- NEW!
Answer to:
Do you have service area maps available on your Verizon Wireless website?
Yes, service area maps are available on our website.
Click Here:
http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/CoverageLocatorController?requesttype=NEWREQUEST
to view your local coverage area.
Answer to:
Why was I billed on my Verizon Wireless account for incomplete calls while roaming when I'm not charged for them in my home service area?
When roaming, you may be charged for incomplete calls based on the visited market's billing policyfor rating calls.
http://support.vzw.com/faqs/Wireless%20Service/faq_domestic_roaming.html#item1
Answer to:
Why does it take up to two billing statements for all of my roaming charges to appear on my Verizon Wireless account?
Some carriers take up to 45 days to forward roaming charges to our company. Therefore, there may be a delay in billing roaming charges resulting in charges to subscribers appearing on multiple billing statements.
http://support.vzw.com/faqs/Wireless%20Service/faq_domestic_roaming.html#item1
Answer to:
How do I place calls when roaming on Verizon Wireless in the United States?
In most areas, simply dial the area code and number for both long distance and local calls. In some areas, you may need to dial a "1" before the area code and number.
http://support.vzw.com/faqs/Wireless%20Service/faq_domestic_roaming.html#item1
Answer to:
In reference to Verizon Wireless, what is roaming?
Roaming is the ability to place and receive calls on cellular networks outside your home service area.
http://support.vzw.com/faqs/Wireless%20Service/faq_domestic_roaming.html#item1
Answer to:
How does Verizon Wireless help ensure its customer service efforts perform at the highest level?
In addition to providing extensive training to its customer service representatives, Verizon Wireless consistently runs quality checks to ensure its customer service best practices are working. One way Verizon Wireless does this is through executive shopping visits, where executives visit Verizon Wireless Communications Stores in their region to experience first-hand Verizon Wireless customer...
Answer to:
What kind of training do Verizon Wireless customer service and store representatives receive?
Verizon Wireless is committed to resolving customer issues quickly and accurately, which is why Verizon Wireless customer service and Communications store employees receive extensive training before they begin working with customers. All employee-facing representatives also participate in ongoing training, including product launch training surrounding the introduction of new products.
...
Answer to:
How many call centers does Verizon Wireless have?
To support the company's commitment to customer satisfaction, Verizon Wireless currently operates 26 call centers.
http://support.vzw.com/faqs/Wireless%20Service/faq_commitment_to_customer_satisfaction.html#item1
Answer to:
How many Verizon Wireless Communications Stores are there?
There are 2,200 Verizon Wireless Communication Stores located across the country including Verizon Wireless Communications Stores within Circuit City stores. The stores provides customers with face-to-face access to Verizon Wireless' highly trained customer service representatives and enables Verizon Wireless to deliver a consistent customer service experience to its customers.
...
Answer to:
How can Verizon Wireless customers reach customer service representatives?
Customer service is available by calling 800-2-JOIN-IN (1.800.256.4646) or *611 from a wireless phone. Verizon Wireless customer service representatives are professionals who are trained to help customers with any problem they may have with their wireless service or equipment.
http://support.vzw.com/faqs/Wireless%20Service/faq_commitment_to_customer_satisfaction.html#item1
Answer to:
How many tattoos or piercings do you have if any? And where are they?
AB-Answerbot has an Answerbag tatoo.
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Answer to:
Is Verizon's My Account available in Spanish?
Yes. Verizon Wireless now offers Mi Cuenta, a Spanish version of My Account. Like My Account, Mi Cuenta provides Verizon Wireless customers access in Spanish to account information and payment tools. Customers can register for Mi Cuenta by visiting verizonwireless.com/micuenta Customers who want to view the Verizon Wireless Web site in Spanish, including Mi Cuenta, can click on the Espanol link...
Answer to:
What is Verizon's My Account?
My Account is part of Verizon Wireless' ongoing commitment to delivering customer satisfaction. My Account provides a single source for online customer service and account information and is ideal for customers who prefer to access their account online. My Account offers customers the ability to view and pay bills online, check account balances, change addresses, track airtime usage,...
Answer to:
What options do customers have to pay their Verizon wireless bill, other than by mail?
Verizon Wireless customers can pay their bill online using My Account, Verizon Wireless' online account management and customer service tool. Customer can access My Account by visiting the Verizon Wireless web site at www.verizonwireless.com. Customers can also pay their bills by calling 800-2-JOIN-IN (1.800.256.4646) or by visiting any of Verizon Wireless' 2,200 Communications...
Answer to:
What is the Verizon Wireless Welcome Call?
When customers sign up for or change an existing Verizon Wireless service plan, they receive a Welcome Call from a Verizon Wireless customer service representative. The customer service representative reviews the service plan they have chosen, discusses features of the service and answers any questions that the customer may have.
...
Answer to:
What is the Worry Free Guarantee® for Verizon?
Learn more about our Worry Free Guarantee from Verizon Wireless: http://support.vzw.com/faqs/Wireless%20Service/faq_worry_free_guarantee.html
Answer to:
How do I sign up for Verizon ONE BILL?
Make your life easier and sign up for ONE-BILL now! You can enroll online at verizon.com/onebill or by calling 1-800-729-4814 7:30 AM to 8:00 PM EST Monday through Friday, or 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM EST Saturday.
http://support.vzw.com/faqs/Account%20Management/faq_one-bill.html#item1
Answer to:
What if I have a question about the Verizon Wireless portion of my bill?
Call our Verizon Wireless ONE-BILL Customer Service Team at 1-877-214-4572.
http://support.vzw.com/faqs/Account%20Management/faq_one-bill.html#item1
Answer to:
How will I pay my Verizon bill?
It's the ultimate convenience - one monthly payment for all your calls. You will be able to pay your bill by calling the number printed on your bill, sending a check in the mail, or online at Verizon.com.
http://support.vzw.com/faqs/Account%20Management/faq_one-bill.html#item1
Answer to:
How will my Verizon ONE-BILL look?
To keep it simple, your monthly statement will include a summary page showing total charges for wireless calls, local calls and any other charges that currently appear on your bill. Other pages will provide details for each Verizon Wireless and Verizon call, just like you receive now. You'll get your complete calling history each month in one bill.
...
Answer to:
What is Verizon's ONE-BILL?
ONE-BILL is a billing option that captures all your calls on one billing statement when you use Verizon Wireless for your wireless calls and Verizon Communications for your landline calls. For more details and availability View One Bill website:
https://www22.verizon.com/foryourhome/sas/res_fam_AppProdDesc.asp?AppID=OneBill
on verizon.com.
...
Answer to:
How do I pay my Verizon bill online?
You can sign up to pay your bill online when you register for My Account. If you are already registered, select Pay Bill on the My Account Overview page, or select Payment under the MY BILL tab on the top navigation.
Verizon Wireless offers 5 payment methods:
1. Auto Pay from Checking.
2. Auto Pay with a Credit Card.
3. Pay Now from Checking.
4. Pay Now with a Credit Card....
Answer to:
When will my payment on my Verizon account be debited from my checking account?
When will my payment be charged to my credit/debit card? If you utilize the Pay Bill payment method to make a payment with a credit/debit card, your payment amount will be charged to your credit/debit card that day.
If you are enrolled in Auto Bill Pay with a Credit Card, your monthly payment will automatically be charged to your credit card on the day that you have selected for your monthly...
Answer to:
When will my payment on my Verizon bill be charged to my credit/debit card?
If you utilize the Pay Now payment method to make a payment with a credit/debit card, your payment amount will be charged to your credit/debit card that day.
If you are enrolled in Auto Bill Pay with a Credit Card, your monthly payment will automatically be charged to your credit card on the day that you have selected for your monthly payments. If that day falls on either a weekend or bank...
Answer to:
Is there a charge for any payment method in my Verizon bill?
Verizon Wireless currently offers this service to you without any charge, but we recommend that you contact your bank to find out if they will charge a fee for this service.
http://support.vzw.com/faqs/Account%20Management/faq_my_account_online.html#item22
Answer to:
Will I need to make a request each month in order to pay my Verizon
bill?
This depends on the payment method you have selected. If you chose one of the Pay Bill options, yes, you will need to submit a payment amount authorizing Verizon Wireless to debit your checking account or charge your credit/debit card on a monthly basis. If you chose one of the Auto Pay options, your checking account or credit card will be automatically debited or charged each month.
...
Answer to:
Can I stop an Automatic Debit payment amount before my checking account or credit card is debited for my Verizon account?
You would select the 'Auto Bill Pay' option and click on the 'Suspend' button. You would then be prompted through the Suspend payment process. You can elect the 'Suspend' button up to 4 business days before your scheduled automatic payment. If you choose to stop payment within 4 business days from your scheduled payment, please contact your bank to stop payment.
...
Answer to:
What if I need to stop a payment that has already been made for my Verizon account?
If you want to cancel a payment, please contact your bank or credit card company to see if the payment or charge to your account has already been processed and can be stopped.
http://support.vzw.com/faqs/Account%20Management/faq_my_account_online.html#item1
Answer to:
Do I have to sign up for an online bill payment if I have already enrolled into My Verizon Account Online?
No. You can register to view your bill online without selecting the payment option. However, you cannot sign up for the payment option without being registered through My Account.
http://support.vzw.com/faqs/Account%20Management/faq_my_account_online.html#item1
Answer to:
Is there a charge for a returned check for my Verizon account?
Yes. Your payment will be reversed by Verizon Wireless if the transaction is returned by your bank for any reason. Verizon Wireless will charge your account a fee of up to $25.00 per returned transaction.
http://support.vzw.com/faqs/Account%20Management/faq_my_account_online.html#item1
Answer to:
Why do you need my email address for my Verizon account?
You will receive email notifications when your Verizon Wireless bill is available for viewing and to confirm online payments. You will also receive email notifications if an online payment has been denied by your bank and for other payment related activities. These standard emails are the only emails you will receive each month until your next bill is posted online or if you make additional...
Answer to:
Why am I not receiving email notifications for my Verizon account?
Your email address may not be correct. On the top right hand side of almost every page, the primary email address is shown. To change this email address, select the displaying "Edit profile" link to display your email address for editing. If this email address is correct and you have others, then after clicking on the "Edit profile" link, click on the "Manage Email and TXT Alerts" link on the...
Answer to:
How many email addresses can I use on my Verizon account?
Between 1 and 5. My Account requires at least 1 email address.
http://support.vzw.com/faqs/Account%20Management/faq_my_account_online.html#item1
Answer to:
Can I de-enroll from My Verizon Account Online at any time?
If you would like to de-enroll from this service, please contact our Services and Support Team at 1.800.350.2830, Option 1.
http://support.vzw.com/faqs/Account%20Management/faq_my_account_online.html#item1
Answer to:
What debit cards are accepted for my Verizon payment?
My Account accepts cards from the PULSE, STAR and NYCE debit networks.
http://support.vzw.com/faqs/Account%20Management/faq_my_account_online.html#item1
Answer to:
Can I see the incoming call phone number on my Verizon bill?
The caller's phone number for incoming calls displays in the Call Details section in the Billing tab. If the caller's phone number is not available, or the caller used Caller ID block, then the word "Unavailable" will appear.
http://support.vzw.com/faqs/Account%20Management/faq_my_account_online.html#item1
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Answer to:
How do I check my Verizon balance?
There are two ways to check your balance:
1. You can login to My Account Online and view your balance from the overview page (along with minutes used).
Or
2. If you’re on the go, you can dial #BAL + Send (airtime free) from your wireless phone.
http://support.vzw.com/faqs/Account%20Management/faq_my_account_online.html#item1
Answer to:
How do I check my Verizon minutes used?
There are two ways to check your minutes used:
1. You can login to My Account Online and view your minutes used from the overview page.
Or
2. If you’re on the go, you can dial #MIN + Send (airtime free) from your wireless phone.
http://support.vzw.com/faqs/Account%20Management/faq_my_account_online.html#item1
Answer to:
What features do I have on my Verizon My Account Online?
To find out what features you have, follow these steps:
1. Login to My Account.
2. Go to "My Plan".
3. Select "Add/change features".
4. If you have more then one mobile number, select the one you want to see from the drop down.
The next screen will list all of the included features on that phone number, as well as how to add or change your current...
Answer to:
How can I add or change features on My Verizon Account Online?
You can add or change features through My Account by following these steps:
1. Login to My Account.
2. Go to "My Plan".
3. Select "Add/change features".
4. Select mobile number from drop down.
5. Click "continue".
6. Select the features you wish to add.
http://support.vzw.com/faqs/Account%20Management/faq_my_account_online.html#item1
Answer to:
I’m using Internet Explorer 7.0 BETA and having problems accessing some pages on the Verizon Wireless website. Why?
At this time, the Verizon Wireless website does not support Internet Explorer 7.0 BETA 2.
The IE 7.0 browser is still undergoing testing by Microsoft. When their testing is completed, and IE 7.0 officially launched, Verizon Wireless will work to ensure its optimal performance with our website. Until then, please continue to use Internet Explorer 6.0.
If you have already downloaded IE 7.0...
Answer to:
How is Agricultural Biotechnology being used?
Biotechnology provides farmers with tools that can make production cheaper and more manageable. For example, some biotechnology crops can be engineered to tolerate specific herbicides, which makes weed control simpler and more efficient. Other crops have been engineered to be resistant to specific plant diseases and insect pests, which can make pest control more reliable and effective, and/or...
Answer to:
What is Agricultural Biotechnology?
Agricultural biotechnology is a range of tools, including traditional breeding techniques, that alter living organisms, or parts of organisms, to make or modify products; improve plants or animals; or develop microorganisms for specific agricultural uses. Modern biotechnology today includes the tools of genetic engineering.
...
Answer to:
Does FD&C Yellow No. 5 cause any allergic reactions?
FD&C Yellow No. 5, or tartrazine, is used to color beverages, desert powders, candy ice cream, custards and other foods. The color additive may cause hives in fewer than one out of 10,000 people. By law, whenever the color is added to foods or taken internally, it must be listed on the label. This allows the small portion of people who may be sensitive to FD&C Yellow No.5 to avoid it.
...
Answer to:
How are color additives regulated?
n 1900, there were about 80 man-made color additives available for use in foods. At that time there were no regulations regarding the purity and uses of these dyes.
Legislation enacted since the turn of the century, however, has greatly improved food color additive safety and stimulated improvements in food color technology.
The Food and Drug Act of 1906 permitted or "listed"...
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Answer to:
What are dyes and lakes?
Certifiable color additives are available for use in food as either "dyes" or "lakes." Dyes dissolve in water and are manufactured as powders, granules, liquids or other special purpose forms. They can be used in beverages, dry mixes, baked goods, confections, dairy products, pet foods and a variety of other products.
Lakes are the water insoluble form of the dye. Lakes...
Answer to:
What is a color additive?
Technically, a color additive is any dye, pigment or substance that can impart color when added or applied to a food, drug, cosmetic or to the human body.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is responsible for regulating all color additives used in the United States. All color additives permitted for use in foods are classified as "certifiable" or "exempt from...
Answer to:
Why are decisions sometimes changed about the safety of food ingredients?
ince absolute safety of any substance can never be proven, decisions about the safety of food ingredients are made on the best scientific evidence available. Scientific knowledge is constantly evolving. Therefore, federal officials often review earlier decisions to assure that the safety assessment of a food substance remains up to date. Any change made in previous clearances should be...
Answer to:
Are sulfites safe?
Of all the food additives for which FDA has received adverse reaction reports, the ones that most closely resemble true allergens are sulfur-based preservatives. Sulfites are used primarily as antioxidants to prevent or reduce discoloration of light-colored fruits and vegetables, such as dried apples and potatoes, and to inhibit the growth of microorganisms in fermented foods such as wine.
...
Answer to:
Is monosodium glutamate (MSG) safe?
Monosodium glutamate (MSG) has been used for many years in home and restaurant foods, and in processed foods. People sensitive to MSG may have mild and transitory reactions when they eat foods that contain large amounts of MSG (such as would be found in heavily flavor-enhanced foods). Because MSG is commonly used in Chinese cuisine, these reactions were initially referred to as "Chinese...
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Answer to:
Is aspartame safe to drink in diet soda? What are the negative effects to aspartame?
After reviewing scientific studies, FDA determined in 1981 that aspartame was safe for use in foods. In 1987, the General Accounting Office investigated the process surrounding FDA's approval of aspartame and confirmed the agency had acted properly. However, FDA has continued to review complaints alleging adverse reactions to products containing aspartame. To date, FDA has not determined...
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Answer to:
Is olestra safe?
Olestra is a fat-based substitute for conventional fats. FDA approved olestra on Jan. 24, 1996, for use in certain snack foods. The agency requires all products containing olestra to be labeled with specific health information.
Procter & Gamble Co. developed olestra, which it is marketing under the trade name Olean.
Because of its unique chemical composition, olestra adds no fat or...
Answer to:
What are fat substitutes?
Fat substitutes can be carbohydrate-, protein- or fat-based.
The first type to reach the market contained carbohydrate as the main ingredient. Avicel, for example, is a cellulose gel introduced in the mid-1960s by FMC Corp., and N-Oil is a tapioca dextrin introduced in the early 1980s by National Starch and Chemical Co. These types of fat substitutes are used in a variety of foods today,...
Answer to:
Are "natural" food additives safer than "artificial" or "man-made" food additives?
Some additives are manufactured from natural sources such as soybeans and corn, which provide lecithin to maintain product consistency, or beets, which provide beet powder used as food coloring. Other useful additives are not found in nature and must be man-made. Artificial additives can be produced more economically, with greater purity and more consistent quality than some of their natural...
Answer to:
How are additives regulated?
Additives are not always byproducts of 20th century technology or modern know-how. Our ancestors used salt to preserve meats and fish; added herbs and spices to improve the flavor of foods; preserved fruit with sugar; and pickled cucumbers in a vinegar solution.
Over the years, however, improvements have been made in increasing the efficiency and ensuring the safety of all additives. Today...
Answer to:
What is a posted payment?
A posted payment is a payment that has been made to your account. To view posted payments online, please log into My Account. From the My Account home page by select the Payment History link in the Bill & Payments box or by clicking here: Payment History (logged in users only).
Up to 16 months' worth of past payments will be listed. You can review each posted payment's...
Answer to:
What is CVV? What is CID?
CVV and CID are codes used to further verify the authenticity of your credit/debit card.
CVV stands for Card Verification Value and is used by Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and Diners Club. This three-digit security code is printed on your card. For all but Diners Club, the CVV will appear at the top of the signature strip on the back of your card. Diners Club cards display the CVV on the...
Answer to:
What date will the payment post if I have AutoPay? When will my AutoPay payment be applied?
If you are currently enrolled in AutoPay, you can view your payment post date by logging into My Account. From the My Account home page select the View Bill button in the Bill & Payments box or by clicking here: View Bill (logged in users only). Here you will see a date next to the line AutoPay to be applied.
You will receive a statement of my Cingular Wireless charges at least 10 days...
Answer to:
If I add Wireless Data Services, how long will it take to be added to my Sprint account?
Wireless Data Services will be added to your account within 48 hours or two business days. However, adding Text Messaging may take up to four business days to activate.
http://support.sprint.com/doc/sp7713.xml?&docid=5439&referring%20topicid=147&Referring%20TopicID/DocID%20List%20Index=y&navtypeid=13&pagetypeid=49&prevPageIndex=3
Answer to:
In my Sprint plan, what does "Second Line" mean?
This service provides you with an additional cellular phone number for your phone so that you can separate charges for business and personal calls.
http://support.sprint.com/doc/sp7194.xml?&docid=4920&referring%20topicid=147&Referring%20TopicID/DocID%20List%20Index=y&navtypeid=13&pagetypeid=49&prevPageIndex=3
Answer to:
What do I do if I forget my Nextel.com password?
If you forgot your Nextel.com password, go to the Reset Your Password page and reset your password.
http://support.sprint.com/doc/sp4176.xml?&docid=6022&referring%20topicid=147&Referring%20TopicID/DocID%20List%20Index=y&navtypeid=13&pagetypeid=49&prevPageIndex=3
Answer to:
How do I change my Nextel.com password?
To change your Nextel.com password, perform the following steps:
1. Log in to Nextel.com using your username and current password.
2. Click Update Registration.
3. Click Change Password.
4. Enter your current password.
5. Enter the new password.
6. Enter the new password again to confirm.
7. Click Submit.
...
Answer to:
When will I be able to access my most recent sprint invoice online?
Invoices are posted within one week of the statement date.
http://support.sprint.com/doc/sp7420.xml?&docid=5146&referring%20topicid=147&Referring%20TopicID/DocID%20List%20Index=y&navtypeid=13&pagetypeid=49&prevPageIndex=3
Answer to:
How do I change the email address on my sprint account?
To update the email address on your account, simply log into My Sprint. Click Account Management, and then click Personal Information. From here, you can access and update your contact information and email address.
...
Answer to:
How do I add a new line to my existing Sprint account?
To add a new line of service to an existing account or add a phone to share the minutes in your existing rate plan, please call 1-800-SPRINT1.
http://support.sprint.com/doc/sp9805.xml?&docid=8062&referring%20topicid=147&Referring%20TopicID/DocID%20List%20Index=y&navtypeid=13&pagetypeid=49&prevPageIndex=3
Answer to:
How do I add a phone to my existing Sprint plan?
To add a new phone to share your existing rate plan, log in to My Sprint and click Change Plans or call 1-800-SPRINT1.
http://support.sprint.com/doc/sp9806.xml?&docid=8063&referring%20topicid=147&Referring%20TopicID/DocID%20List%20Index=y&navtypeid=13&pagetypeid=49&prevPageIndex=3
Answer to:
How do I manage my Sprint account?
Sprint makes managing your account convenient. There’s no waiting for information when you need to make decisions. See all that you can do below:
* From Sprint.com
* From your phone
* By calling Sprint
* At a Sprint store
* At a Sprint phone repair center
NOTE:
If you are on a multi-phone service plan, some information, such as bills, can be accessed only by...
Answer to:
How many people can be registered as Account Administrators on an account?
There is no limit to how many people may be registered as Account Administrators for a particular account. To register as an Account Administrator, you need your account number, billing address, ZIP Code, and the account balance from your last bill.
...
Answer to:
What are the terms and conditions of eBill Online Billing?
Receive a $5 service credit by enrolling in Online Billing. This free service lets you enjoy secure online access anytime to all your billing information.
After you enroll, you will stop receiving paper bills. Sprint will email you when your latest bill is available online. You may still continue to pay your bill by mail, online, or by using Automatic Payment.
The terms and conditions of...
Answer to:
How long will it take before I see the credit for enrolling in eBill or AutoPay on my invoice?
Your $5 credit, or $10 when you sign up for both programs, should appear on the next invoice after your successful enrollment in eBill or AutoPay. However, there could be a delay if a form is not fully completed or if information is incorrect.
...
Answer to:
What is recurring direct debit (RDD) and is it the same as AutoPay?
Yes. Recurring direct debit (RDD) offers a way to make automatic payments on your Sprint bill. With recurring direct debit, Sprint will automatically deduct the Amount Due on your invoice from the checking or savings bank account that you designate.
...
Answer to:
How do I view and pay my invoice online?
How do I view and pay my invoice online?
Register at Sprint.com and get access to convenient account management tools at My Sprint. You can view your eBill, pay your invoice online, change the way your invoice is delivered each month, and more.
...
Answer to:
What are Internet and Downloads on my bill?
Internet and Downloads reflects the MEdia and other wireless data services used during the current billing cycle. This category includes the ringtones, games, and graphics downloaded during the current billing cycle. Data usage is measured in kilobytes (KB).
...
Answer to:
What should I do if I'm missing credit?
Your credit may appear on your next invoice. It should, however, be reflected in the balance due section of your Charges Summary.
...
Answer to:
What are Monthly Charges?
Monthy Charges will appear on each monthly bill for certain features. Any modification you make on a feature that has a monthly charge will take effect on the next bill.
...
Answer to:
What is Overage?
What are Per Minute charges?
Usage charges, also called overage, occur when you use more "Anytime Minutes" than what is included in your rate plan. You may want to consider upgrading your rate plan or feature package if you see usage charges on your bill on a regular basis. Your voice usage is billable at the per minute charge based upon your rate plan.
To review the minutes of usage on your bill, the...
Answer to:
How will I be notified that my bank account has been charged?
The amount due will be deducted from your designated bank account on the payment due date. Additionally, you can log in to MyNextel to view payment information about your account.
http://support.sprint.com/doc/sp7264.xml?&docid=4990&referring%20topicid=147&Referring%20TopicID/DocID%20List%20Index=y&navtypeid=13&pagetypeid=49&prevPageIndex=3
Answer to:
When I pay my bill using a credit card, when will my payment be posted to my account?
Payments made by credit card generally post within 3 hours of submission.
http://support.sprint.com/doc/sp7425.xml?&docid=5151&referring%20topicid=147&Referring%20TopicID/DocID%20List%20Index=y&navtypeid=13&pagetypeid=49&prevPageIndex=3
Answer to:
Do I need to register at MyNextel as an Account Administrator to view my eBill?
Yes. To access your eBill, otherwise known as an online invoice, or to take advantage of other online account management tools, you will need to register with MyNextel at www.sprint.com/mynextel as an Account Administrator. To learn more, take the MyNextel tour.
...
Answer to:
What can I do with My Sprint online account management?
My Sprint gives you access to your Sprint Nextel account information online. You can manage your account online anytime, including the following:
* Add a phone to your account
* Change your rate plan
* Check minutes used and account balance
* Pay your bill
* Add or modify your plan services
* Modify personal contact information
* Change account settings,...
Answer to:
How do I check my rebate status online?
Are you eagerly awaiting a Sprint rebate? Wanting to confirm your eligibility for a rebate? Check status and eligibility instantly online now.
Please allow 8-14 weeks to receive your rebate.
http://support.sprint.com/doc/sp3121.xml?&docid=4599&Referring%20DocID%20List%20Index=2&navtypeid=13&pagetypeid=49&prevPageIndex=2
Answer to:
How do I view and pay my Sprint invoice online?
How do I view and pay my invoice online?
Register at Sprint.com and get access to convenient account management tools at My Sprint. You can view your eBill, pay your invoice online, change the way your invoice is delivered each month, and more.
...
Answer to:
When will my first automatic bill payment take effect?
When will my payment be debited from my checking account? If you utilize the Pay Bill payment method to make a payment by check, your payment amount will be debited from your checking account the next business day.
If you are enrolled in Auto Bill Pay with your Checking account, your monthly payment will automatically be debited from your checking account on the day that you have selected...
Answer to:
How do I pay my Verizon Wireless bill online?
You can sign up to pay your bill online when you register for My Account. If you are already registered, select Pay Bill on the My Account Overview page, or select Payment under the MY BILL tab on the top navigation.
Verizon Wireless offers 5 payment methods:
1. Auto Pay from Checking.
2. Auto Pay with a Credit Card.
3. Pay Now from Checking.
4. Pay Now with a Credit Card....
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Answer to:
What is the cost to participate in My Account Online?
Verizon Wireless is currently providing the My Account Online service at no cost to our customers.
http://support.vzw.com/faqs/Account%20Management/faq_my_account_online.html#item1
Answer to:
I have a business with multiple lines on one account. Can I view bills for all my lines?
Registered accounts with 10 lines or less have the ability to view the activity of each line on a monthly basis. However, if you have multiple lines on separate accounts, each account must be registered separately.
http://support.vzw.com/faqs/Account%20Management/faq_my_account_online.html#item1
Answer to:
What is a Security Question?
The Security Question is an added means of verification for when a customer forgets their password. Correctly answering the security question allows the customer to change their password online. Otherwise, a temporary password will be sent via text message to a phone on the account. Customers can choose from pre-selected questions or create their own.
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Answer to:
What if I cannot receive a text message?
We will send a letter to the billing address, via first class mail, that contains the temporary password. You should receive the letter in approximately 3-5 business days.
http://support.vzw.com/faqs/Account%20Management/faq_my_account_online.html#item1
Answer to:
How can I change my Password?
Place your cursor over the MY BILL tab on the top navigation. Click on Account Profile on the sub menu that appears. On the left hand side of the page, click on the Change Login Info link. Follow the steps to change your Password. To maintain the security of your account, it is important that you keep your information private and safeguarded as you would any other piece of confidential...
Answer to:
What if I forget my Password?
If you forget your Password, you may establish a new Password online by clicking on "Trouble Logging In" found on the login page. To prevent unauthorized access to your Verizon Wireless online My Account, you will be required to verify basic information about your account. If you have established a Security Question and Answer and can correctly answer the question, you will be able to...
Answer to:
Who do I contact if I'm having trouble accessing my Verizon Wireless bill?
If you are experiencing any difficulty accessing your bill after your enrollment and subsequent billing period, please contact the Services and Support Team at 1.800.350.2830.
http://support.vzw.com/faqs/Account%20Management/faq_my_account_online.html#item1
Answer to:
How far back will I be able to view my verizon wireless bill?
If you are an existing Verizon Wireless customer, your current bill is available online upon registration, along with up to 5 months of historical statements. The site will keep 6-months of consecutive bills available for viewing. If you are a new customer, you will have to wait to view billing information until after your first bill cycle.
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Answer to:
Now that I see my bill online, can I stop getting the bill in the mail?
Yes, you may stop receiving your paper bill by clicking on the MY BILL tab on the top navigation, then click on the Paperless Billing link on the left hand navigation and follow instructions to change.
http://support.vzw.com/faqs/Account%20Management/faq_my_account_online.html#item1
Answer to:
Can I choose to receive a paper bill or go paperless?
Yes, you may either receive a paper bill or go paperless by clicking on the MY BILL tab on the top navigation, then click on the Paperless Billing link on the left hand navigation and follow instructions to change.
http://support.vzw.com/faqs/Account%20Management/faq_my_account_online.html#item1
Answer to:
When can I view my Verizon Wireless bill online?
You are able to access My Account Online upon completion of registration. If you are an existing Verizon Wireless customer, you will be able to view your bill immediately.
If you are a new customer, you will have to wait to view billing information until after your first bill cycle. Each month your bill will be available online usually 5-7 days after their bill cycle. Verizon Wireless can...
Answer to:
Can I use my debit card to make a payment?
Verizon Wireless accepts all major debit cards, but please confirm with your bank as to whether they permit online transactions.
http://support.vzw.com/faqs/Account%20Management/faq_my_account_online.html#item1
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Answer to:
What forms of payment does Verizon Wireless accept?
Verizon Wireless accepts all major credit cards: Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover. Verizon Wireless also accepts debit cards carrying the Star, NYCE, PULSE, Visa and MasterCard brands. Diner's Club cards are also accepted but for recurring payment and business-to-business extranets only. We will accept international credit for one-time payments only.
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Answer to:
Is there a number I can call Verizon wireless with a specific question?
You can email us directly with any questions. Select Contact Us and then Send Email.
You can also call our Service & Support Department toll-free at 1.800.350.2830, option 1. They are available Monday-Friday, 5 am to 9 pm and Saturday-Sunday, 6 am to 7 pm.
http://support.vzw.com/faqs/Account%20Management/faq_my_account_online.html#item1
Answer to:
Some pages on my account won't display. What should I do?
The Verizon wireless website currently does not perform optimally with Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 and Netscape 6.2.1 and we are working to integrate both browsers with our website for better navigation. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. If you are using Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0, we recommend overriding automatic cookie handling and if you are using Netscape 6.2.1,...
Answer to:
Why should I use My Account Online?
My Account Online can help you save time and energy because you can access your account information when it's most convenient for you. Consider these benefits:
* Information is only a few clicks or prompts away.
