Tax advice from the HR guru

In 2008 the IRS received over 141 million tax returns. 70 percent were filed electronically. 110 million were due refunds, averaging $2,753.
They predict it will take an average of 21.4 hours to complete a basic form 1040, this year.
The personal exemption increased to $3,650.
The standard deduction increased, to $11,400 for married couples filing jointly, $5,700 for individuals and $8,350 for heads of household.
Tax brackets have been adjusted upward by about 5 percent.
If you choose to increase your standard deduction by one or more of these items, you'll have to file a new form Schedule L.

The three deductions for state or local real estate taxes, sales or excise taxes on new car purchases or net disaster losses can be taken if you itemize.
There are expanded tax credits for home purchases and education. And the tax credit for home energy efficiency has been reinstated.

Remember a credit reduces the amount of tax you owe; a deduction reduces the income on which your taxes are assessed

If you're a moderate-income worker, you might have some money due to you. A new form, Schedule M, will have to be filed to claim the credit.

****For people who lost jobs, the first $2,400 in unemployment benefits is not taxable...

Post Recession Recovery?

Economic indicators suggest recovery is underway. Struggles in 2008 and 2009 will require refocus in 2010 when business looks for fast growth. Organizations have been focused on retrenchment. So refocus and reengage employees for the turnaround.

The thaw begins

According to recent reports the hiring freeze is about to thaw.
The problem is that many recruiting operations have been so deeply cut-back that many find themselves unable to cope, let alone compete. And while employers have been struggling with contraction, the web has exploded changing how we recruit online forever. Sites like LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter have seen unprecedented growth. If you do not know what being FB'd, tweeted or IN means you may want to find out soon. The labor shortage is not far away.

Accomplish your goals

When searching for a job, there is no excuse for added stress due to clutter and disorganization, get yourself organized. Have 2-3 versions of your resume written, your 3 minute story, cover letters, thank you templates and your answers to the top 10 interview questions, etc. If you are the type of person that delays doing these things you know need to be done, it will cause unnecessary stress throughout your job search. As soon as you find a job that interests you, immediately take the next step and apply for the position. Than set aside time to find someone to speak within the company about the role.
It is easy to become overwhelmed with the amount of work that needs to get done to land your next career. First you need to set goals than maintain a set schedule to ensure you are using your time wisely so you can accomplish your goals in a timely manner. IE apply to 3 positions in my key industry and contact 5 new people to add to my network.
By understanding where you are in your job search and taking pride in your accomplishments, it not only reduces stress, it helps motivate you to keep going and will help you land that next dream career!
Good Luck!

Focus, stay the course

Today's business environment is increasingly complex. The ability to stay competitive in an ever-changing marketplace is critical to achieving success. Without the ability to stay the course towards a predefined objective and implementing change throughout the business to achieve that objective, an organization will falter. Maintain focus

Master Storyteller

Being a master storyteller is part of the magic formula for knocking the interview out of the park. If you provide static and robotic answers to questions, they don't give employers any insight to your approach or expertise. Responding to interview questions and providing concrete and relevant answers that demonstrate your ability to execute job duties by way of a story may be the most convincing way to win over employers.
Identify potential interview questions and quiz yourself on how you would answer each. Think about a specific story that demonstrates how you solved a problem or made a difference in the company. This is critical to painting the picture of how your skill sets and experience can benefit the company.

Explore your options

It’s important to remain flexible, patient and open-minded as you determine which direction you plan to take.