QR Codes: What are they and how to use them

QR codes are square tags that many advertisers and retailers are using. The QR stands for “Quick Response”. Usually they are black with boxes in three corners and a bunch of scattered, tiny dots in a unique pattern to form a square. There is another type of QR code, called "Tag", which is Microsoft’s version. It uses multicolored triangles and dots. Both of these codes are scanned with a smart phone and return the advertiser’s website.
If you look closely, you can find QR tags on practically everything from products in the store to business cards and magazine ads. Realtors are also taking advantage of them. You can find them on For Sale signs and flyers to obtain instant information on a property or even view a virtual tour.
In order to scan the QR codes you must have a smart phone with a camera. Go to your phone’s app store and do a search on “QR”. You may need to download two apps, one for each type of QR code (squares and triangles). Run the app and point the smart phone camera at the code. If it doesn’t work right away you might try holding the camera at different angles and make sure the lighting is good. Once the code is scanned, it will instantly direct the phone to a website. Usually there is a history page so you can go back anytime and view the website again.
The advantage of QR codes is that they are easy to use and the websites load almost instantly. If you haven’t dived into the QR world, you should give it a try!

Tax Tips

Tax Saving

• Does your withholding amount need to be adjusted? Use the Withholding Calculator at http://www.irs.gov/
• Are you entitled to education or child care deductions?
• Have you opened an IRA to save on taxed today and build for the future at the same time?
• Are you a volunteer-PTA? Little League? Church? Record and deduct charitable mileage: you may be surprised at the miles you’ve chalked up.

Time Saving

• Have one place to keep W-2’s, mortgage and interest statements and other tax-related forms as they arrive.
• Use an electronic checkbook throughout the year. At tax time, reports in every category are at your fingertips.
• Use tax preparation software. This step-by-step process catches almost every deduction or credit and does the calculating for you-error-free!
• File early for a fast refund. E-file with direct deposit for a faster refund.
• Take a minute today, save hours at tax time As you prepare your income tax return this year, get organized for future years. Are your files in disarray? Take a few minutes today and establish one spot to keep all tax deductable and tax reporting items. Label separate envelopes or folders to hold receipts for each category or account.
• Are you required to track mileage or other expenses? Take a few minutes each month to add them up, and you will be less likely to overlook an important deduction. Having a dozen monthly subtotals will save hours of year-end calculating.