The INS, Role, and Responsibilities

In the days following the 9/11 attacks there have been many changes in the organization and how the government handles the flow of people coming into the country. The INS was first started as the organization that was responsible for handing the people who were applying for citizenship and residency. INS stands for Immigration and Naturalization Service, the organization charged with respecting the safety of the USA.

The INS is now responsible for many tasks that it never had before, including inspecting travelers who are entering and exiting the United States gates through more than 300 points of entry nationwide. Whether you are coming or going from the United States, you are likely to be passing through an INS worker who is responsible for helping make sure anyone who is wanted by the law is not able to gain entry to the country. Although largely a precaution, it is thought that this will be most helpful in preventing possible threats to national security.

Other tasks of the INS include handling the residence status of all who apply for residence and citizenship. They also handle and seek to regulate the status of all permanent and temporary immigration requests. The INS. also handles tourists, and students, as well as those coming for conventions, special classes, visiting family and all other business.

The INS has also been given the tasks of controlling all of the borders into the United States, especially the borders between Mexico and the United States and Canada and the United States. This is an extremely large task since the United States shares such large land borders with two other countries. This allows for an almost daily flow of people trying to enter the country illegally.

INS workers are also responsible for handling and removing all people who have no legal rights to be in this country. They are responsible for removing the parties in accordance with the laws, and by following all of the standards that are set in place for obtaining temporary status, or returning the person to the country where they came from.

In a report the INS released in 2001, there was 31,971 employees on staff. This resulted in a rate of 24,233 of these employees being classified as enforcement personal were used to enforce the laws, rulings and policies of this country. The INS today is a function of the Justice Department and serves mostly as an investigative unit, unlike many other departments, which serve as law enforcement units instead.

In recent years, the borders have had more illegal entry than previously, which has resulted in larger amounts of staff being added to help secure the borders and protect our country. Without being able to know who is entering our country, we are unable to truly protect our citizens and other people. Border patrol agents is the one largest area where the INS has seen growth in jobs available. Due to the increase of jobs in the border patrol, we are able to see much fewer illegal entries into the country.

As we progress into a country that is, more accommodating of people from various cultures it will be quite interesting to see how the INS is changed to adapt and become more friendly to the needs of all people, even those entering the country.

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The Truth about Cash Gifting and Taxation

Make no mistake: cash gifting is 100% legal in the United States and Canada. There has never been a law passed that prohibits us as individuals from sharing our assets, belongings or cash. It is a misconception to believe otherwise a misconception that can keep you in the poorhouse. From the beginning of time, people have helped other people. Everybody needs help sometimes. Gifting programs allow the receivers to obtain proper housing, start businesses and even send their children to college.

Cash gifting systems that are based on honesty and integrity use what is known as the EZ1Up program. In a nutshell, this means that you give first and then receive. Of course, the beauty of it is that with proper promotion you receive far more than you ever gave initially. You recoup your investment rapidly and many times over!

The United States IRS Tax Code, Section 26 defines explicitly the taxation responsibilities that apply to cash gifting programs. In essence, you can receive up to $11,000 from any number of individuals without any taxation implications. In excess of $11,000, you are required to report the monies received as income and pay a regular income tax on them. It is always advisable to keep a close record of monies received from cash gifting programs. They can build up very quickly. Pay your taxes on time and diligently and there will be no problems – ever.

Cash gifting is hugely popular now days. There are no bogus products to buy or sell like with MLM programs. Those who have been in MLM programs can finally offer their downlines something that they can actually make money on. EZ1Up programs eliminate all of the hype and nonsense that you find with all MLM programs. You give and then you receive its that simple.

Stop wasting your time promoting programs that force you into monthly dues and the promotion of bogus products while simultaneously disallowing you from making any real money. Explore the realm of cash gifting programs today. With the EZ1Up platform, there is no chance of being cheated. There are constantly monitored databases that ensure a level playing field for all. No more are the people at the top of the ladder the only ones to benefit. Everybody is equal in a cash gifting program.

Gifting programs are comprised of private groups of like-minded individuals. They are people that value the timeless tradition of generosity. They feel good about helping those less fortunate than them. They feel even better when others help them back. Its a Win-Win situation for all. It is 100% legal. And as long as you pay your taxes, there is only benefit to be gained. Prosper!

