HIYERTY

Wednesday, May 3

How Tips are Taxed

What are Tips

Tips are extra money given by customers to service industry workers as a reward for good service. This can include waitstaff at restaurants, bartenders, hairdressers, nail technicians, and other service workers. Tips are usually given in cash, but can also be added onto a credit card payment or given through a personal payment app.

Tips are not required, but are often expected by service industry workers as a way to supplement their income. In some cases, tips may make up a significant portion of a worker's overall compensation. The amount of a tip can vary depending on the level of service provided, the quality of the product or service, and other factors.

It's important to note that while tips are not required, they are generally appreciated by service industry workers. In many cases, tips can also be a way to show appreciation for the hard work and dedication of the workers who provide these services.

Whether Tips are Legal or Illegal

Tips are legal in the United States, and they are a common form of compensation for many service industry workers. The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), which is the federal law that governs wage and hour standards, allows employers to pay tipped workers a lower hourly wage than non-tipped workers, as long as the workers earn enough in tips to bring their total compensation up to at least the minimum wage.

However, there are certain regulations and requirements that employers must follow when it comes to paying tipped workers. For example, employers must provide notice to their employees about the amount of the cash wage they will be paid, and they must keep accurate records of all tips earned by their employees. Additionally, employers are not allowed to keep any portion of their employees' tips for themselves.

It's also important to note that the laws and regulations around tipped workers can vary from state to state. Some states have higher minimum wage requirements for tipped workers, or may have different regulations around how tips can be distributed. If you have any questions or concerns about the legality of tips in your state, it's a good idea to consult with a local employment law attorney or your state's labor department.

How Tips are Taxed

Tips are generally taxable income in the United States, and are subject to both federal and state income tax. Tips are considered a form of earned income and must be reported on the employee's tax return as wages.

Employers are also responsible for reporting tips paid to their employees, and they are required to withhold taxes on tips that are reported to them. Additionally, employers are required to pay their share of Social Security and Medicare taxes on the tips paid to their employees.

It's important to note that not all tips may be taxable. Tips that are given directly to an employee in cash or through a personal payment app are considered taxable income. However, tips that are added to a credit card payment and processed through the employer's payment system may be subject to different reporting requirements.

In any case, it's important to keep accurate records of all tips received, including both cash and credit card tips. This will help ensure that you report all of your tips accurately on your tax return, and that you pay the correct amount of taxes on your tip income. If you have any questions or concerns about how your tips are taxed, it's always a good idea to consult with a tax professional or accountant.

Conclusion

In conclusion, tips are generally taxable income in the United States and are subject to both federal and state income tax. Employers are responsible for reporting tips paid to their employees, and employees must report all tips received on their tax return as earned income. It is important to keep accurate records of all tips received, including both cash and credit card tips, to ensure that they are reported accurately on tax returns. While tips are not required, they are a common form of compensation for many service industry workers and can be a significant portion of their overall income. If you have any questions or concerns about how tips are taxed, it's always a good idea to consult with a tax professional or accountant.

Monday, May 1

Why Drama Movies Are Good

Drama movies are a popular genre of film that have been captivating audiences for decades. Whether it's a heart-wrenching tale of love and loss, or a thought-provoking exploration of complex social issues, drama movies have the power to leave a lasting impact on viewers.

Here are some reasons why drama movies are so good:

Emotional Connection

One of the primary reasons why drama movies are so effective is that they often tackle serious and emotional themes that can help viewers connect with the characters and their struggles. When we see characters on screen facing challenges similar to our own, we can empathize with them and develop a deeper emotional connection to the story. This emotional connection can be powerful and can leave a lasting impact on the viewer.

Exploration of Complex Issues

Drama movies can delve into complex issues and explore difficult topics such as social injustice, mental health, and relationships. By addressing these issues through the medium of film, drama movies can provide a thought-provoking commentary on society and human behavior. This can lead to important discussions and an increased understanding of these issues.

