Archive through September 25, 2003
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TV ClubHouse: Archive: Newlyweds (ARCHIVES): Archive through September 25, 2003

Crazydog

Monday, September 22, 2003 - 03:16 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Where would they report the payments on their taxes? They are not in a trade or business which they run out of their home, so I don't see how they would deduct the cleaning expenses on their taxes. There is no such itemized deduction. There's no deduction for expenditures to make your home nice or clean - imagine how many people would start deducting the cost of their big screen TV "because it adds value to the home".

The only thing filling in a 1099-MISC for this woman is that if she is indeed self-employed, she will be liable for self-employment tax. If she is employed by an agency, I imagine the money she receives is turned over to the agency, who gives her some cut of it. Either way, Nick and Jessica would not be responsible for paying this woman's employment taxes - she is not their employee and even if she was, they would simply withhold the amount of the estimated employment taxes from her paycheck.

The entire discussion is moot if the woman is an illegal alien and doesn't pay taxes to begin with.

Gina8642

Monday, September 22, 2003 - 08:00 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
I'm not sure how it works, but I do know if you employ an independent contractor you are obligated to inform the IRS. I don't know any of the details, but I do know I used to work as an independant contractor and people who paid me were supposed to report that income (I'm not sure how) to the IRS. I was responsible for paying all the taxes.

If she works for an agency the point is moot - but if she works for an agency - why aren't they negotiating her pay?

I'm sure a tax lawyer/accountant would know more than I

Scorpiomoon

Monday, September 22, 2003 - 10:31 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Getting off the housecleaning topic for a sec:

I was watching a bit of 7th Heaven tonight. COrrect me if I'm wrong, but doesn't Jessica's younger sister have a role on this show (as Simon's girlfriend).

Since you guys have seen more episodes of this show than I have, has Jessica's sister (assuming does have one) ever make an appearance. And if she doesn't, why do you think that is?

Texannie

Tuesday, September 23, 2003 - 05:22 am EditMoveDeleteIP
Yes, Simon's girlfriend is Jessica's little sister.
I haven't seen her, but so far, you really haven't seen them interact with a whole lot of different people!

Scorpiomoon

Tuesday, September 23, 2003 - 05:36 am EditMoveDeleteIP
Texannie: So, are you saying the house cleaning chick should have gotten paid more than $20/hour for pretty much being their only friend? :)

Texannie

Tuesday, September 23, 2003 - 05:49 am EditMoveDeleteIP
ROFL!!!

Crazydog

Tuesday, September 23, 2003 - 08:44 am EditMoveDeleteIP
pssst... Gina, I'm a tax attorney/CPA, although that doesn't necessarily mean I always know what I'm talking about

Not to beat a horse, but I'm not sure exactly in what capacity you were working as an independent contractor. An independent contractor is a term used to distinguish someone who does work for you from an employee.

If the person does work for XYZ as an employee, then XYZ is responsible for reporting the wages to the IRS and withholding the proper amount of employment taxes. If XYZ pays the person for services as an independent contractor, then the person is responsible for paying the self-employment tax. XYZ reports the income to the IRS on the 1099-MISC so as to protect themselves from being responsible for the employment taxes.

If you are simply paying someone to clean your house, then I don't think that would qualify as an independent contractor. You are simply paying someone to do something for you. It's no different than the 20 bucks you pay the neighbor's kid (or any adult) to mow your lawn or shovel your driveway. As an individual, I am not in the business of maintaining my house, therefore I can't deduct it.

Now on the other hand, if I am a psychiatrist and I work out of my home, and I have a secretary come in three days a week for three hours a day, the secretary could be considered an independent contractor (since she probably does other work on the side). I can still deduct the money I pay her, because it is an office expense, but since she is not my employee I don't withhold her employment taxes and I file a form 1099-MISC.

I think that's how it works.

Bottom line is, I don't think the woman is from an agency. If she was from an agency, I don't think they would be able to negotiate her fees with her - I don't think she would have any power to do that, the agency would say how much the rates are, and if you don't like it, too bad.

I think she is simply one of those word-of-mouth maids. I really hope for her sake that she is not an illegal alien and is reporting her income to the IRS. Otherwise I would feel bad for her if her appearance on the show causes some kind of investigation.

Grooch

Tuesday, September 23, 2003 - 09:17 am EditMoveDeleteIP
Nanny Tax

Crazydog

Tuesday, September 23, 2003 - 09:50 am EditMoveDeleteIP
That's a great link, Grooch! thanks, I am going to print it out and put it in my files.