* Exclusive promotions are often available to My Account Online customers.
* You don't need to wait to speak to a Customer Service Representative.
* It's fast,...
Answer to:
What's My Account Online?
My Account Online is an Internet-based site that allows you to:
* View and pay your bills online.
* Check your balance.
* Change your address.
* Add or delete features to your service.
* And more!*
*Functionality is limited in some areas.
http://support.vzw.com/faqs/Account%20Management/faq_my_account_online.html#item1
Answer to:
What is Streamlined Billing?
In a continuing effort to provide the best service available, we have redesigned your Verizon Wireless bill. It's simple, it's easy, and can be accessed on-line. We've reduced the number of pages, which helps preserve our natural resources.
http://support.vzw.com/faqs/Account%20Management/faq_billing.html#item1
Answer to:
Why am I being charged taxes on my Verizon wireless bill?
Verizon Wireless is required by law to charge you certain taxes, surcharges and assessments. These could include mandates from the FCC, Federal, state, or local authorities.
http://support.vzw.com/faqs/Account%20Management/faq_billing.html#item1
Answer to:
Why are there Prorated Charges on my Bill?
Prorated charges can occur when a change is made to your service during the middle of the billing period instead of on the bill cycle date. This most often occurs with a new activation, but can also occur when a rate plan change is not made effective at the end of the bill cycle.
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Answer to:
How do I know when I have Renewed Minutes?
You start using a new bucket of minutes at the beginning of each billing cycle.
You can view the start date of your next billing cycle on the My Account home page by looking for the date by Next Bill Cycle: in the Current Usage box.
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Answer to:
How do I get a Return of My Deposit?
Please Contact Us by Phone regarding your deposit.
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Answer to:
I Timed Out When Trying to Pay Bill Online. What do I do?
If you are unable to pay your bill online please wait 24 hours and try again. If the problem persists, please Contact Us by Phone and we will work to resolve the issue for you. You will be able to pay your bill with a customer service representative at that time.
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Answer to:
I made a change to my Verizon wireless account. Why haven't I seen it on my bill?
If your request was processed after the end of the month's billing cycle, your next bill may not reflect the change. Wait another month to ensure that your request was properly processed. If you feel your current statement should reflect the change, contact us at *611 (a free call from your wireless phone) or call 1.800.922.0204 so we may verify the changes to your account.
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Answer to:
Will I incur long distance charges if I receive a call while roaming?
If you are on a DigitalChoice Plan, you will be charged long distance charges on incoming calls while roaming.
http://support.vzw.com/faqs/Account%20Management/faq_billing.html#item1
Answer to:
How do I use my Cingular Gift Card?
You can use a Cingular gift card toward the purchase of a phone or accessory, or you can apply it toward your monthly bill. To do so, you just enter the gift card number on the payment screen, just as you would when paying with a credit/debit card.
If the card does not show an expiration date, please enter "10/2008."
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Answer to:
What are the long distance charges on my Verizon bill?
You are charged for long distance when you dial outside of your local service area. You are also subject to long distance charges while roaming.
http://support.vzw.com/faqs/Account%20Management/faq_billing.html#item1
Answer to:
If my wireless call is dropped or disconnected, what are my charges?
Airtime charges automatically stop as soon as a call is dropped or disconnected.
Calls can drop for a wide variety of reasons. One of the following may be the cause:
* You are in a geographical area the signal cannot reach (forest, building, tunnel, mountain).
* You might have just left a cellular service area or you might be traveling along its fringe.
* You may have faulty...
Answer to:
What is a "dropped call"?
A "dropped call" is a call that is disconnected unexpectedly. Sometimes, while traveling, your wireless conversation is handed off from one cell to another and is dropped. When a call is dropped, it usually means either that you've traveled into the fringe at the outer limits of your service area, or that your battery is running low and cannot maintain enough current to...
Answer to:
Where can I find an explanation of billing codes?
You can find a description of billing codes from the My Account home page by selecting the View Bill button in the Bill & Payment box or by clicking here: View Bill (logged in users only). Next, click on the View or Print Full Bill button in the Bill Summary tab. Under Call Details, there is a legend with billing codes and descriptions.
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Answer to:
What is Airtime?
The time you spend actually connected to the Verizon Wireless Network. Airtime encompasses the time that passes between the moment you press SEND and the moment you press END. Whenever you place calls on your wireless phone, or retrieve messages, you're using Verizon Wireless airtime.
http://support.vzw.com/faqs/Account%20Management/faq_billing.html#item1
Answer to:
Am I charged airtime when I check my wireless voicemail messages from my wireless phone?
If you check your messages from your wireless phone, normal airtime charges are incurred.
http://support.vzw.com/faqs/Account%20Management/faq_billing.html#item1
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Answer to:
How can I tell if I have a credit balance on my bill?
If there are parentheses ( ) around your total amount due on your online bill, it represents a credit balance on your wireless bill.
If there is a – next to your total amount due on your paper bill, it represents a credit balance on your wireless bill. Please do not pay this amount if you see either ( ) or -.
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Answer to:
I left my phone on (I didn't press the END button). Will I be charged?
If you just left the phone on, you simply used some of your battery's strength. However, if the IN USE indicator remained lit or active, then you may have forgotten to disconnect by pressing END and the clock kept ticking...
Don't Panic! Most likely, the call automatically ended when the other party disconnected.
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Answer to:
What types of calls are free?
Am I charged for calls to 611?
Am I charged for calls to 911?
You are not charged for the following types of calls:
611 calls to Cingular Customer Service
911 emergency calls
Please note that you will be charged airtime on "800" or other "toll-free" type calls
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Answer to:
Why does my Verizon bill show two calls starting at the same time?
Because airtime is billed in one-minute increments, a caller could place a brief call, hang up, and place a second call before that minute expires. This would result in two calls having the same start time in your Airtime Detail.
Also, our cell sites are not synchronized, so if calls are carried by different cell sites the timer discrepancies might account for what looks like two calls at...
Answer to:
How can I analyze my usage?
Curious about your wireless habits? Check out our collection of reports, available for each wireless number on your account.
You can analyze your usage online within My Account by following these steps:
From the My Account home page, select the Go button in the Bill & Payments box or click here: Bill & Payments (logged in users only).
Select Billing Reports from the left...
Answer to:
Why does the airtime on my bill not match the airtime from my phone's timer?
The call timer included in your wireless phone begins timing calls from the moment you press the SEND button until the END button is pressed. These timers keep track of all calls, including misdials, *611 and 911 calls. (Verizon Wireless does not charge you for calls made to *611, 911 or minutes included in your Calling Plan.)
The call timer in your wireless phone calculates every minute of...
Answer to:
Who is charged when a wireless phone calls a wireless phone?
Both the outgoing call and the incoming call are chargeable calls in accordance to the customers IN Calling allowances. If the call goes to voicemail, then the caller would be charged their IN Calling allowance. If a customer does not have IN Calling allowances, then their per-minute usage rate would apply.
http://www.answerbag.com/q_view/177964
Answer to:
How are per minute charges calculated on my Verizon wireless plan?
Your per-minute charges vary by Calling Plan. Some Calling Plans offer flat rates, others vary by time-of-day, Night and/or Weekend Minutes.
If you have the Detailed Billing option, you will see each call listed purely for informational purposes, it does not necessarily mean you are charged for the call. The Detail of Airtime Charges section also displays the billing rate and amount of...
Answer to:
How can I remove the call details on my invoice?
If you would like to get a paper bill without the billing detail you can remove the call detail feature from your account. To remove this feature, login to My Account and select Add/Remove Features in the Rate Plan section of the page or contact customer service at 1-800-331-0500.
Please note, if you remove the detailed billing feature, the following will still occur:
Call details...
Answer to:
What is the difference between Peak and Off Peak airtime?
Peak hours are generally associated with the portion of the business day where you might expect greater system demand.
Off Peak hours are generally associated with evening hours and weekends. Actual Off Peak hours vary from city to city.
Typically, weekends start late Friday evening and end early Monday morning. Exact times for Peak/Off Peak vary by service area and Calling Plan selected....
Answer to:
Are roaming and long distance included in Cingular Nation rate plans?
Long distance and roaming charges are included with Cingular Nation rate plans. Go to Rate Plans for rates, coverage and other details about these plans.
If you would like information on rate plans, please go to Shop Cingular - Rate Plans.
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Answer to:
Where are my Included Minutes shown on my Verizon wireless bill?
Normally your Included Minutes appear in the Detail Charges section of your bill. Airtime is broken down between Peak and Off Peak. The bill displays the rate and amount of minutes used during each billing cycle.
http://support.vzw.com/faqs/Account%20Management/faq_billing.html#item1
Answer to:
What should I do if there are unknown internet charges on my bill?
The text and instant messages (IM) sent and received during the current billing cycle. These messages are also known as Short Messaging Service (SMS). Text and instant message usage reflects the total number of messages sent and received during the current billing cycle.
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Answer to:
What are "Included Minutes" in my Verizon Wireless plan?
This term refers to the minutes included in your monthly Calling Plan. Once you have used all of your "Included Minutes", you will be charged for the remaining minutes. Charges for any minutes over your "Included Minutes" will vary depending on your Calling Plan. "Included Minutes" are also referred to as "Allowance Minutes" and "Package...
Answer to:
What is Text/Instant Messaging on my bill?
The text and instant messages (IM) sent and received during the current billing cycle. These messages are also known as Short Messaging Service (SMS). Text and instant message usage reflects the total number of messages sent and received during the current billing cycle.
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Answer to:
If I begin subscribing to Verizon wireless service in the middle of the month, do I still get all of my Included Minutes?
Even though you only pay the partial month access fee for your new Calling Plan, you do receive your full monthly allowance of minutes. Your Calling Plan provides Included Minutes based on a 30-day billing cycle. If you activate service in the middle of a billing cycle, you will receive a prorated access charge based on the number of days your service was active during your billing cycle....
Answer to:
What should I do if there are unknown internet charges on my bill?
If you believe you were overcharged on your bill, please Contact Us.
If your DirectBill charges are incorrect, you can submit a refund request online. Please view this topic for instructions:
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Answer to:
What is the Federal Excise Tax (FET) Refund? How can I get the Federal Excise Tax (FET) Refund?
Taxpayers may be entitled to a refund of three years of Federal Excise Tax (FET) payments plus interest (going back to March 1st, 2003). The refund is obtained directly from the IRS, not from Cingular. Taxpayers will be able to apply for the refund on their 2006 tax forms, to be filed in 2007. The Federal Excise Tax was billed at 3% and was applied to the monthly recurring charges, airtime,...
Answer to:
What are the partial charges on my Verizon Wireless bill?
Monthly charges are prorated according to the number of days you are billed for them during your 30-day billing cycle.
For example, if you changed rate plans during the middle of your billing cycle, your statement should contain a charge for the old rate plan (according to the number of days in your cycle that you were on the old rate plan) and the new rate plan.
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Answer to:
What should I expect on my first Verizon wireless bill?
When you activate a new line of service, we will bill for a partial month or portion of the monthly access charge calculated from the date you began service to the last day of your bill cycle, plus the next month's access charge if we bill you in advance. As an added benefit from Verizon Wireless you will be given the full month of airtime allowance for your calling plan during the partial...
Answer to:
Why is beef called a "red" meat?
Oxygen is delivered to muscles by the red cells in the blood. One of the proteins in meat, myoglobin, holds the oxygen in the muscle. The amount of myoglobin in animal muscles determines the color of meat. Beef is called a "red" meat because it contains more myoglobin than chicken or fish. Other "red" meats are veal, lamb, and pork.
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Answer to:
How and why is some beef aged?
Beef is aged to develop additional tenderness and flavor. It is done commercially under controlled temperatures and humidity. Since aging can take from 10 days to 6 weeks, USDA does not recommend aging beef in a home refrigerator.
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/Fact_Sheets/Beef_from_Farm_to_Table/index.asp
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Answer to:
In regards to beef, what does "natural" mean?
All fresh meat qualifies as "natural." Products labeled "natural" cannot contain any artificial flavor or flavoring, coloring ingredient, chemical preservative, or any other artificial or synthetic ingredient; and the product and its ingredients are not more than minimally processed (ground, for example). All products claiming to be natural should be accompanied by a brief...
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Answer to:
How much beef is consumed in the U.S?
Figures from the USDA's Economic Research Service show average annual per capita beef consumption for the following selected periods:
How Much Beef is Consumed?
Year Weight Year Weight
1910-15 51 pounds 1960-65 69 pounds
1920-25 46 pounds 1970-75 85 pounds
1930-35 41 pounds 1980-85 78 pounds
1940-45 45 pounds 1990-95 67 pounds
1950-55 55 pounds 1995-97 64 pounds...
Answer to:
What is marbling in beef?
Marbling is white flecks of fat within the meat muscle. The greater amount of marbling in beef, the higher the grade because marbling makes beef more tender, flavorful, and juicy.
Retail Cuts of Fresh Beef
There are four basic major (primal) cuts into which beef is separated: chuck, loin, rib, and round. It is recommended that packages of fresh beef purchased in the supermarket be labeled...
Answer to:
How Is Ungraded Beef Different?
All beef is inspected for wholesomeness. The overall quality of ungraded beef may be higher or lower than most government grades found in retail markets.
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/Fact_Sheets/Beef_from_Farm_to_Table/index.asp
Answer to:
How is Beef Inspected?
Inspection is mandatory; grading is voluntary, and a plant pays to have its meat graded. USDA-graded beef sold at the retail level is Prime, Choice, and Select. Lower grades (Standard, Commercial, Utility, Cutter, and Canner) are mainly ground or used in processed meat products. Retail stores may use other terms which must be different from USDA grades.
USDA Prime beef (about two percent of...
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Answer to:
Can hormones & antibiotics be used in cattle raising?
Antibiotics may be given to prevent or treat disease in cattle. A "withdrawal" period is required from the time antibiotics are administered until it is legal to slaughter the animal. This is so residues can exit the animal's system. FSIS randomly samples cattle at slaughter and tests for residues. Data from this Monitoring Plan have shown a very low percentage of residue...
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Answer to:
How are Cattle Raised?
All cattle start out eating grass; three-fourths of them are "finished" (grown to maturity) in feedlots where they are fed specially formulated feed based on corn or other grains.
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/Fact_Sheets/Beef_from_Farm_to_Table/index.asp
Answer to:
What is Beef?
The domestication of cattle for food dates to about 6500 B.C. in the Middle East. Cattle were not native to America, but brought to the New World on ships by European colonists. Americans weren't big eaters of fresh beef until about 1870, due to the enormous growth of the cattle industry in the West. The introduction of cattle cars and refrigerated cars on the railroad facilitated...
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Answer to:
What can I do at home to reduce the risk of harmful microbial contamination of fresh produce?
-Choose produce that is not bruised or damaged.
-Refrigerate or chill produce immediately after harvest or purchase.
-Wash hands warm water and soap before and after handling fresh produce – at home or at pick your own operations.
-Wash fresh fruits and vegetables with cool tap water. NEVER use soap or detergents. Air dry or dry with a paper towel.
-Scrub firm produce such as melons and...
Answer to:
How do I make sauerkraut?
Sauerkraut ferments in a brine you make by combining salt and crushed cabbage. Bacteria form acid when they grow in the absence of air and this ferments the cabbage.
The composition of cabbage, such as the amount of sugar, etc., varies with the variety and conditions during its growth. The best cabbage for kraut are fully mature, large-headed, 6 to 15 pounds, and have a solid, white...
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Answer to:
How do I make horseradish?
Horseradish is a root crop, grown for the pungent roots. They contain highly volatile oils with a sharp flavor. Enzyme activity releases the oils when you crush the root cells.
Dig roots when they reach full size, after early fall frosts or in the early spring before new growth starts. Return a section of the root to the soil to grow next year's crop.
If you can't prepare roots...
Answer to:
Will the water I choose matter when I am pickling?
The choice of water in making pickles will affect the end result.
Soft water is best for pickling. The dissolved minerals in hard water will interfere with the pickling process. If only hard water is available, boil it, skim away the surface scum, and let it sit for 24 hours. Then draw water off the top of the container without disturbing any sediment.
An easier alternative than boiling,...
Answer to:
I'm having more pickling problems. What can I do about color changes?
There are a number of reasons that pickles may turn dark. They include using water with too many minerals, especially iron.
Using a very dilute vinegar solution. There should be at least one part of vinegar to every 3 parts of water. Recipes that don't use this ratio are unsafe.
Using too many ground spices.
Cooking too long with spices or packing the ground spices into the jar.
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Answer to:
I'm having pickling problems, such as hollowing and shriveling. What can I do?
There are many possible causes for poor quality homemade pickles. If you have difficulty getting good results, the following list may help you identify the reason.
Soft pickles may be the result of several things. The most common cause is failure to process the pickles after you pack them into jars. Many old recipes omit this essential step, and simply say "Pack in jars and seal."...
Answer to:
How do I make genuine dill pickles?
The old-fashioned way of making dill pickles, fermenting cucumbers in a salt-brine, produces the type of dill pickle commercial picklers call a "genuine dill pickle." While you preserve most other kinds of pickles by using acetic acid present in vinegar, this type of dill pickle is preserved by lactic acid produced during a fermentation process that takes place over several weeks.
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Answer to:
How do I make fresh-pack dill pickles?
Fresh pack dill pickles are the most popular and easiest pickle to make at home. To make them, wash freshly picked cucumbers, trim 1/16 inch slice from blossom end, leave them whole and pack into clean canning jars. Add a head of dill or one tablespoon dill seed, dill weed, or dill juice to the jar. You can add a peeled garlic clove, if you like. Then, pour a boiling hot pickling solution...
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Answer to:
What kinds of cucumbers do I use when pickling?
Certain varieties of cucumbers--called pickling varieties in seed catalogs--are excellent for home pickling. Some that are recommended for North Dakota are Liberty, Spartan Dawn, Saladin, and others. All these varieties are relatively disease-resistant and produce high yields. You can successfully pickle other varieties, but they may not be as disease-resistant or high-yielding.
Slicing...
Answer to:
How can I pickle my vegetables?
You can pickle several vegetables besides cucumbers. Among these are beets, carrots, cauliflower, green beans, onions, peppers and Brussels sprouts.
Wash, skin, peel or pare vegetables as for table cooking. Precook beets and remove the skins. Leave small ones whole, but cut larger ones into slices or quarters. Precook carrots and cut large ones into pieces. Leave onions whole and use small...
Answer to:
What vinegar do I use for pickling?
Vinegar is the preservative and flavoring agent in most pickles. What kind you use depends on the color and flavor you want to have in the pickled product.
Most pickle recipes call for distilled vinegar. This is the clear, colorless vinegar made by fermenting grains. It has a mellow aroma, tart acid flavor, and does not affect the color of the light-colored vegetables or fruits.
Apple...
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Answer to:
How are pickles and relish related?
Pickles and relishes are first cousins. For pickles, you leave vegetables whole, or cut them to size for the recipe. For relishes, however, you chop vegetables and/or fruits before you put them into a vinegar mixture.
You can use many kinds of firm-fleshed vegetables or fruit. Some hold their shape and texture well in pickles, such as the pickling type of cucumber.
Sort cucumbers...
Answer to:
What equipment should I use for pickling?
There are a variety of utensils you need to make pickles and relishes.
The one main point to remember is that pickles are acid or prepared with a heavy salt solution, check to make sure that you have suitable containers.
For fermenting or brining...use a crock or stone jar, unchipped enamel-lined pan, heavy foodgrade plastic container, or large glass jar or bowl. Jars and crocks need...
Answer to:
I'm having ingredient problems in my jelly and jam. Can anyone help me?
Failure of jellies or jam to set firmly is the most common problem faced by home jelly-makers. This can happen if you use the wrong proportions of fruit or fruit juice, pectin or sugar. Some fruits are too low in acid to form a firm gel unless you add lemon juice or some other acid fruit to them. Other fruits, such as most soft berries, are low in natural pectins; you will need to add either...
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Answer to:
How can I make soft jelly into firm jelly?
Most soft jellies or jams are the result of inaccurate measurements, intentionally reducing the sugar called for in a recipe, or undercooking the product. It is not always possible to remake soft jellies so that the product will be satisfactory, but recooking them with additional pectin usually improves their firmness.
Measure the jelly that needs to be recooked. Work with no more than 4 to...
Answer to:
What are some common problems in jam and jelly making?
Some of the most common problems with jams and jellies are softness, weeping, fermentation, darkening, clouding, mold and crystal formation.
If jelly is too soft, there may be incorrect proportions of sugar, acid and juice. Making too large a batch or undercooking may also be a cause.
Another problem is jelly that weeps. If this happens there may be too much acid in the fruit or too much...
Answer to:
How do I use low- and no-sugar jams and jellies?
Many people are changing their cooking habits to reduce the amount of sugar in their diets. Unless you use special recipes and gelling agents, however, your jams and jellies may fail if you eliminate or reduce the amount of sugar.
Jellies and jams that contain modified pectin, gelatin, or gums may be made with noncaloric sweeteners. Jams with less sugar than usual also may be made with...
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Answer to:
How do I use corn syrup and honey in jelly?
On a one-to-one basis, neither light, mild honey nor corn syrup can substitute fully for sugar.
Honey can replace part of the sugar in recipes for jelly and related products, but not all of it. Products made with honey will have a darker color than those made with sugar as the only sweetening. The flavor, of course, will be slightly different.
Light, mild-flavored honey is best to use...
Answer to:
How do I make jelly and jam from frozen fruit?
Many fruits you use for making jam and jelly mature at about the same time. Because of this, you may find it difficult to make as much jam and jelly as you would like, while the fruits are in season.
You can freeze many of these fruits in summer and make them into jam during fall and winter. Accurate measurements are important when making jam. Some fruits, after freezing, tend to collapse on...
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Answer to:
How do I make jelly without added pectin?
This is the old way of making jelly and it's still a very good way, provided the fruit is rich in natural pectin. Crab apples, green apples, sour cherries, and Concord grapes are examples of such fruit. You use less sugar with this method, but you must boil the mixture for a longer time and you end up with less jelly.
If you are not sure if a fruit has enough pectin, make this test:...
Answer to:
What are some good fruits for making jelly?
Fruit gives each product its special flavor and provides at least part of the pectin needed for successful gels. Weigh or measure ready-to-use fruit. Weighing is more accurate than measuring.
Full-flavored fruits are best because the large proportion of sugar you add for good consistency and keeping quality dilutes the flavor. You need a tart juice for good-tasting jelly.
Various lots of...
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Answer to:
How do I make uncooked jam?
Blackberries, raspberries, and strawberries work well in uncooked jam. You must store all uncooked jams in the refrigerator or freezer. You can hold the unopened Jam for several weeks in a refrigerator and up to a year in the freezer. If you keep them at room temperature they will mold or ferment in a short time. Once you open the container, use the jam within 3 weeks.
Always follow the...
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Answer to:
How do I make frozen jelly?
Freezing jelly is a new way to make jelly out of certain fruits, such as strawberries and grapes. You can extract juice from fruit without cooking, which makes the jelly taste more like the fresh fruit than conventional jelly. You also spend less time cooking.
Usually you make frozen jelly with added pectin, either powdered or liquid. Because of the many different ways to make jelly with...
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Answer to:
How do I make juice for jelly?
If you make jelly without commercial pectin, about 1/4 of the fruit should be slightly underripe.
If you use commercial pectin, all fruit should be ripe but still firm. In either case, wash the fruit well in cold water, but do not let it stand in water.
The method of preparing fruit varies. Crush soft fruits or berries. Cut firmer fruits into small pieces. Using the peels and cores adds...
Answer to:
How can I learn more about V. vulnificus?
You can discuss your medical concerns with your doctor or other health care provider. Your local city or county health department can provide information about this and other public health problems that are occurring in your area. Information about the potential dangers of raw oyster consumption is available 24 hours a day from the FDA's Seafood Hotline (telephone 1-800-332-4010); FDA...
Answer to:
What can be done to improve the safety of oysters?
Although oysters can be harvested legally only from waters free from fecal contamination, even legally harvested oysters can be contaminated with V. vulnificus because the bacterium is naturally present in marine environments. V. vulnificus does not alter the appearance, taste, or odor of oysters. Timely, voluntary reporting of V. vulnificus infections to CDC and to regional offices of the Food...
Answer to:
Are there long-term consequences of V. vulnificus infection?
V. vulnificus infection is an acute illness, and those who recover should not expect any long-term consequences.
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo/vibriovulnificus_g.htm
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Answer to:
How is V. vulnificus infection treated?
If V. vulnificus is suspected, treatment should be initiated immediately because antibiotics improve survival. Aggressive attention should be given to the wound site; amputation of the infected limb is sometimes necessary. Clinical trials for the management of V. vulnificus infection have not been conducted. The antibiotic recommendations below come from documents published by infectious...
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Answer to:
How can V. vulnificus infection be diagnosed?
V. vulnificus infection is diagnosed by routine stool, wound, or blood cultures; the laboratory should be notified when this infection is suspected by the physician, since a special growth medium can be used to increase the diagnostic yield. Doctors should have a high suspicion for this organism when patients present with gastrointestinal illness, fever, or shock following the ingestion of raw...
Answer to:
How do persons get infected with V. vulnificus?
Persons who are immunocompromised, especially those with chronic liver disease, are at risk for V. vulnificus when they eat raw seafood, particularly oysters. A recent study showed that people with these pre-existing medical conditions were 80 times more likely to develop V. vulnificus bloodstream infections than were healthy people. The bacterium is frequently isolated from oysters and other...
Answer to:
How common is V. vulnificus infection?
V. vulnificus is a rare cause of disease, but it is also underreported. Between 1988 and 1995, CDC received reports of over 300 V. vulnificus infections from the Gulf Coast states, where the majority of cases occur. There is no national surveillance system for V. vulnificus, but CDC collaborates with the states of Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Texas, and Mississippi to monitor the number of...
Answer to:
What type of illness does V. vulnificus cause?
V. vulnificus can cause disease in those who eat eat contaminated seafood or have an open wound that is exposed to seawater. Among healthy people, ingestion of V. vulnificus can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In immunocompromised persons, particularly those with chronic liver disease, V. vulnificus can infect the bloodstream, causing a severe and life-threatening illness...
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Answer to:
What is Vibrio vulnificus?
Vibrio vulnificus is a bacterium in the same family as those that cause cholera. It normally lives in warm seawater and is part of a group of vibrios that are called "halophilic" because they require salt.
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo/vibriovulnificus_g.htm
Answer to:
Does typhoid fever's danger end when symptoms disappear?
Even if your symptoms seem to go away, you may still be carrying S. Typhi . If so, the illness could return, or you could pass the disease to other people. In fact, if you work at a job where you handle food or care for small children, you may be barred legally from going back to work until a doctor has determined that you no longer carry any typhoid bacteria.
If you are being treated for...
Answer to:
What do you do if you think you have typhoid fever?
If you suspect you have typhoid fever, see a doctor immediately. If you are traveling in a foreign country, you can usually call the U.S. consulate for a list of recommended doctors.
You will probably be given an antibiotic to treat the disease. Three commonly prescribed antibiotics are ampicillin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, and ciprofloxacin. Persons given antibiotics usually begin to...
Answer to:
What are the signs and symptoms of typhoid fever?
Persons with typhoid fever usually have a sustained fever as high as 103° to 104° F (39° to 40° C). They may also feel weak, or have stomach pains, headache, or loss of appetite. In some cases, patients have a rash of flat, rose-colored spots. The only way to know for sure if an illness is typhoid fever is to have samples of stool or blood tested for the presence of S. Typhi.
...
Answer to:
How can you avoid typhoid fever?
Two basic actions can protect you from typhoid fever:
1. Avoid risky foods and drinks.
2. Get vaccinated against typhoid fever.
It may surprise you, but watching what you eat and drink when you travel is as important as being vaccinated. This is because the vaccines are not completely effective. Avoiding risky foods will also help protect you from other illnesses, including...
Answer to:
Where in the world do you get typhoid fever?
Typhoid fever is common in most parts of the world except in industrialized regions such as the United States, Canada, western Europe, Australia, and Japan. Therefore, if you are traveling to the developing world, you should consider taking precautions. Over the past 10 years, travelers from the United States to Asia, Africa, and Latin America have been especially at risk.
...
Answer to:
How is typhoid fever spread?
Salmonella Typhi lives only in humans. Persons with typhoid fever carry the bacteria in their bloodstream and intestinal tract. In addition, a small number of persons, called carriers , recover from typhoid fever but continue to carry the bacteria. Both ill persons and carriers shed S. Typhi in their feces (stool).
You can get typhoid fever if you eat food or drink beverages that have been...
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Answer to:
Do you have tips for preventing the spread of shigellosis?
bulleted list item, level 2 wash hands with soap carefully and frequently, especially after going to the bathroom, after changing diapers, and before preparing foods or beverages
bulleted list item, level 2 dispose of soiled diapers properly
bulleted list item, level 2 disinfect diaper changing areas after using them
keep children with diarrhea out of child care settings
...
Answer to:
How can I learn more about shigellosis and other public health problems?
You can discuss any medical concerns you may have with your doctor or other heath care provider. Your local city or county health department can provide more information about this and other public health problems that are occurring in your area. General information about the public health of the nation is published every week in the "Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report", by the CDC...
Answer to:
What is the government doing about shigellosis?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) monitors the frequency of Shigella infections in the country, and assists local and State health departments to investigate outbreaks, determine means of transmission and devise control measures. CDC also conducts research to better understand how to identify and treat shigellosis. The Food and Drug Administration inspects imported foods, and...
Answer to:
What else can be done to prevent shigellosis?
It is important for the public health department to know about cases of shigellosis. It is important for clinical laboratories to send isolates of Shigella to the City, County or State Public Health Laboratory so the specific type can be determined and compared to other Shigella. If many cases occur at the same time, it may mean that a restaurant, food or water supply has a problem which needs...
Answer to:
How common is shigellosis?
Every year, about 18,000 cases of shigellosis are reported in the United States. Because many milder cases are not diagnosed or reported, the actual number of infections may be twenty times greater. Shigellosis is particularly common and causes recurrent problems in settings where hygiene is poor and can sometimes sweep through entire communities. Shigellosis is more common in summer than...
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Answer to:
What can a person do to prevent shigellosis?
There is no vaccine to prevent shigellosis. However, the spread of Shigella from an infected person to other persons can be stopped by frequent and careful handwashing with soap. Frequent and careful handwashing is important among all age groups. Frequent, supervised handwashing of all children should be followed in day care centers and in homes with children who are not completely...
Answer to:
How do people catch Shigella?
The Shigella bacteria pass from one infected person to the next. Shigella are present in the diarrheal stools of infected persons while they are sick and for a week or two afterwards. Most Shigella infections are the result of the bacterium passing from stools or soiled fingers of one person to the mouth of another person. This happens when basic hygiene and handwashing habits are inadequate....
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Answer to:
Are there long term consequences to a Shigella infection?
Persons with diarrhea usually recover completely, although it may be several months before their bowel habits are entirely normal. About 3% of persons who are infected with one type of Shigella, Shigella flexneri, will later develop pains in their joints, irritation of the eyes, and painful urination. This is called Reiter's syndrome. It can last for months or years, and can lead to...
Answer to:
How can Shigella infections be treated?
Shigellosis can usually be treated with antibiotics. The antibiotics commonly used for treatment are ampicillin, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (also known as Bactrim* or Septra*), nalidixic acid, or ciprofloxacin. Appropriate treatment kills the Shigella bacteria that might be present in the patient's stools, and shortens the illness. Unfortunately, some Shigella bacteria have become...
