Blogs

In light of recent events, namely the U.S Supreme Court’s refusal to stay a U.S District Court’s decision that Alabama’s same-sex marriage ban was unconstitutional, it is important for Alabamians to know that the Social Security Administration has begun accepting benefit applications for same-sex couples in states where it is legal.

There are a lot of myths, half-truths and misconceptions surrounding bankruptcy, but this particular one comes up over and over again:

Nobody likes getting a phone call from a debt collector. If you’re being called about a legitimate debt that you know that you owe, your sense of your moral obligation to pay the debt is usually weighing heavily on your mind. After all, if you had the funds, you’d pay the debt and wouldn’t be getting calls in the first place.

I read with interest an article on myfoxal.com which discussed the potential layoff of hundreds of workers at the Fairfield Tubular Operations and Fairfield Works in the Birmingham, AL area. Nearly 1600 workers received notices but the actual number will depend on market demand according to the article.

Although bankruptcy can be a powerful tool for eliminating debt, not all debts can be wiped away.  In addition, many clients are unsure of the effects of eliminating debts and often engage in wishful thinking regarding the outcome of the case.

The Home Affordable Refinance Plan (HARP) is set to expire on December 31, 2015. Many Americans remain unaware of the program at all, much less that they may lose the opportunity to benefit from it later this year.

Most of you have received or will be receiving all the important tax documents like your W-2s and 1099s in the mail at this time of year so that you can start preparing your 2014 tax returns yourself or have a professional prepare them for you.

So what happens if you receive a 1099-C in the mail and you have already filed for bankruptcy protection?

There is one thing that many people agree on: Low gas prices are good. As of today, the national average price for a gallon of regular gasoline is around $2.04. This is quite a change from the average a year ago of $3.28.

Tax season is beginning, and with that comes tax questions about a variety of topics. Today, I am going to give a short overview on the estate tax.