Authentic Performances

Good drama movies often feature talented actors who are able to portray characters with depth and complexity. These performances can be captivating and can draw the viewer into the story. When actors are able to bring authenticity and emotional depth to their roles, it can make the story feel more real and relatable.

Relatability

Drama movies often deal with universal themes that many people can relate to, such as love, loss, and personal growth. These themes can be explored in a variety of ways, from intimate character studies to sweeping epics. By tapping into these universal experiences, drama movies can make the story more relatable and enjoyable for viewers.

In conclusion,

Drama movies are a powerful and engaging form of storytelling that can leave a lasting impact on the viewer. By exploring complex issues, providing authentic performances, and tapping into universal experiences, drama movies have the ability to connect with audiences on a deep emotional level. Whether you're a casual movie-goer or a die-hard film buff, there is no denying the power and appeal of a good drama movie.

Sunday, April 30

How Tips Work

What is Work

Work can have different meanings depending on the context in which it is used. In general, work can be defined as the application of effort or energy to accomplish a task or achieve a goal.

Work can refer to a specific job or occupation, where an individual performs tasks or activities in exchange for compensation, such as a salary or wages. Work can also refer to any activity that requires effort or exertion, such as housework, yard work, or exercise.

In physics, work is defined as the force applied to an object multiplied by the distance over which that force is applied. This concept of work is used to describe the energy required to move an object or accomplish a physical task.

Overall, work is a fundamental aspect of human activity and is essential for achieving goals and making progress in both personal and professional contexts.
source:Pexels

How Fffective It Is

The effectiveness of work can depend on a variety of factors, such as the quality of the work, the skills and abilities of the individual performing the work, the resources available, and the context in which the work is being performed.

In general, effective work is work that achieves its intended goals or objectives in a timely and efficient manner, while meeting or exceeding established standards of quality. Effective work can result in tangible outcomes, such as increased productivity, improved quality, or higher levels of customer satisfaction. It can also lead to intangible benefits, such as improved morale, greater job satisfaction, and increased personal growth and development.

The effectiveness of work can be influenced by a range of factors, such as the level of support and resources available, the complexity of the task or project, and the degree of collaboration and communication among team members. Effective work often requires careful planning and coordination, as well as the ability to adapt and adjust strategies as circumstances change.

Ultimately, the effectiveness of work depends on a range of factors, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to achieving success. However, by setting clear goals, developing strong skills and abilities, and maintaining a focus on quality and efficiency, individuals and organizations can increase their chances of achieving effective and successful outcomes.

How Tips Work

Tips work by providing guidance or advice on how to approach a particular task or situation. They are usually based on the experience or expertise of the person providing the tips and are intended to help others achieve success or avoid common pitfalls.

Tips can be communicated in a variety of ways, such as through written or spoken instructions, demonstrations, or visual aids. They can cover a wide range of topics, from cooking and cleaning to fitness and personal finance.

To make tips work effectively, it is important to apply them in a relevant and appropriate context. This may involve adapting the tips to suit your own situation, or seeking additional guidance or clarification if necessary. It is also important to be open-minded and willing to experiment and try new approaches, as what works for one person may not work for another.

Ultimately, the effectiveness of tips depends on a range of factors, including the quality of the advice, the relevance of the context, and the willingness of the individual to apply the tips in their own life.
Unlocking the Secrets to Effective Work: Strategies for Achieving Success and Reaching Your Goals

Closing

In conclusion, work is the application of effort or energy to accomplish a task or achieve a goal. Effective work is work that achieves its intended objectives in a timely and efficient manner while meeting or exceeding established standards of quality. The effectiveness of work can be influenced by a range of factors, including the quality of the work, the skills and abilities of the individual performing the work, the resources available, and the context in which the work is being performed. Ultimately, effective work requires careful planning, coordination, and the ability to adapt and adjust strategies as circumstances change.

