Sometimes, we scratch our heads at certain taxes. Taxes can be a complicated and grueling process. But that’s why TaxSlayer.com is here to give you a heads up on state taxes. Here a list of the some of the most interesting state tax laws in the US. 1. The Blueberry Tax of MainMaine is blueberry central. They produced 83 million pounds of wild blueberries last year. According to state laws, anyone who grows, buys, sells, or handles blueberries is subject to the three-fourths of a penny per pound tax. The $1.5 million in revenue has been used for research and educational programs to help the crop grow better. 2. Hawaii’s “exceptional trees”If you are into gardening in Hawaii, you can deduct up to $3,000 for maintaining your trees. The tree must have historical and cultural significance. The state has over 1,000 “exceptional trees.” 3. The Flush Tax of MarylandSince 2004, all households get charged an extra $2.50 to their monthly water bill. The tax has produced over $370 million since 2004. The extra money has helped the state develop better technological processes for making water cleaner. 4. Arkansas “damaged cars” Since Arkansas is prone to bad storms, there is a sales tax extended to cars that have been affected by natural disasters. The law applies to vehicles whose damage causes the car to be reduced to 30% of it’s value. 5. Premarital Counseling in South CarolinaIf you plan on getting married in South Carolina, you are eligible for a $50 credit for receiving pre-marital counseling. As long as the counseling is done by a certified clergy member and the couple receives a marriage license during that year, they are eligible for the money. 6. Live Long in New Mexico If you are over 100 years of age and not claimed as a depended, you are exept from income tax in New Mexico. These may seem like strange laws, but they are all real and possibly beneficial to you as a taxpayer. There are tons of state taxes that apply to you and your family. Luckily, TaxSlayer.com has a tremendous support team that is willing to help you with any questions you may have about e-filing your state taxes.

When kids are out of school, you don’t want them to wander the streets all day. Summer day camps have become extremely helpful for working parents. Now, they are even more helpful when it comes to taxes. These extra expenses for summertime care can actually help you qualify for a tax credit. During school vacation, children under 13 can attend many different types of summer camps. These camps are provided by non-profits, the YMCA, and local churches to name a few. The IRS understands the added expenses, and they want you to know some facts about receiving credit for the camp costs. The five facts are listed below to qualify for the Child and Dependent Care Credit. 1. The amount of money paid for the day camp can contribute as an expense towards the child and dependent care credit. 2. Overnight camp expenses do not qualify for the credit. 3. Whether your childcare provider is a daycare facility or a sitter outside the home, you'll get some type of tax benefit if you qualify for the credit. 4. Depending on your income, the credit can be up to 35 percent of your qualifying expenses. 5. You may use up to $3,000 of the unreimbursed expenses paid in a year for one qualifying individual or $6,000 for two or more qualifying individuals to figure the credit. These expenses are not exclusive to summer camps. Any childcare expenses that qualify can be used for the Child and Dependent Care Credit. TaxSlayer.com has these instructions built into the program for e-filing federal taxes. The helpful interview process can guarantee you the biggest refund. For more information check out IRS Publication 503, Child and Dependent Care Expenses. Please contact TaxSlayer.com if you have any questions about the credit as well.

There are many small things you can do around the house to save money on your household bills. Have you tried any of the following tips before? • Try to use your dishwasher instead of washing by hand • Avoid running your dishwasher until it is full • Replace your toilet flapper annually • User a local car wash instead of washing your car at home • Have annual maintenance performed on your HVAC system • Change your air filters regularly • Wash Laundry in Cold Water These items can help reduce your power and water bills little by little. Do you have any tips for saving on household expenses?

We all appreciate the sacrifice that our soldiers make for our country. This is one of the reasons that TaxSlayer.com offers free e-file for military members and families. There is more good news due to a new law, and many military families may be eligible for a stimulus payment this fall. Because of new legislation, the HEART Act (Heroes Earnings Assistance and Relief Tax Act of 2008) will offer a stimulus payment. Before the new act, some military members or families did not receive payment because of an absence of a SSN for a spouse or a child. Below is a quote from the IRS Commissioner: "The IRS wants to make it as easy as possible for military families to get the stimulus payments authorized by the new law. People who already have filed don’t need to do anything else to get their money. We’ll do the rest,” said IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman. “We will work as quickly as possible to put these new provisions in place while making sure the rest of the stimulus payment program continues smoothly through the summer and fall." This November, the Treasury Department will mail checks and make deposits to the qualified military families. Time frame for payments has not been set, but there will be an announcement later in the year. The number of families is estimated to be around 10,000. The IRS has even gone so far as to work with the Department of Defense. They want to make sure that eligible families get their payments from the HEART Act. There are complexities with making the new payments, but the IRS should be commended for doing their best to take care of military personnel and their families. You must have filed a 2007 federal tax return to get the stimulus payment. Even if you e-filed your return, as long as your return was accepted, you are eligible. If you are a married couple that filed a joint return, you don’t need to take any further action. For those that qualify, you should receive a payment up to $1,200 and $300 for each child under 17. Remember that these stimulus payments for military members are based on 2007 returns so if you have not filed a 2007 tax return, make sure to do it as soon as possible.