Answer to:
How can Shigella infections be diagnosed?
Many different kinds of diseases can cause diarrhea and bloody diarrhea, and the treatment depends on which germ is causing the diarrhea. Determining that Shigella is the cause of the illness depends on laboratory tests that identify Shigella in the stools of an infected person. These tests are sometimes not performed unless the laboratory is instructed specifically to look for the organism....
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Answer to:
What sort of germ is Shigella?
The Shigella germ is actually a family of bacteria that can cause diarrhea in humans. They are microscopic living creatures that pass from person to person. Shigella were discovered over 100 years ago by a Japanese scientist named Shiga, for whom they are named. There are several different kinds of Shigella bacteria: Shigella sonnei, also known as "Group D" Shigella, accounts for over...
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Answer to:
What is shigellosis?
Shigellosis is an infectious disease caused by a group of bacteria called Shigella. Most who are infected with Shigella develop diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps starting a day or two after they are exposed to the bacterium. The diarrhea is often bloody. Shigellosis usually resolves in 5 to 7 days. In some persons, especially young children and the elderly, the diarrhea can be so severe that...
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Answer to:
What is being done to control Salmonella?
Government agencies and the egg industry have taken steps to reduce Salmonella enteritidis outbreaks. These steps include the difficult task of identifying and removing infected flocks from the egg supply and increasing quality assurance and sanitation measures.
The Centers for Disease Control has advised state health departments, hospitals, and nursing homes of specific measures to reduce...
Answer to:
What you can do to reduce risk of Salmonella?
Eggs, like meat, poultry, milk, and other foods, are safe when handled properly. Shell eggs are safest when stored in the refrigerator, individually and thoroughly cooked, and promptly consumed. The larger the number of Salmonella present in the egg, the more likely it is to cause illness. Keeping eggs adequately refrigerated prevents any Salmonella present in the eggs from growing to higher...
Answer to:
What is the risk of Salmonella enteritidis?
In affected parts of the United States, we estimate that one in 50 average consumers could be exposed to a contaminated egg each year. If that egg is thoroughly cooked, the Salmonella organisms will be destroyed and will not make the person sick. Many dishes made in restaurants or commercial or institutional kitchens, however, are made from pooled eggs. If 500 eggs are pooled, one batch in 20...
Answer to:
Who can be infected with Salmonella enteritidis?
The elderly, infants, and persons with impaired immune systems are at increased risk for serious illness.
Healthy adults and children are at risk for egg-associated salmonellosis, but the elderly, infants, and persons with impaired immune systems are at increased risk for serious illness. In these persons, a relatively small number of Salmonella bacteria can cause severe illness. Most of the...
Answer to:
How do eggs become contaminated?
Unlike eggborne salmonellosis of past decades, the current epidemic is due to intact and disinfected grade A eggs. Salmonella enteritidis silently infects the ovaries of healthy appearing hens and contaminates the eggs before the shells are formed.
Most types of Salmonella live in the intestinal tracts of animals and birds and are transmitted to humans by contaminated foods of animal origin....
Answer to:
What is a Salmonella enteritidis Infection?
Egg-associated salmonellosis is an important public health problem in the United States and several European countries. A bacterium, Salmonella enteritidis, can be inside perfectly normal-appearing eggs, and if the eggs are eaten raw or undercooked, the bacterium can cause illness. During the 1980s, illness related to contaminated eggs occurred most frequently in the northeastern United States,...
Answer to:
What are the symptoms of listeriosis?
A person with listeriosis has fever, muscle aches, and sometimes gastrintestinal symptoms such as nausea or diarrhea. If infection spreads to the nervous system, symptoms such as headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, or convulsions can occur.
Infected pregnant women may experience only a mild, flu-like illness; however, infections during pregnancy can lead to miscarraige or...
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Answer to:
What can be done to prevent the infection?
Cattle are the principal source of E. coli O157 infection; they carry E. coli O157 in their intestines. Changes in the preparation of animals for slaughter and in slaughter and processing methods could decrease the contamination of carcasses with E. coli O157 and the subsequent contamination of meat. Testing ground beef for E. coli O157 and withholding it from the market until the test is...
Answer to:
What are the long-term consequences of infection?
Persons who only have diarrhea usually recover completely.
A small proportion of persons with hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) have immediate complications with lifelong implications, such as blindness, paralysis, persistent kidney failure, and the effects of having part of their bowel removed. Many persons with hemolytic uremic syndrome have mild abnormalities in kidney function many years...
Answer to:
How is the illness treated?
Most people recover without antibiotics or other specific treatment within 5 to 10 days. Antibiotics should not be used to treat this infection. There is no evidence that antibiotics improve the course of disease, and it is thought that treatment with some antibiotics could lead to kidney complications. Antidiarrheal agents, such as loperamide (Imodium®), should also be avoided.
In some...
Answer to:
How is E. coli O157:H7 infection diagnosed?
Infection with E. coli O157:H7 is diagnosed by detecting the bacterium in the stool. About one-third of laboratories that culture stool still do not test for E. coli O157:H7, so it is important to request that the stool specimen be tested on sorbitol-MacConkey (SMAC) agar for this organism. All persons who suddenly have diarrhea with blood should get their stool tested for E. coli O157:H7.
...
Answer to:
How is E. coli O157:H7 infection diagnosed?
Infection with E. coli O157:H7 is diagnosed by detecting the bacterium in the stool. About one-third of laboratories that culture stool still do not test for E. coli O157:H7, so it is important to request that the stool specimen be tested on sorbitol-MacConkey (SMAC) agar for this organism. All persons who suddenly have diarrhea with blood should get their stool tested for E. coli O157:H7.
...
Answer to:
What illness does E. coli O157:H7 cause?
People generally become ill from E. coli O157:H7 two to eight days (average of 3-4) after being exposed to the bacteria. Escherichia coli O157:H7 infection often causes severe bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps. Sometimes the infection causes non-bloody diarrhea or no symptoms. Usually little or no fever is present, and the illness resolves in 5 to 10 days.
In some persons, particularly...
Answer to:
How is E. coli O157:H7 spread?
The organism can be found on most cattle farms, and it is commonly found in petting zoos and can live in the intestines of healthy cattle, deer, goats, and sheep. Meat can become contaminated during slaughter, and organisms can be accidentally mixed into meat when it is ground. Bacteria present on the cow's udders or on equipment may get into raw milk. In a petting zoo, E.coli O157:H7 can...
Answer to:
What is Escherichia coli O157:H7?
E. coli O157:H7 is one of hundreds of strains of the bacterium Escherichia coli. Although most strains are harmless, this strain produces a powerful toxin that can cause severe illness. E. coli O157:H7 has been found in the intestines of healthy cattle, deer, goats, and sheep.
E. coli O157:H7 was first recognized as a cause of illness in 1982 during an outbreak of severe bloody diarrhea; the...
Answer to:
Where can a traveler get information about cholera?
The global picture of cholera changes periodically, so travelers should seek updated information on countries of interest. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention maintains a travelers' information telephone line on which callers can receive recent information on cholera and other diseases of concern to travelers. Data for this service are obtained from the World Health...
Answer to:
What is the U.S. government doing to combat cholera?
U.S. and international public health authorities are working to enhance surveillance for cholera, investigate cholera outbreaks, and design and implement preventive measures. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention investigates epidemic cholera wherever it occurs and trains laboratory workers in proper techniques for identification of V. cholerae. In addition, the Centers for Disease...
Answer to:
How long will the current epidemic last?
Predicting how long a Cholera epidemic will last is difficult. The cholera epidemic in Africa has lasted more than 30 years. In areas with inadequate sanitation, a cholera epidemic cannot be stopped immediately, and, although far fewer cases have been reported from Latin America and Asia in recent years, there are no signs that the global Cholera pandemic will end soon. Major improvements in...
Answer to:
Can cholera be treated?
Cholera can be simply and successfully treated by immediate replacement of the fluid and salts lost through diarrhea. Patients can be treated with oral rehydration solution, a prepackaged mixture of sugar and salts to be mixed with water and drunk in large amounts. This solution is used throughout the world to treat diarrhea. Severe cases also require intravenous fluid replacement. With prompt...
Answer to:
What is the risk for cholera in the United States?
In the United States, cholera was prevalent in the 1800s but has been virtually eliminated by modern sewage and water treatment systems. However, as a result of improved transportation, more persons from the United States travel to parts of Africa, Asia, or Latin America where epidemic cholera is occurring . U.S. travelers to areas with epidemic cholera may be exposed to the cholera bacterium....
Answer to:
How does a person get cholera?
A person may get cholera by drinking water or eating food contaminated with the cholera bacterium. In an epidemic, the source of the contamination is usually the feces of an infected person. The disease can spread rapidly in areas with inadequate treatment of sewage and drinking water.
The cholera bacterium may also live in the environment in brackish rivers and coastal waters. Shellfish...
Answer to:
What is cholera?
Cholera is an acute, diarrheal illness caused by infection of the intestine with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. The infection is often mild or without symptoms, but sometimes it can be severe. Approximately one in 20 infected persons has severe disease characterized by profuse watery diarrhea, vomiting, and leg cramps. In these persons, rapid loss of body fluids leads to dehydration and shock....
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Answer to:
What countries have reported cases of BSE or are considered to have a substantial risk associated with BSE?
These countries are: Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, former Yugoslavia Republic of Macedonia, The Netherlands, Norway, Oman, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,...
Answer to:
Is BSE in cattle the same disease as CWD in deer and elk in the U.S.?
BSE is a Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy (TSE), a family of similar diseases that may infect certain species of animals and people such as scrapie in sheep and goats, BSE in cattle, chronic wasting disease (CWD) in deer and elk, and variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD) in people.
To date, there is no scientific evidence that BSE in cattle is related to CWD in deer and elk. FDA...
Answer to:
When and how did BSE in cattle occur?
BSE in cattle was first reported in 1986 in the United Kingdom (UK). The exact origins of BSE remain uncertain, but it is thought that cattle initially may have become infected when fed feed contaminated with scrapie-infected sheep meat-and-bone meal (MBM). Scrapie is a prion disease in sheep similar to BSE in cattle. The scientific evidence suggests that the U.K. BSE outbreak in cattle then...
Answer to:
What about the use of gelatin, another bovine-related material, in cosmetics and dietary supplements and other foods?
FDA's rule prohibiting the use of the cattle materials that have the highest risk of harboring BSE infectivity in human food applies to gelatin. Therefore, gelatin used in human food may not be made from these cattle materials.
http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~comm/bsefaq.html
Answer to:
Given the BSE case in Washington State and the case in Texas, should consumers be concerned about cosmetics made using tallow from the rendering process?
No. The World Health Organization considers tallow to be a low risk for transmission of BSE. Specifically, the rendering process separates fats from proteins. Because the disease is transmitted by prions, which are a type of protein, they would be separated by the rendering process from the tallow or fat, which is the portion that goes into cosmetics. Additionally, the tallow is processed with...
Answer to:
What steps is FDA currently taking to ensure the safety of dietary supplements that contain bovine ingredients?
Most recently, FDA published a rule that prohibits the use in human food, including dietary supplements, of the cattle materials that have the highest risk of harboring BSE infectivity. The rule applies to both domestic and imported dietary supplements and their ingredients. In addition, most ingredients used to produce dietary supplements and most other food ingredients come from cattle that...
Answer to:
Since the BSE-positive cows were discovered in the U.S., does that mean that dietary supplements made with domestic ingredients might be unsafe?
No. The requirements that FDA has in place should give consumers confidence that their food, including dietary supplements, is safe. Most recently, FDA published a rule that prohibits the use in human food, including dietary supplements, of the cattle materials that have the highest risk of harboring BSE infectivity. Furthermore, most ingredients used to produce dietary supplements and most...
Answer to:
Does the use of bovine-derived ingredients in dietary supplements mean that they are not safe?
No. The requirements that FDA has in place should give consumers confidence that their food, including dietary supplements, is safe. Most recently, FDA published a rule that prohibits the use in human food, including dietary supplements, of the cattle materials that have the highest risk of harboring BSE infectivity. The rule applies to both imported and domestic dietary supplements and their...
Answer to:
Can milk be infected with BSE from a BSE-positive cow?
No detectable infectivity in cow's milk has been reported from any BSE-infected cows. Infectious prions have not been detected by bioassay of milk from cattle with BSE.
http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~comm/bsefaq.html
Answer to:
Is cow's milk a source of BSE?
Scientific research indicates that BSE is not transmitted in cow's milk, even if the milk comes from a cow with BSE. Milk and milk products, even in countries with a high incidence of BSE are, therefore, considered safe.
http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~comm/bsefaq.html
Answer to:
Is the food in the U.S. likely to be a BSE risk to consumers?
FDA and other federal agencies have had preventive measures in place to reduce the U.S. consumer's risk of exposure to any BSE-contaminated meat and food products. Since 1989, USDA has prohibited the importation of live animals and animal products from BSE-positive countries. Subsequently, USDA expanded the ban to include both countries with BSE and countries at risk for BSE. Since 1997,...
Answer to:
Are the protective measures in place sufficient to ensure the safety of the human food supply in light of the June 2005 BSE positive cow?
Yes, the protective measures put into place in July 2004 by FDA ensure that cattle materials that carry the highest risk of transmitting the agent that causes BSE are excluded from human food, including dietary supplements, and cosmetics. These measures, along with similar measures established by USDA, provide a uniform national BSE policy and ensure the safety of human food.
...
Answer to:
What measures are being taken to ensure food safety in the U.S. from BSE?
Since 1989, the FDA and other federal agencies have had ongoing regulatory measures in place to prevent BSE contamination of U.S. food and food products. Following the identification in a Washington state dairy herd of a BSE-positive cow imported from Canada, USDA issued new regulations containing additional safeguards to further minimize risk for introduction of the BSE agent into the U.S....
Answer to:
How can campylobacteriosis be treated?
Virtually all persons infected with Campylobacter will recover without any specific treatment. Patients should drink plenty of fluids as long as the diarrhea lasts. In more severe cases, antibiotics such as erythromycin or a fluoroquinolone can be used, and can shorten the duration of symptoms if they are given early in the illness. Your doctor will make the decision about whether antibiotics...
Answer to:
How is the infection diagnosed?
Many different kinds of infections can cause diarrhea and bloody diarrhea. Doctors can look for bacterial causes of diarrhea by asking a laboratory to culture a sample of stool from an ill person. Diagnosis of Campylobacter requires special laboratory culture procedures, which doctors may need to specifically request.
Source: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo/campylobacter_g.htm
Answer to:
What sort of germ is Campylobacter?
The Campylobacter organism is actually a group of spiral-shaped bacteria that can cause disease in humans and animals. Most human illness is caused by one species, called Campylobacter jejuni, but 1% of human Campylobacter cases are caused by other species. Campylobacter jejuni grows best at the body temperature of a bird, and seems to be well adapted to birds, who carry it without becoming...
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Answer to:
Does BSE affect people?
There is a disease similar to BSE called Creutzfeldt-Jacob Disease (CJD) that is found in people. A variant form of CJD (vCJD) is believed to be caused by eating contaminated beef products from BSE-affected cattle. To date, there have been 155 confirmed and probable cases of vCJD worldwide among the hundreds of thousands of people that may have consumed BSE-contaminated beef products. The one...
Answer to:
How common is Campylobacter?
Campylobacter is one of the most common bacterial causes of diarrheal illness in the United States. Virtually all cases occur as isolated, sporadic events, not as a part of large outbreaks. Active surveillance through FoodNet indicates about 15 cases are diagnosed each year for each 100,000 persons in the population. Many more cases go undiagnosed or unreported, and campylobacteriosis is...
Answer to:
Will there be additional cases of BSE?
In 1998, USDA commissioned the Harvard Center for Risk Analysis to conduct an analysis and evaluation of the U.S. regulatory measures to prevent the spread of BSE in the U.S. and to reduce the potential exposure of U.S. consumers to BSE. The Harvard study concluded that, if introduced, due to the preventive measures currently in place in the U.S., BSE is extremely unlikely to become established...
Answer to:
What is campylobacteriosis?
Campylobacteriosis is an infectious disease caused by bacteria of the genus Campylobacter. Most people who become ill with campylobacteriosis get diarrhea, cramping, abdominal pain, and fever within 2 to 5 days after exposure to the organism. The diarrhea may be bloody and can be accompanied by nausea and vomiting. The illness typically lasts 1 week. Some persons who are infected with...
Answer to:
Did meat and meat products from the 2003 BSE cow enter the food supply?
As soon as the BSE case was identified, both USDA and FDA activated their BSE Emergency Response Plans, and USDA immediately recalled the meat. Meat that did enter the food supply was quickly traced and was removed from the marketplace. Moreover, all the organs in which infectious prions occur were removed at slaughter and did not enter the food supply. Consumers should feel very confident that...
Answer to:
Did meat and meat products from the June 2005 cow enter the food supply?
No, the cow was presented at slaughter as non-ambulatory (a downer). Therefore, in accordance with BSE regulations established by USDA and FDA the material from the animal did not enter the human food supply.
Source: http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~comm/bsefaq.html
Answer to:
Was a second case of BSE identified in the U.S. in June 2005?
Yes, the USDA surveillance program identified the second BSE case in the U.S. This cow was originally identified in November 2004. Results from this animal were inconclusive in screening tests, but negative in confirmatory immunohistochemical tests. USDA recently conducted an additional confirmatory test, Western Blot, and the results were positive for BSE. USDA sent the samples to the...
Answer to:
What causes BSE?
The exact cause of BSE is not known but it is generally accepted by the scientific community that the likely cause is infectious forms of a type of protein, prions, normally found in animals cause BSE. In cattle with BSE, these abnormal prions initially occur in the small intestines and tonsils, and are found in central nervous tissues, such as the brain and spinal cord, and other tissues of...
Answer to:
What is "Mad Cow Disease" (Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy/BSE)?
Mad Cow Disease is the commonly used name for Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE), a slowly progressive, degenerative, fatal disease affecting the central nervous system of adult cattle. Since 1990, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has conducted aggressive surveillance of the highest risk cattle going to slaughter in the United States.
Source:...
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Answer to:
What is botulism?
Botulism is a rare but serious paralytic illness caused by a nerve toxin that is produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. There are three main kinds of botulism. Foodborne botulism is caused by eating foods that contain the botulism toxin. Wound botulism is caused by toxin produced from a wound infected with Clostridium botulinum. Infant botulism is caused by consuming the spores of the...
Answer to:
What are some unsolved problems in foodborne disease?
As new foodborne problems emerge, several questions need to be answered before the problem can be successfully controlled.
It takes careful scientific observation and research to answer these questions.
Some pressing unanswered questions include:
How do the foodborne pathogens spread among the animals themselves, and how can this be prevented?
This includes E. coli O157:H7 among...
Answer to:
What is CDC doing to control and prevent foodborne disease?
CDC is part of the U. S. Public Health Service, with a mission to use the best scientific information to monitor, investigate, control and prevent public health problems. Using the tools of epidemiology and laboratory science, CDC provides scientific assessment of public health threats. CDC works closely with state health departments to monitor the frequency of specific diseases and conducts...
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Answer to:
There is only so much the consumer can do to protect themselves from food poisoning. How can food be made safer in the first place?
Making food safe in the first place is a major effort, involving the farm and fishery, the production plant or factory, and many other points from the farm to the table. Many different groups in public health, industry, regulatory agencies, and academia have roles to play in making the food supply less contaminated. Consumers can promote general food safety with their dollars, by purchasing...
Answer to:
What can consumers do to ensure their food is safe when they eat in restaurants?
You can protect yourself first by choosing which restaurant to patronize. Restaurants are inspected by the local health department to make sure they are clean and have adequate kitchen facilities. Find out how restaurants did on their most recent inspections, and use that score to help guide your choice. In many jurisdictions, the latest inspection score is posted in the restaurant. Some...
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Answer to:
Are some people more likely to contract a foodborne illness? If so, are there special precautions they should take?
Some persons at particularly high risk should take more precautions.
-Pregnant women, the elderly, and those weakened immune systems are at higher risk for severe infections such as Listeria and should be particularly careful not to consume undercooked animal products. They should avoid soft French style cheeses, pates, uncooked hot dogs and sliced deli meats, which have been sources...
Answer to:
What can consumers do to protect themselves from foodborne illness?
A few simple precautions can reduce the risk of foodborne diseases:
COOK meat, poultry and eggs thoroughly. Using a thermometer to measure the internal temperature of meat is a good way to be sure that it is cooked sufficiently to kill bacteria. For example, ground beef should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160o F. Eggs should be cooked until the yolk is firm.
...
Answer to:
What foods are most associated with foodborne illness?
Raw foods of animal origin are the most likely to be contaminated; that is, raw meat and poultry, raw eggs, unpasteurized milk, and raw shellfish. Because filter-feeding shellfish strain microbes from the sea over many months, they are particularly likely to be contaminated if there are any pathogens in the seawater. Foods that mingle the products of many individual animals, such as bulk raw...
Answer to:
How does food become contaminated?
We live in a microbial world, and there are many opportunities for food to become contaminated as it is produced and prepared. Many foodborne microbes are present in healthy animals (usually in their intestines) raised for food. Meat and poultry carcasses can become contaminated during slaughter by contact with small amounts of intestinal contents. Similarly, fresh fruits and vegetables can...
Answer to:
How is a foodborne disease outbreak investigated?
Once an outbreak is strongly suspected, an investigation begins. A search is made for more cases among persons who may have been exposed. The symptoms and time of onset, and location of possible cases is determined, and a "case definition" is developed that describes these typical cases. The outbreak is systematically described by time, place, and person. A graph is drawn of the...
Answer to:
How are outbreaks of foodborne disease detected?
The initial clue that an outbreak is occurring can come in various ways. It may be when a person realizes that several other people who were all together at an event have become ill and he or she calls the local health department. It may be when a physician realizes she has seen more than the usual number of patients with the same illness. It may be when a county health department gets an...
Answer to:
Why do public health officials investigate outbreaks in food contamination?
A foodborne outbreak is an indication that something needs to be improved in our food safety system. Public health scientists investigate outbreaks to control them, and also to learn how similar outbreaks can be prevented in the future. Just as when a fire breaks out in a large building or when an airliner crashes, two activities are critical when an outbreak occurs. First, emergency action...
Answer to:
What are foodborne disease outbreaks and why do they occur?
An outbreak of foodborne illness occurs when a group of people consume the same contaminated food and two or more of them come down with the same illness. It may be a group that ate a meal together somewhere, or it may be a group of people who do not know each other at all, but who all happened to buy and eat the same contaminated item from a grocery store or restaurant. For an outbreak to...
Answer to:
How do public health departments track foodborne diseases?
Routine monitoring of important diseases by public health departments is called disease surveillance. Each state decides which diseases are to be under surveillance in that state. In most states, diagnosed cases of salmonellosis, E. coli O157:H7 and other serious infections are routinely reported to the health department. The county reports them to the state health department, which reports...
Answer to:
How many cases of foodborne disease are there in the United States?
An estimated 76 million cases of foodborne disease occur each year in the United States. The great majority of these cases are mild and cause symptoms for only a day or two. Some cases are more serious, and CDC estimates that there are 325,000 hospitalizations and 5,000 deaths related to foodborne diseases each year. The most severe cases tend to occur in the very old, the very young, those...
Answer to:
When should I consult my doctor about a diarrheal illness?
A health care provider should be consulted for a diarrheal illness is accompanied by
bulleted list item, level 1 high fever (temperature over 101.5 F, measured orally)
bulleted list item, level 1 blood in the stools
bulleted list item, level 1 prolonged vomiting that prevents keeping liquids down (which can lead to dehydration)
bulleted list item, level 1 signs of...
Answer to:
How are foodborne diseases treated?
There are many different kinds of foodborne diseases and they may require different treatments, depending on the symptoms they cause. Illnesses that are primarily diarrhea or vomiting can lead to dehydration if the person loses more body fluids and salts (electrolytes) than they take in. Replacing the lost fluids and electrolytes and keeping up with fluid intake are important. If diarrhea is...
Answer to:
How are foodborne diseases diagnosed?
The infection is usually diagnosed by specific laboratory tests that identify the causative organism. Bacteria such as Campylobacter, Salmonella, E. coli O157 are found by culturing stool samples in the laboratory and identifying the bacteria that grow on the agar or other culture medium. Parasites can be identified by examining stools under the microscope. Viruses are more difficult to...
Answer to:
What happens in the body after the microbes in food that produce illness are swallowed?
After they are swallowed, there is a delay, called the incubation period, before the symptoms of illness begin. This delay may range from hours to days, depending on the organism, and on how many of them were swallowed. During the incubation period, the microbes pass through the stomach into the intestine, attach to the cells lining the intestinal walls, and begin to multiply there. Some...
Answer to:
Are the types of foodborne diseases changing?
The spectrum of foodborne diseases is constantly changing. A century ago, typhoid fever, tuberculosis and cholera were common foodborne diseases. Improvements in food safety, such as pasteurization of milk, safe canning, and disinfection of water supplies have conquered those diseases. Today other foodborne infections have taken their place, including some that have only recently been...
Answer to:
What are the most common foodborne diseases?
The most commonly recognized foodborne infections are those caused by the bacteria Campylobacter, Salmonella, and E. coli O157:H7, and by a group of viruses called calicivirus, also known as the Norwalk and Norwalk-like viruses.
Campylobacter is a bacterial pathogen that causes fever, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. It is the most commonly identified bacterial cause of diarrheal illness in...
Answer to:
What is foodborne disease?
Foodborne disease is caused by consuming contaminated foods or beverages. Many different disease-causing microbes, or pathogens, can contaminate foods, so there are many different foodborne infections. In addition, poisonous chemicals, or other harmful substances can cause foodborne diseases if they are present in food.
More than 250 different foodborne diseases have been described. Most...
Answer to:
What's the difference between bacteria and viruses?
The differences between viruses and bacteria are numerous. Viruses are the smallest and simplest life form known. They are 10 to 100 times smaller than bacteria. The biggest difference between viruses and bacteria is that viruses must have a living host - like a plant or animal - to multiply, while most bacteria can grow on non-living surfaces.
Also, unlike bacteria, which attack the body...
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Answer to:
Is it true that some viruses are resistant to heat and cold? If so, what food safety precautions should consumers take?
Foodborne viruses are not especially resistant to heat. Most virus outbreaks are the result of foods that are not cooked, or are contaminated after cooking. Many viruses are very stable in the environment, but cooking is good at denaturing the proteins that protect the virus. That's why it's important to cook food, including seafood, thoroughly before eating it.
On the other hand,...
Answer to:
If a person who was infected by Salmonella typhi begins to feel okay, does this mean he or she has stopped shedding the bacteria?
Not necessarily. Even if symptoms seem to go away, a person may still be carrying Salmonella typhi. If so, the illness could return and he or she could pass the disease to other people. In fact, if the person works at a job where he or she handles food or cares for small children, that person may be barred legally from going back to work until a doctor has determined that the person no longer...
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Answer to:
Do all toxins in food survive the cooking process?
No, all toxins in food do not survive the cooking process. In fact, the botulism toxin caused by Clostridium botulinum can be inactivated by cooking. Boiling food for 10 minutes eliminates this toxin. However, many other toxins are heat stable. For example, Staphylococcus can produce toxins that are not destroyed by high cooking temperatures. To prevent toxins from developing in food,...
Answer to:
If spores can survive cooking, freezing, and some sanitizing measures, how can spores be prevented from the start?
Conquering spores is not an easy process because spore growth can occur anywhere. There are food safety precautions you can take. Do not hold food in the danger zone, the temperature range in which most bacteria can grow. This range is usually below 40° F (4° C). Some pathogenic bacteria can grow at 32° F (0° C) or above 140° F (60° C). Spores can germinate into...
Answer to:
What is BSE or Mad Cow Disease and is it a health problem in the United States?
Mad Cow Disease is the commonly used name for Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE), a slowly progressive, degenerative, fatal disease affecting the central nervous system of adult cattle. Since 1990, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has conducted aggressive surveillance of the highest risk cattle going to slaughter in the United States.
The exact cause of BSE is not known but it is...
Answer to:
What advice is the government giving to consumers in relation to Listeriosis?
Listeriosis is an illness caused by eating foods contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, bacteria found in soil and water. Food-producing animals can carry these bacteria in their intestines. As a result, the disease-causing bacteria may be spread to meat and dairy products. Ready-to-eat foods also can become contaminated within the processing plant, after processing, or along the route from...
Answer to:
What foodborne pathogens and natural toxins are associated with seafood?
The following foodborne pathogens and natural toxins have some connection with seafood and seafood safety. Each is linked to the to the "Foodborne Pathogenic Microorganisms and Natural Toxins Handbook" (The Bad Bug Book) which provides basic facts regarding these foodborne pathogenic miroorganisms and natural toxins.
Bacterial Pathogens associated with raw and processed seafood
...
Answer to:
What are the bacteria that cause foodborne illness?
The most prevalent foodborne pathogens that cause foodborne illness are listed below.
Campylobacter jejuni
FOUND: intestinal tracts of animals and birds, raw milk, untreated water, and sewage sludge.
TRANSMISSION: contaminated water, raw milk, and raw or under-cooked meat, poultry, or shellfish.
SYMPTOMS: fever, headache and muscle pain followed by diarrhea (sometimes bloody),...
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Answer to:
Where can I obtain more information on foodborne illness?
Food and Drug Administration
Visit the "Bad Bug Book" and links about national food safety programs.
Also see www.foodsafety.gov.
Call the FDA's food information line at 1-888-SAFEFOOD (1-888-723-3366). Recorded information 24 hours a day, every day. FDA public affairs specialists are available to answer questions from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday....
Answer to:
Why is Raw Milk Dangerous?
More than 300 people in the United States got sick from drinking raw milk or eating cheese made from raw milk in 2001, and nearly 200 became ill from these products in 2002, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Raw milk may harbor a host of disease-causing organisms (pathogens), such as the bacteria campylobacter, escherichia, listeria, salmonella, yersinia, and...
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Answer to:
Why is it important to use a cooking thermometer?
One of the critical factors in fighting food-borne illness is temperature. Bacteria grow slowly at low temperatures and multiply rapidly at mid-range temperatures. To be safe, a product must be cooked to an internal temperature high enough to destroy harmful bacteria. Using a meat thermometer is a reliable way to ensure that food has reached the proper temperature. However, to be effective,...
Answer to:
Is irradiated food safe? How is it labeled?
The Food and Drug Administration last December approved treating red meat products with a measured does of radiation. This process, commonly call irradiation, has drawn praise from many food industry and health organizations because it can control E. coli 0157:H7 and several other disease-causing microorganisms.
As part of its approval, FDA requires that irradiated foods include labeling...
Answer to:
Why should older people be especially concerned about food safety?
The answer to this question can be found in a document entitled: Seniors Need Wisdom on Food Safety which is maintained on the web site of the Food Safety and Inspection Service.
Answer to:
What food and drugs can cause severe side effects when taken during the same time period?
Medicines can treat and cure many health problems. However, they must be taken properly to ensure that they are safe and effective. Many medicines have powerful ingredients that interact with the human body in different ways, and diet and lifestyle can sometimes have a significant impact on a drug's ability to work in the body. Certain foods, beverages, alcohol, caffeine, and even cigarettes...
Answer to:
What should you do if you have a problem with a food product?
The answer to this question can be found in a document entitled: What to Do If You Have a Problem with Food Products which is maintained on the web site of the Food Safety and Inspection Service.
Answer to:
Can the symptoms of foodborne illness be mistaken for the flu?
Yes. Foodborne illness often shows itself as flu-like symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or fever, so many people may not recognize that the illness is caused by bacteria or other pathogens in food.
