RachelRichardson.org

Turbo Tax is a godsend, but even with my online automator, tax filing has suddenly become a real pain this year.

I usually get back at least $1,300 in school credits, but since Brandon and I are married now, we either have to file married filing jointly or married filing separately. If we do separate tax forms, I cannot claim school credits at all. If we file jointly, we cannot claim school credits if our adjusted gross incomes exceed $80k. This number does not adjust for regional rates of inflation, either. So, someone in California who makes $200k annually is on the same par as that of someone of a proportionate income-level living in the Midwest – where housing rates and cost of living is much lower – who makes $80k a year.

And this is despite the fact that Brandon and I married in June – we were married for just half the year, but we have to file as married for the entire year.

I’ve stopped trying to make sense of it all. All I know is that I now miss out on education credits that I have earned and deserve. Way to promote higher learning there, federal government.

Posted in Academics, Personal | 1 Comment »

I’ve been incredibly lax in updating our new online photo album, but while procrastinating over homework last night, I did get the chance to add highlights from our recent trip to New York.

And for Charlynn, I uploaded photos of our Teddy cat – since we seem to have this very weird cosmic connection.

Posted in Personal | No Comments »

So, most who know me are aware that I did not change my name (or identity) when Brandon slid that size-5 silver ring on my finger. And those who really know me, know why I oppose the practice.

Despite numerous letters of complaint, Brandon and I continue to receive mailings from the Cincinnati Museum Center addressed to Mr. and Mrs. Brandon X. So, the fact that I would receive the below member newsletter from the Cincinnati Zoo kind of thrills me.

Posted in Feminism, Personal | No Comments »