The Fair Tax Revolution

Few people would expect a book about taxes to take The New York Times bestseller list by storm, but that’s exactly what The Fair Tax Book has done. For decades, Americans from every point on the political spectrum have moaned about April 15th and the maze of ridiculous instructions and high confiscatory taxation that accompanies that day. The current tax code is a labyrinth of over nine million pages of indecipherable jargon only a federal bureaucrat could fully appreciate. So is there anything we can do about this monstrosity?

You bet. The Fair Tax Book, authored by Georgia Congressman John Linder and nationally syndicated talk radio host Neal Boortz, lays out a perfect case for why the current tax code should and can be replaced by a simple and easy to understand tax system that slashes the current nine million pages of red tape in favor of a 133-page gateway to prosperity.

The concept is simple. All current federal taxes – income taxes, medicare taxes, social security taxes, gasoline taxes, capital gains taxes, etc. – will be eliminated overnight. In their place, the federal government will levy a single 23% sales tax on all retail goods. Workers will finally get to take home 100% of their paychecks. Investors will finally be able to invest without having worry about the tax consequences. And April 15th will become just another ordinary day. Sounds simple right? Well, you’ll probably have more than a few questions and concerns. But The Fair Tax Book performs a stellar job in addressing the most commonly asked questions. Questions such as the following:

If we do this, won’t prices go up 23%? No. The elimination of all current federal taxes will also eliminate the embedded tax costs inherent in all products currently sold. Since the Fair Tax will only be applied to final retail products, and not the inputs used in the manufacture of those products, prices will drop an average of 22% across the economy. So prices will remain the same!

What about the poor, won’t they get hammered by the Fair Tax? Absolutely not. In fact, the Fair Tax is the only tax reform bill before Congress that totally eliminates the tax burden of the poor. Under the Fair Tax, every American (from the richest among us to the poorest among us) will receive a monthly rebate check from the federal government that covers the cost of the 23% sales tax up the poverty level. So a check for approximately $450 will be deposited in everyone’s bank account to cover the 23% tax on the basic necessities of life (such as food, gasoline, clothing, etc.)

You’ll probably have more questions than can possibly be addressed in this short article, but I have no doubt they’ll all be answered if you simply take the time to read The Fair Tax Book. Authors Neal Boortz and John Linder brilliantly lay out their case for tax reform in an easy to read format that’s also quite entertaining. And with powerful and influential Americans such as Tom Delay, Alan Greenspan, and Sean Hannity all trumpeting their support for the Fair Tax, it seems certain to dominate the realm of political discourse in the months and years ahead.

Once you’ve read it, you’ll probably agree that The Fair Tax Book is probably the most important book to hit the American political landscape since Uncle Tom’s Cabin. The FairTax is simple and easy to understand. More importantly, it returns America to the original intent of the Founding Fathers by creating a system of voluntary taxation that unleashes the true potential of free individuals. The explosion in wealth creation certain to follow will fuel America’s position as the world’s leading superpower for decades to come and solidify our nation’s future for our children and grandchildren.

As a result, The Fair Tax Book will probably launch a political revolution. With the 2006 mid-term elections drawing near, take the time to educate yourself about the Fair Tax Act of 2005. You might well decide to become a minuteman in this modern day American tax revolt!

Taxation Law for the Sole Trader

They say the only things in life that are certain are death and taxes. For the sole trader, this is definitely the case, and at times it can seem like an overbearing pressure. Thankfully, for the sole trader there are many ways in which you can minimise liability to income tax and leave more in your bank account at the end of the month. In this article, we will look at some of the key features of tax management from the perspective of the sole trader, and some of the ways in which the sole trader can minimise the legal consequences of his operation.

As a sole trader, you are usually accountable for your profits in terms of income tax. This can be particularly problematic, given that the structure of income tax in most jurisdictions is a fairly heavy burden on the citizen, particularly those with higher incomes. The first thing that should be considered is incorporation. As a corporate entity, you will be required to handle more paperwork, but ultimately it will save you money. Corporation tax on profits is lower than income tax in the majority of situations, and dividend income carries less taxable weight than other income, for example wages and salaries. The first thing to do, as a sole trader within the top income tax bracket, is to incorporate, which could potentially save thousands every year.