Experts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that many of the intestinal illnesses commonly referred to as stomach flu are actually caused by food-borne...
Answer to:
What are the symptoms of foodborne illness?
Common symptoms of foodborne illness include diarrhea, abdominal cramping, fever, headache, vomiting, severe exhaustion, and sometimes blood or pus in the stools. However, symptoms will vary according to the type of bacteria and by the amount of contaminants eaten.
In rare instances, symptoms may come on as early as a half hour after eating the contaminated food but they typically do not...
Answer to:
How sick can I get from eating contaminated food?
There are many variables. Your age, general health, and how much contaminated food you ate are all factors. The most common symptoms are diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, but you don't necessarily get all the symptoms. At-risk people can become very ill and can even die from foodborne illness because their immune systems are less able to fight off the bacteria.
Source:...
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Answer to:
Are some foods more likely to cause foodborne illness than others?
Just about any food can become contaminated if handled improperly. However, foods rich in protein, such as meat, poultry, fish, and seafood, are frequently involved in foodborne illness outbreaks for 2 reasons:
1. Protein-rich foods tend to be of animal origin. Therefore, microorganisms of animal origin are frequently found in animal foods.
2. Animal foods are rich in protein that...
Answer to:
How can I prevent foodborne Illness?
The idea that the food on the dinner table can make someone sick may be disturbing, but there are many steps you can take to protect your families and dinner guests. It's just a matter of following basic rules of food safety.
Prevention of foodborne illness starts with your trip to the supermarket.
* Pick up your packaged and canned foods first.
* Don't buy food in cans...
Answer to:
How do bacteria spoil food?
There are different spoilage bacteria and each reproduces at specific temperatures. Some can grow at the low temperatures in the refrigerator or freezer. Others grow well at room temperature and in the "Danger Zone." Bacteria will grow anywhere they have access to nutrients and water. Under the correct conditions, spoilage bacteria reproduce rapidly and the populations can grow very...
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Answer to:
Do spoilage bacteria in food make people sick?
Most people would not choose to eat spoiled food. However, if they did, they probably would not get sick.
Pathogenic bacteria cause illness. They grow rapidly in the "Danger Zone" – the temperatures between 40 and 140 °F – and do not generally affect the taste, smell, or appearance of food. Food that is left too long at unsafe temperatures could be dangerous to eat,...
Answer to:
What are spoilage bacteria in food?
Spoilage bacteria are microorganisms too small to be seen without a microscope that cause food to deteriorate and develop unpleasant odors, tastes, and textures. These one-celled microorganisms can cause fruits and vegetables to get mushy or slimy, or meat to develop a bad odor.
Answer to:
What is the proper temperature for your refrigerator?
Refrigerators should stay at 41 °F (5 °C) or less. A temperature of 41 °F (5 °C) or less is important because it slows the growth of most bacteria. The temperature won't kill the bacteria, but it will keep them from multiplying, and the fewer there are, the less likely you are to get sick from them.
Freezing at zero °F (minus 18 °C) or less stops bacterial growth...
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Answer to:
How can I clean my hands when water is not available, such as when traveling or picnicking away from home?
You can use disposable wipes or a hand gel sanitizer. You use the gel without water. The alcohol in the gel kills the germs on your hands. You can find disposable wipes and hand gel sanitizers in most supermarkets and drugstores.
Answer to:
How do you safely prepare school lunches?
KEEP FOODS CLEAN
Keep everything clean when packing the lunch. That not only goes for the food, but also food preparation surfaces, hands and utensils. Use hot, soapy water. Keep family pets away from kitchen counters. "Wash your hands before you prepare or eat food," Berry explains.
KEEP COLD FOODS COLD
The best way to keep food cold is with an insulated lunch box. When...
Answer to:
What safety tips do you have for purchasing food through the mails?
While the mail order industry enjoys a good safety record, ordering food through the mail may cause concerns about food safety, shelf life, and distribution. It's imperative to develop some mental checklists for how both food and packaging should look when perishable mail order foods arrive. This is especially true for meat, poultry, fish, and other perishable foods such as cheesecake,...
Answer to:
Should I wash raw meat, poultry, or seafood before cooking it?
Washing raw poultry, beef, pork, lamb, veal, or seafood before cooking is not recommended. Although washing these raw food items may get rid of some of the pathogens, it also allows the pathogens to spread around the kitchen. Cooking these foods to a safe internal temperature destroys any bacteria that may be present. Also, don't forget to wash your hands with hot, soapy water before, in...
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Answer to:
How can I safely handle refrigerated ready-to-eat foods to avoid Listeriosis?
isteria monocyotogenes is a bacterium that can cause a serious infection in humans called listeriosis, that results in an estimated 2,500 serious illnesses and 500 deaths each year. Foodborne illness caused by L. monocytogenes in pregnant women can result in miscarriage, fetal death, and severe illness or death of a newborn infant. Others at risk for severe illness or death are older adults and...
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Answer to:
Is A Slow Cooker Safe?
Yes, the slow cooker, a countertop appliance, cooks foods slowly at a low temperature—generally between 170° and 280° F. The low heat helps less expensive, leaner cuts of meat become tender and shrink less.
The direct heat from the pot, lengthy cooking and steam created within the tightly-covered container combine to destroy bacteria and make the slow cooker a safe process for...
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Answer to:
What is the safest way to defrost meat, poultry, and fish products?
Food safety experts recommend thawing foods in the refrigerator or the microwave oven or putting the package in a water-tight plastic bag submerged in cold water and changing the water every 30 minutes. Changing the water ensures that the food is kept cold, an important factor for slowing bacterial growth that may occur on the outer thawed portions while the inner areas are still thawing.
...
Answer to:
What is the best way to clean kitchen counters?
Bleach and commercial kitchen cleaning agents are the best sanitizers--provided they're diluted according to product directions. They're the most effective at getting rid of bacteria. Hot water and soap does a good job, too, but may not kill all strains of bacteria. Water may get rid of visible dirt, but not bacteria.
Also, be sure to keep dishcloths and sponges clean because, when...
Answer to:
How often should you sanitize your kitchen sink drains and disposal?
The kitchen sink drain, disposal and connecting pipe are often overlooked, but they should be sanitized periodically by pouring down the sink a solution of 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) of chlorine bleach in 1 quart (about 1 liter) of water or a solution of commercial kitchen cleaning agent made according to product directions. Food particles get trapped in the drain and disposal and, along with...
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Answer to:
Why is it unsafe to marinate foods at room temperature? Doesn't the acid in the marinade kill any bacteria that might be present?
Bacteria grow rapidly at room temperature, so for food safety purposes, food should always be refrigerated while marinating. (Refrigeration slows bacterial growth.) Marinade that has been used on raw meat, poultry, and seafood contains raw juices. These juices may contain bacteria that, if eaten, could make you sick. The acid in marinade doesn't kill bacteria, it merely slows or stops...
Answer to:
One of the food safety rules is to wash hands in hot, soapy water. Does hot water kill bacteria?
Hot water that is comfortable for washing hands is not hot enough to kill bacteria. The body oils on your hands hold soils and bacteria, so hot or warm, soapy water is more effective than cold, soapy water at removing those oily soils and the bacteria in them.
Answer to:
If I forget to follow some of the basic food safety rules, won't heating or reheating foods kill foodborne bacteria?
To be safe, always follow the 4 Cs of Food Safety rules when preparing, serving, and cooking foods. Proper heating and reheating will kill foodborne bacteria. However, some foodborne bacteria produce poisons or toxins that are not destroyed by high cooking temperatures if the food is left out at room temperature for an extended period of time. An example is the foodborne bacteria...
Answer to:
What is the second rule of safe food preparation in the home?
Keep Temperature Right
The second cardinal rule of safe home food preparation is: Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold.
Use a thermometer with a small-diameter stem to ensure that meats are completely cooked. Insert the thermometer 1 to 2 inches into the center of the food and wait 30 seconds to ensure an accurate measurement. Beef (including ground beef), lamb, and pork should be...
Answer to:
What is the first rule of safe food preparation in the home?
Keep It Clean
The first cardinal rule of safe food preparation in the home is: Keep everything clean.
The cleanliness rule applies to the areas where food is prepared and, most importantly, to the cook. Wash hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds before starting to prepare a meal and after handling raw meat or poultry. Cover long hair with a net or scarf, and be sure that...
Answer to:
When cooking food, what is "safe"?
Poultry
For reasons of personal preference, consumers may choose to cook poultry to higher temperatures. Use a food thermometer to assure that meat and poultry have reached a safe minimum internal temperature.
Although a whole chicken or turkey and poultry parts will visually indicate that they have been thoroughly cooked, stuffed poultry will not. There is no way that a consumer can tell...
Answer to:
What Is food that you are cooking "Done"?
Webster’s dictionary defines "doneness" as the condition of being cooked to the desired degree. While food safety experts stress the internal temperature that ensures destruction of pathogens in food, "doneness" reflects subjective qualities such as the appearance, texture, and optimum flavor of a food. Recent research has shown that these indicators are not reliable...
Answer to:
How do you handle waste in the kitchen after cooking?
Source: NDSU Extension Service Nutrition Specialists
Although American households produce an enormous amount of waste material, food represents only about 9 percent of the refuse. Regardless of content, however, proper garbage disposal is an important part of keeping your kitchen clean.
If you use paper or plastic bags, make sure there are no leaks or spill overs, because kitchen waste...
Answer to:
What is the safest way to defrost meat, poultry, and fish?
Food safety experts recommend thawing foods in the refrigerator or the microwave oven or putting the package in a water-tight plastic bag submerged in cold water and changing the water every 30 minutes. Changing the water ensures that the food is kept cold, an important factor for slowing bacterial growth that may occur on the outer thawed portions while the inner areas are still thawing.
...
Answer to:
How should you select and use cutting boards?
Cutting boards can harbor bacteria in cracks and grooves caused by knives. But with little effort, plastic, a hard wood, such as maple, or any nonporous surface can be used safely if used properly. Here's how:
1. CHOOSE A GOOD SURFACE: Select a board that can be cleaned easily, that is smooth, durable, and nonabsorbent. Plastic is less porous than wood, making it less likely to harbor...
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Answer to:
Is it safe to cook in a slow cooker, since it cooks at such a low temperature?
Yes, the slow cooker, a countertop appliance, cooks foods slowly at a low temperature -- generally between 170° and 280 °F. The low heat helps less expensive, leaner cuts of meat become tender and shrink less.
The direct heat from the pot, lengthy cooking and steam created within the tightly-covered container combine to destroy bacteria and make the slow cooker a safe process for...
Answer to:
What types of kitchen thermometers are available, and how should each be used?
Lots of information on food thermometer use is available on the Thermy™ Web site: www.fsis.usda.gov/thermy. For information (including illustrations) on various types of thermometers and their use, see Thermy's™ Kitchen Thermometers page.
Answer to:
How reliable are pop-up timers in poultry as an indication of safe internal temperatures?
Commonly used in turkeys and roasting chickens since 1965, the "pop-up" temperature device is constructed from a food-approved nylon. The inside contains a stainless steel spring and firing material. The firing material is made of an organic salt compound or an alloy of metals commonly used in other thermo-sensing devices. The tip of the stem is imbedded in the firing material until...
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Answer to:
After cooking food, how do I clean my cutting board?
Cutting boards need to be maintained and monitored for cleanliness.
* They should be washed with hot, soapy water after preparing each food item.
* After washing, you may choose to sanitize the cutting boards with a solution of 1 tablespoon of unscented, liquid chlorine bleach per gallon of water. Flood surface with the bleach solution and allow it to stand for several minutes....
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Answer to:
When cooking, should I use a wooden cutting board or a plastic one?
You can choose either wood or a nonporous surface cutting board. Research shows that nonporous surfaces, such as plastic, marble, tempered glass, and pyroceramic are easier to clean than wood. Wood surfaces are considered porous. Once cutting boards become excessively worn or develop hard-to-clean grooves, you should replace them. Even plastic boards wear out over time.
(Source: Cutting Boards...
Answer to:
How do I prevent cross-contamination (the transfer of harmful bacteria to food from other foods)while preparing food using a cutting board?
Regardless of the type of cutting board you prefer, wood or a nonporous surface, consider using one for fresh produce and a separate one for raw meat, poultry, and seafood. This will prevent bacteria on a cutting board that is used for raw meat, poultry, or seafood from cross-contaminating a food that requires no further cooking.
* Always use a clean cutting board. Wash cutting boards...
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Answer to:
How many baseball teams are in the American League?
As of the 2007 season, there are 14 teams in MLB's American League.
AMERICAN LEAGUE EAST
Baltimore Orioles
Boston Red Sox
New York Yankees
Tampa Bay Devil Rays
Toronto Blue Jays
AMERICAN LEAGUE CENTRAL
Chicago White Sox
Cleveland Indians
Detroit Tigers
Kansas City Royals
Minnesota Twins
AMERICAN LEAGUE WEST
Los Angeles Angels
Oakland...
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Answer to:
Why shouldn't I taste a sample of cookie dough before baking it?
Foods containing raw eggs, such as homemade ice cream, cake batter, mayonnaise, and eggnog carry a Salmonella risk, but their commercial counterparts don't. Commercial products are made with pasteurized eggs; that is, eggs that have been heated sufficiently to kill bacteria, and also may contain an acidifying agent that kills the bacteria. Commercial preparations of cookie dough are not a...
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Answer to:
How long can I keep bottles of formula/breast milk?
* Discard leftover formula immediately because bacteria from the baby's mouth contaminates the formula. The bacteria can grow and multiply.
* Discard prepared bottles after 24 hours.
* Discard open containers of ready-to-feed or concentrated formula after 48 hours.
* Discard unused breast milk after 48 hours.
source:...
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Answer to:
Can I microwave my infant's baby bottle?
No, because microwaves heat unevenly. Resulting "hot spots" can scald the baby's mouth and throat.
source: http://msucares.com/health/food_safety/foodfaq57.html
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Answer to:
How do I safely store breast milk?
# Store breast milk in sterilized bottles in the refrigerator or a freezer.
# Label each container with the name of the child, date and time milk was pumped.
# Refrigerate promptly and use within 2 days, or
# Freeze and use within 2 weeks
source: http://msucares.com/health/food_safety/foodfaq59.html
Answer to:
Can I feed my infant directly from the jar of baby food?
No, because the surface of the container hasn't been cleaned and may contain harmful bacteria. Also, bacteria from the baby's mouth contaminates the food and the bacteria can grow and multiply before the food is served again. Too many bacteria can make the baby sick.
source: http://msucares.com/health/food_safety/foodfaq60.html
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Answer to:
What do I need to consider when handling jars of baby food?
* Check "use by" dates on baby foods. If the date has passed, throw it out.
* Check to see that the safety button in the lid is down. If the jar lid doesn't "pop" when opened, or is not sealed completely, don't use it.
* Don't heat baby foods in jars in the microwave. The heat is uneven and can produce "hot spots" that can scald the...
Answer to:
What is the safest way to handle baby bottles?
Clean
* Wash bottles, bottle caps and nipples in the dishwasher or hand wash, rinse and boil for 5 minutes or more just before refilling
Refrigerate
* Keep filled bottles of formula or breast milk in the refrigerator until just before feeding.
* Refrigerate open containers of ready-to-feed or concentrated formula.
Warming
* Place bottles in hot (not boiling)...
Answer to:
Referring to canned food, what does a bulging can mean?
This is a sign of a spoiled canned food. Foods from such cans are not safe to eat, even after cooking.
source: http://msucares.com/health/food_safety/foodfaq39.html
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Answer to:
Does FD&C Yellow No. 5 color additive in food cause any allergic reactions?
FD&C Yellow No. 5, or tartrazine, is used to color beverages, desert powders, candy ice cream, custards and other foods. The color additive may cause hives in fewer than one out of 10,000 people. By law, whenever the color is added to foods or taken internally, it must be listed on the label. This allows the small portion of people who may be sensitive to FD&C Yellow No.5 to avoid it.
...
Answer to:
How are color additives approved for use in foods?
To market a new color additive, a manufacturer must first petition FDA for its approval.
The petition must provide convincing evidence that the proposed color additive performs as it is intended. Animal studies using large doses of the color additive for long periods are often necessary to show that the substance would not cause harmful effects at expected levels of human consumption....
Answer to:
How are color additives in food regulated?
In 1900, there were about 80 man-made color additives available for use in foods. At that time there were no regulations regarding the purity and uses of these dyes.
Legislation enacted since the turn of the century, however, has greatly improved food color additive safety and stimulated improvements in food color technology.
The Food and Drug Act of 1906 permitted or "listed"...
Answer to:
Why are color additives used in foods?
Color is an important property of foods that adds to our enjoyment of eating. Nature teaches is early to expect certain colors in certain foods, and our future acceptance of foods is highly dependent on meeting these expectations.
Color variation in foods throughout the seasons and the effects of food processing and storage often require that manufacturers add color to certain foods to meet...
Answer to:
Do color additives in food cause hyperactivity?
Although this theory was popularized in the 1970's, well-controlled studies conducted since then have produced no evidence that food color additives cause hyperactivity or learning disabilities in children. A Consensus Development Panel of the National Institutes of Health concluded in 1982 that there was no scientific evidence to support the claim that colorings or other food additives...
Answer to:
When referring to color additives, what are dyes and lakes?
Certifiable color additives are available for use in food as either "dyes" or "lakes." Dyes dissolve in water and are manufactured as powders, granules, liquids or other special purpose forms. They can be used in beverages, dry mixes, baked goods, confections, dairy products, pet foods and a variety of other products.
Lakes are the water insoluble form of the dye. Lakes...
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Answer to:
What is a color additive used in food?
Technically, a color additive is any dye, pigment or substance that can impart color when added or applied to a food, drug, cosmetic or to the human body.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is responsible for regulating all color additives used in the United States. All color additives permitted for use in foods are classified as "certifiable" or "exempt from...
Answer to:
Why are decisions sometimes changed by the FDA about the safety of food ingredients?
Since absolute safety of any substance can never be proven, decisions about the safety of food ingredients are made on the best scientific evidence available. Scientific knowledge is constantly evolving. Therefore, federal officials often review earlier decisions to assure that the safety assessment of a food substance remains up to date. Any change made in previous clearances should be...
Answer to:
What should you do if you suspect you have a food allergy?
The Food Allergy Network's Anne Munoz-Furlong suggests keeping a food diary as a first step, writing down everything you eat or drink for a one- or two-week period. Note any symptoms and how long it took for such symptoms to develop.
But Furlong and other experts agree that those who suspect food allergies also need to be evaluated by a physician with intensive specialty training in...
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Answer to:
Are sulfites safe as a food additive?
Of all the food additives for which FDA has received adverse reaction reports, the ones that most closely resemble true allergens are sulfur-based preservatives. Sulfites are used primarily as antioxidants to prevent or reduce discoloration of light-colored fruits and vegetables, such as dried apples and potatoes, and to inhibit the growth of microorganisms in fermented foods such as wine.
...
Answer to:
Is monosodium glutamate (MSG) a safe food additive?
Monosodium glutamate (MSG) has been used for many years in home and restaurant foods, and in processed foods. People sensitive to MSG may have mild and transitory reactions when they eat foods that contain large amounts of MSG (such as would be found in heavily flavor-enhanced foods). Because MSG is commonly used in Chinese cuisine, these reactions were initially referred to as "Chinese...
Answer to:
Is aspartame safe to drink in diet soda? What are the negative effects to aspartame?
After reviewing scientific studies, FDA determined in 1981 that aspartame was safe for use in foods. In 1987, the General Accounting Office investigated the process surrounding FDA's approval of aspartame and confirmed the agency had acted properly. However, FDA has continued to review complaints alleging adverse reactions to products containing aspartame. To date, FDA has not determined any...
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Answer to:
Is olestra a safe food additive?
Olestra is a fat-based substitute for conventional fats. FDA approved olestra on Jan. 24, 1996, for use in certain snack foods. The agency requires all products containing olestra to be labeled with specific health information.
Procter & Gamble Co. developed olestra, which it is marketing under the trade name Olean.
Because of its unique chemical composition, olestra adds no fat or...
Answer to:
What are fat substitutes used as food additives?
Fat substitutes can be carbohydrate-, protein- or fat-based.
The first type to reach the market contained carbohydrate as the main ingredient. Avicel, for example, is a cellulose gel introduced in the mid-1960s by FMC Corp., and N-Oil is a tapioca dextrin introduced in the early 1980s by National Starch and Chemical Co. These types of fat substitutes are used in a variety of foods today,...
Answer to:
Are "natural" food additives safer than "artificial" or "man-made" food additives?
Some additives are manufactured from natural sources such as soybeans and corn, which provide lecithin to maintain product consistency, or beets, which provide beet powder used as food coloring. Other useful additives are not found in nature and must be man-made. Artificial additives can be produced more economically, with greater purity and more consistent quality than some of their natural...
Answer to:
How are additives approved for use in foods?
To market a new food or color additive, a manufacturer must first petition FDA for its approval. Approximately 100 new food and color additives petitions are submitted to FDA annually. Most of these petitions are for indirect additives such as packaging materials.
A food or color additive petition must provide convincing evidence that the proposed additive performs as it is intended. Animal...
Answer to:
How are food additives regulated?
Additives are not always byproducts of 20th century technology or modern know-how. Our ancestors used salt to preserve meats and fish; added herbs and spices to improve the flavor of foods; preserved fruit with sugar; and pickled cucumbers in a vinegar solution.
Over the years, however, improvements have been made in increasing the efficiency and ensuring the safety of all additives. Today...
Answer to:
Why are additives used in foods?
Additives perform a variety of useful functions in foods that are often taken for granted. Since most people no longer live on farms, additives help keep food wholesome and appealing while en route to markets sometimes thousands of miles away from where it is grown or manufactured. Additives also improve the nutritional value of certain foods and can make them more appealing by improving their...
Answer to:
Are food additives necessary and are they safe?
Yes, food additives are necessary. Without them, food spoilage, food costs, and the loss of food to pests would be higher. FDA evaluates all food additives for safety before they are allowed in foods and has found them to be safe and effective in the quantities in which they are consumed in foods.
source: http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/qa-adf4.html
Answer to:
What are the FDA labeling requirements for additives?
The statutes and regulations to enforce the statutes require certain information on labels of meat and poultry products so consumers will have complete information about a product. In all cases, ingredients must be listed on the product label, in the ingredients statement in order by weight, from the greatest amount to the least.
Substances such as spices and spice extractives may be...
Answer to:
When were color additives in food addressed by the FDA?
The 1960 Color Additives Amendment brought all colors, natural and synthetic, under the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Color additives may not be used to deceive consumers or to conceal blemishes or inferiorities in food products. Colors used in foods, drugs, and cosmetics must be approved by the FDA before they can be marketed.
The Food Additives Amendment and the Color Additives Amendments...
Answer to:
Are Any Additives Exempt from the FDA Approval Process?
The Food Additives Amendment exempted two groups of food additives from FDA's testing and approval process. One is the list of substances known as "generally recognized as safe" (GRAS). This group includes a variety of substances, from commonly used flavorings and spices to phosphates and carrageenan. These substances are considered harmless under prescribed conditions of use. Past extensive...
Answer to:
When Did Food Additives Regulations Begin?
The 1958 Food Additives Amendment to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act provided for the first specific regulations of food additives. Approval of new food additives was required before they could be marketed, and the responsibility for proving their safety was placed on the manufacturer.
To use or market a substance to be used as a food additive, a company must first file a petition...
Answer to:
Why Are Food Additives Regulated?
During the early part of the first century in America, people lived off the land. They grew their own foods or bought them from someone they knew and trusted. There was no need for food safety laws. As the country grew and became more industrialized, the number of people who produced their own foods decreased drastically. Therefore, the nation depended on the newly emerging food industry to...
Answer to:
Who Monitors the Safety of Food Additives in the U.S.?
Before any substance can be added to food, its safety must be assessed in a stringent approval process. The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) shares responsibility with FDA for the safety of food additives used in meat, poultry, and egg products. All additives are initially evaluated for safety by FDA.
When an additive is proposed for use in...
Answer to:
What is a Food Additive?
"Food additive" is defined by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as any substance used to provide a technical effect in foods. The use of food additives has become more prominent in recent years, due to the increased production of prepared, processed, and convenience foods. Additives are used for flavor and appeal, food preparation and processing, freshness, and safety. At the...
Answer to:
What is the history of food additives?
In prehistoric times, cavemen may have smoked meats to make them taste better. In coastal regions, early man probably soaked foods, including meat and poultry, in seawater for better flavor and for preservation. The spice trade between Asia, the Middle East, and Europe flourished because the public demanded the flavors that spices added to foods. Early explorers went in search of salt and...
Answer to:
Should I be concerned about my child going to a dairy?
A special alert for field trips to a dairy is to never let your child sample raw, unpasteurized milk because unpasteurized milk can be a source of E. coli, as well as other potentially harmful bacteria.
In general, field trips can be a lot of fun for children but it is important to remember that food should be kept cold. Bacteria can quickly multiply to dangerous levels when foods, like...
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Answer to:
Why do eggs have to be fully cooked to avoid foodborne illness?
Eggs are a perishable food and must be properly stored and cooked. Raw eggs that were contaminated with Salmonella enteritidis bacteria have caused some outbreaks of foodborne illness. Most outbreaks appear to be related to pooling (commingling) of eggs, time/temperature abuse, and incomplete cooking.
Most eggs do not contain Salmonella enteritidis and the risk of contracting salmonellosis...
Answer to:
What is the safest way to handle and prepare eggs?
Consumers should take the following precautions when handling both raw eggs and foods in which eggs are an ingredient, such as quiche or baked custard.
1. Avoid eating raw eggs and foods containing raw eggs: Homemade caesar salad, homemade hollandaise sauce, and homemade mayonnaise, for example. Likewise, homemade ice cream and homemade eggnog should be avoided unless made with a cooked,...
Answer to:
Do you know any easter egg tips?
At all times: Work with the eggs carefully to prevent cracking the shells. (If the shells crack, bacteria can get inside the eggs--they should not be decorated, hidden or eaten.)
Dyeing eggs: Refrigerate before dyeing. If the eggs will be eaten, be sure to use a food-safe dye. Boiling the eggs kills the Salmonella bacteria that can cause illness, but will not keep the eggs from spoiling. To...
Answer to:
What are some recipes with undercooked eggs?
These foods are commonly or traditionally prepared with raw or undercooked eggs.
* Caesar salad--with raw egg dressing
* Hollandaise sauce
* Homemade mayonnaise, ice cream, egg nog,
* Tira misu
* Eggs served sunnyside up or scrambled
* French toast
* Cake and cookie batter
To reduce the risk of illness, prepare these dishes with pasteurized eggs (eggs...
Answer to:
What about Salmonella in eggs?
Salmonella bacteria are commonly found in animals, especially birds and reptiles. Eggs can have Salmonella both inside the egg (usually in the yolk) and on the outside of the shell. In humans, Salmonella can cause illness (salmonellosis) within 12-72 hours after eating the contaminated food (or trace amounts of feces of the infected animals).
Symptoms of salmonellosis include:
*...
Answer to:
What are all the different colors inside of an egg?
* RED--Blood spots in the yolk are caused when a blood vessel breaks on the surface of the yolk. Blood spots indicate a fresh egg (the spots fade with time) and are safe to eat.
* GREEN--The greenish ring around a hard-boiled egg yolk is due to an iron and sulfur compound that forms when eggs are overcooked, not cooled quickly, or are prepared with water that is high in iron. Concentric...
Answer to:
Can I use cracked eggs?
The shell is the egg's first defense against contamination. Do not buy or eat eggs with cracked shells. If you crack the shell, either prepare the egg or break it into a clean container and refrigerate it. Use within 2 days.
source: http://www.bfhd.wa.gov/edu/eggucation.php#get
Answer to:
What's in the white (albumen) of an egg?
* about 2/3 of the egg's liquid weight
* most of the egg's protein, niacin, riboflavin, magnesium, potassium, sodium and sulfur
* chalazae--the strands of egg white that anchor the yolk in place. Prominent chalazae indicate a fresher egg.
Answer to:
What's in the yolk of an egg?
* all of the egg's fat, cholesterol and almost half of the protein
* all of the egg's Vitamins A, D, and E and zinc
* most of the egg's phosphorus, manganese, iron, copper, iodine and calcium
* about 60 calories (in a large egg)
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Answer to:
Why do hard-boiled eggs spoil faster than raw eggs?
A hen puts a protective coating (called the bloom) on the egg as she lays it. The bloom keeps contaminants from entering pores in the shell (eggshells have up to 17,000 pores). Processing plants wash the eggs and coat them with mineral oil to replace the bloom. This protective coating is removed when you wash or boil the egg.
Answer to:
How long do eggs last?
Keep eggs refrigerated to promote quality and safety. Raw eggs can be kept in the refrigerator for 4-5 weeks after purchase. Refrigerated hard-boiled eggs should be eaten within 7 days.
Answer to:
Why are hard-boiled eggs hard to peel?
Hard to peel eggs are probably fresh (with a small air cell). Use eggs that are at least a week old to make peeling easier.
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Answer to:
Why do some eggs float in water?
Old eggs float in water because of a large air cell. (The air cell forms as the egg cools after being laid. As the egg ages, air enters the egg and the air cell becomes larger.) To make sure the egg is not spoiled--break it into a clean bowl and check to make sure it doesn't have a bad odor or appearance.
Answer to:
What does Grade A on an egg mean?
Eggs are graded based on their quality and appearance (there is no difference in nutrition or safety).
* Grade AA eggs have thick, firm whites and high, round yolks. Their shells are clean and unbroken.
* Grade A eggs are like Grade AA, but their whites are "reasonably" firm. Grade A are usually sold in stores.
* Grade B eggs have thin whites and wider yolks. The...
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Answer to:
How do I hard cook eggs?
This method (from the American Egg Board) should produce eggs that have fully-cooked yolks. Eggs prepared this way also often have less of a green tinge (associated with overcooking), fewer cracks and are easier to peel.
1. Place cold eggs in a single layer in a saucepan.
2. Add enough cold tap water to come at least one inch over the eggs.
3. Cover and quickly bring to a hard...
Answer to:
Do Pickled Eggs Keep a Long Time?
Pickled eggs are hard-cooked eggs marinated in vinegar and pickling spices, spicy cider, or juice from pickles or pickled beets. Studies done at the American Egg Board substantiate that unopened containers of brined eggs— marinated, hard-cooked eggs—keep for several months on the shelf. After opening, keep refrigerated.
Here is a really helpful chart:
Egg Storage Chart
Product...
Answer to:
What Are Thousand-Year-Old Eggs?
These Chinese eggs are not really 1,000 years old, but are somewhere between a month and several years old. The egg is not retained in its original state, but rather converted into an entirely different food, probably by bacterial action. They are exempt from inspection and grading. The following are several types of thousand-year-old Chinese eggs.
"Hulidan" results when eggs are...
Answer to:
What Makes Hard-Cooked Eggs Hard to Peel?
The fresher the egg, the more difficult it is to peel after hard cooking. That's because the air cell, found at the large end of the shell between the shell membranes, increases in size the longer the raw egg is stored. As the contents of the egg contracts and the air cell enlarges, the shell becomes easier to peel. For this reason, older eggs make better candidates for hard cooking.
Answer to:
What Does It Mean When an Egg Floats in Water?
An egg can float in water when its air cell has enlarged sufficiently to keep it buoyant. This means the egg is old, but it may be perfectly safe to use. Crack the egg into a bowl and examine it for an off-odor or unusable appearance before deciding to use or discard it. A spoiled egg will have an unpleasant odor when you break open the shell, either when raw or cooked.
