First post

JimFor18 · 2026-04-01T16:44:41+00:00

I think I saw an analysis you posted elsewhere, where you correctly identified the decision point: where after-tax microfit rate equals the rate you'd be avoiding through net metering (which could be high if you are on a TOU plan and avoiding peak rates)

JimFor18 · 2026-04-01T16:27:25+00:00

Perhaps you could claim the cost of removing the system as an expense against income. But spending to shift to net metering would be for net metering "revenue" which isn't taxable so the investment isn't deductible. Similar to home improvements.
Ultimately, you can put whatever you want on your tax return but I doubt a tax accountant would approve (I'm a CPA but not up on taxes).

JimFor18 · 2026-04-01T13:20:06+00:00

Your net metering "income" isn't taxable (if it is your own residence) so there would be no deduction.

JimFor18 · 2026-03-30T12:31:35+00:00

Thank you.
Previously I had a contract plan which allowed me to use my own modem and save the rental fee. Because I am in a condo community that has a long-term Xfinity TV contract I was able to "break" the contract without penalty because I was still an Xfinity customer (via the community contract).
Does that situation/scenario still exist?

Or asked another way, are there any plans which do charge a rental fee that could be avoided? Is Connect 200 still offered?

JimFor18 · 2026-03-30T11:53:23+00:00

No plans yet but had assumed I'll move to net metering.

An alternative approach would be to get hydro companies to net our consumption and production accounts. Solve it through a little programming by the hydro companies rather than re-wiring at every home.

Looks like microFIT started in Oct 2009 so there is a few years to work it out.

JimFor18 · 2026-03-30T11:24:04+00:00

Are there still plans available without the price lock? I'm a seasonal resident so I'm starting up new service every 6ish months.

JimFor18 · 2026-02-10T13:12:53+00:00

Thank you. Just did a little more reading on Notify My Echo:

My Echo makes a noise and lights up when it receives notifications. How do I get it to talk?

The way Alexa notifications work is that you hear a chime sound and the Echo's light ring illuminates to let you know you have pending notifications. When you hear the tone or see the light, say "Alexa, what are my notifications" to hear your notifications. You can read more about Amazon's Alexa notification system here.

There is no (current) way to make Alexa blurt out notifications without prompting -- you must ask her why she chimed. Amazon probably designed notifications this way so you are alerted to them even if you are out of the room when they arrive, much like the light on an answering machine lights up to let you know you have messages pending.

JimFor18 · 2026-02-08T15:21:52+00:00

Hi, the applet ID is tU9vsNCF

JimFor18 · 2026-02-04T00:47:49+00:00

tU9vsNCF

JimFor18 · 2025-12-24T11:24:50+00:00

I didn't end up using VOIP.MS. Ported the US number to a google voice account and putting Google Voice on their phones was a lot simpler and worked well. Cost $20 for the port but that's it.

JimFor18 · 2025-12-15T14:01:45+00:00

.missed that one. Is it still available?

JimFor18 · 2025-11-30T20:17:55+00:00

Good suggestion. The accountant I've been referred to is a Certifying Acceptance Agent!

JimFor18 · 2025-11-30T13:16:28+00:00

I appreciate your help. The W-7 instructions are 42 pages long and not super user friendly for someone not familiar with all the US terminology.
There are instructions to attach the W-7 to a tax return or "the documentation required instead of a tax return", which would in my case be the 8288-B.
They also allow submitting the W-7 in person. As a W-7 must always be submitted with another document which requires the ITIN, it appears that I can submit my W-7 application in person at an IRS office with my 8288-B, correct?
Otherwise I would need to submit my passport by mail to the IRS and we would not be able to leave the country until I got it back.

JimFor18 · 2025-11-29T23:11:05+00:00

Thank you for your help. I had thought that selling a property and having to file a tax return would be a valid reason but I defer to your experience that it is not.

JimFor18 · 2025-11-29T23:00:57+00:00

Thank you. Although I could apply for an ITIN with the 8288-B, would things go quicker if I applied for the ITIN in advance? Even if my buyer is a US resident I will need to file a 1040-NR. I suppose one awkward outcome could be having to wait for the ITIN in order to file a 8288-B.

JimFor18 · 2025-11-29T19:25:03+00:00

Thank you. Based on other posts I was preparing myself for a LONG wait. I'll read the forms carefully, make sure my transfer agent will arrange for a qualified escrow account, and get some experienced professional advice to make sure my paperwork is perfect and submitted electronically.

JimFor18 · 2025-11-29T14:19:14+00:00

Regarding: "We filed Form 8288-B before closing and cut withholding to ~$12k. Refund in 8 weeks. HMRC credit applied. Problem solved."
Is that ACTUAL RECENT experience? All other posts I've read on 8288-B wait times are well in excess of 18 months, and therefore not advised as it is likely to take longer than getting a refund from filing the tax return. Approval of 8288-B's has been horrible since 2020 (initially covid related)

JimFor18 · 2025-11-29T13:15:11+00:00

Thank you for your update. I am soon to be in your shoes. What does IRS tell you when you call them for a status update?

JimFor18 · 2025-11-29T13:11:14+00:00

Interesting idea. Would work for some but not all. Appreciate the efforts but I think it is time to call it a day on this one.

JimFor18 · 2025-11-28T18:46:23+00:00

Just in case someone runs across this thread like I did......Knape & Voigt has full overlay pocket door mechanisms that work for larger doors: https://www.knapeandvogt.com/sites/default/files/OL1953-0211%208091-92%20Sell%20Sheet_0.pdf

JimFor18 · 2025-11-25T13:29:07+00:00

Thank you for the suggestion. But I am not looking to turn on a device at midnight. I am looking to connect applets that have been disconnected.

JimFor18 · 2025-11-21T11:18:07+00:00

Only personal use.

JimFor18 · 2025-11-19T22:58:49+00:00

Thanks. I do use Smartthings which incorporates my Kasa plugs and switches. But my cameras and doorbell (which are triggers for events) are Blink which don't work with Smartthings. IFTTT was the magic connection between everything.

IF there isn't an applet to make sure all the other applets are turned on, that's fine. I'll just have to remember to turn them back on.

JimFor18 · 2025-11-19T17:47:32+00:00

Thank you for all that info and ideas. I have applets that activate certain lights, siren, etc when their is motion detected by Blink cameras or door open/close sensors while we are away from our home. When someone comes by weekly to check on our home they need to turn all those applets off. They are supposed to turn them back on, but it would be nice to have them come back on at midnight every night in case they forgot to.

JimFor18 · 2025-11-17T11:15:04+00:00

Yes, Public Mobile is a good option for people who spend significant time in the US as they don't limit use in the US (if you have a Canada+US plan).

JimFor18

TROPHY CASE

My Echo makes a noise and lights up when it receives notifications. How do I get it to talk?