The sole trader must be aware of the fact that there are certain items that cannot be discounted from income. In fact, certain everyday items must be declared and must give rise to tax. For example, say a self-employed solicitor is given a bottle of fine wine by a particular client every year as thanks for his service. This wine, although not initially apparent, will usually require declaration for tax, on the basis that it is an ongoing gift or benefit arising from employment. It is therefore important to watch what is included and what is ignored from your tax return. If you are at all unsure, it is better to include an item and pay tax, rather than running the risk of neglecting to mention its existence. Alternatively, it may be a good idea to consult a specialist on the particular laws of your jurisdiction, and to determine whether or not it would be possible to avoid liability.

Another important thing to remember is that there may be certain personal capital gains liability for disposal of a primarily business asset. As a sole trader, this means you will be liable to account for the disposal of the asset and any capital gains at market value, which can be a costly business. Again, it is probably advisable to consult a tax lawyer or tax adviser to minimise liability on disposal and to manage your tax liability more effectively.

Tax law is a particularly intricate area of the law, and one that is in perpetual change. This means the small business owner is required to keep one eye on tax developments to avoid being caught out, which means there is less room for focus on the core areas of business and making money. Alternatively, the advice of a tax specialist can be invaluable in minimising overall liability and ultimately saving money from your tax bill every year.

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Why You Should Avoid Paying Income Taxes with a Credit

Why You Should Avoid Paying Income Taxes with a Credit Card

We all agree that the credit card is very convenient. That is why the IRS allows you pay your taxes through it. To sweeten the deal, credit card companies offer rewards in the form of frequent flyer miles. So you can get a free air ticket too. But hang on, is that convenient to your pocket too? Sadly, the answer is no.

Disadvantages

The IRS has authorized third party companies to process your credit card payments. However, you, the taxpayer has to pay for it. So, every time you use your credit card to pay tax, you also have to pay a fee that is usually around 2.49 % of your tax. Thus if you are paying $18,000 in taxes, you also pay an additional fee of around $450. Now add the fee charged by travel rewards credit cards and you can drop the second letter from the word free as in free airline ticket.

If you are in debt, the last thing you want is more debt. Annual interest charges are quite high, even going up to 30%. You could spend the rest of your life paying for the $18450 convenience. If you are in debt with many credit cards, this additional debt can lead to bankruptcy. But even that cannot save you. As per law, you still have to pay taxes along with other payments like child support or alimony.

It is for these reasons that consumer agencies like the Association of Independent Consumer Credit Counseling Agencies (AICCA) suggest alternative ways of paying income tax. You could dip into your savings bank account or take a loan at a lower interest rate.

There are only two conditions under which this transaction looks good. You pay the IRS with your credit card and simultaneously pay off the credit card company as well. This way, you avoid the interest payments, if it is any consolation. The other condition is that if it is impossible for you to meet the IRS deadline. While the IRS can grab most of your assets immediately, your credit card company cannot. While the case is in court, you may just win a lottery or inherit a windfall!

Why Paying Your Income Taxes with a Credit Card Is

Why Paying Your Income Taxes with a Credit Card Is a Rip Off

If you own your own business or have not been deducting enough from your paychecks each week, you will probably owe some income taxes when tax time rolls around. This is never fun, and if you do not have the money in your checking account right now, you might be tempted to pay the taxes with your credit card. A word of advice: dont.

When you owe income tax to the federal government or the state government, they are aware that the amount you owe may be over the amount you have access to at the moment. They prepare for this eventuality by allowing tax payers to file for an extension to pay their debt. You can arrange for a payment plan to be in effect for the total amount.

You will of course pay interest on the amount that you are putting off, but the interest rate that the government charges is relatively low. With state governments this number will vary, so check with your local state tax office. But for the federal government, the current rate of interest on unpaid taxes is seven percent, which is the federal short-term rate plus three percent.

Now consider your credit card. Most credit cards carry an interest rate of anywhere from twelve to twenty-one percent. If you owe taxes that you cant pay, you probably have a higher interest rate credit card. This means that whatever you pay in a lump sum to the government, you will be financing with your credit card company at the interest rate you pay for your regular purchases. If this is fifteen to twenty percent, you will end up paying much more for your taxes.

