Business Spotlight: Quinn’s Care Center This month HutchCo Living talks with Peggy Quinn from Quinn’s Care Center. Peggy, how long have you lived in Borger? My husband and I and our two small children moved to Borger in 1988 from a small town in southeast Oklahoma. Our children are both grown and married now and we have two wonderful grandchildren. When did you open for business? We received the opportunity to purchase Ellie Care Home Health, an established home health business, in 1989. In 1998 we changed from focusing on home health to Assisted Living. Why did you decide to change to assisted living? We saw a need for this type of facility in Borger and had the building to accommodate 10 residents, so we thought, “why not?” My husband and I and actually all the staff see this as a ministry to our community. Many people recognize our building as the old “Piggly Wiggly building” and that has been kind of fun. What qualifies someone for assisted living? We are licensed by the state of Texas and they are quite specific on the qualifications. A resident must be able to transfer themselves and get themselves out of the building within 13 minutes. This can be by wheelchair or walker or just walking alone. What are some of the things your residents enjoy? We are a close knit group due to the small size and everyone gets to know everyone. We are much like a family around here. Depending on the group, we have activities to suit them. We go out to eat occasionally and have even gone on excursions to the Texas play and the Christmas lights in Pampa. One of the really nice things about our facility is the large rooms. Because the building was originally a grocery store there is plenty of space in each room and the families get to decorate however they want in order to make it feel like home. What are some of you goals for the future? We would love to expand but for now we want to provide a service that we see is desperately needed in our community. We know we give top notch care and we love what we are doing. How can a potential resident contact you? Call or come by the building at 920 S. Main, Monday through Friday. We are the yellow-front building. We’ll show you around anytime. The phone number is (806) 274-7211.
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And a Happy May to you! School is getting out (all the students and teachers cheer) and vacation plans begin to be thought out. If you have young kids and are planning a vacation that requires a drive longer than one hour, I highly suggest a portable game system. These things are from Heaven, (pretty sure on this one) they will entertain your child for hours! I hope that you enjoy the May Issue and that you have a great Month.
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Planning A Honeymoon
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he date is set, the dress is bought and the tuxes are rented -- now you get to plan your first vacation together as husband and wife. Whether your ideal honeymoon is traveling to the Swiss Alps for some mountain fun or relaxing on an exotic beach in the Caribbean, it’s a special time you’ll never forget. So what do you need to know to plan the perfect honeymoon that goes off without a hitch? “Everyone wants the greatest honeymoon possible, but be sure to review the little details so they don’t turn into big problems,” says Michael Kelly, president of On Call International, a medical and travel assistance company. “The best thing you can do is research, plan and prepare together as a team.” Here are some things to consider when planning the perfect honeymoon: 1. Choose a destination together. Pick a destination that you both really want to visit. Each person should choose the top three places they would like to honeymoon and then compare lists. If you both want something relaxing, a traditional spa vacation in the tropics is a good choice. If you are adventure junkies, be sure to visit a location that offers lots of fun activities. 2. Prep ahead of time. Make a checklist of things you need to do before your trip. Research the laws of the country to where you will be traveling and see what rules are different. It’s a good idea to check with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to find out what types of immunizations are recommended for Americans at that specific destination. And remember, if you don’t have a passport or need to renew, allow ample time for processing. If you’re changing your name after your wedding, make sure that the name on your travel documents matches what is on your passport so that you don’t experience any delays through security and customs. 3. Get medical and travel assistance services. No one plans on getting sick or having other problems on their honeymoon, but wouldn’t it be nice to have the peace of mind to know that if something happens, you’re covered? That’s why it’s important to get medical and travel assistance. Your health insurance might not cover you while you travel, so a company like On Call International is there to help. On Call members get access to a 24-hour emergency response center to find doctors in their travel area, a 24-hour English-speaking nurse line to help identify symptoms, and coverage should a traveler need to return home for medical reasons. In addition, On Call can help you with other travel woes such as a lost passport, misplaced credit card, lost baggage or the need to reschedule a delayed or cancelled flight. 4. Pack the right stuff. Sure you want to look great for your spouse, but sometimes looking chic and dressing appropriately for the location you’re visiting might not be the same thing. Research what tourists usually wear at your chosen location. If you’re traveling internationally, different cultures might have different expectations. Also remember that extreme weather, hot and cold, requires different types of clothing, so pack accordingly and you won’t have to buy something at an exorbitant price when you get there. 5. Eat, drink and be merry. No one wants to be stuck in their hotel bathroom with a stomachache on their honeymoon. Food and water in different countries can be contaminated so do your research before celebrating at the local restaurant. When in doubt, ask your hotel concierge for advice. If you are buying your own food, sealed products are usually safer options because they come directly from the distribution center. “These planning tips should help you have the honeymoon of your dreams. If something does go wrong, remember to work through it and enjoy the time you have together. After all, it’s one of the most important and special vacations you’ll ever take,” says Kelly.
