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Carl Craft

Carl Craft

Carl Craft

Local Rock Photographer Has Go Fund Me For Medical Help And We’re Here For It

Author Carl Craft
A Go Fund Me has been set up to help out local rock photographer Jeff Crespi.

I forget when I first met Jeff Crespi but I guarantee it was at a local club and I guarantee Jeff had his camera.  Jeff has been a fixture on the local rock scene for as long as I can remember.  He’s at every show.  It doesn’t matter if the show is a local gig with 12 people or 12, 000… Jeff is there documenting for the local scene with his camera and putting the pictures out for everyrone to see.  Jeff is the most welcoming guy back stage.  He’s always there with a smile, a hand shake a hug for everyone.  When I saw that a friend of his put together a Go Fund Me for Jeff, I knew I wanted to share the story.

Jeff is that kind of guy.  There isn’t a venue that his camera hasn’t visited:  The Pony, Starland, Arts Center, a local bar or V.F.W.  He’s been there for the local scene and it looks like it’s time for the local scene to be there for him.  So, if you have a moment, please consider helping out.  Click here for the link.

Here’s what’s up:  Jeff’s been dealing with mind-numbing hip pain.  Obviously, being a concert photographer requires Jeff to be nimble and on his feet for hours at a time.  Being in pain just walking is from point A to point B is brutal.  The cure for that kind of thing is hip replacement surgery.  As you may know, hip replacement surgery isn’t a new thing.  The process has been around for a long time.  Anyone who has gone through hip replacement will tell ya, it’s a journey to get back to normal.  Lots of painful physical therapy is involved in the process.

Our pal Jeff is having a DOUBLE hip replacement, which seems kind of incredible.  Most people who need both hips done space the procedures out by about a year so they can rehab and figure out how to walk again one leg at a time.  Jeff is tackling the thing all at once.  That’s gonna be one seriously painful and hard rehab.  But, Jeff has the positivity to get it done.

Because the rehab will take forever, Jeff will be out of his normal everyday job and his friends have put together an opportunity to help him out with this Go Fund Me.  Rock on Jeff!

Tax Deductions and Credits That Could Save You Big

Tax season is truly in full swing. Tax deductions and credits are there to help people, so why not take the help? It might seem like a headache having to go through a long list of possible deductions, but it’s really not so bad. I’ve gathered some information directly from the IRS to help you save this tax season. So, let’s get into the dollars and cents.

Before we get into the savings, let’s look at how credits and deductions work. According to the IRS, “You can claim credits and deductions when you file your tax return to lower your tax. Make sure you get all the credits and deductions you qualify for.”

The definition of a credit, according to the IRS, is “an amount you subtract from the tax you owe. This can lower your tax payment or increase your refund.” They note that some credits are refundable. That means “they can give you money back even if you don’t owe any tax.” If you want to claim credits, you must answer questions in your tax filing software. Or, if you’re doing taxes the old-fashioned way, you’ll have to fill out a form and attach it.

The definition of a deduction, according to the IRS, is “an amount you subtract from your income when you file so you don’t pay tax on it. By lowering your income, deductions lower your tax.” In order to do this, you have to have documents to show expenses or losses you want to deduct. You can do this via tax software or, if you’re filing a paper return, your deductions go on Form 1040 and you may need to attach extra forms.

Now, the fun part. Read on for tax deductions and credits that could save you cash this season. Here’s hoping that Uncle Sam treats you well.

  • Standard deduction amounts

    The standard deduction for 2023 is $13,850 for single or married filing separately; $27,700 for married couples filing jointly or qualifying surviving spouse; and $20,800 for head of household. “If you’re married filing separately, you can’t take the standard deduction if your spouse itemizes. You must both choose the same method,” the IRS says.

    To find the standard deduction if you’re over 65 or blind, go here. To find the standard deduction if you’re a dependent on someone else’s tax return, go here.

    Investors are calculating profits and costs with calculators, growth and investment chart analysis, business planning and strategies to maximize sales profits. Long term business plan.

    Getty Images / Thapana Onphalai

  • Deductible expenses whether you take the standard deduction or itemize

    According to the IRS, you can deduct these expenses whether you take the standard deduction or itemize:

    Alimony payments
    Business use of your car
    Business use of your home
    Money you put in an IRA
    Money you put in health savings accounts
    Penalties on early withdrawals from savings
    Student loan interest
    Teacher expenses
    For some military, government, self-employed and people with disabilities: work-related education expenses
    For military servicemembers: moving expenses

    Tax deduction planning concept. Businessman calculating business balance prepare tax reduction. taxes paid by individuals and corporations such as VAT, income tax and property tax.

    Getty Images / Shutthiphong Chandaeng

  • Deductible expenses if you itemize

    According to the IRS, you can deduct these expenses if you itemize:

    Bad debts
    Canceled debt on home
    Capital losses
    Donations to charity
    Gains from sale of your home
    Gambling losses
    Home mortgage interest
    Income, sales, real estate and personal property taxes
    Losses from disasters and theft
    Medical and dental expenses over 7.5% of your adjusted gross income
    Miscellaneous itemized deductions
    Opportunity zone investment

    Amount you owe line on income tax return forms, cash money and calculator. Federal tax return, income tax, tax refund and payment concept.

    Getty Images / JJ Gouin

  • Frequently asked questions

    Tax season can be a confusing time. There are lots of bits and piece that you have to put together. That said, the IRS has a very helpful page with frequently asked questions. Find the list of questions and answers here. As always, it’s also a good idea to get a professional to help with any questions.

    Young woman working with tax form.

    Getty Images / alfexe

When Carl is not working at the greatest rock radio station known to mankind; a station known around the globe; a station that has the best music, co-workers, advertisers and most importantly THE BEST F'N LISTENERS you may find me doing any one of the following: Riding or making mountain bike trails. playing with his kids. playing sand volleyball on 5th Ave, cooking amazing food, including on his sweet smoker grill, going to concerts, swimming in the ocean, going to amusement parks with his kids, and other stuff that rocks!

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Author Carl Craft
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