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FARRIER APPOINTMENT SERVICE TEAM, INC.
NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2004

www.farrierappointmentserviceteam.com
Member of Farrier Industry Association (FIA)

I wish you the happiest of holidays filled with great memories to carry you through the New Year. 

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Now that the year is coming to an end, it is time to start thinking about your business for 2005 and your taxes for 2004. I hope that you have a very reliable accountant and if you don’t, start looking for one. If you do your own taxes, make sure you know of a professional that you can contact when you have questions.

How long must I keep tax records?

Do you keep your personal tax records stashed in an old shoebox? Or perhaps you maintain a meticulous spreadsheet. Either way, you’ve probably asked the same question, “How long must I keep these records?” The answer depends on a number of factors.

First, it depends on the accuracy of your return. Generally, the IRS statute of limitations expires three years after filing, so you must retain all documents used to file the return for at least that long. However, if income on a return is understated by more than 25%, the IRS has six years to audit the return. There is not statute of limitation when fraud of failure to file is involved. To be safe, keep all documents used to prepare your return for at least seven years and save copies of your completed returns forever.

Secondly, it depends on the type of record. Records of capital asset purchases, such as stocks, should be kept for seven years after the asset is sold to prove the cost basis. Worthless securities and bad debts can be written off seven years after the fact, so hold on to related documents for at least that long. Homeowners should keep original purchase documents, plus major improvement receipts, for seven years after they sell their home.

When you organize your files, keep in mind the following oft-forgotten items:
  • Receipts provided by charities for gifts of $250.00 or more.
  • Brokerage statements showing trade dates and amounts.
  • IRA contribution information.
  • Moving and job hunting receipts.

Good recordkeeping pays off in the long run. A little organizing now can save big headaches later.
(Remember; do not apply general tax information to your specific situation without additional details and/or professional assistance.)
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Today, the smartest animal of Wall Street isn’t the bull or the bear. It’s the chicken.
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Please, please, please! Farriers have lots to share from their work experience. I would like to include information from you, the farrier in future newsletters. Maybe you have some words of wisdom that can benefit others. You may have some news that you would like others to know about or maybe you attended a clinic that you thought was well worth your time. We all benefit from sharing. You can send your information to carla@farrierappointmentserviceteam.com. Please make sure you give me your name and what state you are from so I can give you proper acknowledgement for the piece.

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The following is a blatant advertisement for
Farrier Appointment Service Team, Inc.

I’m your personal receptionist only better!

Farrier Appointment Service Team, Inc. is a first of its kind service for individual farriers. This service is tax deductible (cost of doing business) and can be customized to fit your needs. Even though our service requires a one year contract we are now giving you your first month FREE when you become a Farrier Appointment Service Team client! That means you can try our service, to see if it works for you, for one month with no obligation! Yep! No obligation!

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I am always open for suggestions on how Farrier Appointment Service Team, Inc. can help you, the farrier, have more free time and be more successful. I deem all suggestions and comments, good or bad, valuable. Send suggestions to carla@farrierappointmentserviceteam.com

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If you do not wish to receive this newsletter, please go to the e-mail address below and type remove in the subject line. carla@farrierappointmentserviceteam.com 
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