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Need For Speed
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ust one day after the premier of “Fast & Furious,” a movie that spotlights the world of street racing, a mother and her 2-year-old child died in Charlotte, N.C., when their vehicle was caught in the middle of an apparently illegal street race. A 13-year-old passenger in one of the racing vehicles also died, and the driver of that car now faces three murder charges, police say. It’s the kind of tragedy that illustrates the need to get young would-be racers to pursue their interests safely – off the streets and on a secure track instead, says Steve Meade, a top Denver, Colo., radio personality known as “Willie B.” Meade co-stars on SPEED’s “PINKS All Out” drag racing lifestyle series, which will premier its third season in July. Meade himself witnessed a similar tragedy as a young man when he watched an illegal street race go awry. Years later, the experience inspired him to participate in the Colorado Highway Patrol’s “Take It to the Track” program, a drive to encourage street racers to race on private tracks instead of public roads. “When a young person is about to participate in a street race, they’re always going to have that one moment of reflection when they think ‘Should I really be doing this,’ ” Meade says. “We want to catch them in that moment and let them know that there is a safe alternative.” The premier of the third “Fast & Furious” move may well inspire some young drivers to think they can race like actor Vin Diesel’s character, narrowly escaping death and avoiding harm to innocent bystanders. Meade hopes “Take It to the Track” will help aspiring racers to realize the difference between fiction and reality, and pursue their interest in a safer setting. “If a young person has that desire to race, they’re going to find a way to do it,” Meade says. “If there’s no safe alternative for them, they’re going to race on the street.” Parents who see the drive to race in their teens and young adult children should take steps to help ensure their passion is fueled in a positive, safe environment, Meade says. If the community has a local race track, parents can contact managers to see if a drag racing program is available. If not, they should encourage the track to found one. Local law enforcement can also be a resource for establishing and supporting safe racing programs in communities, he notes. Fast cars and racing are an integral part of the American psyche, Meade says. Millions of Americans avidly follow NASCAR racing and millions more are classic car devotees, collectors or just enjoy working on cars in their spare time. “If your child has that passion for cars and racing, you either help and encourage him to do it the right way, or you risk finding out about it by a knock on the door in the middle of the night telling you that he’s been involved in an illegal race or worse,” Meade says.
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Picking Your Prom Dress
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Sandy Darson
veryone wants to stand out on their prom night. Every guy wants to have the coolest tux and every girl wants to have the prettiest dress. Ladies, step away from the traditional pastels and pick a style with some real pizzazz for your prom this year. Spring 2009 prom looks include some real stand out fashions that will really make others take notice of you on the dance floor. Here are some fashion-forward looks and ideas that will help you choose a prom gown that will capture serious attention on that special night. Pair a zebra print with fresh, eye-sizzling neon green Mix it up a little bit. Try a solid color with an unexpected splash of print in the form of a sash. This year’s prom dresses play with a color palette that runs the gamut from shimmering ombres to mouthwatering shades like watermelon and candy pink. There are completely unexpected accents like criss-cross bodices that mix two different colors and waist wraps that lace up the back in a contrasting color. Choose a simple dress with one stunning detail You can wear a dress with a draped Watteau train on a slim, sleek cling of silk charmeuse or a high-low ruffle hem and jeweled halter neckline. Unusual accents really draw the eye when combined with a simple flowing A-line dress. The simpler the silhouette, the more dramatic the look of a single standout accent will be. Surprise the eye with an unexpected matching of animal print and color Animal-inspired prints are hot this year, but the trend is toward surprising color choices like jaguar stripes in shimmering orange and white or leopard spots in burnout raspberry pink. The more unexpected the color combination, the more surprising the look and the more attention you will receive when you strut your stuff on the dance floor. Show off some leg Don’t be scared to go with a short, flirty style dress. Baby doll dresses are high on the hit list for this year’s prom. The look is playful and sassy, these dresses don’t cling, they swing. Pick