Safe Cooking Methods...
Answer to:
How Do Time and Refrigeration Affect Egg Quality?
The egg, as laid at 105 °F, normally has no air cell. It forms as the egg cools, usually in the large end of the egg, and develops between the two shell membranes. The air cell is formed as a result of the different rates of contraction between the shell and its contents.
Over time, the white and yolk of an egg lose quality. The yolk absorbs water from the white. Moisture and carbon...
Answer to:
Is the Appearance of Eggs Related to Food Safety?
Sometimes, but not usually. Variation in egg color is due to many factors.
* Blood spots are caused by a rupture of one or more small blood vessels in the yolk at the time of ovulation. It does not indicate the egg is unsafe.
* A cloudy white (albumen) is a sign the egg is very fresh. A clear egg white is an indication the egg is aging.
* Pink or iridescent egg white (albumen)...
Answer to:
Are Fertilized Eggs More Nutritious?
No. There is no benefit in eating fertilized eggs. There is no nutritional difference in fertilized eggs and infertile eggs. Most eggs sold today are infertile; roosters are not housed with the laying hens. If the eggs are fertile and cell development is detected during the candling process, they are removed from commerce.
Per Capita Consumption
Egg consumption in America was on a 40-year...
Answer to:
Does the Color of the Shell Affect the Egg's Nutrients?
No. The breed of the hen determines the color of her eggs.
Araucuna chickens in South America lay eggs that range in color from medium blue to medium green. Nutrition claims that araucuna eggs contain less cholesterol than other eggs haven't been proven.
Answer to:
Are Easter Eggs Safe?
Sometimes eggs are decorated, used as decorations, and hunted at Easter. Here are some safety tips for Easter eggs.
* Dyeing eggs: After hard cooking eggs, dye them and return them to the refrigerator within 2 hours. If eggs are to be eaten, use a food-safe coloring. As with all foods, persons dyeing the eggs should wash their hands before handling the eggs.
* Decorations: One...
Answer to:
How Are Eggs Handled Safely?
Proper refrigeration, cooking, and handling should prevent most egg-safety problems. Persons can enjoy eggs and dishes containing eggs if these safe handling guidelines are followed.
* Don't keep eggs out of the refrigerator more than 2 hours.
* Raw eggs and other ingredients, combined according to recipe directions, should be cooked immediately or refrigerated and cooked...
Answer to:
Why Do Hard-Cooked Eggs Spoil Faster than Fresh Eggs?
When shell eggs are hard cooked, the protective coating is washed away, leaving bare the pores in the shell for bacteria to enter and contaminate it. Hard-cooked eggs should be refrigerated within 2 hours of cooking and used within a week.
Safe Storage in Stores
At the store, choose Grade A or AA eggs with clean, uncracked shells. Make sure they've been refrigerated in the store. Any bacteria...
Answer to:
Should You Wash Eggs?
No. When the egg is laid, a protective coating is put on the outside by the hen. At the plant, government regulations require that USDA-graded eggs be carefully washed and sanitized using special detergent. Then the egg is coated with a tasteless, natural mineral oil to protect it.
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Answer to:
Why Should Eggs Be Refrigerated?
Temperature fluctuation is critical to safety. With the concern about Salmonella, eggs gathered from laying hens should be refrigerated as soon as possible. After eggs are refrigerated, they need to stay that way. A cold egg left out at room temperature can sweat, facilitating the growth of bacteria. Refrigerated eggs should not be left out more than 2 hours.
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Answer to:
What Are Egg Grades?
There are three consumer grades for eggs: U.S. Grade AA, A, and B. The grade is determined by the interior quality of the egg and the appearance and condition of the egg shell. Eggs of any quality grade may differ in weight (size).
* U.S. Grade AA eggs have whites that are thick and firm; yolks that are high, round, and practically free from defects; and clean, unbroken shells. Grade AA...
Answer to:
Is Grading of Eggs Mandatory?
USDA's grading service is voluntary; egg packers who request it, pay for it. The USDA grade shield on the carton means that the eggs were graded for quality and checked for weight (size) under the supervision of a trained USDA grader. Compliance with quality standards, grades, and weights is monitored by USDA. State agencies monitor compliance for egg packers who do not use the USDA...
Answer to:
What Points Should You Consider When Buying Eggs?
Always purchase eggs from a refrigerated case. Choose eggs with clean, uncracked shells. Don't buy out-of-date eggs. Look for the USDA grade shield or mark. Graded eggs must meet standards for quality and size. Choose the size most useful and economical for you.
Answer to:
Are Powdered Egg Whites Pasteurized?
Yes. Egg white powder is dried egg white (pure albumen). It can be reconstituted by mixing the powder with water. The reconstituted powder whips like fresh egg white and, because it is pasteurized, can be used safely without cooking or baking it. The product is usually sold along with supplies for cake baking and decorating.
Answer to:
Can Shell Eggs Be Pasteurized?
Shell eggs can be pasteurized by a processor if FDA approves the process. Pasteurized shell eggs are available in some parts of the country. Also, the equipment necessary to pasteurize eggs isn't available for home use, and it's not possible to pasteurize eggs in the home.
Answer to:
What Is Included Under the Egg Products Inspection Act?
The term "egg products" refers to eggs that have been removed from their shells for processing at facilities called "breaker plants." The safety of these products is the responsibility of FSIS. Basic egg products include whole eggs, whites, yolks, and various blends—with or without non-egg ingredients—that are processed and pasteurized. They may be available in...
Answer to:
How Are Eggs Transported Safely to Stores?
The U.S. Department of Commerce's 1990 Sanitary Food Transportation Act requires that vehicles be dedicated to transporting food only. On August 27, 1999, FSIS made effective a new rule requiring:
* shell eggs packed for consumers be stored and transported under refrigeration at an ambient (surrounding) air temperature not to exceed 45 °F;
* all packed shell eggs be labeled...
Answer to:
What is Candling?
Candling is the process of using light to help determine the quality of an egg. Automated mass-scanning equipment is used by most egg packers to detect eggs with cracked shells and interior defects. During candling, eggs travel along a conveyor belt and pass over a light source where the defects become visible. Defective eggs are removed. Hand candling—holding a shell egg directly in...
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Answer to:
What Government Agencies are Responsible for the Safety of Shell Eggs?
Many government agencies cooperate to ensure the safety of shell eggs from farm to table.
USDA Agencies: Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)
* AMS administers a voluntary egg-quality grading program for shell eggs paid for by processing plants.
* AMS also is responsible for the shell egg surveillance program to assure that eggs in the marketplace are as good as or better than U.S....
Answer to:
Who is Working on Eliminating the Salmonella in Eggs?
Federal and state governments, the egg industry, and the scientific community are working together to solve the problem. Involved government agencies include: USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), and the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS); the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA); and State departments of agriculture.
...
Answer to:
Who is "At Risk" for Eating Raw or Undercooked Eggs?
People with health problems, the very young, senior citizens, and pregnant women (the risk is to the unborn child) are particularly vulnerable to SE infections. A chronic illness weakens the immune system, making the person vulnerable to foodborne illnesses.
No one should eat foods containing raw eggs. This includes "health food" milk shakes made with raw eggs, Caesar salad,...
Answer to:
What Safe Handling Instructions are on Egg Cartons?
All packages of raw, shell eggs not treated to destroy Salmonella must carry the following safe handling statement:
SAFE HANDLING INSTRUCTIONS: To prevent illness from bacteria: Keep eggs refrigerated, cook eggs until yolks are firm, and cook foods containing eggs thoroughly.
Answer to:
What Part of an Eggshell Carries Bacteria?
Researchers say that, if present, the SE is usually in the yolk or "yellow." However, they can't rule out the bacteria being in egg whites. So everyone is advised against eating raw or undercooked egg yolks and whites or products containing raw or undercooked eggs.
Answer to:
How Does Salmonella Infect Eggs?
Bacteria can be on the outside of a shell egg. That's because the egg exits the hen's body through the same passageway as feces is excreted. That's why eggs are washed and sanitized at the processing plant. Bacteria can be inside an uncracked, whole egg. Contamination of eggs may be due to bacteria within the hen's ovary or oviduct before the shell forms around the yolk and...
Answer to:
How Often Does a Hen Lay an Egg?
The entire time from ovulation to laying is about 25 hours. Then about 30 minutes later, the hen will begin to make another one.
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Answer to:
What is the History of the Egg?
Eggs existed long before chickens, according to On Food and Cooking: The Science and Lore of the Kitchen by Harold McGee. These all-in-one reproductive cells, incorporating the nutrients to support life, evolved about a billion years ago. The first eggs were hatched in the ocean. As animal life emerged from the water about 250 million years ago, they began producing an egg with a tough leathery...
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Answer to:
What should I do to food in my freezer when the power goes back on?
Allow time for refrigerators to reach the proper temperature of less than 41º F before restocking. Restock with fresh foods, as necessary.
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Answer to:
How do I know if the food is unsafe to eat?
You cannot rely on appearance or odor. Never taste food to determine its safety.
Some foods may look and smell fine; however, if they have been warm too long, they may contain food poisoning bacteria in quantities that could make you sick.
If possible, use a thermometer to check the temperature of the foods. If potentially hazardous foods are found to be less than 41º F, then they...
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Answer to:
When do I save and when do I throw out food?
Refrigerated foods should be safe as long as the power is out no more than a few hours and the refrigerator/freezer doors have been kept closed. Potentially hazardous foods should be discarded if they warm up above 41º F.
Frozen foods that remain frozen are not a risk. If potentially hazardous foods are thawed, but are still cold or have ice crystals on them, you should use them as soon...
Answer to:
What foods should I be concerned about if the power goes out?
Foods are categorized into groups. They may be: 1) potentially hazardous, 2) non-hazardous, but quality (not safety) could be affected from changes in temperature, or 3) safe.
Potentially hazardous foods are the most important. These include meats, fish, poultry, dairy products, eggs and egg products, soft cheeses, cooked beans, cooked rice, cooked potatoes, cooked pasta,...
Answer to:
What should I do to protect foods if the power goes out?
Try to keep the doors closed on your refrigerators and freezers as much as possible. This keeps the cold air inside. A full freezer can stay at freezing temperatures about 2 days; a half-full freezer about 1 day.
If you think the power will be out for several days, try to find some ice to pack inside your refrigerator. Remember to keep your raw foods separate from your ready-to-eat foods.
Answer to:
May I refreeze the food in the freezer if it thawed or partially thawed?
Yes, the food may be safely refrozen if the food still contains ice crystals or is at 40 °F or below. You will have to evaluate each item separately. Be sure to discard any items in either the freezer or the refrigerator that have come into contact with raw meat juices. Partial thawing and refreezing may reduce the quality of some food, but the food will remain safe to eat. See the attached...
Answer to:
Some of my food in the freezer started to thaw or had thawed when the power came back on. Is the food safe? How long will the food in the refrigerator be safe with the power off?
Never taste food to determine its safety! You will have to evaluate each item separately. If an appliance thermometer was kept in the freezer, read the temperature when the power comes back on. If the appliance thermometer stored in the freezer reads 40 °F or below, the food is safe and may be refrozen. If a thermometer has not been kept in the freezer, check each package of food to...
Answer to:
A snowstorm knocked down the power lines, can I put the food from the refrigerator and freezer out in the snow?
No, frozen food can thaw if it is exposed to the sun's rays even when the temperature is very cold. Refrigerated food may become too warm and foodborne bacteria could grow. The outside temperature could vary hour by hour and the temperature outside will not protect refrigerated and frozen food. Additionally, perishable items could be exposed to unsanitary conditions or to animals. Animals...
Answer to:
We had a fire in our home and I am worried about what food I can keep and what to throw away.
Discard food that has been near a fire. Food exposed to fire can be damaged by the heat of the fire, smoke fumes, and chemicals used to fight the fire. Food in cans or jars may appear to be okay, but the heat from a fire can activate food spoilage bacteria. If the heat is extreme, the cans or jars themselves can split or rupture, rendering the food unsafe.
One of the most dangerous elements...
Answer to:
My home was flooded and I am worried about the safety of the drinking water. What should I do?
Use bottled water that has not been exposed to flood waters if it is available.
* If you don't have bottled water, you should boil water to make sure it is safe. Boiling water will kill most types of disease-causing organisms that may be present. If the water is cloudy, filter it through clean cloths or allow it to settle, and draw off the clear water for boiling. Boil the water for...
Answer to:
How should I clean my countertops?
Thoroughly wash countertops with soap and water, using hot water if available. Rinse and then sanitize them by applying a solution of 1 tablespoon of unscented, liquid chlorine bleach per gallon of drinking water (or the cleanest, clearest water available). Allow to air-dry.
Answer to:
How should I clean my pots, pans, dishes, and utensils?
Thoroughly wash metal pans, ceramic dishes, and utensils (including can openers) with soap and water, using hot water if available. Rinse and then sanitize them by boiling in clean water or immersing them for 15 minutes in a solution of 1 tablespoon of unscented, liquid chlorine bleach per gallon of drinking water (or the cleanest, clearest water available).
Answer to:
Flood waters covered our food stored on shelves and in cabinets. What can I keep and what should I throw out?
Do not eat any food that may have come into contact with flood water.
* Discard any food that is not in a waterproof container if there is any chance that it has come into contact with flood water. Food containers that are not waterproof include those with screw-caps, snap lids, pull tops, and crimped caps. Also, discard cardboard juice/milk/baby formula boxes and home canned foods if...
Answer to:
My freezer stopped. What should I do and what can I save?
Ordinarily, a fully stocked freezer will keep food frozen for 2 days after losing power. A half-full freezer can maintain freezing power for roughly 1 day. The first thing to find out is how long your freezer will be out. If it can be started again within a safe time, you don't need to do anything. Just resist the temptation to keep looking inside. Each time you open the door, warm air...
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Answer to:
What can I safely do with the food that went through a flood?
Discard:
* Meat, poultry, fish and eggs
* Fresh produce
* Jams/jellies sealed with paraffin
* Home canned foods
* Commercial glass jars of food or beverages including "never opened" jars with waxed cardboard seals such as mayonnaise and salad dressing, corks, pop tops, or peel-off tops
* All foods in cardboard boxes, paper, foil, cellophane or...
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Answer to:
Is food safe that has gone through a fire?
* Food in cans or jars may appear to be okay, but if they've been close to the heat of a fire, they may no longer be edible because heat from a fire can activate food spoilage bacteria. If the heat is extreme, the cans or jars themselves can split or rupture, rendering the food unsafe.
* Toxic fumes can also contaminate food. Any type of food stored in permeable...
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Answer to:
Better Captain: Kirk or Picard?
Answer to:
Can I take an IRA deduction for the amount I contributed to a 401(k) plan last year?
No. A 401(k) plan is not an IRA. However, the amount you contributed is not included as income in box 1 of your W-2 form so you don't pay tax on it in the year you make the contribution.
Answer to:
I want to establish a traditional individual retirement arrangement (IRA) for my spouse, and I need additional information. What is the most I can contribute to a spousal IRA during the tax year?
If both you and your spouse work and both have taxable compensation, each of you can contribute to a separate traditional IRA. The amount that you can contribute to each IRA is subject to a limit. Refer to chapter 1 of Publication 590 for more information on these limits. Contributions can be made even if one spouse has little or no compensation, if you file a joint return. You can make a...
Answer to:
Can a person make a contribution to a SEP-IRA and a Roth IRA, too?
Yes, you can make a contribution to a SEP-IRA and a Roth IRA. See Chapter 2 of Publication 590, Individual Retirement Arrangements (IRAs), for the requirements to contribute to a SEP and a Roth IRA. However, your SEP IRA contribution and Roth IRA contribution can not be made to the same IRA.
Answer to:
Do I report my nondeductible Roth IRA contributions on Form 8606?
There are no forms to report a Roth contribution. The financial institution, which is the trustee of your Roth IRA, will send you information on the amount in your Roth IRA. They will also send the information to the Internal Revenue Service. Use Form 8606 (PDF), Nondeductible IRAs, if you made a nondeductible contribution to a traditional IRA; converted from a traditional IRA, a SEP, or...
Answer to:
If I can't withdraw funds penalty free from my 401(k) plan to purchase my first home, can I roll it over into an IRA and then withdraw that money to use as my down payment?
Yes, if you are receiving a distribution from a 401(k) that is eligible to roll over into a IRA and you meet all of the qualifications for an IRA distribution for a first-time homebuyer. Your plan administrator is required to notify you before making a distribution from your 401(k) plan whether that distribution is eligible to be rolled over into an IRA. To see if you qualify for a distribution...
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Answer to:
How long do I have to roll over a distribution from a retirement plan to an IRA account?
You must complete the rollover by the 60th day following the day on which you receive the distribution. (This 60-day period is extended for the period during which the distribution is in a frozen deposit in a financial institution.) The IRS may waive the 60 day requirement in certain situations, such as in the event of a casualty, disaster, or other event beyond your reasonable control. To...
Answer to:
How do I calculate the minimum amount that must be withdrawn from my IRA after age 70 1/2?
You will need to refer to chapter 1 of Publication 590, Individual Retirement Arrangements (IRAs), to find out this amount. Generally the minimum distribution is computed using one of three tables found in Publication 590. Table I is used by beneficiaries. Table II is for use by owners who have spouses who are more than 10 years younger. Table III is generally for use by unmarried owners and...
Answer to:
The IRS corrected my return and sent me an additional refund. Does this mean I am also entitled to an additional refund on my state tax return?
Whether you are entitled to an additional state tax refund depends on the nature of the change which was made to your federal return. For example, if on your federal tax return, you used the wrong line on the tax tables to figure your tax, this may not have an impact on your state tax return. However, if the change was made to the amount of your taxable income on your federal return, it may...
Answer to:
I am considering a tax shelter investment. How can I recognize an abusive tax shelter?
An abusive shelter generally offers inflated tax a savings which are disproportionately greater than your actual investment placed at risk. Tax shelters reduce current tax liability by offsetting income from one source with losses from another source. The IRS will not allow a shelter which is "abusive." Generally, you invest money to generate income. However, an abusive tax shelter...
Answer to:
How do I deduct the administration expenses of my father's estate?
Expenses of administering an estate can be deducted either from the gross estate in figuring the federal estate tax on Form 706 (PDF), United States Estate (and Generation-Skipping Transfer) Tax Return, or from the estate's gross income in figuring the estate's income tax on Form 1041 (PDF), U.S. Income Tax Return for Estates and Trusts. These expenses, however, cannot be claimed...
Answer to:
I have a small business. Who is required to file Forms W-2 electronically?
Any person, including corporations, partnerships, employers, estates, and trusts, who files 250 or more information returns of any Form 1042-S (PDF), Form 1099, Form 1098 (PDF), Form 5498 (PDF), Form 8027 (PDF), Form 8851 (PDF), Form W-2 (PDF), or Form W-2G (PDF), for any calendar year, must file these returns electronically or magnetically.
Answer to:
How do I request approval to file information returns electronically (magnetically)?
All filers must obtain approval to file prior to submitting Form 1099, Form 1098 (PDF), Form 5498 (PDF), Form 1042-S (PDF), Form W-4 (PDF), Form W-2G (PDF), Form 8851 (PDF), or Form 8027 (PDF), returns on magnetic media or electronically. A Form 4419 (PDF), Application for Filing Information Returns Electronically/Magnetically, should be submitted to the IRS, Enterprise Computer...
Answer to:
If I file electronically, what do I do with my W-2 forms?
When filing electronically you must provide Form W-2 (PDF) to the authorized IRS e-file provider before the provider sends the electronic return to the IRS. In addition, you should keep them in a safe place with a copy of your tax return. For general information about e-file, refer to Tax Topic 252, Electronic Filing.
Answer to:
I don't owe taxes. Can I file electronically after April 15th?
Yes, you can electronically file your return after April 15th. Electronically filed tax returns are accepted until October 15th. However, for your return to be considered timely after April 15, you must file Form 4868 (PDF), an Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File, on or before April 15th. If April 15th falls on a weekend or federal holiday, you have until midnight the...
Answer to:
Can I file an amended Form 1040X electronically?
At this time, the Form 1040X is not accepted electronically.
Answer to:
My electronic tax return keeps getting rejected for a dependent's social security number used more than once or on another return. I have verified the social security numbers of all my dependents with the Social Security Administration and no one else is
Unfortunately, you will need to file a paper return this year. Do not send any documents that are not required with your tax return. Whether the cause of this rejection is the result of a typo on another return or an attempt by another party to claim your dependent, the IRS has security measures in place to ensure the accuracy of returns submitted. In such cases, the IRS will question the...
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Answer to:
I filed electronically but my tax return was rejected. What do I do now?
Your next action depends on the reason your return was rejected. You should receive an explanation of why the return was rejected. If a mistake was made when entering a social security number, omitting a form or a name is misspelled, the errors can be corrected and the return can be sent again to the IRS. There are other errors that will cause you to have to file using a paper return. If you...
Answer to:
How can I participate as an electronic filing Provider?
To participate in the e-file program, you must first choose the Authorized IRS e-file options that are best for you. An Authorized IRS e-file Provider can be an Electronic Return Originator, Intermediate Service Provider, Transmitter or Software Developer.
Submit Form 8633 (PDF), Application to Participate in the IRS e-file Program. Submit your application to the appropriate Service Center...
Answer to:
We will be filing a joint tax return. Can we file our return electronically?
Yes. Filing your return electronically is faster, safer, and more accurate than mailing your tax return because it is transmitted over telephone lines directly to an IRS computer.
Answer to:
What software is approved for IRS e-file?
The IRS does not endorse or approve software. You may want to consider IRS e-file by filing through an Authorized IRS e-file Provider.
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Answer to:
How do I know if the U.S. has an income tax treaty with another country?
Publication 901, U.S. Tax Treaties, has information regarding United States tax treaties.
Answer to:
I am a U.S. citizen living and working overseas. Can I have a tax credit on my U.S. taxes for the taxes I pay to the foreign country?
The foreign tax credit is intended to relieve U.S. taxpayers of the double tax burden when their foreign source income is taxed by both the United States and the foreign country from which the income is derived.
Generally, only income taxes paid or accrued to a foreign country or a U.S. possession qualify for the foreign tax credit. You can choose to take the amount of any qualified foreign...
Answer to:
I am a U.S. citizen working for a U.S. firm in a foreign country. Is any part of my wages or expenses tax deductible?
U.S. citizens are taxed on their worldwide income, no matter where they work. Some taxpayers may qualify for the foreign earned income exclusion, foreign housing exclusion, or foreign housing deduction, if their tax home is in a foreign country and they are either a bona fide resident of a foreign country or countries for an uninterrupted period that includes an entire tax year, or are...
Answer to:
I am a U.S. citizen working abroad. Are my foreign earnings taxable?
A U.S. citizen or resident alien is generally subject to U.S. tax on total worldwide income. However, if you are a United States citizen or a resident alien who lives and works abroad, you may qualify to exclude all or part of your foreign earned income. For specific information, refer to Tax Topic 853, Foreign Earned Income Exclusion - General.
If you would like more information on who...
Answer to:
Are nonresident alien students, with F-1 or J-1 visas and employed by a U.S. company during the summer, required to have federal income taxes withheld from their paychecks?
The following discussion generally applies only to nonresident aliens. Wages and other compensation paid to a nonresident alien for services performed as an employee are usually subject to graduated withholding at the same rates as resident aliens and U.S. citizens. Therefore, your compensation, unless it is specifically excluded from the term "wages" by law, or is exempt from tax by...
Answer to:
Under my visa as a temporary nonresident alien, I'm not subject to social security and Medicare withholding. My employer withheld the taxes from my pay. What should I do to get a refund of my social security and Medicare?
If social security tax and Medicare were withheld in error from pay received which was not subject to the taxes, you must first contact the employer who withheld the taxes for reimbursement. If you are unable to get a refund from the employer, file a claim for refund with the Internal Revenue Service on Form 843 (PDF), Claim for Refund and Request for Abatement.
You must attach the...
Answer to:
My spouse is a nonresident alien. How can I get a nonworking social security number for her?
Each foreign person who does not have and cannot obtain a social security number must use an IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) on any U.S. tax return or refund claim filed.
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Answer to:
I live in a foreign country. How do I get a social security number for my dependent who qualifies for a social security card?
Use Form SS-5-FS which may be obtained from the Social Security Administration.
Answer to:
I am a nonresident alien. Can I take the foreign earned income exclusion if I meet the bona fide resident test or physical presence test? If yes, what is the tax form used for nonresident taxpayer?
No, nonresident aliens do not qualify for the foreign earned income exclusion. Only if you are a U.S. citizen or a resident alien of the United States and live abroad, may you qualify to exclude a specific amount of your foreign earned income. Refer to Chapter 4 of Publication 54, Tax Guides for U.S. Citizens and Resident Aliens Abroad, for limitation that apply. If you are the nonresident...
Answer to:
Do I have to meet the 330-day presence test or have a valid working resident visa to meet the requirement for foreign income exclusion?
To claim the foreign earned income exclusion, the foreign housing exclusion, or the foreign housing deduction, you must have foreign earned income, your tax home must be in a foreign country, and you must be one of the following:
* A U.S. citizen who is a bona fide resident of a foreign country or countries for an uninterrupted period that includes an entire tax year,
* A U.S....
Answer to:
What is foreign earned income? Is it income from a foreign source or income paid by a U.S. company while living abroad?
Earned income is pay for personal services performed, such as wages, salaries, or professional fees. Foreign earned income is income you receive for services you perform in a foreign country during a period when your tax home is in a foreign country and during which time you meet either the bona fide residence test or the physical presence test. It does not matter whether earned income is paid...
Answer to:
Is there an Internet site with the exchange rates to convert foreign currencies to American dollars?
You can obtain currency exchange rates at the Federal Board web sites.
Answer to:
Are the Canada Pension Plan and Canadian Old Age Security Benefits taxable? If they are, please tell me where they should be entered on Form 1040.
Benefits paid under the Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Quebec Pension Plan (QPP), and Old Age Security (OAS) program to a U.S. resident are taxable, if at all, only in the United States. According to the U.S. - Canada income tax treaty, taxation of these benefits is based on residence. U.S. citizens or green card holders who reside in Canada are not subject to U.S. tax on this income.
These...
Answer to:
I am a Canadian citizen living and working in the U.S. for a U.S. employer on a visa. Do I need to file both a U.S. tax return and a Canadian tax return?
You must comply with both U.S. and Canadian filing requirements, if any. In the United States, you generally are required to file a return if you have income from the performance of personal services within the United States. However, under certain circumstances, that income may be exempt from payment of U.S. tax pursuant to the U.S.-Canada income tax treaty. You need to determine what type of...
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Answer to:
I am a U.S. citizen. If I move to Canada to live and work there as a Canadian permanent resident, do I pay both U.S. and Canadian Taxes?
United States citizens living abroad are required to file annual U.S. income tax returns and report their worldwide income if they meet the minimum income filing requirements for their filing status and age. You must contact the Canadian Government to determine whether you must file a Canadian tax return and pay Canadian taxes. For the United States income tax return, you will have several...
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Answer to:
What is the due date for business returns?
Some forms and entities have due dates other than the well-known April 15th due date. The instructions for the each type of form used will have the appropriate due date(s) noted. In general, sole proprietor's schedule of income and expenses is attached to the 1040. Therefore, the due date is the same as the 1040.
A Corporation must generally use the calendar year, unless the entity can...
Answer to:
Which form do I use to file my business income tax return?
To determine which form you should file for your business entity, select one of the following links:
. Publication 541, Partnerships
. Publication 542, Corporations
. Publication 3402 (PDF), Tax Issues for LLCs
. Publication 334, Tax Guide for Small Business
. Entities: Sole Proprietor, Partnership, Limited Liability Company/Partnership (LLC/LLP), Corporation, Subchapter S...
Answer to:
I just started a small business and want to know if I have to file my income taxes quarterly or at the end of the year?
The Federal Income Tax return is filed annually. As a self-employed individual, if after deducting withholding and credits you expect to owe more than the amount allowed by law at the end of the year, you should make estimated tax payments on a quarterly basis. Form 1040-ES (PDF), Estimated Tax for Individuals, will assist you in determining if estimated tax payments are due and how they are...
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Answer to:
How do I find out about whether or not my business needs to collect sales tax?
Your question is a state tax question. Your state revenue department should provide information regarding sales tax to you.
Answer to:
I am starting a small business. What assistance can IRS give me?
If you are starting or already have a small business and need information on taxes, recordkeeping, accounting practices, completing Federal business and employment tax returns, and meeting other Federal tax obligations, there is help available. Much of the assistance is free. The service is called Small Business Tax Education Program, or STEP. Go to Around the Nation for seminars in your area...
Answer to:
If you have run a small business in the past, but this year there is no income or expenses, is it necessary to file a Schedule C?
If your sole proprietorship business is inactive during the full year, it is not necessary to file a Form 1040, Schedule C (PDF), Profit or Loss from Business, for that year.
Answer to:
I am self-employed. How do I report my income and how do I pay Medicare and social security taxes?
Your self-employment income is reported on Form 1040, Schedule C (PDF), Profit or Loss from Business, or on Form 1040, Schedule C-EZ (PDF), Net Profit from Business.
Your Medicare and social security taxes are reported on Form 1040, Schedule SE (PDF), Self-Employment Tax.
As a self-employed person, you pay your Medicare and social security taxes the same way you pay your income taxes....
Answer to:
Can I deduct my investment expenses as business expenses?
In order to properly determine the correct treatment income and expenses, it is first necessary to classify the type of investment activity occurring.
An Investor buys and sells securities solely for their own account. They are not engaged in a trade or business. An investor's investment expenses are taken as miscellaneous itemized deductions on Form 1040, Schedule A (PDF), subject to...
Answer to:
Are business gifts deductible?
If you give business gifts in the course of your trade or business, you can deduct the cost subject to special limits and rules. In general, you can deduct no more than $25 for business gifts you give directly or indirectly to any one person during your tax year. Exceptions may apply. For additional information, refer to Tax Topic 512 and Publication 463, Travel, Entertainment, Gift, and Car...
Answer to:
If you lease office equipment and machinery with the option to buy, when do you depreciate the purchase price?
If you lease equipment with the option to later buy the equipment, you must first determine whether your agreement is a lease agreement or a conditional sales contract. If, under the agreement, you acquired or will acquire title to or equity in the property, you should treat the agreement as a conditional sales contract. Payments made under a conditional sales contract are not deductible as...
Answer to:
Are excise taxes for a vehicle deductible?
It has to be a personal property tax, not an excise tax, in order to deduct it. Deductible personal property taxes are only those based on the value of personal property such as a boat or car. The tax must be charged to you on a yearly basis, even if it is collected more than once a year or less than once a year. To be deductible, the tax must be charged to you and must have been paid during...
Answer to:
If you lease a vehicle, can you deduct the cost of the lease payments plus the standard mileage rate?
No, if you lease a car you use in business, you may use either the standard mileage rate or claim actual expenses, which would include lease payments. You cannot use both the standard mileage rate and the lease payments.
Answer to:
I use my home for business. Can I deduct the expenses?
To deduct expenses related to the business use of part of your home, you must meet specific requirements. Even then, your deduction may be limited.
Your use of the business part of your home must be:
* Exclusive (see *exceptions below),
* Regular,
* For your trade or business, AND
The business part of your home must be one of the following:
* Your principal place...
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Answer to:
Where can I find the per diem rates for foreign countries?
