Also - about asking for help (and I'm not referring to this question or this website because this person has no idea who is giving the advice or if it is even correct)...it's probably no secret that I am a tax professional and it drives me CRAZY that people who do their own return on Turbo Tax ask me tax questions and expect me to help them with their prep. I spent 4 years in school and a lot of time and money in the upkeep of my education. Taxes are extremely complicated. You wouldn't expect your lawyer or doctor friends for free services would you?
*This is in no means a personal attack on anyone...just a mini rant on the subject from a poor SAHM who gets hit up all the time!*
I have a friend that is a doctor and will ask her questions in a pinch. I have a friend that is a vet and will ask him questions in a pinch. I am a teacher and get asked questions about school situations all the time. It's just something that friends do. Granted if your friends want you to do the forms for them, they should pay, but a few questions shouldn't be an issue.
We (when I worked full time in preschool & childcare)gave everyone a form, but it was up to the parents to know if they were eligible for the deduction.
I'm glad I read this though. I work a few hours a week teaching string lessons. I wonder if I do my prep time during DD's preschool, if it would count. I'll have to look into that next year. (She's not in preschool yet.) Her preschool will cost about what I make.