Pain in the Tax

By Danzine, Author: Teresa

You can skip town, jump ship, dodge darts, and pass the pickles, but you can not NOT file your taxes. I failed to file the last couple of years and was scared shitless to confess my sins to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) I ended up seeing them in person and asked for help. The nice government lady assured me, "It is never too late to file", and gave me the appropriate forms.

Dancers are Independent Contractors in Oregon. That means we are self employed, and can submit a 1040-ES Estimated Tax for Individuals. This is a "pay as you go" process, dividing your tax payments quarterly (four times a year). For example, you file it for 1995, based on what you EXPECT to make this year. Then in 1996 you file a 1040, and show the IRS if you guessed correctly. If you work it girl,( save your receipts!) you can get money back at the beginning of next year. It also means we can write off our business expenses. Before y'all buy the town lunch on your 'expense account', check out the thin pamphlet, Miscellaneous Deductions (pub.529). Page 5 describes what is considered work clothes and uniforms.

If it's yesteryear you're more concerned with, the 1040 seems to be the most probable form to file. It's a one pager, double sided, and it ain't so bad. Keep your eye on line 25, it can save you money. The pamphlet, Self-Employment Tax (pub.533), will tell you how.

*WORD* Write your Social Security # on all checks and money orders sent to the IRS. Throw down the year you're paying for as well.

Ask if you're eligible for Earned Income Credit (pub.596) If you're at least 25 yrs, do not have a child, and made less than $9,000 or have a child and made under $25,000, you may get some money back!

The IRS is under law not to only to help us free of charge, but to be cordial and patient with us too. I recommend the walk in service, rather than calling them for advice. Their phone is always busy and it drives me crazy. You can find them at 1220 SW 3rd, between Madison and Jefferson, in the Federal Building. Security will check your I.D. and your belongings. Think nothing of it to keep asking the IRS people a million questions; the only reason why they are there, are because of us.

IRS Toll Free 1-800-829-1040

Danzine was a progressive program running for nearly 9 years, starting out as a 'zine and eventually including needle exchange programs, a thrift shop, and international distribution of their printed 'zine. Founded by Teresa Dulce, Danzine continues to be an inspiration in spite of its sad closure in 2003.