a trapeze dress in a swingy pink print or play with one of the cutest new hem looks for the season, bubble skirts. Be feminine and sweet in ruffled lace but punch it up with a shimmering black satin sash, or pop them in the eye with a fire-engine red number featuring a shirred bodice. Give them a little something back Make sure that your dress is just as beautiful from the back as it is from the front. This year’s back details include criss-cross lacing and bareback plunges that dip well down your back. You will also find flounces and back slits and peek-a-boo keyholes to catch admiring glances even as you are walking away. Turn up the heat with glittering embroidery Look for a dress that has glittered embroidery beaded with crystals or picked out with metallic thread. You’ll find dresses with beaded detailing at the neckline or waist, or with crystal-gleamed embroidery outlining the bodice. Combine a few surprises with rhinestone-studded criss-cross straps across a bare back, or flash a bit of sassy leg with beading along a knee-high slit. One of the easiest ways to stand out is with an eye catching color that really pops. Some of the hottest colors this season are fruit-drenched brights like tangerine, lime and watermelon. Pair them up unexpectedly to gain some attention and get ready to light up the dance floor. Slip on a pair of full length bright lemon gloves with a short and sassy watermelon silk dress; you should try to match your shoes to your gloves. Wrap up a slinky lime green dress with a sheer scarf in amethyst or wine. Be playful, be sassy and be unexpected. Before trying to mix-and-match bright colors, you have to know the secret. Pick colors with the same intensity so that they spark against each other rather than muddying the look. Tangerine and lime, raspberry and lemon, apple and banana, as long as you stay in the same brightness range, these colors won’t clash Don’t forget that your accessories also add some punch to your look. Make sure that everything you wear on prom night contributes to the overall look you want to achieve. Keep your hairstyle and shoes in proportion to your dress. For instance, updos and mini-dresses don’t usually match. If you’re going for a retro Barbie doll look, pick hair pieces that match the look instead of fighting it. Prom night is the most magical night of the year, so be sure that you find a dress that makes you feel magical. Whether you’re a fairy tale princess or Grecian styled goddess, you’ll stand out on prom night in colors and styles that make you feel and look your best.
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Digital Memories
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t this time of year, it seems people are taking more pictures than ever. Another school year is wrapping up -- there are graduations, proms and sporting events. And don’t forget about summer holidays, family vacations, reunions and weddings. Without a doubt, the digital camera has made it easier than ever for anyone to capture hundreds -- even thousands -- of pictures of these cherished moments. But this modern marvel of technology has been both a blessing and a curse. We all take pictures that mean something to us, but then what happens? Weeks, months, even years go by and those same pictures are all but forgotten, held hostage in a camera, buried on a computer hard drive or lost in cyberspace. Then, when the time comes to share those photos, it seems they’re nowhere to be found. Some people still make their own prints, but that only solves part of the problem. Maybe you put one or two on the refrigerator, but what about the rest? Off to the shoebox they go with the forgotten promise that, “One day I’ll get them in a book.” If you can relate to this, you’re not alone. There are other options to help you turn your digital photos into lasting memories. First off, you’ll want to spend a bit of time finding out what you have to work with. If you’re buried in digital photos, start by paring down your photo library by deleting those you don’t like or need. Next, set up a file system and get in the habit of naming your photos as soon as you download them to your computer. Be consistent with your naming conventions to stay extra organized. For example, for all photos related to a specific event, begin your naming scheme with the same word (such as reunion). Finally, back up your files to ensure that nothing gets lost. If you’re drowning in a sea of shoeboxes packed with prints, it’s time to get organized. Start by putting the photos into large acid-free envelopes or boxes, marked with the year. Discard the photos you don’t like or don’t want to keep. Next, decide which photos you want to scan and set them aside. Scanning is a great way to preserve older photographs and to make copies of the more current pictures you will want to keep forever. Don’t have a scanner? Send your photos to a service like Jostens Image Scan where they process your photos for you at a reasonable price. Once your images are organized, why not make the memories permanent and published?
