It's complicated because of the calculations you have to go through, and you have to do it for regular tax and for AMT. It gets very complex.

Ford's federal income tax rate was just 2.3 percent in 2009 even though it made $3 billion in profits.

If your income is too high, this will be the only type of IRA contribution you are allowed.

What's the value of two large trees that got knocked over due to lightning?

Get last year's return file, and look at all items under income and deductions. Based on the prior year, you may already have phone numbers you can call.

I think it's a major issue for this year. The city is certainly doing it to raise revenue -- and I think it will be a source of revenue for them.