those that like it and those that don’t.

To add to what others have said…when you know a little about the person/their likes or dislikes, ChatGPT can be a good starting point. Don’t provide any personal info, but ask if for gift ideas based on the criteria for that person. It might just spark an idea you wouldn’t have thought of. :)

It’s free because they’re harvesting and selling all your data to the highest bidder.

It depends on who you’re talking to. Many people don’t care about saying “guys” as it’s so universal. However, if you’re unsure or meeting new people, that’s where you’d likely want to change it up.

Hey friends! (This can be used for strangers too) What’s happening my peeps? Hello everyone! Hope you both have a good weekend

Or just What’s up? Hiya! Hey [insert their name]

Mother Teresa

If we were to change the system, that would mean companies like Purdue wouldn’t be able to line the pockets of politicians. So politicians turn a blind eye because non of this has affected them (or maybe it has but their greed is worth more than justice for those affected). Sigh.

I didn’t listen to the interview, but what is the “going rate” for tipping up front (e.g. DoorDash, Instacart, etc)? For DoorDash, I do a custom tip depending on how far away the restaurant is, not based on the cost of the food. I assume that if they don’t like the tip, they wouldn’t take my job over others (could be wrong). But for grocery shopping, I tip higher because they’re doing a lot more. Just curious what others do.

Samsies