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Effective Weight Loss
ruly effective weight loss doesn’t have to be a struggle. In fact it can be rather easy when you know it’s secrets. First, why would you want to take tips from a fitness & bodybuilding coach? Well, if you see a Body Builder or Miss fitness finalist on the stage are they fat? Of course not, they are some of the leanest people on the planet! So their coach, the guy who got them into that kind of shape might just be the person to get some weight loss tips from. Now before we begin with the top 5 tips let’s dispel one common misunderstanding. Many people believe they can’t use my tips and tactics because they don’t want to look like one of those people. They just want to look fit and trim. That would be like saying you’re a Golf enthusiast but you wouldn’t want to take free Golf tips from Tiger Woods because you have no
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desire to play in the PGA. Trust me you have absolutely nothing to worry about. You will never look like a professional Body Builder without years of unrelenting dedication, lot’s of steroids and way too many protein shakes. To be your best always learn from the best. Now after getting that off my chest, without further adieu here are the Top 5 weight loss Tips as promised. 1. Never go on a diet! When you hear a body builder of fitness competitor say “ I’m on my diet” they’re not using the word the same way you are. The ones who are successful at their sport eat very clean year round. They almost never eat any junk at all. Then when they are “on their diet” they make a few simple weight loss adjustments and the fat begins to melt off. You see, a diet is something you go “on” and get “off” of. This won’t create long term success and it usually only leads to failure. Instead, focus on eating clean all year long. Then use only little tiny, painless adjustments to keep making progress month by month. 2. Yes at the close of the 1st tip I said “month by month”. And guess what, I meant every word. Chances are you didn’t put on the extra weight you now want to lose in 30 days or less, am I right? So why would you expect that you could safely take it off in just 30 days despite what all diet pill pushers say. Think of it this way, if it took you 5 or 10 years to put it on, it may take 6 months or a year to safely take it off again. 3. You must eat more not less. The meaning of this is that you must consume more volume, but fewer calories overall. The simplest way to do this is each time you eat make 1/2 of your meal vegetables. So, if you look at your plate 50% are vegetables. 30% of what you see is a high quality protein source such as chicken, fish or beef. Then the remaining 20% is complex carbohydrates like brown rice or yams not pasta and bread. 4. You need to eat all the time. This is to say that you need to eat a minimum of 5 or 6 small meals per day. This will help satisfy your hunger, control insulin and supply your body with a constant steady flow of nutrients. 5. Follow the hydration equation. You absolutely need to drink enough water to stay properly hydrated and flush out all the bad toxins you need to get rid of each day. Personally I drink a gallon a day. But the one easy rule is; your body just told you that your dehydrated if and when you ever get thirsty. The trick is to continually sip water all day and never actually become thirsty. One extra bonus tip. If you happen to get a flat tire while heading down the highway, please don’t get out of the car and just shoot the other 3 tires. In other words, if you’re doing really well with your weight loss plan and have a piece of cake at a birthday party don’t throw up your hands and say the heck with it and go eat 2 pints of ice cream. Admit you splurged, even enjoy the fact that you splurged, but for Heaven’s sake get back in the car and get back on the road to success. Disclaimer: please seek the advice of a licensed Physician prior to engaging in any diet or exercise plan. This article is for informational purposes only and is in no way intended as medical advice or as replacement for a proven therapy.
Patrick Shelley
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utchCo Living Welcomes Lendy Tate to the Staff. Lendy is a long time resident of Borger. She and her husband, Darrell, have two children, Michaela and Devon. Lendy is quite adventurous, she is an R.N. active in prison ministry, and plays guitar and helps with sign language for her local church. Some of her hobbies have included Motorcycle riding and Vacation Traveling. She is an excellent cook and friend. If you would like to know more about HutcCo Living or just sit and talk about the weather call Lendy Tate.
