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I just efiled a clients mother without any problems, paid the taxes all is well, had to paper the state of AZ, because they wanted a copy of the DC for the $25 refund As to charging for clients children, do not comit to the free ones until I see what they have, and then I just love the ones that the child files for free on line, takes there owen PE and then I get to charge for fixing two return, or fix one, paper file parents. When that happens the next year I have all of the returns, makes life easier for all.

If they puchased scanners that are so particular that they cannot accpet the most common type of paper out there, then I guess they may have to start using their eyes and brains again. "Be AFRAID! Be VERY VERY AFRAID!!"

I haven't heard of anyone's check not being cashed by IRS. I have seen that statement and just chuckle...and print out the voucher on my 20 wt paper.

I just calculated that I am in violation of the rule about 356 times last tax season and 12 so far this year. At $500 per incident that means I owe $ 18,400 in fines.... wonder if I can set up a payment plan....

You could always print off what I wrote and show it to her - blame it on me. :)

I can understand the anxiety over possibly losing a friend, but let me make a suggestion. I've had to take this route a couple of times in the past few years. Tell her this is your understanding of the tax law, but you don't know everything and if she wants to take it to someone else it won't hurt your feelings. Her friendship is more important to you that having an unhappy client who has doubts about your advice. She may take it to someone who will give her the answer she wants to hear. If that happens and she comes back to see if you will reconsider, stand your ground. If she decides to have the other person prepare the return, then anything that happens is strictly between her and the other preparer. You;re off the hook professionally. She may consider what you've said and decide she trusts your judgement to do what's best for her even when the news isn't good. Regardless of the outcome, you've separated the business relationship from the friendship. Many of our clients are also personal friends, but there is a dividing line between business and personal. You've encountered a situation where this has to be acknowledged. What if she refuses to appreciate the integirty of your offer? Then I suggest that she's just using a facade of friendship to try and bully you into doing what she wants (regardless of the potential risk to you). That isn't a friend - that's a user.

When I have that issue, I charge the same to amend the child as I do to amned most others. You end up doing the return as original in order to amend, so I have no problem at all charging for it. "You get what you pay for with free tax preparation!"

I've learned that lesson. I qualify it with depending on how many W2s or does he have a savings or mutual fund account, etc. I still just charge a small nominal add on fee.

The education credits always follow the exemption.

>>they owe money<< Prepare an MFS return with no dependents for your client. E-file the extension Form 4868 and give him a paper copy to send in with payment. Explain that he has until August 15 to bring his wife in and get the amount reduced to $xxx. [i find that date works pretty well for a deadline.]

I see we are in aggrement. Therefore that would give TP AOC and EIC. TP gets a deal Tax wise.

Speaking of death and taxes, don't you love it when you tell that long-time client that you will do Little Junior's tax return free gratis? Then that little brat had eight jobs, and none of the employers are in the payroll manager?