The Grassroots Corner February 15, 2021

• For sure, you need to have your income taxes done well ahead of April 15, 2021. April 15, this year, is a Thursday. Sort your tax receipts early. Watch for your W-2’s, 1099’s, and K-1’s to come in. Get your TurboTax from the store or the website, or be ready to get your papers to your accountant. Your accountant will appreciate you for getting your documents in early. Do your return early because you have better things to do on Tax Day. If you owe a balance, get your check ready, but you do not have to drop it in the mailbox until April 15, 2021. If you are due a refund, good for you, but don’t get too excited! You are just getting your own money back (without interest).

• Look into getting a COVID-19 vaccination - if you haven't gotten one already. If you are vaccinated, you should be able to return to regular activity but still respect others' rights.

• Decide what your FAIRtax Tax Day activity will be. Will it take place at a Post Office or a transportation hub? Transportation hubs may have less traffic this year if fewer people are commuting to work. If you can mingle in public again, you should be able to hand out FAIRtax palm cards from the FAIRtax Store.  Still, remember to wear a mask and practice social distancing out of respect for those who may still be susceptible to COVID-19.

• Order your materials now from the FAIRtax Store, https://fairtaxstore.org, so that you can be sure they will arrive in time for whatever activity you plan.

• If you have other FAIRtax warriors in your area, contact them for ideas and plans.

• Are there any fairs, markets, or events in your area? Two important dates will be Memorial Day and the Fourth of July. Check to see if you can sign up to have a table. You may have to reach into your own pocket to pay the registration fee, but remember that liability insurance coverage is available at no cost if you ask for it in advance.

• Is your Member of Congress having any town halls? Usually, these events are announced on short notice. You will need to get on your Congress Member's mailing list to be sure you get those notices. Sometimes even being on the mailing list isn't enough. You need to follow your Member’s social media closely. Take a FAIRtax scrolling banner (available from the FAIRtax Store).  A quick flash at the right time makes a splash. Prep your question and, hopefully, the Congress Member will call on you.  As always, be polite and respectful at all times.

• If in-person meetings start happening again, contact your Congress Member’s scheduler and schedule a meeting. Bring other FAIRtax-ers from your Congressional District along (but be sure to let the scheduler know who is coming). You may meet with your Member’s Chief of Staff in the District or with the Tax Legislative Assistant ("LA") in DC. This meeting can be the first step in building a relationship with the Member and their staff. Your primary objective will be to persuade your Member to co-sponsor the FAIRtax Bill in the House of Representatives. Once you have established a relationship, send the team occasional items of interest on the FAIRtax. However, don't overdo it and become a pest.

🇺🇸   We've Got You Covered If You Let Us Know - If you are planning an event, we have event insurance coverage available for you. Email me the "who-what-where-when" and I will obtain for you a COI. Once the event is underway, it's too late.

🇺🇸   Call For Pictures & WriteUps - When others see your activity, they are inspired, the process snowballs and Representatives, Senators and, yes, even the President start to listen to you and me. Please send your material to me at Jim.Bennett@FAIRtax.org.