The federal per diem rates for foreign locations (outside the continental United States, abbreviated as OCONUS, and including the per diem rates for Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, the Northern Marina Islands, U.S. possessions, and all foreign locates) are published monthly in the Maximum Travel Per Diem Allowances for Foreign Areas. Your employer may have these rates available, or you can...
Answer to:
For business travel, are there limits on the amounts deductible for meals?
Meal expenses are deductible only if your trip is overnight or long enough that you need to stop for sleep or rest to properly perform your duties. The amount of the meal expenses must be substantiated, but instead of keeping records of the actual cost of your meal expenses you can generally use a standard meal allowance. The amount allowed varies, depending on where and when you travel. Refer...
Answer to:
If I pay personal expenses out of my business bank account, should I count the money used as part of my income, or can I write these expenses off?
You would include the money in income and you would not write the amounts off as expenses. Only business related expenses can be deducted from your business income. It is recommended that you not mix business and personal accounts. This makes it easier to keep records.
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Answer to:
How do you distinguish between a business and a hobby?
Since hobby expenses are deductible only to the extent of hobby income, it is important to distinguish hobby expenses from expenses incurred in an activity engaged in for profit. In making this distinction, all facts and circumstances with respect to the activity are taken into account and no one factor alone is decisive. Among the factors which should normally be taken into account are the...
Answer to:
We hired a nanny to look after our baby while we work. How do we pay her social security taxes and properly report her income?
A nanny is considered a household employee. A household employer only has to pay social security and Medicare tax only for the employee(s) that receive cash wages that exceed the threshold amount for the year. If the amount paid is less than the threshold, no social security or Medicare tax is owed. If social security and Medicare tax must be paid, you will need to file Form 1040, Schedule H...
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Answer to:
We are about to hire employees and need to know how much tax to take out and where to send this money?
You will need to secure a completed Form W-4 (PDF), Employee's Withholding Allowance Certificate, from each employee. You will need Publication 15, Circular E, Employer's Tax Guide, and Publication 15-A (PDF), Employer's Supplemental Tax Guide, to determine the amount of withholding and for directions on depositing the withholding amounts and other employment taxes.
...
Answer to:
Do businesses have to obtain the taxpayer identification number (TIN) from vendors and keep it somewhere on file?
In general, businesses are required to obtain the TIN from vendors if they are required to file any return, document or other statement that calls for the taxpayer identification numbers (TINs) of other taxpayers. Form W-9 (PDF), Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification, can be used to make the request. The business should also maintain the verification of these numbers in...
Answer to:
Under what circumstances am I required to change my employer identification number (EIN)?
If you already have an EIN, and the organization or ownership of your business changes, you may need to apply for a new number. Some of the circumstances under which a new number is required are as follows:
* An existing business is purchased or inherited by an individual who will operate it as a sole proprietorship
* A sole proprietorship changes to a corporation or a partnership,...
Answer to:
Does a small company need a tax ID number?
A sole proprietor who does not have any employees and who does not file any excise or pension plan tax returns is the only business person who does not need an employer identification number. In this instance, the sole proprietor uses his or her social security number as the taxpayer identification number.
Answer to:
Is an employer ID number the same as a tax ID number?
Yes, an employer identification number, or EIN, is also known as a taxpayer identification number, or TIN. A sole proprietorship that has no employees and files no excise or pension tax returns and a LLC with a single owner (where the owner will file employment tax returns) are the only businesses that do not need an employer identification number. In these instances, the sole proprietor uses...
Answer to:
If an employee claims more than 10 exemptions on their Form W-4, does the employer have to report this to the IRS?
No, this requirement has been eliminated. In the past, employers had to routinely send the IRS any Form W-4 (PDF), Employee's Withholding Allowance Certificate, claiming more than 10 allowances or claiming complete exemption from withholding if $200 or more in weekly wages was expected. However, Forms W-4 are still subject to review. Employers may be directed (in a written notice or in...
Answer to:
Can an employer take out taxes if a Form W-4 was never filed?
Yes, the employer is required to withhold income taxes. Chapter 9 of Publication 15, Circular E, Employer's Tax Guide, states that if an employee does not give you a completed Form W-4 (PDF), Employee's Withholding Allowance Certificate, withhold tax as if he or she is single, with no withholding allowances.
The employer is also required to withhold social security and Medicare...
Answer to:
When an employer provides day care assistance, should the employer's contribution be reported in box 10 of Form W-2?
Yes. An employer reports dependent care assistance payments in box 10 on Form W-2.
Answer to:
If the reported tips from employees are more than 8% of sales, must an employer still allocate tips to the employees?
No. Tip allocation is required when the amount of tips reported by employees of a large food or beverage establishment is less than 8% (or an approved lower rate) of the gross receipts, other than nonallocable receipts, for the given period. If the employees are reporting more than the 8%, there would be no allocated tip amount. However, the employer must still file Form 8027 (PDF),...
Answer to:
As an employer, do I have any liability if my employees receive tips but don't report them to me?
Employees who customarily receive tips are required to report their cash tips to their employers at least monthly, if they receive $20 or more in the month. Cash tips are tips received directly in cash or by check, and charged tips. You have a liability to withhold and pay Social Security and Medicare tax on your employees' reported tips, to the extent that wages or other employee funds...
Answer to:
I made some money repairing radios and television sets last year. How do I report this income?
This is self-employment income. A person with income from Self-Employment files Form 1040, Schedule C (PDF), Profit or Loss from Business, or in some cases, files Form 1040, Schedule C-EZ (PDF), Net Profit from Business, to report the profit or loss from the business, and files Form 1040, Schedule SE (PDF), Self-Employment Tax, to figure Social Security and Medicare Tax. Refer to Tax Topic...
Answer to:
How do you determine if a person is an employee or an independent contractor?
The determination is complex, but is essentially made by examining the right to control how, when, and where the person performs services. It is not based on how the person is paid, how often the person is paid, or whether the person works part-time or full-time. There are three basic areas which determine employment status:
* behavioral control
* financial control and
*...
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Answer to:
What is the difference between a Form W-2 and a Form 1099-MISC?
Both of these forms are called information returns. The Form W-2 is used by employers to report wages, tips and other compensation paid to an employee. The form also reports the employee's income tax and Social Security taxes withheld and any advanced earned income credit payments. The Form W-2 is provided by the employer to the employee and the Social Security Administration. A Form...
Answer to:
Can you give me plain English definitions for the following: (1) a closely held corporation, (2) a personal holding corporation, and (3) a personal service corporation?
Generally, a closely held corporation is a corporation that, in the last half of the tax year, has more than 50% of the value of its outstanding stock owned (directly or indirectly) by 5 or fewer individuals. The definitions for the terms "directly or indirectly" and "individual" are in Publication 542, Corporations. Generally, closely held corporations are subject to...
Answer to:
Must a partnership or corporation file a tax form even though it had no income for the year?
A domestic partnership must file an income tax form unless it neither receives gross income nor pays or incurs any amount treated as a deduction or credit for federal tax purposes.
A domestic corporation must file an income tax form whether it has taxable income or not.
Answer to:
For IRS purposes, how do I classify a limited liability company? Is it a sole proprietorship, partnership or a corporation?
A limited liability company (LLC) is an entity formed under state law by filing articles of organization as an LLC. Unlike a partnership, none of the members of an LLC are personally liable for its debts. An LLC may be classified for Federal income tax purposes as if it were a sole proprietorship (referred to as an entity to be disregarded as separate from its owner), a partnership or a...
Answer to:
I recently formed a limited liability company (LLC). The LLC has no employees. Do I need a separate Federal Tax ID number for the LLC?
No, you will not need a separate Federal Tax ID number for the LLC if you are the sole owner of the LLC and the LLC has no employees. If you are the sole owner of the LLC and the LLC has employees, you will need to get a separate Federal Tax ID number, if you choose to have the LLC report and pay employment taxes with respect to employees of the LLC. If you are not the sole owner of the LLC,...
Answer to:
Are partners considered employees of a partnership or are they self-employed?
Partners are considered to be self-employed. If you are a member of a partnership that carries on a trade or business, your distributive share of its income or loss from that trade or business is net earnings from self-employment. Limited partners are subject to self-employment tax only on guaranteed payments, such as salary and professional fees for services rendered.
Answer to:
Can a husband and wife run a business as a sole proprietor or do they need to be a partnership?
It is possible for either the husband or the wife to be the owner of the sole proprietor business. When only one spouse is the owner, the other spouse can work in the business as an employee. If the spouses intend to carry on the business together and share in the profits and losses, then they have formed a partnership.
Answer to:
What forms do we file to report a loss on the sale of a rental property?
The loss on the sale of rental property is reported on Form 4797 (PDF), (Sale of Business Property) as ordinary loss.
Answer to:
We are selling rental property and have never claimed depreciation. What do we do about this when we file our taxes?
When reporting the sale of or computing gain or loss on rental property, you are required to make an adjustment to your basis for allowable depreciation regardless of whether the deduction was taken.
You can claim the depreciation not taken for the rental property in the years before the year of sale. How to do this depends on when you placed in service the rental property. If you placed the...
Answer to:
What form(s) do we need to fill out to report the sale of rental property?
The gain or loss on the sale of rental property is reported on Form 4797 (PDF), Sale of Business Property. Form 1040, Schedule D (PDF), Capital Gains and Losses, is often used in conjunction with Form 4797.
Answer to:
I am renting a house to my son and daughter-in-law. Can I claim rental expenses?
In general, if you receive income from the rental of a dwelling unit, such as a house, apartment, or duplex, there are certain expenses you may deduct.
Besides knowing which expenses may be deductible, it is important to understand potential limitations on the amounts of rental expenses that may be deducted in a tax year.
There are several types of limitations that may apply.
*...
Answer to:
I rent my home out for two weeks each year. Do I have to show the income on my return?
You must first consider if you use your dwelling as a home. You are considered to use a dwelling as a home if you use it for personal purposes during the tax year for more than the greater of 14 days or 10% of the total days it is rented to others at a fair rental price. It is possible that you will use more than one dwelling unit as a home during the year. For example, if you live in your main...
Answer to:
Can you deduct Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) premiums on rental property? If so, which line item on Schedule E?
Yes. You can deduct Private Mortgage Insurance premium on line 9 of Form 1040, Schedule E (PDF), Supplemental Income and Loss. Write "PMI" on the dotted line.
Answer to:
I purchased a rental property last year. What closing costs can I deduct?
The only deductible closing costs are those for interest, and deductible real estate taxes. Other settlement fees and closing costs for buying the property become additions to your basis in the property. These basis adjustments include:
* Abstract fees,
* Charges for installing utility services,
* Legal fees,
* Recording fees,
* Surveys,
* Transfer taxes,
*...
Answer to:
We have incurred substantial repairs to our rental property: new roof, gutters, windows, furnace, and outside paint. What are the IRS rules concerning depreciation?
Replacements of roof, rain gutters, windows, and furnace on a residential rental property are capital improvements to the structure because they materially add to the value of your property or substantially prolong its life. The items would be in the same class of property as the rental property to which they are attached. Since the property is residential rental property, the items are...
Answer to:
I have a home office. Can I deduct expenses like mortgage, utilities, etc., but not deduct depreciation so that when I sell this house, the basis won't be affected?
If you qualify to deduct expenses for the business use of your home, you can claim depreciation for the part of your home that is a home office. Generally, the part of your home that is a home office is depreciated over a recovery period of 39 years using the straight line method of depreciation and a mid-month convention. If you do not claim depreciation on that part of your home that is a...
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Answer to:
What form and line do I deduct the standard mileage rate for my business travel and do I need to figure depreciation of the vehicle, too?
A Sole Proprietor's business use of a car or truck is claimed on line 9 of Form 1040, Schedule C (PDF), Schedule C, Profit or Loss from Business or, if eligible, line 2 of Form 1040, Schedule C-EZ (PDF), Net Profit from Business. You may use either the actual expense method in calculating your car or truck expense or, if eligible, the standard mileage rate. Depreciation expense is...
Answer to:
I purchased a computer last year to do online day trading part-time from home for additional income. Can I deduct or depreciate the cost of the computer or internet connection from my investment income?
You may deduct investment expenses (other than interest expenses) as miscellaneous itemized deductions on Form 1040, Schedule A (PDF), line 22, Itemized Deductions. This would include depreciation on the portion of your computer used for investment purposes, and the portion of your internet access charges used for investment purposes.
The acquisition cost of a computer purchased for...
Answer to:
What kinds of property can be depreciated for tax purposes?
Depreciation can only be claimed on property owned by a taxpayer and used by the taxpayer in a trade or business or for production of income. Additionally, the property must be something that wears out or becomes obsolete and it must have a determinable useful life substantially beyond the tax year. The kinds of property that can be depreciated include, but are not limited to, machinery,...
Answer to:
Can the entire acquisition cost of a computer that I purchased for my business be deducted as a business expense or do I have to use depreciation?
The entire acquisition cost of a computer purchased for business use can be expensed under Code section 179 in the first year if qualified, or depreciated under MACRS (Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System) over a 5-year recovery period. Under section 179, you can elect to recover all or part of the cost of certain qualifying property, up to a dollar limit, by deducting it in the year you...
Answer to:
I own stock which became worthless last year. Can I take a bad debt deduction on my tax return?
If you own securities, including stocks, and they become totally worthless, you can take a deduction for a loss, but not for a bad debt.
Worthless securities are treated as though they were capital assets sold on the last day of the tax year. Report this claim for loss from worthless securities on Form 1040, Schedule D (PDF), in Part 1 or 2 depending on whether you held the stock short term...
Answer to:
Is the loss on the sale of your home deductible?
The loss on the sale of a personal residence is a nondeductible personal loss.
Answer to:
I received a 1099-DIV showing a capital gain. Why do I have to report capital gains from my mutual funds if I never sold any shares?
A mutual fund is a regulated investment company that pools funds of investors allowing them to take advantage of a diversity of investments and professional asset management. You own shares in the fund, but the fund owns assets such as shares of stock, corporate bonds, government obligations, etc. One of the ways the fund makes money for its investors is to sell these assets at a gain. If the...
Answer to:
How do I calculate the average cost method of a mutual fund if the fund price splits?
If your mutual fund splits, or adjusts its price, it is treated like a stock split. Your total basis doesn't change after the split, but since you now own more shares without paying any more money, your per-share basis will decrease. To calculate your per-share basis, divide the total cost that you have invested in the fund (minus any shares previously sold) by the current number of shares...
Answer to:
If I used an average basis method for shares of one mutual fund I sold, do I have to use it for all mutual funds I sell?
No, you may use a different method, as long as you have not used an average basis method for that fund previously. Once you have elected to use an average basis method to compute the gain or loss on shares in a mutual fund, you must use that same method for the sale of shares from any account in that same fund.
Answer to:
How do I calculate the average basis for the sale of mutual fund shares?
In order to figure your gain or loss using an average basis, you must have acquired the shares at various times and prices and have left them on deposit in a managed account.
There are two average basis methods:
* Single-category method, and
* Double-category method.
Single-category method. First, add up the cost of all the shares you own in the mutual fund. Divide that result...
Answer to:
How do return of principal payments affect my cost basis when I sell mutual funds?
A return of principal (or return of capital) reduces your basis in your mutual fund shares. Unlike a dividend or a capital gain distribution, a return of capital is a return of part of your investment (cost). However, basis cannot be reduced below zero. Once your basis reaches zero, any return of principal is capital gain and must be reported on Form 1040 Schedule D (PDF), Capital Gains and...
Answer to:
I have both purchased and sold shares in a money-market mutual fund. The fund is managed so the share price is constant. All gain is reported as dividends. Do I have to report the sale of these shares?
Yes, you report the sale of your shares on Form 1040, Schedule D (PDF),Capital Gains and Losses. Generally, whenever you sell, exchange, or otherwise dispose of a capital asset, you report it on Schedule D.
If the share price were constant, you would have neither a gain nor a loss when you sell shares because you are selling the shares for the same price you purchased them.
If you...
Answer to:
Do I need to pay taxes on that portion of stock I gained as a result of a split?
No, you generally do not need to pay tax on the additional shares of stock you received due to the stock split. You will need to adjust basis per share of the stock. Your overall cost basis has not changed, but your per share cost has changed.
You will have to pay taxes if you have gain when you sell the stock. Gain is the amount of the proceeds from the sale, minus sales commissions, that...
Answer to:
Should I advise the IRS why amounts reported on Form 1099-B do not agree with my Schedule D for proceeds from short sales of stock not closed by the end of year?
If you are able to defer the reporting of gain or loss until the year the short sale closes, you will need to attach a statement to your Form 1040, Schedule D (PDF) explaining the details of your short sale and that it has not closed as of the end of the year. This will allow you to reconcile your Form 1099-B (PDF) to your Form 1040, Schedule D (PDF) and still not recognize the gain or loss...
Answer to:
I purchased stock from my employer under an employee stock purchase plan. Now I have received a Form 1099-B from selling it. How do I report this?
If the special holding period requirements described below are met, the sale of stock is treated generally as capital gain or loss. However, you may have income reportable as wages on Form 1040 if:
1. The option price of the stock was below the stock's fair market value at the time the option was granted, or
2. You did not meet either or both of the holding period requirement.
...
Answer to:
How do I report participation in an employee stock purchase plan on my tax return?
If you participated in an employee stock purchase plan, you do not include any amount in your gross income as a result of the grant or exercise of your option to purchase stock. When you sell the stock that you purchased by exercising the option, you may have to report compensation and capital gain or capital loss.
Answer to:
How do I compute the basis for stock I sold, when I received the stock over several years through a dividend reinvestment plan?
The basis of the stock you sold is the cost of the shares plus any adjustments, such as sales commissions. If you have not kept detailed records of your dividend reinvestments, you may be able to reconstruct those records with the help of public records from sources such as the media, your broker, or the company that issued the dividends.
If you cannot specifically identify which shares were...
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Answer to:
How do we show on our tax form where dividends are reinvested?
Some corporations allow investors to choose to use their dividends to buy more shares of stock in the corporation instead of receiving the dividends in cash. If you are a member of this type of plan, you must report the fair market value on the dividend payment date of the dividends that are reinvested as income on your tax return. You do not actually show that the dividends were reinvested on...
Answer to:
How do I figure the cost basis when the stocks I'm selling were purchased at various times and at different prices?
If you can identify which shares of stock you sold, your basis is what you paid for the shares sold (plus sales commissions). If you sell a block of the same kind of stock, you can report all the shares sold at the same time as one sale, writing VARIOUS in the "date acquired" column of Form 1040, Schedule D (PDF). However, what you enter into the "cost or other basis"...
Answer to:
How do I figure the cost basis of stock that has split, giving me more of the same stock, so I can figure my capital gain (or loss) on the sale of the stock?
When the old stock and the new stock are identical the basis of the old shares must be allocated to the old and new shares. Thus, you generally divide the adjusted basis of the old stock by the number of shares of old and new stock. The result is your new basis per share of stock. If the old shares were purchased in separate lots for differing amounts of money, the adjusted basis of the old...
Answer to:
How do you report the sale of a second residence?
Your second home is considered a capital asset. Use Form 1040, Schedule D (PDF)to report sales, exchanges, and other dispositions of capital assets. If you have a qualified home office or rent your second home, see Publication 587, Business Use of Your Home, or Publication 527Residential Rental Property for more details on reporting the sale of your second residence.
Answer to:
I lived in a home as my principal residence for the first 2 of the last 5 years. For the last 3 years, the home was a rental property before selling it. Can I still avoid the capital gains tax and, if so, how should I deal with the depreciation I took whi
If, during the 5-year period ending on the date of sale, you owned the home for at least 2 years and lived in it as your main home for at least 2 years, you can exclude up to the maximum dollar limit. However, you cannot exclude the portion of the gain equal to depreciation allowed or allowable for periods after May 6, 1997. This gain is reported on Form 4797 (PDF),Sale of Business Property.
Answer to:
If I take the exclusion of capital gain tax on the sale of my old home this year, can I also take the exclusion again if I sell my new home in the future?
You cannot exclude gain on the sale of your home if, during the 2-year period ending on the date of the sale, you sold another home at a gain and excluded all or part of that gain. If you cannot exclude the gain, you must include it in your income.
Exception. You still can claim an exclusion, but the maximum amount of gain you can exclude will be reduced, if the reason you sold the home was:...
Answer to:
If I sell my home and use the money I receive to pay off the mortgage, do I have to pay taxes on that money?
It is not the money you receive for the sale of your home, but the amount of gain on the sale over your cost, or basis, that determines whether you will have to include any proceeds as taxable income on your return. You may be able to exclude this gain from income up to a maximum dollar limit. If you can exclude all of the gain, you do not need to report the sale on your tax return.
Answer to:
I sold my principal residence this year. What form do I need to file?
If you meet the ownership and use tests, you will generally only need to report the sale of your home if your gain exceeds a certain dollar amount prescribed by law. To determine the amount of gain that can be excluded from income refer to Publication 523, Selling Your Home. You may be entitled to exclude gain from income if during the 5-year period ending on the date of the sale, you have:
...
Answer to:
I have investment property. Can you explain the term basis of assets?
Basis is your investment in property for tax purposes. The difference between the selling price of your assets and your basis determines whether there is a taxable gain or loss on the disposition of your property. You need to determine your basis to figure allowable depreciation deductions as well. Your original basis is usually your cost to acquire the asset. Your adjusted basis (which is the...
Answer to:
What is the basis of property received as a gift?
To figure the basis of property you get as a gift, you must know its adjusted basis to the donor just before it was given to you. You also must know its fair market value (FMV) at the time it was given to you. and whether any gift tax was paid. If the FMV of the property at the time of the gift is less than the donor's adjusted basis, your basis depends on whether you have a gain or loss...
Answer to:
What is meant by "no tax liability" in the exceptions to the estimated tax penalty?
You had no tax liability if your total tax was zero or you did not have to file an income tax return.
Total tax . Your total tax on Form 1040 (PDF) is the amount listed on the line labeled "total tax" reduced by the amount of earned income credit, additional child tax credit, and credits from Form 2439 (PDF), Form 4136 (PDF) and Form 8885 (PDF).
On Form 1040A (PDF), it is...
Answer to:
If I anticipate a sizable capital gain on the sale of an investment during the year, do I need to make a quarterly estimated tax payment during the tax year?
You can make your first estimated payment by the due date for the period in which the income is received. You can either pay your entire estimated tax by the due date for that period or you can pay it in installments by the due date for that period and the due dates for the remaining periods.
If you are making estimated tax payments you can increase your quarterly estimated tax payments or...
Answer to:
How do I report the estimated payments I have made when I file my taxes at the end of the year?
Take credit for all your estimated tax payments in the "Payments" section of Form 1040 (PDF), U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, or Form 1040A (PDF) , U.S. Individual Income Tax Return.
Answer to:
When are the quarterly estimated tax returns due?
Your first estimated tax payment is usually due the 15th of April. You may pay the entire year's estimated tax at that time, or you may pay your estimated tax in four payments. The four payments are due April 15th, June 15th, September 15, and January 15th of the following year.
If the due date for making an estimated tax payment falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, the...
Answer to:
Do self-employment taxes need to be paid quarterly or yearly?
Self-employment tax is paid by making quarterly estimated tax payments which include both income tax and social security tax.
Answer to:
How do I know if I have to file quarterly individual estimated tax payments?
Estimated tax payments can be used to pay Federal income tax, self-employment tax, and household employment tax. To estimate if you need to pay tax on income not subject to withholding or on other income from which not enough tax is withheld, you need to calculate if the total tax you'll owe on your annual income tax return will be covered by the amount of tax you have already had either:...
Answer to:
Most of my income is from farming. Are there any special provisions related to estimated tax payments for farmers?
If you have income from farming, you may be able to avoid making estimated tax payments by filing your return and paying the entire tax due on or before March 1 of the year your return is due. If March 1 falls on a weekend or legal holiday, you have until the next business day to file and pay tax. This estimated tax rule generally applies if at least 2/3 of your total gross income is from...
Answer to:
How do partnerships file and pay quarterly estimated tax payments?
Partnerships file Form 1065 (PDF), U.S. Partnership Return of Income, to report income and expenses. The partnership passes the information to the individual partners on Schedule K-1, Form 1065. The partners report the information and pay any taxes due on Form 1040. Because partners are not employees of the partnership, no withholding is taken out of their distributions to pay the income and...
Answer to:
Is an S-Corporation required to pay quarterly estimated tax?
Generally, the corporation must make estimated tax payments for the following taxes if the total of these taxes is more than an amount specified by law:
1. the tax on certain capital gains,
2. the tax on built-in gains,
3. the excess net passive income tax, and
4. the investment credit recapture tax.
For more information regarding estimated tax, refer to Form 1120S...
Answer to:
Can Form 1040EZ be used to claim the earned income credit?
You can use Form 1040EZ (PDF) when claiming the earned income credit only if you do not have a qualifying child. However, you must meet several requirements to use Form 1040EZ (PDF). If you do not meet all of them, you must use Form 1040A (PDF) or Form 1040 (PDF). For additional information on the requirements, refer to Tax Topic 352, Which Form - 1040, 1040A or 1040EZ.
Answer to:
Can I get the earned income credit?
You may be able to take this credit if your earned income does not exceed a maximum dollar amount set by law. The maximum dollar amount is based on your filing status and whether you have qualifying children or not. Other rules apply.
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Answer to:
If both parents want to claim the earned income credit, who is entitled to it if there was no marriage?
If the child is a qualifying child of both parents, they may choose which one will claim the credit. If there are two qualifying children, each parent may claim the credit on the basis of one of the children or one parent may claim the credit with both children. If both actually claim the credit on the basis of the same child or children, the parent who is entitled to the credit is the parent...
Answer to:
Is child support considered income when calculating the earned income credit?
No, for purposes of calculating the earned income credit, child support is not considered earned income. Earned income generally means wages salaries, tips, other taxable employee pay, and net earnings from self-employment. Employee pay is earned income only if it is taxable. Nontaxable employee pay, such as certain dependent care benefits and adoption benefits, is not earned income. But there...
Answer to:
My wife and I have two children and we are going to file separate returns this year. Can we each claim one child for the earned income credit?
In order to qualify for the earned income credit, your filing status cannot be married filing separately. If you are married, you usually must file a joint return to claim the earned income credit.
However, if you are married and your spouse did not live in your home at any time during the last 6 months of the year, you may be able to file as head of household. In that case, you may be able...
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Answer to:
If the noncustodial parent receives permission from the custodial parent to claim a child on his or her tax return, is the noncustodial parent eligible for the earned income credit?
No. The noncustodial parent cannot claim the earned income credit for a child did not live with him or her, and therefore, does not meet the residency test. The custodial parent may be able to claim the earned income credit.
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Answer to:
In order to claim the earned income credit, does the child have to be claimed as a dependent?
A qualifying child for the earned income credit does not need to qualify as a dependent unless he or she is married.
Answer to:
My child was born and only lived 40 minutes. Can she be used as a qualifying child when figuring the earned income credit and the child tax credit?
If your child was born alive and died during the same year, and the exemption tests are met, you can take the full exemption. This is true even if the child lived only for a moment. Whether your child was born alive depends on state or local law. There must be proof of a live birth shown by an official document such as a birth certificate. Under these circumstances, if you do not have a social...
Answer to:
I heard there is a credit for hiring certain groups of workers, such as veterans or ex-felons. Is that the same thing as the Work Opportunity Tax Credit?
The Work Opportunity Credit provides an incentive to hire individuals from targeted groups that have a particularly high unemployment rate or other special employment needs. The credit can be as much as 40% of the "qualified first year wages" you pay to individuals who begin work for you before January 1, 2006. The credit can be claimed by filing Form 5884 (PDF), Work Opportunity Credit.
...
Answer to:
Can the Lifetime Learning Credit be used for a high school student taking classes at an approved college prior to graduation from high school?
College courses taken while attending high school may qualify for the Hope Scholarship Credit or for the Lifetime Learning Credit if the student meets the qualifications for claiming either of the credits.
Answer to:
Who is eligible for the Lifetime Learning Credit?
Generally, you can claim the Lifetime Learning Credit if all three of the following requirements are met.
1. You pay qualified tuition and related expenses of higher education.
2. You pay the tuition and related expenses for an eligible student.
3. The eligible student is either yourself, your spouse, or a dependent for who you claim an exemption on your tax return.
The...
Answer to:
What is a Lifetime Learning Credit?
A nonrefundable tax credit up to a certain dollar amount per family for all undergraduate and graduate level education. The Lifetime Learning Credit is calculated by taking a percentage of the qualified educational expenses paid. This information is found in Publication 970, Chapter 3.
Answer to:
Who can claim the Hope Credit?
Generally, you can claim the Hope Credit if all three of the following requirements are met.
1. You pay qualified tuition and related expenses of higher education.
2. You pay the tuition and related expenses for an eligible student.
3. The eligible student is either yourself, your spouse, or a dependent for whom you claim an exemption on your tax return.
You cannot claim the...
Answer to:
If tuition was paid by a government subsidized loan, can I still take the Hope or Lifetime Learning Credit?
If you take out a loan to pay higher education expenses, those expenses may qualify for the credit if you will be required to pay back the loan. The credit is claimed in the year in which the expenses are paid, not in the year in which the loan is repaid.
Answer to:
If the amount of qualified tuition and fees I pay is greater than the amount of my scholarship, should I fill out Form 8863? If I cannot use Form 8863 because I received a scholarship, what can I do?
You must reduce the qualified expenses by the amount of any tax-free educational assistance. Do not reduce the qualified expenses by amounts paid with the student's earnings, loans, gifts, inheritances, and personal savings. Also, do not reduce the qualified expenses by any scholarship reported as income on the student's return or any scholarship which, by its terms, cannot be applied...
Answer to:
If I pay college tuition and fees with a scholarship, can I claim an education credit on Form 8863 for those payments?
No. You cannot claim a credit for the amount of higher education expenses paid for by tax-free scholarships.
Answer to:
Can I claim an education credit if I am married but file separately?
No. Neither the Hope Credit nor the Lifetime Learning Credit can be claimed if the individual is married but filed a separate return.
Answer to:
Are expenses to attend private high schools eligible for the education credits?
No. Expenses paid to attend high school do not qualify for the education credits because a high school is not an eligible educational institution. An eligible educational institution is any college, university, vocational school, or other post-secondary educational institution eligible to participate in a student aid program administered by the Department of Education. It includes virtually all...
Answer to:
What expenses qualify for the education credits?
Expenses that qualify are tuition and fees required for enrollment or attendance at any college, vocational school, or other post-secondary educational institution eligible to participate in the student aid programs administered by the Department of Education.
Qualified expenses do not include books, room and board, student activities, athletics (unless the course is part of the...
Answer to:
How is the amount of the Hope or Lifetime Learning Credit determined?
The amount of the credit is determined by the amount you pay for qualified tuition and related expenses paid for each eligible student and the amount of your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI).
Answer to:
Can I get the Credit for the Elderly or the Disabled?
Generally, if you were age 65 or older or disabled and your income and nontaxable social security and other nontaxable pension are below specified amounts, you may be able to take this credit. For more details, refer to Tax Topic 603, Credit for the Elderly or the Disabled, or Publication 524, Credit for the Elderly or the Disabled.
Answer to:
Can I get the Child Tax Credit for a child with an ITIN, not a social security number?
Yes, with an individual tax identification number (ITIN), you can claim the Child Tax Credit if you otherwise qualify. The Child Tax Credit can only be claimed by the parent claiming the child as a dependent.
Please refer to the Form 1040 Instructions or the Form 1040A Instructions index for the Child Tax Credit. The referenced pages will explain who qualifies for the Child Tax Credit, and...
Answer to:
Can you file for the Child Tax Credit and the Child Care Credit, too?
