Just an FYI, not all workers pay into Social Security. As a state employee, I don't; I can't. I have to pay into the Ohio state employees' pension fund instead, and you better believe I have a lot more faith in Social Security existing in the long-distant future when I may someday be eligible to retire.

Working at the library on tax filing weekend is trying. No, there is no longer a 1040-EZ form. No, we at the library cannot get a 1099 for you; your employer should send you that. No, I do not magically know which schedule you need, but if you figure it out, I can print it for you for free, because the IRS no longer sends paper forms so now the library bears the cost of printing them for the people whom the internet has not yet reached.

Every new image I see of Notre Dame is worse, but they restored Windsor Castle...

The live stream coverage is just heart wrenching.

WTF is happening in Paris? I am shocked.

I cannot get nmy stupid CA return to handle my capital loss carryover. This is why I use H&R Block, because it's done this for me in all previous years, suddenly it's a problem. Bah.

Oh man!!! I guess that's one less sight to see on my trip this summer dang. I've never been.

Remember actors and other performers are considered "specified service businesses" under Section 199A.

Just an FYI, this is only applicable to high-income earners (above $150K or so for singletons, $300K or so for marrieds) so if you earn under that amount you can take the QBI/199A deduction regardless, which I hope every freelancer here did if they are under the threshold--since the deduction is either 20% of your AGI (before the deduction) or 20% of your Schedule C income, whichever is lower. It can be quite significant.

I hate that this stupid new tax reform actually benefits me, but as a single person who didn't itemize before and a freelancer who can take the QBI, it really does. Between that and the ridiculously high San Francisco ACA subsidy cliff levels that I managed to just be under, I got enough back to pay my first quarterly payment.

Every new image I see of Notre Dame is worse, but they restored Windsor Castle...

The mayor has said emergency plans to save any artwork and relics still left are underway but I can't imagine it's not going to be almost a total loss. Much of the medieval framing and oldest art is wood.

Video of the spire falling: [link]

Yes, the reports I am hearing now expect a total loss. It is really hard to watch.

I cannot get nmy stupid CA return to handle my capital loss

-t, if you don't find the solution, send me an email, I can probably help.