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Mother’s Day Gift Ideas
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Mother’s Day fast approaches, many of us find ourselves wandering through the plethora of gifts available for Mom, trying to find just the right gift for our special lady. Here are some great options for the mother in your life. The traditional gifts never go out of style. A beautiful bouquet of flowers or a lovely potted plant will make many a woman thrilled on Mother’s Day. In many areas, lilies bloom near Mother’s Day, and can be a lovely reminder to her every year of your devotion. Jewelry is always a wonderful idea; for the new mother or grandmother, try a bracelet or necklace with charms with the baby’s birthstone for a gift she’ll treasure for years. If the mother for whom you’re shopping is more difficult to please, perhaps a gift basket with an assortment of similar items would suit her fancy. Such a basket could easily include things like candles, chocolates, bath items, jewelry, even clothing. Just make sure that it’s something that speaks to her as an individual, and she’s that much more likely to love it. Many ladies have hobbies which are near and dear to them. If the mother for whom you’re shopping is like this, why not find something to enhance their favorite free time activity? If she’s a scrap booker, consider a fabulous new bag in which she can carry all of her supplies, a punch she’s been eyeing for awhile, or a subscription to her favorite magazine for layout ideas. For the gardener, a new pair of comfortable garden clogs or a special type of seed might be just what she needs to brighten her summer. The mother who loves to cook would especially enjoy a new gadget that would cut her prep time in half or an ingredient on which she wouldn’t normally splurge like exceptional cooking chocolate or perfectly aged herbed oil. A gift that’s specialized to her interests is sure to bring a smile to her face. If the mother in your life is like many modern women, constantly scurrying from one side of town to the other and always on the go, help her splurge on herself this Mother’s Day. A gift certificate to a local spa for a day of pampering would more than help to soothe her worries away! If a whole day of pampering is out of your range, try a great warmed stones massage or maybe a manicure and pedicure combination. For the lady for whom it’s absolutely impossible to get out of the house to pamper herself, why not bring the pampering to her! There are many wonderful home spa kits available that are sure to reinvigorate her. Whether it’s something like a home pedicure bath or just a collection of effervescent bath salts, the little things will help to make her Mother’s Day more memorable. Have a mother in your life who just has it all or just is trying to minimize? Then a gift that includes time with you would be welcomed without adding to her household clutter. Try tickets to the theater, symphony, or a ballet. Maybe a gift certificate to her favorite restaurant would suit. Or maybe just a collection of tickets for tasks that you’ll take care of for her in the near future. If you include yourself in the gift, you can’t go wrong. Most importantly, though, give her Mother’s Day off. Nothing will make her feel more treasured than knowing that you care enough to take over for the day. If there’s a dinner planned, make sure you can prepare and cook as much of it as possible. If there are children around, take charge of them for the day. Give her this day as downtime, and it’ll recharge her batteries better than any gift could do. When it comes right down to it, what a mother wants most of all is to know that you love her and appreciate all that she does and continues to do. And whether you have pennies or thousands of dollars to spend, you can always find something that shows her just how much you care.
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Caring For your Lawn
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magine life without grass. No green lawns with kids playing outdoors, no soft cushion for your bare feet on a hot summer day, and less greenery to clean the air we breathe. Perhaps we take for granted all the great eco-benefits a well-fed, lush lawn provides for us. Yet lawns still get a bad rap because of the assumed negative effects on the environment. Let’s face it; a well-cared-for lawn is better for you, your family, and the environment. For starters, growing green plants is the best thing you can do to clean the air. And grass is better than other plants -- even trees -- at removing carbon and other impurities from the atmosphere. Through the process of photosynthesis, grass takes carbon from the air and stores it in the ground. Ongoing studies at The Ohio State University indicate that as a result of this natural process, your well-cared for lawn removes and stores twice the amount of carbon from the air in a year than a tree can in 10. The stored carbon then helps build rich organic matter in the soil that helps purify water and gives grass a fertile base to thrive. Thriving lawns keep enriching the soil by providing a home for beneficial micro-organisms and insects. These good critters eat nature’s leftovers -- like decomposing grass clippings, plant leaves and other vegetation -- and recycle nutrients back into the soil. They also pollinate plants and serve as food for other animals, making grass an important part of nature’s cycle. And did you know that summertime air temperatures above lawns can be up to 30 degrees cooler than above paved areas? Grass is like a natural air conditioner that cools the air as it releases water vapor through its blades. The water evaporates and draws heat, cooling the air in the process. As a result, lawns are a safer surface for children to play on and provide the cool comfort we desire on hot days. “Homeowners are hearing conflicting messages about lawns and the environment and, as the authority on lawn care, we recognize our responsibility to give them the information they need to make informed decisions,” says Rich Shank, chief environmental officer for ScottsMiracle-Gro. “Caring for the environment starts in our own backyards, and growing a strong, thriving lawn is simple and safe. When we care for our lawns we help build a cooler, cleaner environment -- and an inviting space for our families to enjoy.” The reasons to love your lawn are many. And with good care, like following the tips below, lawns contribute to your family’s wellbeing and our environment. 1. Feed regularly with products made for lawns. Feeding 3 to 4 times a year makes your lawn strong and full of life.
