23) 'Tax Season, Wabbit Season, Lame Duck Season, FIRE!'

O n February 2nd, Staten Island Chuck (AKA Charles G. Hogg) didn't see his shadow, but Punxsutawney Phil did.  So is spring six weeks away?             We do know that at least four major Washington D.C. factors will affect taxes this year - after all, as Ben Franklin said, "the only things certain in life are death and taxes".             The four factors are: 1) February: Payroll Tax Cut (a version of which passed this week) 2) Spring: The Supreme Court's Ruling on the Constitutionality of Health Care Reform 3) November: The Presidential Election 4) November/December: The Renewal/Expiration of the Bush-era Tax Cuts (renewal of key portions are unlikely)             This could mean higher income taxes for some, higher capital gains taxes on investment profits for all (possibly further hindering or stalling the stock market), and a reversion to higher estate taxes upon death (reducing inheritances).             Tax planning, estate planning, and investment harvesting should be considered this year.  You don't want to be Daffy Duck arguing with Bugs while Elmer's got the gun pointed at your face.             Who's doing your tax planning, Acme Products?             Wile E. Coyote,             Super-Genius