Questions - Filing with no attorney

[ProSefromCA]

Hi all, I'm pretty new and really plan to get deep into this these coming days. I've already ordered the online book from Nolo listed here. Anyone else that is filing without an attorney (especially in California) please post here so we can discuss together! I already ordered my tax return transcripts and hope to file around June 20th.

Here is a question I have. I've had no job for the last year. I am self-employed working from home on web sites. I guess that would classify me as a sole proprietor business. I see that the new law says you MUST have last 60 days of wage stubs, or your case may be dismissed. I guess that should not apply to me? I see on Schedule I where to list business income, but it also says "attach a detailed statement". How do I do that, is that a form? I received just two lump sum payments in the last 6 months, each for about $3,800. All I have is the two deposit receipts from my credit union which shows "local check" and the amount. Is this enough? Thanks in advance.

[familyof7]

We live in GA but we are also self employeed and we wrote a notorized statement of income or afadavit we just explained our situation and how much we made if I were you i would do that and file it with my shedules and also there is a form you sign stating that you have no pay stubs and file it give me your email and I will email a copy of that form to you it does not come in the do it your self kits I actually found it 1 week before the 341 meeting and the trustee was really nice but she said good thing I filed it

[ProSefromCA]

I sent you a Private Message containing my email. Thanks!

[familyof7]

I found the form for cA go to www.cacb.uscourts.gov click on what if I dont have an attorney then click on the underlined word download in the petition , forms where can I obtain ? paragraph then click on debtors cetrification of employment on that form it has a section stating that I am self employed and have received no other money from any other employer I would still attach a statement on the fact you have received 2 lump sum payments from an online business.

[ProSefromCA]

I got it! Thanks so so much! That's really helpful. Since it says on the form "under penalty of perjury" do you still think I need to get a notarized affidavit? I was thinking of just attaching copies of the receipts, on a page stating the payment dates and amounts.

[ProSefromCA]

moving reply post to arami008 to new thread...

[familyof7]

No you should not have to file the affadavit but just the statement or receipts.

[familyof7]

I could also send you the forms w/ instructions that i used

[ProSefromCA]

Thanks familyof7! I'm not sure if your forms from Florida would help. I think I agree with you about just using that CA Employment Income form along with a page showing the receipts. I'll try that, and in the worst case I would just be told to amend the papers with the affidavit if needed. Thanks again!

[familyof7]

I live in GA but the forms I have are federal you have to fill in the district so they apply to any state.

[demismom]

Here is a question I have. I've had no job for the last year. I am self-employed working from home on web sites. I guess that would classify me as a sole proprietor business. I see that the new law says you MUST have last 60 days of wage stubs, or your case may be dismissed. I guess that should not apply to me? I see on Schedule I where to list business income, but it also says "attach a detailed statement". How do I do that, is that a form? I received just two lump sum payments in the last 6 months, each for about $3,800. All I have is the two deposit receipts from my credit union which shows "local check" and the amount. Is this enough? Thanks in advance.

We are also self employed, but do also work. We buy and sell antiques/collectibles and I design and host websites as well. I've been using Quickbooks for 12 years now to keep track of sales/expenses, all businesses should be doing the same. All I had to print out was a Profit and Loss Statement for my attorney, that's all she's asked for at this point in time.

[ProSefromCA]

I live in GA but the forms I have are federal you have to fill in the district so they apply to any state.

Yes, that sounds like they would be great! Thanks!

[ProSefromCA]

We are also self employed, but do also work. We buy and sell antiques/collectibles and I design and host websites as well. I've been using Quickbooks for 12 years now to keep track of sales/expenses, all businesses should be doing the same. All I had to print out was a Profit and Loss Statement for my attorney, that's all she's asked for at this point in time.

Yes, I sort of got thrown into being an independent contractor. I don't really have expenses unless you would count my internet connection and computer so my only accounting is using my 1099s at tax time.

[demismom]

Yes, I sort of got thrown into being an independent contractor. I don't really have expenses unless you would count my internet connection and computer so my only accounting is using my 1099s at tax time.

Don't you update your gifs and jpegs and editing software from time to time? Those would be expenses too. Do you talk with clients on the phone and if it's long distance deduct that? There are all sorts of expenses you might not even be thinking about. I also deduct computer, internet connection AND if you have a home office you can deduct part of your home expenses as well every year. It saves A LOT of money at tax time.

[ProSefromCA]

Don't you update your gifs and jpegs and editing software from time to time? Those would be expenses too. Do you talk with clients on the phone and if it's long distance deduct that? There are all sorts of expenses you might not even be thinking about. I also deduct computer, internet connection AND if you have a home office you can deduct part of your home expenses as well every year. It saves A LOT of money at tax time.

Yes, that's a good point. I've been so wrapped up with my situation and debt I never really thought about that. Once I get this bankruptcy done, I'll get better at that. Thanks!