I would say that the cleaning lady is not a household employee, so therefore Nick and Jessica do not have to withhold her employment taxes or report the amounts they pay her. Her situation seems akin to the "Joan pays John for lawn care" example. The cleaning lady obviously does not spend the entire week at their house, and she did mention that she has other houses to clean, when she was talking about how much she gets paid to do other places.

Although it looks like she used their equipment (vacuums, mops, etc.) I think the fact that she has all these other gigs would be a controlling factor in classifying her as not being a household employee. At least how that's how I would argue it if there were ever any questions from the IRS.

Beachcomber88

Tuesday, September 23, 2003 - 12:40 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
I bow down to you Crazydog! I'll look you up come April of next year!

I had posted something last night, but it seems to have disappeared into the puzzling and nebulous area of Mod-world. Not sure why. I was only backing up Crazydog's idea that new accountants and doctors only get paid $40000 a year, and that's after years of schooling. In fact, I have a friend who as an intern (first year after medical school), only made $32000 a year here in Southern California. And she worked about 90 hours a week! That's about $7 an hour - barely minimum wage.

And I agree, if she were part of an agency, the rate would not be negotiable. I find it hard to believe that when Jessica/Jessica's people made the appointment, that they were not told the cost of the service. That would be unheard of if it were a big maid agency. Maybe she has an old billing stub from a previous job or from a friend that she uses to show people.

Texannie, just reread your post from above, it's clear from their golf ability that they are not regular golfers but rather recreational hackers. I don't know the first thing about golf etiquette except what I see on tv. I'd call myself a hacker at best. I've seen lots of people on my local golf course in shorts and a t-shirt. What's wrong with having an untucked shirt? I think if you're playing at Augusta, maybe, but otherwise I don't think this country club/local course would be all that snooty about it.

Looking forward to a night of laughs tonight.

Texannie

Tuesday, September 23, 2003 - 12:54 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Beachcomber, yep..they were definitely hackers, but did you notice how the other guy who golfed with them was dressed? Golf etiquette, even at public places, is usually pretty strict. Most courses I have seen have signs posted that say no jeans, no cut offs, shirts tucked in ect. When my son started playing Junior golf at 10, one of the first things they stressed was keeping the shirts tucked in (much to his chagrin! LOL)

Tuesdays are just becoming way too complicated with Joe Schmo, Newlyweds and Queer Eye all on and on separate channels!!

Crazydog

Wednesday, September 24, 2003 - 12:06 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
So either no one saw last night's show, or there's just no one interested in discussing it.

I'll start. When Jessica didn't want to eat the buffalo wings because "I don't eat buffalo"... it's intended to make you think that once again Jess is the stupidest thing this side of Timbuktu. But did anyone else think she really knew what it was, and she was just playing dumb for the cameras? Right after she said it, she kind of gives this sly glance upward to see Leah's reaction.

Sometimes I think she is purposely dumbing herself down because she thinks it is endearing in a helpless, childlike way. She probably thinks that Anna Nicole Smith got lots of laughs, but the problem is that people were laughing AT Anna Nicole, not with her. Other times I really do think her elevator doesn't rise to the top floor. Either way, it is entertaining.

Hoosiergirl

Wednesday, September 24, 2003 - 02:20 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
I don't know the tax laws in California, but I work as an independent contractor in the State of Virginia and these are our rules:

1. An independent contractor is NOT an employee. They are hired on a project to project basis, not a time basis are are paid a set fee per job. There are no employee benefits (health benefits, retirement, etc.) or employment contract. I sign a contract for every job I take stating I understand I am not an employee of the company and therefore am not entitled to any benefits. If I were injured within the scope of my work, the employer would NOT be liable for any worker's compensation or medical bills.

2. The businesses must file a 1099 if they pay me over $600 in any year. That's how they report it to the IRS. They claim it as a business operating expense. I am responsible for any self-employment tax.

As far as Nick & Jess deducting a housekeeper's pay, it depends on whether their house was bought by one of their corporations. Many entertainment groups and individuals have incorporated themselves. Everything they own is in the company's name. Therefore, any expenses paid to upkeep the property should be a tax deduction for the corporation. Course, they didn't get a receipt, so their tax accountant would probably advise them that they need to go through an agency next time so they can document the payment!

I did see the show this week. Just don't have that much to comment on! She's always whining about something, so THAT's nothing new.

But I am looking forward to next week's show. I love it when Nick calls her a spoiled brat. At least she's now admitting she is (and doesn't seem to be at all bothered by it).

I did like his comment to his brother about his "Five year plan to despoil her." Five years? I wouldn't have the patience.

I'm still trying to figure out WHY this man married her. He's obviously bothered by her princessness and at times exasperated by her high maintenance.