Saturday, April 29

Qello Concerts


Qello Concerts brings the world’s largest collection of concerts to your mobile device. With solid video quality, great sound quality, and an absolutely incredible selection of concerts to choose from, Qello is a very impressive app. Select from almost any genre of music – from Carlos Santana to Slipknot, from Bob Marley to Beyonce, Tupac to Tiesto, you will be able to find shows from your favorite artists no matter what style of music you listen to. The free version allows users to watch one or more free tracks from every show, several free shows a week, and more than 30 channels of “Qello TV” (continuous video from varying concerts). A $4.99/month subscription allows users unlimited access to stream any full concert from the collection. The selection is constantly updated, so you’ll never get bored of the library. This app is simply a must-have for any music lover.

Friday, April 28

DropBox

Dropbox is a free service where you can bring all of your photos, documents, and videos anywhere you go. After you install Dropbox on your computer, any file you save to your Dropbox will automatically save to your phone and Dropbox website. You can easily edit all of your documents as well as share photos with your family.

Thursday, April 27

ooVoo


ooVoo is a very versatile free app that allows instant messaging, voice, and video chat. Users can interact with each other via text, video, and photo messages, free voice calls (no matter where each user is), and ooVoo’s most prominent feature, video chat. While the app’s messaging and voice services are convenient and of high quality, the video chat feature is truly ooVoo’s shining star. The video quality is unmatched in similar apps, and the group video chat feature allows users to add up to twelve users at a time into a free group video call. The desktop version even offers desktop sharing, which is great for presentation and other business applications. With an easy interface and an incredible array of features, ooVoo is one of the best communication apps we’ve ever come across.

Wednesday, April 26

AroundMe

 

How many times have you been out and about and needed to quickly find the nearest bank? Or gas station? Or even the nearest bar? AroundMe solves all of that. AroundMe quickly identifies your position, and can help you find the nearest banks/ATMs, bars, coffee shops, gas stations, hospitals, hotels and more to your current position. Tapping a specific category will display a list of corresponding locations and their precise points on a map. Selecting one of these options will display a host of useful information about each location. Simple, accurate, and lightning-quick, AroundMe is one of the most useful apps we’ve encountered recently.

Tuesday, April 25

MyFitnessPal

 

With the New Year rapidly approaching, weight loss is a subject that is sure to be on many peoples’ minds. The trouble is, with the endless stream of fad diets, fad exercise routines, diet pills, and other “lose weight quick” schemes that flood the market, many people are overwhelmed with the concept of losing weight. MyFitnessPal allows its users to use the most tried and true method of weight loss available – tracking your diet and exercise. MyFitnessPal allows you to track your caloric intake by adding your meals manually or using their huge database of foods to enter nutrition info (it even has a barcode scanner). Then it allows you to track your caloric output by inputting your exercise for the day (via its large database of strength and cardio exercises). If you expend more calories than you take in – Voila! You lose weight! You can set goals and track your weight loss progress with this app, as well. This is a must for anyone with “lose weight” on their New Year’s Resolution list.


Monday, April 24

Untappd

 

Untappd is the ultimate app for beer lovers, setting up a type of social network for brew enthusiasts around the world. Untappd allows its users to explore nearby popular bars and beers, share reviews, ratings, and photos of what you’re drinking, as well as read reviews from friends and other beer snobs across the globe. Besides the social aspect, Untappd can recommend new beers based on your taste. The app also allows you to create a “wish list” of beers you’d like to try, and it allows you to unlock a variety of badges for trying different brews at different locations. With a constantly growing community, Untappd is a very fun app for you beer drinkers out there.

Sunday, April 23

Audible

 

Audible.com, owned by Amazon, is an online service featuring over 150,000 audio books (and other spoken word content). The Audible app delivers all of Audible.com’s content to you with a simple, clean interface while you’re in your car, at work, cooking, really whenever you’d like. You can browse Audible.com’s library, download new books to your account (Wi-Fi is a must when downloading), and, of course, listen to them all within the app. With a variety of features, including variable speed and button-free mode, there is simply no better way to access and listen to audio books out there. If you’re an Audible.com user, this app is a must-download immediately. If you aren’t, this app alone is a great reason to sign up!

