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Got a call today from a lady who just wanted me to do her Schedule C; her husband doesn't want to pay for me to do Schedule D (he day-trades; it would be pricey). Told her sorry, don't do that in my practice. That did feel nice. There's another one (a brand-new referral) who has already caused me far more trouble than she'd be worth if I charged her 10x more. Since her return is 98% finished, I'll give her the boot afterward - she should have plenty of time to find a new sucker (um, preparer) before next year.

"or long" The calendar gets shorter for me... or as my kids say, I am getting older :)

I have bot given a paper return in two years. Just give them an electronic file. Works for me and saves all that paper cost.

Or long. Just had a church friend want me to "help" on their return. I did it for $75 last year. I told her I charge $100 to "help".

I have noticed that HR Block has a nice refund/info page that they put on top of their return. It includes both the federal and state refunds, plus a bunch of other information like AGI, tax rate, preparer fees, etc. In ATX, I have found the Tax Summary page but it isn't very consumer friendly, and must be manually added unless it rolls over. So I generally use the Client Letter feature. But that takes some work because it doesn't update all the time to reflect how the refund will issued, so I have to go into the options for that letter. The letter is nice because I can set the program to add it to every return. but I would prefer a nice single page summary sheet for everything like Block, and I would like it automatically added to each return. Has anyone found anything like this in the program?

>>plus there is the whole question about the loss in value<< And did you ask him about the "identifiable event"? That might be an interesting story!

The only 'better' paper that I use is my letterhead for appropriate occasions. I honestly don't believe that my clients want to pay me to spend extra for paper for returns. But my clients may differ from yours, Lion. They are mostly mid to high income but still appreciate that I don't waste money so keep my rates relatively low.

From time time I also make the "life is too short" decision. My avocation (see image) has the same issue as well. I would be comfortable saying customers (as well as coaches and players) fire (eject) themselves, I just make it official. May be a wishful hunch, but it sure seems like I get several orders shortly after a refund, but it is an absolute fact after an ejection, the game is much more fun for all concerned. There is an old saying amongst umpires that the only ejection you regret is one you did not make (I also include those not made soon enough) - same can apply to ending a client relationship. Might not work for you, but I have a few customers who were close to being fired, but agreed never to write, call, email, fax, or do anything but order each year. I use a similar tactic on the ball field, restricting a coach to the dugout, never to be seen or heard the rest of the game.

Jack -- here in the People's Republic of Massachusetts, any email that might have confidential data is _required_ to be encrypted. So I can't send anything to clients by email that isn't generic. I get lots of use out of my file share site... There is a program called PGP Encryption that will encrypt your hard drive and secure your email as well. Acrobat also works well and I bought my brand-new, fully-registerable copy of the one-prior version for very small money on eBay.

Or FaceBook!

If it weren't for texting I would probably never hear from my children.

I like tech, but do not have or want a cell phone. My husband bought me an iPad for Christmas about 6 months after they came out, loved it so much I bought an iPad2 last summer for business. I do not have a 3G plan for either of the iPads, just use wi-fi. I took it to the IRS forum in DC and had all the slideshows pre-downloaded on my iPad and took any notes on the iPad. I signed up for Square a couple of weeks ago and accepted my first "guinea pig" yesterday. He was tickled to help me out!

I have Tracfone. Basic phone and texting. I pay by the minute for airtime. Online I get a package that makes the cost $.06/minute. Each text costs .3 minutes, so a text in or out costs. $.018 each. If I send a picture, it costs 1.0 min. each or $.06 for each picture file sent. I average $36/mo total costs over the last 26 months. The more I talk and text, the more it costs me. No contract. I can also use very very slow internet access that costs 1.5 min for each minute online. I have used that feature 3 times in 2 years. These rates make my cell phone usage very affordable, including texts. I have considered a smartphone, but the costs jump to $49.00 per month, but that includes unlimited everything. My phone runs on AT&T network, so coverage is good. Everyone should shop their cell phone costs, and DO NOT renew a contract when it runs out. The cell company has to keep providing service at the same price as the contract on a month to month basis as long as you keep paying. This gives you time to shop around. Cell providers have notoriously ripped customers on price and packages since they started. Competition has made this a different market these days. SHOP YOUR CELL PHONE SERVICE!!

Hi Margaret.....I am with you and Catherine on the phone issue. I even have texting blocked on mine as I get charged for every text that goes out or comes in. I did join the Android Tablet era this Christmas, but that is an entirely different toy. I do have a data plan for that, but will never use the basic allowance. Besides, that is a whole new world that I have very little time right now to explore. When things aren't so hectic, I am sure the Grandkids will be a wealth of knowledge. Good to see you back posting.

Ah Catherine, I knew there were several reasons that we get along despite some differences. I, too, am loathe to spend the extra money for a data plan when I use my phone so little already. I'm home most of the time and when out or at clients, I really don't want to be checking email, etc. My phone is off most of the time because I don't want to be interrupted. By the way, I found out recently that what we have are, well, dumb phones. With my netbook and new Kindle Fire, I just don't think I need more even if I am deemed 'old fashioned' or other less than flattering terms. Those monthly charges can add up and be better put, for me, into my retirement.