I just had to share this as my absolute favorite ‘newsletter’ from my hilarious CPA. Steven Axelrod (415/864-1828). Wouldn’t it be nice if we call could give advice made simple just like this? My sorry attempt is below Steven’s. Please share yours, too.

Tax Newsletter – January 2010

PART 1: NEW FEDERAL AND STATE LAW CHANGES(not necessarily in order of importance)

ENCHANCED FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYER CREDIT – EXCELLENT

EXCLUSION FOR UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION – GOOD

MAKING WORK PAY AND GOVERNMENT RETIREE CREDITS:
MAKING WORK PAY CREDIT – GOOD
ECONOMIC RECOVERY PAYMENT – EXCELLENT
GOVERNMENT RETIREE CREDIT – VERY GOOD

SALES TAX ON NEW CARS – GOOD

AMERICAN OPPORTUNITY CREDIT (formerly the hope credit) – EXCELLENT

RESIDENTIAL ENERGY CREDITS:
NON-BUSINESS ENERGY PROPERTY CREDIT – EXCELLENT
RESIDENTAL ENERGY EFFICIENT PROPERTY CREDIT – EXCELLENT

CALIFORNIA NEW JOBS CREDIT – VERY GOOD.

CALIFORNIA DEPENDENT CREDIT REDUCED – VERY BAD (but only in CA)

IRS COBRA PREMIUM SUBSIDY – NOT GOOD

CA ‘– USE TAX’ FILING REQUIREMENTS FOR BUSINESS – BAD

NEW REVENUE RULINGS AND REVENUE PROCEDURES DETAILING TAX BENEFITS AND PROCEDURES TO VICTIMS OF PONZI SCHEMES – EXCELLENT

NEW CALIFORNIA MAXIMUM TAX RATE FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH TAXABLE INCOMES OF $1 MILLION OR LESS – BAD

NEW CA ESTIMATED TAX REQUIREMENTS (FORM 5805) – NEUTRAL

CASH FOR CLUNKERS – GOOD AND BAD

MORTGAGE INTEREST UPDATE – GOOD AND BAD

CA IOUs – (my opinion.) BAD

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OK, let me try this with a few marketing ideas:

WEBSITE: good only if you promote and optimize it.

SOCIAL MEDIA: bad. we all hate twitter. but darn, it’s really good for outreach.

DIRECT MAIL: good if done right, not spammy

SALES: good. People mostly fear sales just because it’s not done authentically.

OK, your turn! Give us your best wisdom. After all, knowledge is bliss.