Consuela, we have brunch in Napa planned for next weekend--any interest?

On board now. I think I may actually get a whole row to myself. Shook

Speaking of which---dinner on the evening of the 30th, Suela?

I think I'm two episodes behind on The Good Wife. I do really like the show.

Doing my taxes. I suspect I didn't fill out the Use Tax last year, because I think I would remember the annoyance. I hate the concept anyway, but at least in NY you could choose the fixed amount. Am I missing something, or is everyone supposed to have receipts for the whole year for this?

I don't even know what that is.

mac is with Uncle G, day is gorgeous, windows are open, music is playing, wearing vintage dress, like life, the end.

Use tax is an attempt for the state to recapture sales tax for items bought out of state. I'm not saying you don't have to report it, megan, but I don't think they enforce it. It's free money to them.

I don't even know what that is.

It is a tax for Internet purchases. Basically, if you buy something that is used, consumed, or stored in CA, you should be paying CA tax on it.

For example, Amazon, iTunes, etc. don't charge me any sales tax when I buy something. Or, if I buy something in another state I (by default since SF tax is 9.5%) pay a lower sales tax than CA.

So, if I want to fill out my income tax form, I have to calculate how many purchases I made that fits one of the descriptions above, add those up and multiply by 9.5%, and then subtract any out of state tax I may have paid. And then add that tax to my CA income tax return.

In NY, it was a flat fee of $60(?) or you could calculate if you thought it was less than that.

I don't itemize, so I don't keep receipts. But I charge almost everything to my Amex, so now I am going through those charges and trying to figure out what this might apply to. It is ridonkulous since I can't imagine most people bother. However, I prefer not to commit tax fraud.

Old-Timey Predator Will Joyride Into Your Heart

I say old bean, is that a Yautja on a penny-farthing velocipede? By gum, I haven't beheld such a spectacle since eleventy-twelve! And lo! Our pedal-pushing intergalactic sportsmen totes one of those newfangled heliumized air bladders! What delicious farce!

Cereal to add: I'm just annoyed that my taxes, which should take less than 30 minutes to complete, will now take substantially longer than normal.

I guess going forward I will try to mark this on Money when I import things. But, speaking to Bon's point, they should either not include this or make it easier for people to comply.

Meara -- the 30th works! I shall put you in my calendar. And scout out a place to go...