Am I the only one who wonders exactly what her reaction was on their wedding night? Especially since they waited? If she's this Miss Priss in her every day life, I'd be willing to bet she's not that imaginative in other areas.

Italiana

Wednesday, September 24, 2003 - 02:45 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
I too had the same thought...that Jessica may have been pulling our leg about thinking that Buffalo Wings were from buffalo...even...that she might think it was cute to play the part of the "dumb blond". But then I thought...would anyone REALLY want people to think they were stupid??? I came to the conclusion that(as Crazy says)she must think it endearing not to have a clue so the looks of wonder and awe are maybe exaggerated but real.

On the other hand, does anyone find it questionable for a newlywed to be judging (so therefore, involved) in a "The Best(insert a body part) Contest" while his wife is out of town? He knew that a camera crew was filming it. Maybe I am old fashioned but I found it to be tacky and not very respectful of Jessica. Also at the end he calls her a spoiled brat. He knew what he was getting when he married her, why berate her now?
I am almost feeling a bit sorry for her. But they
DO make me laugh!!!

Kady

Wednesday, September 24, 2003 - 02:54 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Okay everybody don't laugh....but I like Jessica. I've been wanting to admit it for awhile but was scared ya'll would think I was nuts. I find her sweet and refreshing. (Maybe, its because I'm just a wee bit spoiled myself.)

Alrighty......laugh away.

Lurkin

Wednesday, September 24, 2003 - 04:11 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
I think she really is that dumb. Let's put it a nicer way and say innocent. It told me alot that rather than her parents saying in the first episode, clean up you mansion, they said if she needs hired help we will help pay for it.

I thought it was funny when the little girl got the autograph and Nick said, guess she isn't a 90 degree fan.

Surprises me all the drinking for some reason

I love both of them and this show

Scorpiomoon

Wednesday, September 24, 2003 - 04:56 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Kady: I'm not going to laugh at you for liking Jessica. As much as I am amused by Jessica, I respect her. I think it takes a lot of fortitude to speak up and be honest when you're upset, feeling insecure or when you don't know something.

At least she doesn't seem to be pretending to be something she's not. But then again...

Italiana

Wednesday, September 24, 2003 - 06:33 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
I won't laugh either. The show "works" because Jessica is a nice person and Nick is pretty down to earth. I don't think either one of them have the "I-am-famous-and-have-lots-of-money" attitude. Her request for dinner remember, was Tony Roma's. But her sheltered life (besides not cultivating her taste buds)has not exposed her to the world, heck not even the town.

I guess one could blame the parents for her predicament in life. We shall see in the future if she grows (looks like she might, she tried some adventurous things on vacation) and starts becoming her own person. If not Nick might get tired of having a damsel that is always in distress to look after. I hope they make it!

Scorpiomoon

Wednesday, September 24, 2003 - 09:36 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
I just saw the camping episode.

Two things come to mind.

Do you guys notice how similiar Jessica and Lea are? I can't help but wonder if Nick and Drew are following some sort of example set by their parents--the woman is the "weaker" one in the relationship while the man takes the dominant role.

Only going by the way this show is edited, I don't know how Nick maintains his patience with her. But then again, I wonder if he is naturally attracted to someone who isn't on the same level he is.

In this episode, Jessica was using the word "facetious" and said it was "one of those SAT words I never got to use". I'm assuming this meant she never took the SAT test.

Question: if you don't take the SAT, does that mean you can't graduate or does it mean you can graduate but not get into college?

(Being in Canada, I've heard references to SATs, but never fully understood what they were for.)

Alakaren

Wednesday, September 24, 2003 - 10:23 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
You don't have to take the SATs to graduate from high school.

Texannie

Thursday, September 25, 2003 - 05:32 am EditMoveDeleteIP
SAT's are entrance exams for college. It has nothing to do with whether or not you graduate high school, but is very necessary to get into college.

Scorpiomoon

Thursday, September 25, 2003 - 06:01 am EditMoveDeleteIP
Texannie: Thank you!

So, I guess that means Jessica wasn't planning on majoring in muclear physics any time soon.

Texannie

Thursday, September 25, 2003 - 06:31 am EditMoveDeleteIP
ROFL!!! nope, I think she had to shelve those ambitions for her music! I am actually wondering if she got her GED rather than complete high school.

Crazydog

Thursday, September 25, 2003 - 07:53 am EditMoveDeleteIP
I believe Jessica does have a GED.

Scorpiomoon

Thursday, September 25, 2003 - 09:53 am EditMoveDeleteIP
"muclear"? Man, I shouldn't be dissing Jessica and should be taking a typing class!