Miguel Said:

Can i write off a pistol for a job that requires it?

We Answered:

if you don't itemize it won't make any difference, it will not be deductible

Steven Said:

Why does the University of Michigan keep writing me asking for money?

We Answered:

well the world revolves around money so...

Wilma Said:

If i take a trip in order to apply for a different job can I write that off on my taxes?

We Answered:

You can deduct job hunting expenses on Sched A of the 1040, which means that you must itemize your deductions (mortg interest, property tax, charity, etc.). However, the job hunting expenses must exceed 2% of your income before you get any deduction, i.e., if you make 50K, you will get no deduction on the first 1K of job expenses.

There are other items that can be deducted in this 2% category, including tax prep and employee business expenses. As always, consult with a tax professional for specific answers. CPAGreg

Pamela Said:

People in the state of Michigan...is the job situation as bad as they say out there?

We Answered:

It's bad, mainly if you are in the auto-industry as a blue-collar worker. There are houses for sale EVERYWHERE. (We live in Oakland County)

I don't think the state was written off. It's a combination of many factors, poor corporate management being a biggie. The "head honchos" are giving themselves huge raises while cutting benefits and pay of the workers. Then the unions get involved. (Which I don't want to go into here). Many people here in MI believe too many people are buying foreign vehicles and that is causing the problem. Also the fact that many automotive jobs are being sent to foreign countries. I wish I knew the problem myself, but I can tell you it will impact the nation.
Michigan politicians are trying to bring in other industries besides automobile. Google is opening some business center here currently.

It is scary, but I think Michigan will come out on top eventually, it will just take time.

Allen Said:

Will I get into Michigan State or Indiana?

We Answered:

Everyone gets into Indiana if they are out-of-state. Just don't apply directly to business or music, as those are actually selective programs, and you WILL NOT get into either. There are no minimum admissions standards for Indiana, and you are right at the average with those test scores (it ain't the 70th best university in the country for nothing!)

Michigan State... same thing. Test scores are right in the range (by the way... count your SAT as 1130, not 1650), but your GPA is a little low. Once again... certain programs are more selective than others, so I can't give you a blanket statement that you Will or Won't get in. Michigan State is tied with Indiana for 70 on the US News & World Report rankings.

Why these two schools? Michigan State is a technically focused school, while Indiana is liberal arts/vocation focused. What are you planning on majoring in? You seem to be all over the place with these two. It looks like you are just applying to the worst Big Ten schools in hopes of getting in (because you won't get into Illinois, Wisconsin, or Michigan)... since you are not saying WHAT you want to go to these schools for. You REALLY need to figure out what you want from a college. Have you looked instate? Illinois State and Northern Illinois should be on your radar. Both have good regional academic reputations, tons of activities, and large campus populations. Plus - savings of instate tuition over out of state are quite substantial.

Elsie Said:

Can you collect unemployment in Michigan for being fired for poor job performance?

We Answered:

I think you should be able to collect unemployment no problem. If they fired you because of some kind of misconduct (like you stole from them or something) then you would have a problem.

Alan Said:

What are the requirements for a commercial drivers license in michigan?

We Answered:

If you want the straight answer, got to
http://www.michigan.gov/sos/0,1607,7-127…