Saturday, April 22

BitLit

As far as literature goes, I’m finally making my way into the digital age. I have just recently begun acquiring eBooks on my phone and my tablet, making reading on the go much easier. However, many of my favorite books still sit on a bookshelf in my room, collecting dust. BitLit is a new app that is seeking to assimilate your collection of physical books with your digital books on your phone or tablet. BitLit works with publishers to offer you free (or deeply discounted) digital copies of the books you already own physically. You simply take a photo of the cover of your physical copy with the BitLit app (as well as a photo of your name written on the copyright page), and they will send you a link to a digital copy of that same book. To make it even simpler, you can scan entire shelves of your books, and BitLit will tell you which of your books are eligible for digital copies. Time to enter the digital age – download BitLit today.

Friday, April 21

Pushbullet

 

Pushbullet is the most simple and direct way to communicate between your phone and desktop/laptop computer. Quickly send notes, files, lists, addresses, or URL links between the two devices, and an interactive notification pops up (either via a Chrome or Firefox extension on your computer, or in your notification panel of your phone). You can also use Pushbullet to mirror your phone’s notifications to your computer – instantly see incoming texts or notifications from your phone apps (Twitter, Instagram, etc.) while working on your desktop. While there are more cumbersome ways to perform the same tasks, Pushbullet does them quickly, simply, and efficiently. This really is one of those apps that you never knew you needed, but can’t live without once you download it.

Thursday, April 20

Wickr

Wickr, with the motto “Leave No Trace,” is a self destructing messaging app that was designed by cryptographers, is like a much more adult and secure version of Snapchat. The focus on Wickr is privacy and security – even your name and phone number are never in the company’s hands. Messages (which can include pictures, audio, or video) “self destruct” after a user-determined lifespan (from 3 seconds to 6 days). Messages are instantly encrypted using military-grade technology, and each message has its own decryption key. Once the messages self destruct, Wickr works in the background to overwrite the message’s data so it can never be recovered. Wickr also disables the screenshot function, so recipients can’t keep any of your messages (a problem that has cropped up with competing apps). The app features a well-designed and easy to use interface, and an image editor (similar to Snapchat’s) is available as well. Wickr is a fantastic app for sending secure messages, and is absolutely the best in its category. We’re looking forward to seeing what the future holds for this app.

Wednesday, April 19

Coursera

Coursera, founded by Stanford computer science professors, works with over one hundred universities to make their courses available online. With over 800 courses in more than 25 subject areas, ranging from physics to engineering to medicine to business, Coursera is one of the biggest suppliers of massive open online courses in the world. Now with the Coursera app, you can take that vast library of knowledge on the go. Built to supplement the online courses available at coursera.org, the app allows you to stream video lectures (and sync from where you left off on coursera.org), take quizzes tests, browse and enroll in courses, and view the syllabus for any course you’re taking. While the app currently doesn’t support interaction in the discussion forums, or allow you to access peer-reviewed writing assignments, Coursera is a very well designed app, and a very useful one. Expand your knowledge today with Coursera.

Tuesday, April 18

Weather Underground

 

Weather Underground is our favorite weather app for both Android and iOS operating systems. Weather Underground draws from several data sources, even from 37,000+ personal weather stations, providing you with the conditions most specific to your area. You can view current conditions, animated radar, satellite, webcam views, and user-uploaded photos. Users can also report current conditions (and hazardous road situations) to bring the most up-to-date data to your device. While data and feature-rich, the Weather Underground app maintains elegant style and simple convenience. In our opinion, this app walks the perfect line between the two. You can receive as much weather information as you’d like, but it’s presented in a beautiful and concise manner. With the most features and the best design, this should be the go-to weather app for your mobile device.

