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A Series HH bond is a Savings Bond purchased only by trading in Series EE bonds at maturity. They are sold in amounts from $500 to $10,000. They may be redeemed after only six months, and its interest is exempt from state and local taxes.

X or XD is a symbol used by newspapers to signify that a stock is trading ex-dividend without dividends, or that a bond is trading without interest, or that a mutual fund recently paid a capital gain or dividend.

XR is a symbol used by newspapers to signify that a stock is trading without rights attached. XW is a symbol used by newspapers to signify that a stock is ex-warrants, without warrants.

You will need to file form SS-5. Contact your local Social Security office or go on the Internet http://www.ssa.gov/ssnumber/ and download the form. If you are expecting a child to be born this year, keep in mind that you will not be able to take a deduction for your new baby without the social security number. Most hospitals are aware of this and provide the forms along with birth records.

You need to fill out Form SS-5-FS, which can be obtained either from your local CPA or from the Social Security Administration. The SSA website is http://www.ssa.gov/ssnumber/ In addition to using the SSA website, you can call SSA toll-free at 1-800-772-1213.

Use IRS Form 8822 to notify the IRS of your change of address.

If you suspect or know of an individual or company that is not complying with the tax laws, you may report this activity by completing Form 3949-A. You may fill out Form 3949-A online, print it and mail it to: Internal Revenue Service Fresno, CA 93888. If you do not wish to use Form 3949-A, you may send a letter to the address above. Include the following information, if available: Name and address of the person you are reporting. The taxpayer identification number (social security number for an individual or employer identification number for a business) A brief description of the alleged violation, including how you became aware of or obtained the information. The years involved and the estimated dollar amount of any unreported income. Your name, address and daytime telephone number

The Internal Revenue Service announced that interest rates for the calendar quarter beginning January 1, 2011, will decrease by one percentage point. The rates will be: three (3) percent for overpayments [two (2) percent in the case of a corporation]; three (3) percent for underpayments; five (5) percent for large corporate underpayments; and zero and one-half (0.5) percent for the portion of a corporate overpayment exceeding $10,000. Interest rates for the calendar quarter beginning July 1, 2011, will remain the same as in the previous quarter April 2011-June 30th 2011. The rates will be: four (4) percent for overpayments [three (3) percent in the case of a corporation]; four (4) percent for underpayments; six (6) percent for large corporate underpayments; and one and one-half (1.5) percent for the portion of a corporate overpayment exceeding $10,000. Interest rates will decrease for the calendar quarter beginning Oct. 1, 2011. The rates will be: three (3) percent for overpayments [two (2) percent in the case of a corporation]; three (3) percent for underpayments; five (5) percent for large corporate underpayments; and zero and one-half (0.5) percent for the portion of a corporate overpayment exceeding $10,000.

If your name or social security number on your social security card is incorrect or you need to speak to the Social Security Administration the phone number is 1-800-772-1213.

The IRS has tax assistance staff in 7 U.S. Embassies throughout the world. Speak to yout local CPA about locating the U.S. Embassy nearest to you.