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A strong lawn is better able to tolerate stresses like heat, drought and insects. It crowds out weeds, can fend off most diseases and is better able to contribute to the environment. Use a fertilizer made for lawns like Scotts Turf Builder. All-purpose fertilizers like 10-10-10s apply more phosphorus than your lawn needs -- up to 6 years worth in one application. 2. Follow label directions. Lawn fertilizers are designed for best results when applied according to package directions. Applying too much product won’t improve results, but it will put down more nutrients than your lawn needs. So why over-feed and waste fertilizer? 3. Conserve water. Water is an important component for a healthy lawn, but only water your lawn when it needs it. If your lawn dulls in color or begins to wilt, then your lawn needs water. Make sure to sweep any fertilizer that lands on driveways and sidewalks back on to the lawn. This keeps nutrients where the grass will use it -- and out of our waterways. 4. Mow smart. Lawns that are mowed high have deeper root systems that can reach water and nutrients in the soil better. Use a mulching mower and leave grass clippings on your lawn. Clippings will break down and recycle nutrients back into the soil.
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Ways to Annoy People Sing the Batman theme incessantly. Specify that your drive-through order is “to go.” Learn Morse code, and have conversations with friends in public consisting entirely of “Beeeep Bip Bip Beeep Bip...” If you have a glass eye, tap on it occasionally with your pen while talking to others. Name your dog “DOG” Speak only in a “robot” voice. Push all the flat Lego pieces together tightly. Start each meal by conspicuously licking all your food, and announce that this is so no one will “swipe your grub”. Leave the copy machine set to reduce 200%, extra dark, 17 inch paper, 98 copies. Leave your turn signal on for fifty miles. Forget the punchline to a long joke, but assure the listener it was a “real hoot.” Follow a few paces behind someone, spraying everything they touch with Lysol.
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Filed for a Tax Extention?
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f you filed an extension and still need to file your 2008 tax return, don’t panic. The key to getting it done quickly and efficiently is to have a game plan and know what to look for before starting. Use these tips to make doing your taxes easier. * The new stimulus plan does not affect your 2008 federal tax return unless you bought your first house between April 9, 2008 and June 30, 2009. If you did purchase your first house in this time period, you may qualify for the First-time Homebuyer Credit. To claim the First-Time Homebuyer credit, you’ll need to complete Form 5405. Keep in mind, however, that if you take the credit, you must pay the amount back over 15 years of subsequent tax filings. In other words, the credit is like an interest-free loan. * Using tax preparation software can help you be more efficient and accurate. Not only does it include the latest tax law changes like the updated First-time Homebuyer Credit, it also does the math for you and notifies you when information is missing. Most products are easy to use and understand, and include advanced tools to find deductions and credits. The price, additional fees, and included forms and schedules differentiate the products. For instance, some include five federal e-files. Other products, like TaxACT Deluxe (download and CD-ROM), include one federal e-file and charge for each additional e-file. Less obvious is the fact that the total price for TaxACT software plus four additional e-files is still less than half the price of the top brand. If you need to file a state return, most products will save you time by transferring your federal information to your state return. The prices for state software vary, especially for e-filing. * Nearly 90 million taxpayers e-filed their returns last year, and the IRS has made a big push for filing your 2008 tax returns electronically, and for good reasons. Thanks to the software that checks for mistakes, the error rate for e-filed returns is about 1 percent, compared to 20 percent for hand-filed returns. Those who owe money are also given additional payment options, including credit card, electronic funds withdrawal and the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System. In order to e-file, you must have either your adjusted gross income (AGI) from last year (line 37 on Form 1040, line 21 on Form 1040A and line 4 on Form 1040EZ) or the 5-digit PIN you created to sign your efiled return last year. Your AGI or PIN acts as your signature. * Approximately 75 percent of taxpayers receive a refund. So far this year, the IRS reports that the average federal refund is $2,811. If you need your refund sooner than later, it’s best to e-file with direct deposit. This method makes it possible for you to have your refund in as few as eight days, compared to up to four weeks with paper returns. Through Form 8888, you can split your refund into more than one account. * If you owe the IRS money and were not able to pay the full balance by April 15, you may incur penalties and interest. The IRS will send you a bill with a notice and only charge interest and penalties on the unpaid balance. You can contact the IRS at (800) 829-1040 to discuss payment options, including short-term extensions, Installment Agreement or compromise. Regardless of the question or topic, it’s nice to know you’re never alone. Information about various tax topics is available around the clock on the IRS Web site at www.IRS.gov, and more tax tips and TaxACT product information can be found at www.TaxACT.com.
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