Monday, April 17

Up by Jawbone

Up is a health tracker app by Jawbone, creators of the Jawbone fitness tracking bracelet. The app is designed to work as a companion to the UP and UP24 fitness wristband. The app is designed to help users improve their health by tracking their daily habits. The wristband collects data on its users sleep, eating habits, and daily activity (including steps taken and calories burned). The app offers a simple and elegant interface – it’s easy to track your data, and includes goal-management and suggestions on how to improve your daily health. The new version of the Up app, currently only compatible with iOS devices, offers many of the same benefits without the need for the wristband. The app uses the iPhone’s (5s, 6 and 6 Plus) built in hardware to track activity, and syncs with the Health app to manage your health data. The new version also links with MyFitnessPal, RunKeeper, and a host of other apps to keep all of your fitness data in one location.

Sunday, April 16

Tinder Dating App

 

Tinder offers a very simple way to meet new people. Tinder simply finds people nearby that like your profile, and connects you with them if you’re also interested. Used mainly as a dating app, Tinder brings up the profiles of hundreds of single people nearby and allows you to browse through them. The app links to your Facebook account, pulls photos to create a profile picture, and allows you to add a short profile description (500 words max). You can change your photos if you’d like, and you can set filters for the profiles the app brings up for you to browse (whether you’re interested in meeting men or women, age range, distance, etc). From there, potential matches are brought up one by one — if you swipe their profile left, they are gone from your app forever; if you swipe right (and they swipe right on you), you can begin chatting and set up a date. It doesn’t get simpler than that. This simple, fun, and addicting app may find you the man or woman of your dreams.

Saturday, April 15

Stronglifts

 

Millions of people across the world have made a resolution at the start of the New Year — this is the year that they will lose weight and get into shape. There are many different ways to do this; you can commit to a running or cardio program, sign up for spin classes, etc. One way that people often overlook to speed up your metabolism and improve your body composition is to begin a weight lifting regimen. However, most people have no idea where to begin. Enter Stronglifts 5×5. This app takes lifters through a simple but effective weightlifting course, taking you through several compound lifts designed to build muscle and increase strength. The simple and easy to use app takes you through the entire workout, even down to timing your rest between sets. It records your weights, sets, reps, and tracks your progress in an easy to read graph. If your goal is to become stronger and look better, Stronglifts 5×5 is a great app to get you started.

Friday, April 14

Asphalt 8 Airborne

 

Asphalt 8: Airborne is the latest offering in the Gameloft’s popular “Asphalt” series. Airborne builds upon what made the previous Asphalt games so fun, but adds the element of stunt jumps into the gameplay. Each track features several ramps that you can jump and perform tricks from, giving you extra nitro (a quick boost to propel you ahead of other racers). The game features over 40 cars, including Bugattis and Lamborghinis, which you can unlock via gameplay or through in-app purchases. The controls are simple – the throttle is always on, and you tilt your mobile device to steer (sensitivity is adjustable in the settings). Tapping on the right side of the screen uses a nitro boost, which gives you a short temporary acceleration kick, and tapping on the right side of the screen brakes (which also allows you to begin a drift for sharp turns). Certainly one of the most fun racing games available, Asphalt 8: Airborne is certainly worth a download.

Thursday, April 13

Tinyscan

Tinyscan is an easy-to-use, yet beautifully designed and very useful app from Appxy. Tinyscan essentially turns your phone or mobile device into a portable scanner. You can quickly and easily scan photos, letters, receipts, or pretty much any other document you can think of in a matter of seconds. Scan in color, grayscale, or black & white, saving the results either as an image or PDF file. Scans are easily organized in folders, sorted by name or date, and are fully searchable. With useful features such as automatic page-edge detection, different contrast settings for documents, several page size settings for PDF documents, and seamless integration with Dropbox, Evernote, Google Drive, and more, Tinyscan is a great app. If you’re looking for an easy to use scanner that can consistently produce hassle-free, high quality scans, give it a download.