In the end, it pays to work within the governments system of extensions and take their lower interest rate on the amount of your tax you cannot pay yet. If the payment play that they offer you is still too steep for you to pay each month, then call the hotline number provided on the offer and request another plan be arranged. You may need to show proof of your income to do this, but it will be worth it so you dont default on the unpaid taxes.

Tax: Are you paying it TWICE ?

This article would prove beneficial for people or websites based countries other than UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and doing businesses with websites or companies in the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. This is specific to businesses from US to other countries. For businesses originating from other countries see International Tax Laws for that country.

For further and more accurate information always consult the site www.irs.gov

Whichever country you are coming from, the term business is always related to tax. It is your financial obligation that MUST be taken into account and paid.

Online Business is no different. The way online business differs form other businesses is that it is the easiest way to cross international borders and bring into effect the international tax laws.

You may receive the payments by Checks, Bank Transfers, PayPal or whatever. All the income must be estimated and tax should be calculated and paid. If you are unsure consult your Tax Agent. He would be able to guide you better.

Online business is mostly generated from UNITED STATES OF AMERICA as all the good sites that provide good returns are based in UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. has opened its gates for people from all around the world (with exception of some countries) to conduct business from these online firms. According to the U.S. governments rule all income or business generated from U.S. Businesses or income related to U.S. Businesses or Companies should pay tax in the US. The companies in the US are advised to hold tax from you or not to make nay

Does that mean you pay the Income Tax TWICE? Once to the US Government and once again when you do your local taxes. The answer in NO.

The good news is that US has got international rules for dealing with Tax issues arising in these sorts of situations. To get around it you need to fill in the APPLICABLE W-8 series of forms like W-8BEN, W-8ECI, W-8EXP, and W-8IMY and give it the company whom you are doing business.

A further note Google AdSense is a bit different. It takes care to see your country of origin and advises you accordingly. You DO need to pay tax in UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. if you have people, services and equipment based in the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. Having only a hosting service is not considered as owing equipment in UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

More information can be obtained from the following publications:

These are some of the links to that give further information on these issues. If you do not understand the technical tax jargon, consult your tax agent or tax consultant.

0506 Inst W-8 (PDF) Instructions for the Requester of Forms W-8BEN, W-8ECI, W-8EXP, and W-8IMY (35.9K) PDF

0206 Form W-8BEN (PDF) Certificate of Foreign Status of Beneficial Owner for United States Tax Withholding (66.8K) PDF

0206 Inst W-8BEN (PDF) Instructions (43.8K) PDF

0206 Form W-8ECI (PDF) Certificate of Foreign Person’s Claim for Exemption From Withholding on Income Effectively Connected With the Conduct of a Trade or Business in the United States (56.6K) PDF

0206 Inst W-8ECI (PDF) Instructions (32K) PDF

0206 Form W-8EXP (PDF) Certificate of Foreign Government or Other Foreign Organization forUnited States Tax Withholding (59.6K) PDF

0206 Inst W-8EXP (PDF) Instructions (37.5K) PDF

0206 Form W-8IMY (PDF) Certificate of Foreign Intermediary, Foreign Partnership, or Certain U.S. Branches for United States Tax Withholding (65.6K) PDF

0206 Inst W-8IMY (PDF) Instructions (44.4K) PDF

Wholesale Myth: Do I Need A Business License Or Tax

Wholesale Myth: Do I Need A Business License Or Tax ID?

One of the myths that are still prevailing in the wholesale business is the business license and tax I.D need in order to achieve wholesale success. It is a big mistake to get such an opinion as a fact and then making such message viral all across the Internet.

First of all getting a business license I.D is truly necessary is a true necessary step to make when you plan to incorporate your wholesale or reselling business. In my advance wholesale business opinion, it is important to get a business license if you plan to sell one hundred thousand dollars a month in sales from a retail, wholesale or reselling business. However, there is no need to get a business license when there are many wholesalers and distributors that can cut you deals for wholesale merchandise in single or in bulk amounts legally.

