WHAT’S THE BUZZ, TELL ME WHAT’S A HAPPENNIN’ – SPECIAL MONDAY EDITION

Since there was no BUZZ installment last Friday I am a day early this week.  Still not much BUZZ to report.

* Tax pros – have you seen the new post at THE TAX PROFESSIONAL yet?  PLEASE do – and tell your colleagues about it.  

* And, tax pros, here is a great tool for use in your practice.  Click here for more information.    

* Have you ever wondered “Why is Self-Employment Tax Based on 92.35% of Self-Employment Income?”  Jason Dinesen explains at DINESEN TAX TIMES.  

* Check out the AFFORDABLE COLLEGES ONLINE online "Guide to College Savings and 529 Plans".

Doug Jones from the site tells us –

“Only about 48 percent of parents are saving to pay for their children's tuition, but we believe that number can (and should) increase significantly. With the help of two leading college savings experts, we created this guide to help parents and students better understand 529 plans and other college savings strategies. Key elements of the guide include:

 - An in-depth look at what 529 plans are and how they work,

 - An extensive comparison of 529 and other savings plans,

 - A list of savings tips and tricks from the experts.”

* Here is the word on the Homestead Benefit (formerly the Homestead Rebate) from the New Jersey Division of Taxation -

“The Division of Taxation has begun mailing applications for the 2013 Homestead Benefit.  Applications are being mailed to homeowners over the next three weeks according to the schedule below. The deadline for filing is Friday, Oct. 30, 2015.

The Homestead Benefit application delivery dates by county are:

Gloucester, Mercer, Middlesex, Passaic - Aug. 25

Camden, Hudson, Hunterdon, Salem, Somerset - Aug. 28

Bergen, Burlington, Cumberland, Warren - Aug. 31

Morris, Ocean - Sept. 3

Atlantic, Essex, Monmouth, Sussex - Sept. 5

Cape May, Union - Sept. 9

Most homeowners will receive their 2013 benefit payment as a credit on a future property tax bill. They can expect to receive a property tax bill or advice copy from their tax collector reflecting the amount of the benefit.  Homeowners who indicated when filing that they no longer own the property or those whose principal residence was a unit in a co-op or continuing care retirement community will receive their benefit by check (or direct deposit).”

THE LAST WORD -

The circus that is the Trump Presidential campaign reminds me of a number from the musical CHICAGO – “Give em the Old Razzle Dazzle”.

Billy Flynn tells Roxie Hart –

“It's all a circus, kid. A three ring circus.  These trials- the whole world- all show business.”

In the song that follows Billy goes on to say –

“What if your hinges all are rusting?  What if, in fact, you're just disgusting?  Razzle dazzle 'em and they'll never catch wise!”

And –

“Long as you keep 'em way off balance, how can they spot you've got no talents?  Razzle Dazzle 'em.”

Disgusting.  No talents.  That sounds like Trump to me.

TTFN