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There was a massive flood in my apartment building. A pipe leading to the sprinkler system burst in the suite adjacent to me, resulting in two inches of water across my entire apartment. My insurance deductible is $1000. Since I am not at fault for this fiasco, shouldn't my building's insurance cover my deductible? [more inside]
posted by figaro at 5:54 PM - 14 answers

We are having our 2023 taxes done by a local company, and they recently let us know that they would be filing an extension for us. I know we still have to pay an “estimated tax” for both federal and state (CO), but never having done that before, I have no idea how to (1) estimate fed and state tax, and (2) pay these. Please explain like I’m five. There’s a reason we had professionals doing this. (I’ve asked them for help, but they’re apparently very busy, so I haven’t heard anything.)
posted by blurker at 3:22 PM - 14 answers

I would like to work toward my local government adding more protections for workers. If a local government in the USA wanted to make the area better for workers in the area, what measures might it put in place? And what would be your priorities? I mean for all workers in the area, and not just those employed by the local government. [more inside]
posted by NotLost at 10:45 AM - 19 answers

In addition to my full time job I work a part time remote job that requires me to have a wired internet connection into equipment they provide. Because of this I pay roughly $90 a month to maintain a separate internet connection for my home office. Many people have told me that I should be able to write this off on my taxes, but I'm not able to discover a way to do it without claiming to be self-employed (which I am not). Do you know how to do this?
posted by anastasiav at 9:36 AM - 7 answers

As a non-American, I have a hard time understanding how Trump and his lawyers, usually presented as incompetent idiots, are able to run circles around the US legal sytem. This is not question about Trump, but about the functioning of American justice. [more inside]
posted by elgilito at 10:19 AM - 29 answers

Can anyone recommend a good personal injury lawyer in Nashville? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:44 AM - 1 answers

I am looking for a primer on taxes as policy -- the pros and cons income tax, property tax, sales tax, wealth tax, etc., and about whether any of them are easier to implement or change, or more or less acceptable to voters, etc. I am interested in general but also especially as applied to U.S. municipalities.
posted by NotLost at 6:50 AM - 5 answers

During 2023, I had a job that took out taxes along with work as a contractor (1099), the first time this has ever happened in my life. I've used TurboTax before when it was non contractor work and it was fine and easy. Does the software work just as well for the above mentioned mix of work types? Or is there another recommendation? I am not in a state that has the free Direct To File program.
posted by clocksock at 6:43 AM - 6 answers

Hi there. I was abruptly fired by a university in Missouri after working there for a few years when they were made aware (via an anonymous letter) that I was guilty of some criminal charges 25 years ago. When they learned about the charges a week before, HR met with me to ask if it was true (and I confirmed it was) and assured me my job was not in jeopardy "at this time". I then met with my supervisor, who was supportive and said I've been nothing but professional. I'm writing an appeal letter to the school, making the following arguments. Any suggestions? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:56 AM - 18 answers

Recently, some asylum seekers landed on the mainland of Australia, within driving distance from Broome, and were then flown to Nauru for offshore processing. I knew about changes in the laws as they related to Australian islands/Australian waters, but I was shocked that people who landed on mainland Australia could be flown to Nauru. Has the law re: people landing on the Australian mainland changed, and if so, when did the law change?
posted by chariot pulled by cassowaries at 11:56 PM - 3 answers

Do reality competition shows in the US have to follow the same laws as other game shows? [more inside]
posted by downtohisturtles at 6:54 PM - 6 answers

We have some money that we had saved up for a down payment that -- due to life changes -- is now just waiting around until we figure out our next steps. A close blood relative is in need of ~$35k between buying a house, moving, and selling a house. The proceeds of the house sale will easily cover the loan, and we are not in need of the money anytime soon. Are there tax implications for either party if I simply "cut them a check" / wire transfer them the money if they pay it back this calendar year? Are their other legal or regulatory pitfalls I need to be aware of? [more inside]
posted by AbelMelveny at 3:36 PM - 14 answers

I’m looking for approachable media that provide a solid understanding of the Vietnam war. There are a plethora of documentaries titled “The Vietnam War” - same for books. There are also tons of podcasts on the subject. A bit of help narrowing it down would be welcome. [more inside]
posted by bunderful at 10:22 AM - 19 answers

My spouse was born and raised in the US, as a US citizen. We just legally determined that they are also a Canadian citizen. Do they need to file taxes in both countries? [more inside]
posted by happy_cat at 7:42 PM - 12 answers

I am on a flight from Salt Lake to Austin. There was a scam and everyone on flight is now a detective. No one has solved the case. [more inside]
posted by jasondigitized at 9:25 AM - 35 answers

On May 12, 1963, President Kennedy 1) federalized the Alabama National Guard and 2) deployed federal troops outside Birmingham. Which US military units did he deploy?
posted by LonnieK at 6:40 PM - 1 answers

And what is, I’m sure, a historic first, I am unhappy with my HOA. My specific frustration is selective enforcement and a new propensity to send nastygrams for things that aren’t even violations (eg dogs looking out a window). [more inside]
posted by whisk(e)y neat at 5:43 PM - 24 answers

Greetings All, I hope you are doing well! I recently told a partner I would share a link to an upcoming conference/summit focused on Paid Family Leave and Caregiving. Unfortunately, I'm unable to locate the link. Does this sound familiar to anyone? I am sure I saw it in a newsletter or on a listserv. Thank you in advance for your help! Best regards [more inside]
posted by Boyd at 4:10 PM - 2 answers

Two Canadians in Tampa this week want to attend some kind of pro-Trump event. [more inside]
posted by Frenchy67 at 9:03 AM - 14 answers

Upon the encouragement of nurses when I got my immunotherapy infusions in January, I applied for, and was approved for, Kaiser's medical financial assistance program. Would whatever payments they make for my medical services be taxable (ie, me report them on my taxes) next year? [more inside]
posted by dubious_dude at 5:55 PM - 3 answers