The Child Tax Credit and the Child and Dependent Care Credit can both be claimed on the same return. They can be claimed on either Form 1040 (PDF), U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, or Form 1040A (PDF), U.S. Individual Income Tax Return. Please refer to the Form 1040 Instructions or the Form 1040A Instructions index for the Child Tax Credit. The referenced pages will explain who qualifies...
Answer to:
Does the Form 8332 (used to release the exemption to the noncustodial parent) affect the Child Tax Credit?
Yes. The Child Tax Credit can only be claimed by the parent claiming the exemption. In this case the noncustodial parent would qualify for the dependency exemption and therefore the child tax credit. Please refer to the Form 1040 Instructions or the Form 1040A Instructions index for Child Tax Credit. The referenced pages will explain who qualifies for this credit, and how to calculate it.
Answer to:
Can elderly day care payments qualify for the Child and Dependent Care Credit?
Elderly day care payments may qualify as Child and Dependent Care Expenses. In order to be a qualifying person, the person receiving the elderly day care must be either your spouse who was physically or mentally not able to care for himself or your dependent who was physically not able to care for himself and the qualifying person must have the same principal place of abode as you. All of the...
Answer to:
I am thinking of having a family member baby-sit for my child full time in their own home while I work. Are either of us responsible for taxes on the money I would pay? Can I claim this money as a child care expense even though my family member is not a r
You may have qualified child care expenses if the family member baby-sitting is not your dependent or your child under age 19 and you meet all the tests to claim the Child and Dependent Care Credit. Who is responsible for taxes depends on whether your family member is your employee or is self-employed. See Publication 15-A (PDF) , Employer's Supplemental Tax Guide, for a discussion of how...
Answer to:
My babysitter refused to provide me with her social security number. Can I still claim what I paid for child care on my taxes while I worked? If so, how?
Yes, assuming that you already meet the other requirements to claim the child care credit, but are missing the required ID number of the provider, you can still claim the credit by demonstrating "due diligence" in attempting to secure the needed information.
When the care provider refuses to give the identifying information, the taxpayer can still claim the credit and is instructed...
Answer to:
How do I complete Form 2441 if I have flexible Spending Account?
You must complete Part III of Form 2441 (PDF), Child and Dependent Care Expenses, (or Form 1040A, Schedule 2 (PDF), Child and Dependent Care Expenses for Form 1040A Filers) to claim the exclusion of the benefits from income even if you cannot claim the credit. Enter your total employer-provided dependent care benefits on the correct line (this amount should appear in box 10 of your Form...
Answer to:
I was under the impression that a Dependent Care Benefit Plan would benefit me, not penalize me with an increase in taxes. How can my employer say they provided a benefit in the total amount of $3,000 in W-2, Block 10 when I had $3,000 in wages set aside
The actual mechanism for this type of plan is an agreement to voluntarily reduce your salary in return for an employer-provided fringe benefit. These plans must be set up this way because you have a choice of whether to receive the cash wages or the benefits, which would make the benefit taxable to you. Therefore, the benefits are actually employer provided or funded. You are receiving a tax...
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My spouse and I both work and are eligible for the Child and Dependent Care Credit. May I include my 5 year old son's parochial school kindergarten tuition cost as a qualified expense in Form 2441, Child Care Expenses?
The expenses for kindergarten do not qualify for the dependent care credit because kindergarten is primarily educational in nature. However, you can count the part of the expenses of sending your child to school that is for your child's care if it can be separated from the expenses of education. For example, you may count the cost of an after school care program even though the school...
Answer to:
Are social security survivor benefits for children considered taxable income?
The person who has the legal right to receive the benefits must determine whether the benefits are taxable. For example, if you and your child receive benefits, but the check for your child is made out in your name, you must use only your part of the benefits to see whether any benefits are taxable to you. One half of the part that belongs to your child must be added to your child's other...
Answer to:
I retired last year, and started receiving social security payments. Do I have to pay taxes on my social security benefits?
To determine whether any of your benefits are taxable, compare the base amount for your filing status with the total of one half of your social security payments plus all your income from other sources, including tax exempt interest. If you are married and file a joint return, you must combine your incomes and your social security and equivalent tier 1 railroad retirement benefits when figuring...
Answer to:
I received social security benefits this year that were back pay for prior years. Do I refile my returns for prior years? Are the back benefits paid in this year for past years taxable for this year?
You must include the taxable part of a lump-sum (retroactive) payment of benefits received in the current year in your current year's income, even if the payment includes benefits for an earlier year.
Generally, you use your current year's income to figure the taxable part of the total benefits received in the current year. However, you may be able to figure the taxable part of a...
Answer to:
How long do I have to roll over a retirement distribution?
You must complete the rollover by the 60th day following the day on which you receive the distribution. (This 60-day period is extended for the period during which the distribution is in a frozen deposit in a financial institution). The IRS may waive the 60 day requirement where failure to do so would be against equity or good conscience, such as in the event of a casualty, disaster, or other...
Answer to:
My understanding is that if I am over age 55 and default on a loan through my 401(k) plan when leaving the company, the 10% penalty is forgiven. Can you confirm that for me?
If you default on a loan from your 401(k) plan, you are considered to have received a distribution from your 401(k) plan. Whether or not you will have to pay the 10 percent additional tax on early distributions from 401(k) plan depends on a number of factors, including your age.
In order to avoid the 10 percent additional tax on early distributions from qualified retirement plans, the...
Answer to:
If I retire or am laid off before I am 59 1/2, can I withdraw the funds accumulated in a 401(k) plan, without having to pay a 10% penalty?
In most cases, if you withdraw funds from your 401(k) plan before you are 59 1/2, you must pay the 10 percent additional tax on early distributions from qualified retirement plans on any amounts that are not rolled into an IRA. However, there are some exceptions listed in Publication 560, Retirement Plans for Small Business, and Publication 575, Pension and Annuity Income.
Answer to:
I changed jobs and my old employer sent me a check for my 401(k) money withholding 20% for Federal Income Tax. I rolled over the distribution to my 401(k) plan at my current employer within 60 days. Since money was withheld from the 401(k) distribution, d
If the amount rolled over was the net amount, that is, the amount of the distribution less the tax withheld, then the 20% withholding amount not rolled over is included in gross taxable income and may be subject to a 10 percent additional tax on early distributions from qualified retirement plans. Use Form 5329 (PDF), Additional Taxes on Other Qualified Plans (including IRA's), and Other...
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Answer to:
Can I withdraw funds penalty free from my 401(k) plan to purchase my first home?
If you are under the age of 59 1/2, you cannot withdraw funds from your 401(k) plan to purchase your first home without being subject to a 10 percent additional tax on early distributions from qualified retirement plans. However, depending on the rules for your 401(k) plan, you may be able to borrow money from your 401(k) plan to purchase your first home. Your plan administrator should have...
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Answer to:
If taxes are withheld from my 401(k) distribution, do I have to include that money as income and do I pay the 10% early withdrawal fee as well?
Yes, you need to include in income the total amount of your 401(k) distribution reported on Form 1099-R (PDF),Distributions From Pensions, Annuities, Retirement on Profit-Sharing Plans, IRAs Insurance Contracts, etc. In addition, if the distribution occurs before you are age 59 1/2, you may need to pay a 10 percent additional tax on early distributions from qualified retirement plans unless...
Answer to:
I received a lump-sum distribution when I retired. Is there any special tax treatment on a lump-sum distribution?
You may be able to elect optional methods of figuring the tax on lump-sum distributions you received from a qualified retirement plan.
A lump-sum distribution is the distribution or payment, within a single tax year, of an employee's entire balance from all of the employer's qualified pension, profit-sharing, or stock bonus plans. The distribution must have been made under specific...
Answer to:
What is the maximum amount that I can contribute to my 401(k) plan?
The maximum amount an employee can contribute to a 401(k) plan is determined annually. You may be allowed catch up contributions in addition to annual limit, if you are age 50 or older. Refer to "Elective Deferrals" in Publication 525,Taxable and Nontaxable Income. The maximum amount applies to an employee's aggregate pre-tax contributions to a 401(k) plan and 403(b) plan. There...
Answer to:
This is the first year that I received retirement benefits. Are any of my benefits taxable?
If you receive retirement benefits in the form of pension or annuity payments, the amounts you receive may be fully taxable, or partly taxable in the year received. Refer to Tax Topic 410, Pensions and Annuities, for detailed information, or Publication 575, Pension and Annuity Income.
Answer to:
Am I considered covered by an employer sponsored retirement plan for the year if I do not participate in the plan or if I did not work long enough to be vested?
The answer to this question depends on your type of retirement plan. Generally, if your employer's plan has a separate account for each employee, it is a defined contribution plan. If any amount was contributed or allocated by you or your employer to your account, you are considered covered. It does not matter if you have worked long enough to be vested.
In the other type of plan, a...
Answer to:
Of my allocated tips, I tip-out 15% to the busboy and 5% to the bar. Where do I deduct this on my tax return?
You cannot deduct tip-outs (the tips you split with other employees) on your tax return. Nor can you deduct them from your allocated tips. The practice of tipping-out is one of the reasons you should keep a detailed daily log of your tips. If you documented that you tip-out, and you reported all your tips to your employer, then you do not include in your income the allocated tips in box 8 of...
Answer to:
I cashed some Series E, Series EE and Series I savings bonds, how do I report the interest?
If your total taxable interest for the year is more than $1500, you report (and separately identify) the interest on Schedule B of Form 1040 (PDF) or Schedule 1 of Form 1040A (PDF). If your total interest is not more than $1500 for the year, report the savings bond interest with your other interest on the "Interest" line of your tax return. If you do not report the increase in the...
Answer to:
Are all ministers treated as self-employed for social security purposes?
Services that a duly ordained, commissioned or licensed minister performs in the exercise of his or her ministry are covered under the Self-Employment Contributions Act (SECA). That means they are exempt from Social Security and Medicare withholding, but they are responsible for paying self-employment tax on their net earnings from self-employment.
There are some members of religious orders,...
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A minister receives a salary plus a housing allowance. Is the housing allowance income? Where does the minister report it?
A minister's housing allowance, sometimes called a parsonage allowance or a rental allowance, is excludable from gross income for income tax purposes, but not for self-employment tax purposes.
If you are a minister and receive as part of your salary (as a minister) an amount officially designated as a rental allowance, you can exclude from gross income the amount that is used to provide...
Answer to:
I am receiving long-term disability. Is it considered taxable?
Generally, you must report as income any amount you receive for your disability through an accident or health insurance plan paid for by your employer.
If both you and your employer have paid the premiums for the plan, only the amount you receive for your disability that is due to your employer's payments is reported as income. If you pay the entire cost of a health or accident...
Answer to:
Are proceeds paid under a life insurance contract taxable and do they have to be reported as income?
Generally, if you receive the proceeds under a life insurance contract because of the death of the insured person the benefits are not taxable income and do not have to be reported. Any interest you receive would be taxable and would need to be reported just like any other interest received.
However, if the policy was transferred to you for valuable consideration, the exclusion for the...
Answer to:
I received an academic scholarship that is designated to be used for tuition and books. Is this taxable?
Qualified scholarships and fellowships are treated as tax-free amounts if all of the following conditions are met:
1. You are a candidate for a degree at an educational institution,
2. Amounts you receive as a scholarship or fellowship are used for tuition and fees required for enrollment or attendance at the educational institution, or for books, supplies, and equipment required for...
Answer to:
Is the money received from the sale of inherited property considered taxable income?
To determine if the sale of inherited property is taxable, you must first determine your basis in the property. The basis of inherited property is generally one of the following:
(1) The fair market value (FMV) of the property on the date of the decedent's death.
(2) The FMV of the property on the alternate valuation date if the executor of the estate chooses to use alternate...
Answer to:
Should Line 10, Dependent Care Benefits, of my Form W-2 be included when calculating my income?
A portion of the amount in Box 10 of the Form W-2 (PDF) may be includable in your income. Please refer to the Form 2441 Instructions, Child and Dependent Care Expenses, 1040A filers refer to Form 1040A, Schedule 2 (PDF), Child and Dependent Care Expenses for 1040A Filers to determine how much, if any, of the dependent care benefits may be excluded. If you meet the requirements described in...
Answer to:
What box on the Form W-2 do I use to determine my income to go on my tax return? What are all of these other boxes for? Does the amount from any other box go anywhere on my tax return?
For most people, only the amount in box 1 (wages, tips, other compensation) needs to be reported as income on your tax return. If you are an employee who receives tips, you may have to include the amount from box 8 (allocated tips) as income on your return.
Answer to:
Are child support payments considered taxable income?
No. Child support payments are neither deductible by the payor nor taxable to the payee. When you total your gross income to see if you are required to file a tax return, do not include child support payments received.
Answer to:
Are alimony payments considered taxable income?
Alimony, separate maintenance, and similar payments from your spouse or former spouse are taxable to you in the year received. The amount is reported on Form 1040 (PDF). You cannot use Form 1040A (PDF) or Form 1040EZ (PDF).
To help determine if these payments are considered alimony, please read the following:
The following rules apply to payments under divorce or separation...
Answer to:
How do I report a foreclosure gain or loss on my return?
Gain or loss on the foreclosure of your house usually is capital gain or loss. However, a loss on the foreclosure of your residence is not deductible. Capital gains are reported on Form 1040, Schedule D (PDF). If, however, the gain on the foreclosure of your residence is excluded under I.R.C. 121, you are not required to report the gain on your return.
References: Publication 523, Selling...
Answer to:
Can gain on the foreclosure of my house be excluded from my gross income?
If the house is your principal residence, you may be able to exclude part of all of the gain under I.R.C. 121.
Answer to:
How do I report COD income on my return?
COD income is ordinary income and is reported on Line 21 of your return.
Answer to:
Can COD income ever be excluded from my gross income?
You may be able to exclude all or part of the cancelled debt income if all or part of the debt was discharged in bankruptcy, if you were insolvent immediately before the transfer, or if the debt is a qualified farm debt or qualified real property indebtedness.
Answer to:
If your house is foreclosed upon and your mortgage debt is recourse, are there circumstances in which you may have gain or loss but not COD income?
There are at least two situations involving recourse debt in which foreclosure results in gain or loss, but not in COD income.
First, sometimes when a house is transferred to the lender by foreclosure the lender does not cancel the remaining unpaid portion of the debt. This could happen if the lender believes it can still collect the balance of the debt. In that circumstance, you would not...
Answer to:
If the mortgage debt is nonrecourse, is there COD income on the foreclosure?
If your mortgage debt is nonrecourse, the debt is greater than the FMV of the house, and the house is foreclosed upon, your amount realized will be the face amount of the unpaid mortgage debt. Thus, if the amount of the nonrecourse debt is $200,000, the FMV of the property is $170,000, and the adjusted basis of the property is $120,000, your gain on foreclosure is $80,000 ($200,000 amount...
Answer to:
What is an example involving recourse debt in which both gain and COD income results on the foreclosure?
if the face amount of the recourse debt is $200,000, the FMV of the property is $170,000, and the adjusted basis is $120,000, you have $30,000 of COD income ($200,000 debt less $170,000 FMV) and $50,000 of gain ($170,000 FMV (amount realized) less $120,000 adjusted basis).
Answer to:
How do I compute gain or loss on a disposition by foreclosure?
Gain or loss is the difference between your amount realized and your adjusted basis in the property. In general, an amount realized by the transferor on a foreclosure or other transfer of property is the sum of:(1) the amount of money received; (2) the FMV of any other property received; and (3) the amount of any other liabilities that the transferee (the person acquiring the property) either...
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Can the amount of COD income be affected by other liabilities relating to the property?
The existence of other liabilities, such as property taxes, can either increase or reduce the amount of your COD income. For example, there may be unpaid property taxes that are treated as imposed on you for federal tax purposes. If you have not provided funds to pay the property taxes, the taxes generally either remain as unpaid charges against the property after foreclosure or must be...
Answer to:
What is COD income, and how is it calculated?
Loan proceeds are not included in income when received because there is an offsetting obligation to repay. However, if the debt is cancelled in part or full in a foreclosure proceeding, you will have COD income equaling the difference between the unpaid amount of the debt and the FMV of the property you transfer to the lender or a third party to discharge that debt. For example, if your debt...
Answer to:
Why is it that I may have both gain (or loss) and COD income upon foreclosure of my house?
In many home foreclosures, the mortgage debt is recourse and the fair market value (FMV) of the house is less than the unpaid face amount of the debt. Often in this situation the borrower/debtor transfers the house to the lender (or to a third party), either through a deed in lieu of foreclosure or as a result of a foreclosure proceeding. This transfer is treated as a sale or other disposition...
Answer to:
I received a Form 1099-G, for my state tax refund. Do I have to include this amount as income on my return?
If you did not itemize your deductions on your Federal tax return for the same year that the state or local tax refund applies to, do not report any of the refund as income.
If you received a refund of state or local income taxes this year that you took an itemized deduction for in an earlier year, you may have to include all or part of the refund as income on your tax return. The Form 1040...
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Answer to:
What, if any, quarterly forms must I file to report income as an independent contractor?
There are no quarterly income reporting requirements for Federal income tax purposes. However, because you generally will have no withholding taken from your income, you may need to make quarterly estimated tax payments.
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I received a Form 1099-MISC with an amount in box 7, (nonemployee compensation). What forms and schedules should be used to report income earned as an independent contractor?
Independent contractors report their income on Form 1040, Schedule C (PDF), Profit or Loss from Business (Sole Proprietorship), or you may qualify to use Form 1040, Schedule C-EZ (PDF), Net Profit from Business (Sole Proprietorship). You should also be aware of Form 1040, Schedule SE (PDF), Self-Employment Tax, which must be filed if net earnings from self-employment are $400 or more. This...
Answer to:
My son is a newspaper carrier. I would like to know if this income is subject to Social Security and Medicare tax and if I must file a Schedule C for him?
Your son may be liable to pay into the Social Security and Medicare system by paying self-employment tax. However, if your son is under the age of 18, he is exempt from self-employment tax. His employer should complete the other income box on Form 1099-MISC (PDF), Miscellaneous Income. Persons engaged in the trade or business of delivering or distributing newspapers or shopping news (including...
Answer to:
I am self-employed. How do I report my income and how do I pay Medicare and social security taxes?
You are a sole proprietor if you are the sole owner of a business that is not a corporation. Report your income and expenses from your sole proprietorship on Form 1040, Schedule C (PDF), Profit or Loss from Business (Sole Proprietorship), or on Form 1040, Schedule C-EZ (PDF), Net Profit from Business.
If the total of your net earnings from self-employment from all businesses is $400 or...
Answer to:
I received a Form 1099-MISC instead of a Form W-2. I'm not self-employed, I do not have a business. How do I report this income?
f payment for services you provided is listed in box 7 of Form 1099-MISC (PDF), you are being treated as a self-employed worker, also referred to as an independent contractor. You do not necessarily have to "have a business," but simply perform services as a nonemployee to have your compensation treated this way. The payer has determined that an employer-employee relationship does...
Answer to:
How do I report interest received on an installment sale?
If you receive interest on an installment sale, you can report it on Form 1040 (PDF) , Form 1040A (PDF), or Form 1040EZ (PDF). If your taxable interest income is more than $1,500, be sure to show that income on Form 1040, Schedule B (PDF) or on Form 1040A, Schedule 1 (PDF). You cannot file Form 1040EZ if your interest income is more than $1,500. Refer to Tax Topic 403, Interest Received,...
Answer to:
I received dividends from my credit union. How do I report this income?
Certain distributions commonly referred to as dividends are actually interest. They include "dividends" on deposits or share accounts in cooperative banks, credit unions, domestic savings and loan associations, and mutual savings banks.
Answer to:
How do I report this 1099-DIV from my mutual fund?
Enter the ordinary dividends from Form 1099-DIV (PDF), box 1a, on line 9a of Form 1040 (PDF), U.S. Individual Income Tax Return. Enter any qualified dividends from Form 1099-DIV, box 1b, on line 9b of Form 1040. If you have an amount entered in other boxes of your 1099-DIV refer to Form 1040, Schedule D Instructions to see where to report them. If your only capital gains and losses are from...
Answer to:
I am in a disaster area and heard the IRS could help me. What can the IRS do?
f you have been affected by a Presidentially declared disaster, the IRS may help you by allowing additional time for filing returns and making payments, and in some circumstances, waiving penalties if the disaster has caused you to file or pay late. The IRS may also, provide copies or transcripts of previously filed returns, free of charge. You may be eligible to file for a casualty loss...
Answer to:
My spouse and I are filing separate returns. How can we split our itemized deductions?
If you and your spouse file separate returns and one of you itemizes deductions, the other spouse will have a standard deduction of zero. Therefore, the other spouse should also itemize deductions.
You may be able to claim itemized deductions on a separate return for certain expenses that you paid separately or jointly with your spouse. Deductible expenses that are paid out of separate...
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Answer to:
If I must deduct points over the life of my mortgage, and I have a 30 year mortgage, does this mean that I divide the points paid by 30 and enter that amount on Schedule A?
No, you don't divide the points by 30. If you choose to use the straight-line method, you need to divide the points by the number of payments over the term of the loan and deduct points for a year according to the number of payments made in the year. If the loan ends prematurely, due to payoff or refinance with a different lender, for example, then the remaining points are deducted in that...
Answer to:
Our home was seriously damaged by flooding last year. Are there special provisions for claiming a loss since our home is located in a declared disaster area?
Casualty losses not compensated for by insurance or otherwise are generally deductible only in the year the casualty occurred. However, if you have a deductible loss from a disaster in an area that is officially designated by the President of the United States as eligible for federal disaster assistance, you can choose to deduct that loss on your return for the year immediately preceding the...
Answer to:
I took out a home equity loan to pay off personal debts. Is this interest deductible? Where do I enter this amount on my tax return?
A loan taken out for reasons other than to buy, build, or substantially improve your home, such as to pay off personal debts may qualify as home equity debt. The interest would be deducted on Form 1040, Schedule A (PDF), Itemized Deductions. The amount you can deduct as interest on home equity debt is subject to certain limitations.
Answer to:
Are points deductible?
Generally points paid to refinance your home are not deductible in their entirety in the year paid. They are "amortized" or deducted over the life of the loan.
Answer to:
Are points deductible?
Generally points paid to refinance your home are not deductible in their entirety in the year paid. They are "amortized" or deducted over the life of the loan.
Answer to:
Is interest on a home equity line of credit deductible as a second mortgage?
You may deduct home equity debt interest, as an itemized deduction, if you are legally liable to pay the interest, pay the interest in the tax year, secure the debt with your home, and do not exceed certain limitations.
Answer to:
Is interest on a home equity line of credit deductible as a second mortgage?
You may deduct home equity debt interest, as an itemized deduction, if you are legally liable to pay the interest, pay the interest in the tax year, secure the debt with your home, and do not exceed certain limitations.
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I have a mortgage for my primary residence and a second mortgage for land that I intend to build a home on. Can the interest be deducted for the second mortgage?
Unless you have begun construction of a home on the bare land that you can occupy within 24 months, the land would be considered an investment and the interest you paid on the second mortgage would not qualify as deductible mortgage interest. However, it would constitute investment interest if you itemize your deductions.
Answer to:
My father is in a nursing home and I pay for the entire cost. Can I deduct the expenses on my tax return?
You may deduct qualified medical expenses you pay for yourself, your spouse, and your dependents, including a person you claim as a dependent under a Multiple Support Agreement. You can also deduct medical expenses you paid for someone who would have qualified as your dependent for the purpose of taking personal exemptions except that the person did not meet the gross income or joint return...
Answer to:
My father is in a nursing home and I pay for the entire cost. Can I deduct the expenses on my tax return?
You may deduct qualified medical expenses you pay for yourself, your spouse, and your dependents, including a person you claim as a dependent under a Multiple Support Agreement. You can also deduct medical expenses you paid for someone who would have qualified as your dependent for the purpose of taking personal exemptions except that the person did not meet the gross income or joint return...
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Answer to:
Can I deduct alimony paid to my former spouse?
If you are divorced or separated, you may be able to deduct the alimony or separate maintenance payments that you are required to make to your spouse or former spouse, or on behalf of that spouse.
Answer to:
Can I deduct alimony paid to my former spouse?
f you are divorced or separated, you may be able to deduct the alimony or separate maintenance payments that you are required to make to your spouse or former spouse, or on behalf of that spouse.
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Is the interest amount that we paid to the IRS deductible?
Interest and penalties paid to the IRS on Federal taxes are not deductible.
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I donated a used car to a qualified charity. I itemize my deductions, and I would like to take a charitable contribution for the donation. Do I need to attach any special forms to my return? What records do I need to keep?
If you claim a deduction on your return of over $500 for all contributed property, you must attach a Form 8283 (PDF), Noncash Charitable Contributions, to your return. If you claim a total deduction of $5,000 or less for all contributed property, you need only complete Section A of Form 8283 (PDF). If you claim a deduction of more than $5,000 for an item or a group of similar items, you...
Answer to:
What types of educational expenses are deductible?
Deductible educational expenses include amounts spent for tuition, books, supplies, laboratory fees, and similar items. They also include the cost of correspondence courses, as well as formal training and research you do as part of an educational program. Transportation and travel expenses to attend qualified educational activities may also be deductible.
Answer to:
My university required each incoming freshman to come to school with their own computer. Is there any way to deduct the cost of the computer from my tax liability?
The cost of a personal computer is generally a personal expense that is not deductible. However, if the school bills everyone, as a condition of attendance or enrollment, for proprietary computer devices and/or software available no where else, then this may qualify as an expense towards either the Lifetime Learning Credit or Hope Credit.
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My son was born on December 31st. Can I claim him as a dependent? If so, will he be also qualified for the Child Tax Credit?
If your child was born alive during the year, and the exemption tests are met, you may take the full exemption. You may be entitled to a Child Tax Credit for him.
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If you pay child support, are you allowed to deduct anything on your taxes or claim the child as an exemption?
Nothing can be deducted for the child support payments. Child support payments are neither deductible by the payer nor taxable income to the payee. You may be able to claim the child as a dependent. The parent who the child lived with for the greater part of the year is the custodial parent. Generally the custodial parent is allowed to claim the exemption for the child if the other exemption...
Answer to:
My husband and I were separated the last 11 months of the year and our two children lived with me. My husband provided all the financial support. Who can claim the children as dependents on the tax return?
Since your children lived with you for the greater part of the year, you are considered the custodial parent and you are the parent who is eligible to claim them as dependents on your tax return if the other dependency tests are met. Your husband is the noncustodial parent and would only be able to claim the children if you release your claim to the exemption by completing Form 8332 (PDF),...
Answer to:
My wife and I are married filing separately. We have one son and we meet all of the dependency exemption tests. We contributed an equal amount to our son's support and want to know if we both can claim him on our separate returns?
A dependency exemption may only be claimed on one return. Since your son is a qualifying child for both of you, you and your wife can decide who will claim the child.
Answer to:
How do you claim a child if you agree with your ex-spouse to claim him 6 months and he claims him the other 6 months of the year?
The dependency exemption can not be split. Generally, the child is treated as the qualifying child or qualifying relative of the custodial parent. This parent is usually allowed to claim the exemption for the child if the other exemption tests are met. However, the child may be treated as the qualifying child or qualifying relative of the noncustodial parent if certain conditions are met.
...
Answer to:
My husband and I have provided a home for my niece and her son for the past seven months. She receives no child support from her ex-spouse, and she does not work or have any income of her own. Can I claim her and her son as dependents?
n order to be your dependents, your niece and her child must meet the following tests:
1. Qualifying child or qualifying relative tests;
2. Dependent Taxpayer test;
3. Citizenship or resident test; and
4. Joint return test
Answer to:
I am adopting a child and do not yet have a social security number for the child. How can I claim the exemption for the child?
Parents in the process of a domestic U. S. adoption who do not have and/or are unable to obtain the child's Social Security Number (SSN) should request an Adoption Taxpayer Identification Number (ATIN) in order to claim the child as a dependent and (if eligible) to claim the child care credit. Form W-7A (PDF), Application for Taxpayer Identification Number for Pending U.S. Adoptions, is...
Answer to:
I am divorced with one dependent child. This year my ex-spouse will claim the child as an exemption. Does this mean I cannot qualify as head of household?
You can file as head of household even though you do not claim your unmarried dependent child as an exemption if you meet all of the following requirements:
1. You are unmarried or considered unmarried on the last day of the year.
2. You paid more than half the cost of keeping up a home for the year.
3. A qualifying person must live with you in the home for more than half the year...
Answer to:
For head of household filing status, do you have to claim a child as a dependent to qualify?
In certain circumstances, you do not need to claim the child as a dependent to qualify for head of household filing status, such as when the qualifying child is unmarried and is your child, grandchild, stepchild, or adopted child.
Answer to:
If the parents of a year old child never married but live together with the child for the tax year, and both contribute to the cost of maintaining the household for the child and themselves, may they both file as head of household?
Only one taxpayer may claim the child as a qualifying child for purposes of filing as head of household. Also, a taxpayer filing as head of household must furnish over half the cost of maintaining the household. Therefore, both parents may not file as head of household.
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Answer to:
If I moved out of my house on July 10, but was not divorced at the end of the year, can I file as head of household and take the earned income credit if I have a minor child? Can I also claim child care expenses?
You do not qualify for the head of household filing status because you and your spouse have not lived apart for the last 6 months of the taxable year and are not considered unmarried. Your filing status for the year will either be married filing separately, or married filing jointly. If it is married filing separately, you will not qualify for the Earned Income Credit and cannot claim a credit...
Answer to:
How much does a student have to make before he or she has to file an income tax return?
If you are an unmarried dependent, you must file a tax return if your earned and/or unearned income exceeds certain limits.
Even if you do not have to file, you should file a federal income tax return to get money back if any of the following apply:
1. You had income tax withheld from your pay.
2. You qualify for the earned income credit.
3. You qualify for the additional child...
Answer to:
What can be done if an employer will not withhold income taxes, social security, and Medicare from my pay?
Generally, if an employer does not withhold income taxes, social security, and Medicare from your pay, you are being treated as an independent contractor (self-employed person). If you believe an employee relationship exists and you cannot resolve this matter with your employer, you should submit a Form SS-8 (PDF), Determination of Employee Work Status for Purposes of Federal Employment Taxes...
Answer to:
As a full-time student, am I exempt from federal taxes?
Every U.S. citizen or resident must file a U.S. income tax return if certain income levels are reached. There is no exemption from tax for full-time students. Factors that determine whether you have an income tax filing requirement include:
* The amount of your income (earned and unearned),
* Whether you are able to be claimed as a dependent,
* Your filing status, and
*...
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Answer to:
I received an incorrect W-2 form. I can't get my former employer to issue a corrected W-2? What should I do?
f your attempts to have an incorrect Form W-2 (PDF) corrected by your employer are unsuccessful and it is after February 15th, contact the IRS at (800) 829-1040. An IRS representative can initiate a Form W-2 (PDF) complaint. Form 4598, Form W-2 or 1099 Not Received or Incorrect, will be sent to the employer and a copy will be sent to you along with Form 4852 (PDF), Substitute for Form W-2,...
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Answer to:
Have already filed my return and now I have received another Form W-2. What can I do?
f you find that you have done any of the following, you should file an amended return 1) you did not report some income; 2) you claimed deductions or credits you should not have claimed; 3) you failed to claim some deductions or credits you are entitled to; or 4) you used an incorrect filing status. The form you use to correct the Form 1040 (PDF), Form 1040A (PDF), or Form 1040EZ (PDF), you...
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Answer to:
May an employer provide me my Form W-2 electronically?