There are different laws that regulate the reselling and wholesale business in many states in the USA, however, that is not an implication that you need a business license to sell wholesale merchandise.

For example: Check out maxamwholesale.com wholesaler, such wholesale giant has been around for decades and they dont require you to have a business license or tax id in order to resell there wholesale merchandise.

Most of the wholesalers that have a website require you to enter a tax identification number, business license or both. One of the techniques I use to eliminate this kind of hassles to immediately establish a business relationship with them is to call them directly at the phone given in their website.

I then immediately notify the wholesaler that I am highly interest in knowing the wholesale prices of such products they have in their catalog in order to have an instant buying conclusion for making business with them today.

More than 90% of the time they will send you their wholesale catalog through the mail or they will give you a username and password to access the prices in their site for immediate business. Once you have access such site and notify your objective with them, you can start buying directly from the wholesaler or distributor online and by phone without owning a business license or tax identification number.

Succession Law: The Importance of Having a Will

Although we might not like to think of it, death is a certain fate for us all. When we pass away, our families will go through a stressful and traumatic time as they come to terms with their loss. At the same time, there is a requirement for the administration of our estate, and this is usually bestowed upon a close relative or friend during this already painful time. However, a lack of foresight and planning can be catastrophic, leaving behind a tangle of assets and liabilities and possibly a hefty inheritance tax bill, depending on jurisdiction. On top of that, the absence of a will can mean a distribution of assets on the basis of standard ‘default’ rules, rather than on the basis of your individual preferences. In this article, we will look at some common provisions in the absence of any will, and aim to justify the benefits of making a comprehensive and clear will during your lifetime.

Most jurisdictions will bear some liability to tax on death. This can be a specific problem for the administrators of estates, usually close friends, who must ensure every known asset and liability is accounted for before making legacies and signing off the tax bill. A major problem comes with the personal liability attributed to the administrators, which means that should anything ’slip through the net’ which is later discovered, there may be increased liability to tax. In practical terms, this could mean a surprise bill for several thousand which has already been distributed in legacies and for which the administrator must personally account. Providing for these outcomes in a will is one of the best ways of avoiding this hassle and stress, and it can also be the best way to ensure all assets and liabilities are uncovered. By drafting an effective will, you can be sure your loved ones don’t face financial hardship after you’re gone.

In the absence of a will providing specifically for the administration of a deceased’s estate, it is up to the laws of intestacy to determine what happens to the entirety of our worldly possessions. Unfortunately, this doesn’t usually correspond with the way we’d like things to turn out. For example, in a number of jurisdictions there are automatic provisions for spouses and kids, meaning you can disinherit, even with a will. There is also usually a default order of preference of who gets what and how much they get, which doesn’t necessarily match your favourite relatives, or correspond to actual family set ups. In fact, cohabiters might run into problems getting anything, including the house in which they live without proper testamentary provisions in their favour.

As you can see there are a number of obvious benefits to drafting a will during your lifetime. Sadly, many thousands of people die each year without making these provisions, and it really is a real headache for their friends and relatives who are left with the burden of a fair settlement. Intestacy causes hostility and stress, which can be readily avoided by just simply making a written will. If you haven’t made a will, it is probably a good idea to make a appointment as soon as is convenient with a legal adviser to do so, to ensure your family are provided for as you would intend and to promote a favourable distribution of your estate on death.

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Types of Prepaid Legal Services

Over 100 million Americans are signed up for pre-paid legal services. Also
called legal insurance, these plans are similar to those provided by Health
Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) and cover the legal needs of the member,
spouse and any dependent children.

In a prepaid legal service plan, the customer pays a fixed monthly
subscription fee of up to $25 for the services of pre-selected lawyers.
The most basic plans provide advice and consultation by telephone. Plan
members receive a few hours of free office consultation with their assigned
attorney. They may also include review and advice on simple legal documents,
preparation, drafting or an update of a simple will. Phone calls and letters
can be written on behalf of members, a service helpful for credit problems
and consumer protection.
More comprehensive plans cover clients personal legal needs ranging from
services that require more time and effort on the part of your attorney,
such as contracts, wills and deeds, to legal representation in negotiations
and courts cases related to family matters, bankruptcy and real estate
issues.