Yes, an employer may furnish your Form W-2 (PDF) electronically provided certain criteria are met. You must affirmatively consent to receive the Form W-2 (PDF) in an electronic format and prior to, or at the time of, your consent, your employer must provide you a disclosure statement containing specific disclosures. Additionally, the electronic version of the Form W-2 (PDF) must contain all...
Answer to:
My husband passed away last year, and I will be filing a joint return. Are any special return notations required to indicate my husband is deceased?
If you are a surviving spouse filing a joint return and no personal representative has been appointed, you should sign the return and write in the signature area, "filing as surviving spouse." The final return should have the word "Deceased," the decedent's name, and the date of death written across the top of the return.
Answer to:
What can I do if I think someone has filed a tax return using my social security number?
The IRS has security measures in place to verify the accuracy of tax returns and the validity of social security numbers submitted. However, if you receive a notice from IRS that leads you to believe someone may have used your social security number fraudulently, please notify IRS immediately by responding to the name and number printed on the notice or letter.
You can contact the Federal...
Answer to:
Can a person receive a tax refund if they are currently in a payment plan for prior year's federal taxes?
As a condition of your agreement, any refund due you in a future year will be applied against the amount you owe. Therefore, you may not get all of your refund if you owe certain past-due amounts, such as federal tax, state tax, a student loan, or child support. The IRS will automatically apply the refund to the taxes owed. If the refund does not take care of the tax debt; you must continue the...
Answer to:
Can my refund be used to pay other debts?
Under the law, state and Federal agencies refer to the IRS the names of taxpayers who are behind in their support payments, taxes, and loans. Your tax refund may not be refunded to you if you are delinquent in child or child and spousal support payments, have a past due Federal debt (such as a student loan), or owe state income taxes. Therefore, your refund will be used to pay other debts you owe.
Answer to:
How can I check on the status of my refund?
Refund information does not become available until it has been 6 weeks since you filed your tax return (3 weeks if you filed electronically). After waiting the appropriate number of weeks, the fastest, easiest way to find out about your current year refund is to log onto www.irs.gov. Click on Where's My Refund then go to Get My Refund Status or you can call Refund Hotline at (800)...
Answer to:
How long does it take after you've filed to receive a refund?
Processing timer a refund return depends on the method used for filing. If you e-file opting for direct deposit and have not received your refund within 3 weeks after filing your return (eight weeks if you filed a paper return opting for a paper check). Be sure to have available a copy of your current tax return because you will need to know your social security number shown on your return, the...
Answer to:
I received a letter from the IRS indicating that due to my misprint of my daughter's social security number, the exemption was rejected. Can I make the correction and still receive the exemption?
You are entitled to the exemption if your child qualifies as your dependent. To correct the return, you must provide the correct social security number information for your daughter. You can return it with a copy of the IRS letter in the envelope provided or contact the phone number listed in the upper right-hand corner of the letter for assistance.
Answer to:
I got married and I have not changed the name on my social security card to my married name. My Form W-2 is in my married name but my tax forms came in my maiden name. Should I file with my maiden name or married name?
It is important that the name the Social Security Administration (SSA) has in its system for your social security number agrees with the name on your tax return. You have a choice. You can file with your maiden name and contact the Social Security Administration after you file your return. Or, if you have enough time before the due date of your return, you can contact the Social Security...
Answer to:
Do I need to change my maiden name to my married name on my social security card for us to file jointly?
You can still file Married Filing Jointly without changing your name with the Social Security Administration. However, you do need to show your maiden name on the tax return instead of your married name.
Answer to:
How can I correct the spelling of my name with IRS?
The name on the refund check is spelled the way it appears on your tax return. If the address label you receive is spelled wrong, do not use the label. Instead, print the information on the tax return. You can also call (800) 829-1040 and we can change the spelling of your name over the phone.
Answer to:
If I go to the Social Security Administration office to change my name, how long does it take the IRS to update its records?
IRS records are generally updated 10 days after the records at the Social Security Administration are changed.
Answer to:
Is there any way to find out if I need to file an injured spouse claim before I file a return?
Your spouse can ask the agency that might be claiming the refund for a past-due debt. Another source of information is the Financial Management Service Help Desk at (800) 304-3107.
Answer to:
My ex-spouse is delinquent in paying child support. The attorney general has filed some sort of paperwork with the IRS to withhold their tax refund. When and how will I receive this money?
The answer varies depending on the state that is involved. You need to contact the state involved by linking to its page on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children & Families Offices of Child Support Enforcement web site to get this information.
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Answer to:
I am filing my U.S. tax return from the U.K. and am eligible for the automatic 2-month extension. Do my forms need to be in Philadelphia by June 15th, or do they just need to be postmarked by June 15th?
Your return must be postmarked by June 15th.
Answer to:
Can I get copies of my prior year Forms W-2 from the IRS?
The quickest way to obtain a copy of a prior year Form W-2 (PDF) is through your employer. If that is not possible, you can order and pay for copies of your entire return (attachments include Form W-2 (PDF)) from IRS, or order Form W-2 (PDF) information at no charge from the IRS. The IRS can provide Form W-2 (PDF) information for up to 10 years. Information for the current year is generally not...
Answer to:
How do I request a copy of my tax return for last year?
If you need an exact copy of a previously filed and processed return and all attachments (including Form W-2 (PDF)), you must complete Form 4506 (PDF), Request for Copy of Tax Return and mail it to the IRS address in the instructions along with a $39 fee for each tax year requested. Copies are generally available for returns filed in the current and past 6 years.
In cases where an exact copy...
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Answer to:
What kind of penalties and interest will I be charged for paying and filing my taxes late?
nterest, compounded daily, is charged on any unpaid tax from the due date of the return until the date of payment. The interest rate is the federal short-term rate plus 3 percent. That rate is determined every three months.
For current interest rates, go to News Releases and Fact Sheets and find the most recent Internal Revenue release entitled Quarterly Interest Rates.
In addition, if...
Answer to:
Can I make installment payments on the amount I owe?
Yes. If you cannot pay the full amount due as shown on your return, you can ask to make monthly installment payments. However, you will be charged a one time user fee of $43.00, as well as interest on any tax not paid by its due date, and you can be charged a late payment penalty unless you can show reasonable cause for not paying the tax by the due date (April 16, 2007 for individual income...
Answer to:
Is there any special assistance available on unresolved tax matters which are creating a hardship?
f you are suffering, or about to suffer a significant hardship because of the way Internal Revenue laws are being carried out, you may ask for special help from the IRS' Taxpayer Advocate Program. The Taxpayer Advocate represents your interests and concerns within the IRS by protecting your rights and resolving problems that have not been fixed through normal channels. You can reach that...
Answer to:
I am unable to pay my delinquent taxes. Will the IRS accept an Offer in Compromise?
You may qualify for an Offer in Compromise if you are unable to pay your taxes in full or if you are facing severe or unusual economic hardship. Refer to Tax Topic 204, Offers in Compromise, for additional information.
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Answer to:
How would I obtain a private letter ruling?
The procedure for obtaining a letter ruling are published annually in the first revenue procedure of each calendar year. The current procedures are in Internal Revenue Bulletin 2007-01, which can be found in Internal Revenue Bulletin 2007-1. The Revenue Procedure and the Internal Revenue Bulletin can be downloaded from the electronic reading room on the IRS Freedom of Information website.
A...
Answer to:
If I call the automated tax line or access "Where's my Refund" to check the status of a refund on an amended return, do I enter the total amount of my original refund, or only the amended amount?
You cannot check the status of a refund for an amended return on the automated tax line or by accessing "Where's my Refund". Amended/corrected returns are processed as quickly as possible. However, it may take 8 to 12 weeks or longer to process the return. If 8 weeks have elapsed and you have not received your refund, call (800) 829-1040.
Answer to:
How can I correct a mistake on my federal e-file return?
Once accepted, you must allow the e-file return to process before making any changes. You cannot correct a mistake on a federal return which was filed electronically. You need to file an amended or corrected return using Form 1040X (PDF), Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, as soon as possible. Include copies of any schedules that have been changed or any Form W-2 (PDF) you did not...
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Answer to:
Can you send an amended tax return electronically?
No, an amended return must be filed on a paper Form 1040X (PDF), Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, and mailed to your servicing center for processing. You may submit the form after the IRS processes your original return.
Answer to:
How do I fill out the amended return Form 1040X?
Form 1040X (PDF), Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, is designed with three columns. Column A is used to show the figures from the original return. However, if you previously amended that return or it was changed by the IRS, enter the adjusted amounts. Column C is used to show the correct figures. The difference between the figures in Columns A and C is shown in Column B. On the back of...
Answer to:
I received a refund that is more than I should have received because I've discovered I made a mistake on my return. I have not yet cashed this check. What should I do now?
Many mistakes are corrected in processing and a letter of explanation is mailed at the time the refund is issued. If the mistake was not corrected in processing, you need to file an amended or corrected return using Form 1040X (PDF), Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, as soon as possible. Include copies of any schedules that have been changed or any Form W-2 (PDF) you did not include....
Answer to:
What should I do if I made a mistake on my federal return that I have already filed?
It depends on the type of mistake that was made. Many mathematical errors are caught in the processing of the tax return itself. If you did not attach a required schedule the service will contact you and ask for the missing information.
If you did not report all your income or did not claim a credit, you are entitled to file an amended or corrected return using Form 1040X (PDF), Amended U.S....
Answer to:
Should I notify the IRS of my change of address?
If you moved, you need to notify the IRS of your new address. We can change our records so that any tax refunds due you or any other IRS communications will reach you in a timely manner.
Answer to:
What should I do if my check for payment to the IRS has not been cashed yet?
If it had been at least two weeks since the payment was sent to IRS, you can call (800) 829-1040 and ask an IRS representative if the payment has been credited to your account. If the payment has not been credited and your check has not cleared your financial institution, you may choose to place a stop-payment on the original check and send another payment.
Answer to:
What do I do on iTunes if my purchases downloaded correctly, but now I cannot find them?
Most times, the purchased music is still on the computer's hard drive. This technical support article includes step-by-step instructions to help you find any purchased music on your drive. If these instructions don't find your music, please email us for additional assistance.
Answer to:
What do I do if I purchased music that didn't download?
This article contains step-by-step instructions for locating lost music on your hard drive.
Check your Purchase History to see if the charge appears there. If the purchase doesn't appear in your Purchase History, your purchase didn't go through. You will need to click "Buy" again to purchase this song
Select "Check for Purchases" from the Store menu
Check your...
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Answer to:
I just purchased music. Where do I find it?
Your purchased music is automatically added to your Purchased Music playlist and your library.
Answer to:
I can't download any purchased music on iTunes?
f you have persistent download issues, you might need to configure your firewall, Internet security package or web acceleration software to allow iTunes traffic. If you have McAfee Personal Firewall Plus installed, this article will help you configure it.
I see an error message when I try to download a purchase.
Apple has robust system monitors in place, so most download errors clear up...
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Answer to:
What do I do if I paid for music that didn't download completely?
iTunes includes several innovative features to ensure that your download will restart the next time you open iTunes-even after a power outage. To see if you have any pending downloads, select "Check for Purchases" under the Store menu. Read this article to learn more about interrupted downloads.
If your purchase is still missing after checking your pending downloads, use the...
Answer to:
How can I choose which files sync with Zune?
There are two ways to specify which files sync with Zune. You can set Sync Options to indicate which media types (pictures, music, video) you want to sync; the Zune software automatically syncs the media you specify from folders in its Monitored Folders list (My Music, My Pictures, My Video). You can also add other folders to the Monitored Folders list, and Zune will sync media from those...
Answer to:
Does Zune support lossless audio?
The Zune software supports WMA Lossless audio, and automatically converts this audio before syncing with the Zune device. (This process doesn't affect the original audio file.)
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Answer to:
Why does Zune convert my videos?
To ensure an enjoyable playback experience on Zune, the Zune software converts all video using a profile that strikes a balance between quality, file size, and CPU usage.
Answer to:
How can I protect my preloaded content?
Set up Zune on one PC:Zune comes with sample music, pictures, and videos which are deleted if you choose to set up Zune on more than one PC. The process of associating Zune with a second PC includes deleting all existing content from Zune and associating it with the current PC's media library. Choose your primary PC carefully, and avoid setting up your Zune device on a second computer if...
Answer to:
How can I use Zune while connected to my PC?
To use your Zune device while connected to your PC, close the Zune software. By design, the device is not operational while the Zune software is running
Answer to:
Why are some tracks "Not Available"?
Some content providers have chosen not to allow their content to be downloaded with a Zune Pass. These tracks can only be purchased using Microsoft Points.
Some content providers have chosen not to release their content for online purchase; these songs are currently not available for download or purchase from Zune Marketplace. Check back often, as new songs are being added all the time.
Answer to:
How do I get music with Microsoft Points?
To buy Microsoft Points, click Sign In (or Account Options), Account Management, Purchase Points.
To buy music with Microsoft Points:
Start the Zune software and sign in to your Zune account.
In the Navigation pane (left), click Marketplace.
Find the music you want to buy.
You can buy songs individually or by the album.
To buy an individual song, right-click the song and select Buy.
...
Answer to:
How do I get music with a Zune Pass?
Your Zune Pass lets you download as much music as you want. Don't have a Zune Pass? Sign up now.
To download music with a Zune Pass:
Start the Zune software and sign in to your Zune account.
In the Navigation pane (left), click Marketplace.
Find the music you want to download.
You can download songs individually or by the album.
To download an individual song, click the Download...
Answer to:
How do I redeem my free 14-day Zune Pass?
If you received a code for a 14-day free Zune Pass, you can enter the code after you create your Zune account. Follow the instructions under Sign Up For Zune to create an account. After you create your account, follow the link to purchase a Zune Pass, then select Redeem Code and enter your code when prompted. If you have already created a Zune account, just sign into Zune and select Account...
Answer to:
What is a Zune Pass?
A Zune Pass is a subscription that allows you to download as many songs as you want from Zune Marketplace. Songs you download with your Zune Pass are yours for as long as you continue your Zune Pass subscription; they can be copied to three computers and two Zune devices, but they can't be burned to CDs. You can choose to buy any track you have downloaded to get full ownership rights for...
Answer to:
Is Zune available in my country/language?
Zune is currently only available in the U.S. in English. Visit Zune.net/meetzune for updates about new countries and languages coming for Zune.
Answer to:
Will I be able to share my recorded programs with someone outside of my home?
No. Multi-Room Viewing only works between two TiVo Series2 DVRs on the same TiVo service account and on the same home network.
Answer to:
What is Multi-Room Viewing? What do I need?
Multi-Room Viewing means that you can record programs on one TiVo Series2 DVR in your home and play them back on another one in a different room.**** You need two (or more) TiVo Series2 DVRs; you will also need Wireless or Wired Ethernet USB network adapters for each TiVo Series2 DVR so they can "talk" to each other.
Answer to:
What if I accidentally schedule a recording that conflicts with other recordings already scheduled on my TiVo To Do list?
When you schedule a recording remotely, you will select what you would like to happen if a scheduling conflict occurs. You can either choose to have the new recording take higher priority than the previously scheduled recordings, or only record if there are no other programs scheduled. This is similar to the options that you are given if you schedule a program directly on your DVR.
Answer to:
Can I schedule a recording for a program that is on today using Tivo Online Scheduling?
With an always-on Internet connection (cable modem, DSL, ISDN, etc.), you can schedule recordings as little as two hours before they air.***
Answer to:
Is TiVo Online Scheduling easy to use?
Absolutely. Just enter the title of a show (like "Frasier"), a favorite sport (like "basketball"), or a category of show (like "cooking"), and presto! Every matching show that's on in the next 14 days with its program description is listed for you alphabetically. With just a few more clicks, you can schedule a recording.
Answer to:
What is TiVo Online Scheduling?
TiVo Online Scheduling means you'll be able to schedule recordings for your TiVo Series2 from anywhere you have Internet access. Just go to tivo.com, sign in to TiVo Central Online, and tell your TiVo Series2 DVR to record the shows you don't want to miss. The web application is simple and will be similar to how you schedule recordings when you're at home. Simply search for a...
Answer to:
Is there a way to speed up TiVoToGo™ transfers to my Microsoft Windows Mobile-based Portable Media Center?
If you set up automatic synchronization for your playlists, you can set up Windows Media Player 10 to transcode TiVoToGo transfers in the background. This lets Windows Media Player 10 transcode TiVo recordings when you are not using your computer, speeding up the sync when you connect your Portable Media Center. To set up background file conversion:
Start Windows Media Player 10.
Right-click...
Answer to:
What is a Portable Media Center?
Portable Media Centers are mobile devices that allow you to store and play back video, music, and pictures. Content can be digital entertainment from a computer, including recorded TV shows, downloaded videos, home movies, music, and photos.
For additional information, please see Microsoft's Windows Mobile devices site
Answer to:
Can I transfer programs to a Microsoft Windows Mobile-based Portable Media Center?
If you have Windows XP, TiVo Desktop 2.1 for Windows and later allows you to view TiVoToGo™ transfers on a Portable Media Center device. The actual transfer is done using Windows Media Player 10 or later.
If you set up automatic synchronization on your Portable Media Center device, you can set up Windows Media Player 10 to monitor new, deleted, renamed, or moved media files. When you...
Answer to:
What is the difference between Desktop Version 2.3 and Version 2.3a? Should I upgrade? Will I need to re-enter my "Plus" key?
There are no new features in version 2.3a. This minor update fixes a bug that intermittently caused the application to fail or crash. If you've experienced these types of issues while using Version 2.3, we recommend you upgrade to Version 2.3a.
If you've purchased the Desktop 2.3 Plus license key, you will not need to re-enter the key after upgrading to 2.3a.
Answer to:
What if I have issues installing or using the TiVoToGo™ feature?
We have lots of information on our support site on setting up and using the TiVoToGo™ feature. We also have an updated version of the Home Media features guide available. Just click here and then click the model of your TiVo box.
Answer to:
What else will I need on my Windows PC?
To play back files on your Windows PC, you will need a supported codec and Windows Media Player 10. WMP 10 is available only for Windows XP at this time. If you have Windows 2000, please use Windows Media Player 9.
Answer to:
Why do I need Sonic software?
We have partnered with Sonic to bring you the best in DVD burning, authoring, viewing and storing. While the Sonic MyDVD is not required for transferring shows to your PC from your TiVo box, it is required for burning shows to DVD.
Download the 15-day FREE trial of the Sonic MyDVD software today!
Answer to:
I just want to store my shows onto DVD. Do I still need to purchase the Sonic DVD software?
Maybe. If you simply want to store your shows onto DVD and transfer them back to your PC for viewing at a later time then most existing DVD playing/burning software will allow this functionality. This is basically a data backup of the file. You WILL NOT be able to view your burned shows from these DVDs though.
The Sonic MyDVD software will allow you to burn DVDs that are playable in DVD...
Answer to:
Can I burn TivoToGo to DVD?
Yes! You can burn your transferred shows to DVD for viewing anywhere you have a DVD player or for storage of your favorite shows. You can burn DVDs in two ways:
Burn DVDs directly from your PC using the Sonic MyDVD software. Want to try it out before you buy? Download the 15-day FREE trial of the Sonic MyDVD software today!
Burn your shows to DVD using the Humax DVD recorder with TiVo.
Answer to:
Do I need to pay for TiVoToGo?
Transferring shows to your PC for viewing or storing is a service that is included in your TiVo service subscription fee. There is no additional fee for this capability. All you need to do is download the TiVo Desktop software to get started.
To burn DVDs of our favorite shows with your PC DVD burner, you will need to purchase the Sonic MyDVD software. Download the 15-day FREE trial of the...
Answer to:
Will I need to purchase a codec?
Maybe. You will need a proper codec installed on your PC in order to view any transferred shows. If during the installation of the TiVo Desktop software you are notified that you do not have the proper codec installed, go to http://customersupport.tivo.com/LaunchContent.aspx?CID=46F86213-A109-4C3E-845A-FBCD815E5512 to get more information.
If you need a codec you can purchase them from one...
Answer to:
I do not have the proper codec installed. What do I need to do?
You will need a proper codec installed on your PC in order to view any transferred show from your TiVo box to your PC. Go to http://customersupport.tivo.com/LaunchContent.aspx?CID=46F86213-A109-4C3E-845A-FBCD815E5512 for a list of compatible codecs.
Answer to:
Codecs — what is a codec and why do I need one?
Short for compressor/decompressor, a codec is any technology used for compressing and decompressing data. In this case, the codec is used to play back your video files. Codecs can be implemented in software, hardware, or a combination of both. Some popular software codecs for computer video include Sonic, CyberLink and InterVideo. These software programs can be purchased online.
You will...
Answer to:
How do I find my Media Access Key?
To locate your Media Access Key, you first need to make sure you have the correct version of the TiVo software. Go to:http://www.tivo.com/jump/redir.asp?main=TTG&sub=PrioritySignUp&URL=http%3A%2F%2Fresearch%2Etivo%2Ecom%2F81priority%2F for instructions on how to check your software version.
If you have the correct TiVo service software version, then on your TiVo box go to TiVo Central >...
Answer to:
Media Access Key — What is it and why do I need one?
The Media Access Key is a security feature for TiVoToGo transfers. Every TiVo account is assigned a unique 10-digit Media Access Key which enables secure transfers and viewing of your transferred shows.
Important note: You will need your media access key when you are installing the TiVo Desktop software.
Answer to:
What iPod accessories can I purchase?
A range of Apple and third-party accessories is available to enhance your iPod. For prices and availability, visit the Apple Store.
Carrying case with belt clip
iPod remote and earphones
Extra AC adapter
Extra USB or FireWire cables
World Travel Adapter Kit
Car tape deck adapter
Car power adapter
Splitter cable
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Answer to:
Where do I find help for my iPod?
iPod comes with extensive AppleCare built-in service and support, including onscreen help in iTunes, online support via the Apple Support Discussions Forum and Knowledge Base, and 90 days of complimentary phone support.
Answer to:
How long is iPod complimentary telephone support?
Newer iPods come with a single incident of complimentary telephone support within the first 90 days. This change in the complimentary support offering applies to:
iPod nano
iPod nano (Second Generation)
Fifth Generation iPod
Fifth Generation iPod (Late 2006)
iPod (Click Wheel)
iPod with color display
iPod shuffle
iPod shuffle (Second Generation)
iPod photo
any iPod mini sold on or...
Answer to:
How long does my iPod service warranty last?
iPod comes with a one-year limited hardware warranty. An AppleCare Protection Plan (APP) for iPod is available.
Answer to:
How do I update my calendar on my iPod?
iTunes can automatically transfer calendar data stored in iCal to your iPod. To enable syncing of your iCal calendars:
Open iTunes and connect your iPod to your computer.
Select the iPod icon in the source pane of iTunes.
Click the Contacts tab.
Enable the "Sync iCal calendars" checkbox.
iPod also supports industry-standard iCalendar and vCalendar files, which can be exported...
Answer to:
How do I add contacts and notes to my iPod?
iTunes can automatically transfer contacts stored in Address Book to your iPod. To enable syncing of Address Book contacts:
Open iTunes and connect your iPod to your computer.
Select the iPod icon in the Source pane of iTunes.
Click the Contacts tab.
Select the "Sync Address Book contacts" checkbox.
iPod is also compatible with popular applications such as Microsoft Entourage, Microsoft...
Answer to:
Is there a clock on my iPod?
Yes, iPod has a digital clock so you can keep track of the time wherever you go especially convenient for working out.
Answer to:
Can I start up my computer using iPod?
Yes, iPod can be loaded with system software and used as a startup disk for your Mac or to install system software on your Mac. Using iPod to start up your Mac with system software is an unsupported feature. iPod cannot be used to start up a PC.
Answer to:
How does the hard drive feature of iPod work?
iPod can double as a hard drive for your computer. This allows you to transfer files and applications from your computer to the iPod and take them with you wherever you go. iPod is smart enough to keep your data files separate from your music collection so that they will not be accidentally erased when you are updating your music.
See Using your iPod as a hard disk for more information.
Answer to:
Can iPod charge while my computer is asleep?
Yes, in some cases. If you connect the iPod to your computer by FireWire, and your computer is sleeping and also connected to AC power, in most cases the iPod will charge. If the iPod does not charge when connected this way, either wake the computer or connect the iPod directly to an AC power adapter.
Answer to:
How do I charge iPod?
There are three ways to recharge the built-in battery. First, use the 6-pin FireWire cable or high-power USB cable that came with iPod and connect it to your computer. Note: Only certain iPod models will charge directly over USB (iPod shuffle, iPod mini, and Fifth Generation iPod). Second, If you use the 4-pin-to-6-pin FireWire cable or if you don't have access to your computer, you can...
Answer to:
How long does the ipod battery last?
The built-in rechargeable battery provides between 8-20 hours of music playtime3 depending on your iPod model.
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Answer to:
Can I connect my iPod to my car stereo?
Yes. iPod will also sound great on your car stereo. Use an extension cable with 3.5 mm stereo connectors on each end to connect iPod to your car stereo system's auxiliary input, or use a cassette adapter if your car stereo doesn't have a sound input port. These items can be purchased at stores that sell car stereo accessories, or at the Apple Store.
Answer to:
Can I connect iPod to my home stereo?
Yes. With its powerful 60 mW amplifier and 20 Hz to 20 kHz frequency response, iPod will sound great on your home stereo. Third-party stereo adapters are available for listening to your iPod music library using home stereo speakers. Compatible devices must be self-powered and support audio output through a 3.5 mm headphone jack. For optimal sound quality when using external speakers, set the...
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Answer to:
What is Audible?
Audible is a service that provides digital spoken versions of over 18,000 audiobooks and audio programs such as daily digests of the Wall Street Journal and The New York Times, iPod can play the Audible format. You can listen to Audible files using iTunes 4 or download them to your iPod for listening on the go.
Answer to:
What audio formats does iPod work with?
Mac: AAC (up to 320 kbit/s), MP3 (up to 320 kbit/s), MP3 Variable Bit Rate (VBR), WAV, AIFF, Audible.
Windows: AAC (up to 320 kbit/s), MP3 (up to 320 kbit/s), MP3 Variable Bit Rate (VBR), WAV, Audible.
Answer to:
Can I standardize the volume for all the music tracks in my MP3 player?
Music CDs are all mastered differently, with large discrepancies in volume between songs on different albums. With iPod for the Mac, you can standardize the volume of all the songs in your music library with the Sound Check feature in iTunes 3 or later. You can turn Sound Check on or off by choosing Sound Check in Settings in the main iPod menu.
Answer to:
What is the equalization (EQ) feature on iPod?
An equalizer allows you to adjust various audio frequencies within the sound spectrum (much like the bass and treble controls on a stereo system). Equalization can be used to optimize audio playback for a specific room, genre of music, or individual's listening preference. The iPod comes standard with over 20 equalization presets, such as Jazz, Rock, or Bass Booster. Choose your EQ preset...
Answer to:
Will music sound as good on my iPod as on my CD player?
iPod is designed to provide the best-quality sound. iPod has a powerful 60 mW amplifier so it can deliver audio as loud as you want. It also has a 20 Hz to 20 kHz frequency response, which means you can hear distortion-free music at the lowest or highest pitches. Even the iPod headphones are designed to give you the best-quality sound. The earbud-style headphones rely on Neodymium transducers,...
Answer to:
What if my music collection exceeds the storage capacity of iPod?
If you have more music in iTunes than you can fit on iPod, you can choose to update selected playlists only or update manually. With the first option, only the tracks in the selected playlists (rather than the entire music library) are downloaded to iPod when you connect. With the manual update option, you manage what goes into your iPod by dragging and dropping selected songs or playlists into...
Answer to:
How much music does iPod hold?
iPod comes in many storage capacities from 512 MB to 80 GB.2 The amount of music iPod can hold depends on the compression rate of your songs. At 128 kilobits per second (kbit/s), the most common compression rate used for MP3s, 20 GB is equivalent to over 5000 four-minute songs, or more than 500 CDs. At the near-CD-quality 160 kbit/s compression rate, 20 GB equals over 4000 four-minute songs, or...
Answer to:
How does iPod provide skip protection?
In addition to the hard drive, iPod has a memory cache. It is made up of solid-state memory, meaning that it has no mechanical or moving parts, so it is not affected by movement of the device. iPod skip protection works by preloading up to 25 minutes of music to the cache at a time. iPod plays music from the memory cache rather than the hard drive, so even rigorous activities won't cause...
Answer to:
Can I use iPod while running, or doing other activities? Will my music skip?
iPod was designed for people with an active lifestyle. It is compact and lightweight enough to take with you wherever you go. It was designed to fit comfortably in the palm of your hand or to be slipped into a pocket or purse for easy transport. iPod offers up to 20 minutes of skip protection &emdash; twice that of other hard drive &emdash; based MP3 players on the market - so you can enjoy...
Answer to:
Can I use an iPod formatted for Mac on a PC, or an iPod formatted for Windows on a Mac?
It is not possible to use an iPod formatted for Mac with Windows. This is because Windows does not support the HFS Plus file system and therefore will not see the drive. When you connect an iPod formatted for Mac to your PC, iTunes will prompt you to restore the iPod.
iTunes will allow you to use an iPod formatted for Windows on a Mac; however, Apple currently only supports using the iPod...
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Answer to:
I have both a Mac and a PC. Will my iPod work on both?
No, not at the same time. iPod is configured for either Mac or PC. You can use iTunes 7 or later to restore iPod to work with a Mac or a PC. See "Restoring iPod to factory settings" for more information. Note: Using the iPod for Mac on a PC, or using the iPod for Windows on a Mac, is not supported by Apple. FAT32 is the format used by Windows, and while some FAT32 iPod models may work with your...
Answer to:
Can I update more than one iPod with my computer?
Yes. Each iPod communicates a unique device identification number to your computer, allowing you to take advantage of automatic music transfers to your iPod even if you share a computer with another iPod user. You can choose to automatically update your entire music collection on multiple iPod players or choose to update selected playlists, allowing you to transfer custom playlists to...
Answer to:
I have a computer at home and one at work. Can I update my iPod music collection from more than one computer?
Yes. When you first connect iPod to your computer, iPod recognizes that computer as its "home" computer. Each time you connect, iPod automatically downloads the music library stored on it. When you connect iPod to a different computer, iTunes will inform you that iPod is linked to a different iTunes library and will ask whether you wish to erase iPod's contents and sync with the...
Answer to:
How do I transfer music between my computer and iPod?
iPod offers multiple ways to transfer music from your computer. You can set the transfer mode in iTunes 7 or later by selecting the iPod icon in the source pane to reveal the iPod settings. The following modes can be configured on the iPod:
Automatically update all songs and playlists. This is the default mode, in which your entire music library, including playlists, is automatically synced...
Answer to:
What music (jukebox) software do I need on my computer to use iPod?
iPod is fully integrated with iTunes. iTunes allows you to "rip" tracks from CDs into MP3 or AAC format and organize your music library by creating playlists. And every time you plug iPod into your computer, your music library--complete with playlists--is automatically transferred over FireWire or USB 2.0. See the iTunes website for upgrades to iTunes.
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Answer to:
What music (jukebox) software do I need on my computer to use iPod?
iPod comes with iTunes for Macintosh and iTunes for Windows.
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Answer to:
How do I tell which iPod I have?
It's easy to see which iPod model you have. Some of the things you can do include checking if it has a scroll wheel, a touch wheel, or a Click Wheel and checking the size of its hard drive.
Answer to:
Is iPod compatible with my computer?
iPod is compatible with Macintosh computers running Mac OS X and PCs running Windows 2000 or Windows XP.
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