Leaderboard

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBHT1RiG5Zg&feature=youtu.be

Well, I got one too, and the other fun thing that happened today was I talked to about 14 people, then looked in the mirror, and I had a quarter-sized piece of a Klondike bar on my shirt. Bet they all left my office singing that song, "What would you do-oo-oo for a Klondike bar?"

My husband buys me lots of dark chocolate for tax season, Costco sized packages.

Thanks ATX! Since installing 12.5, my software now has the curious ability to stop working and shut down at random times. Glad to see you took suggestions from customers who were just tired of a software program that only closed when they wanted it to. ATX can BITE ME

computer is telling me to use a different software company....but I resist because I hate change and as horrible as ATX is this year, I'd rather muddle through (as long as the program is functional) than switch programs now.

Oooooh, chocolate.... I'm a sucker for fine dark chocolate....

Well, I figured out that one guy that was drooling wasn't flirting.

Now that is a great husband!!!!!

Every time I see a Klondike bar I think of the Gary Larson cartoon with the two polar bears sitting with their heads over an igloo. (There are footprints leading into the igloo) One polar bear is saying to the other "Hey! I just love these things - crunchy on the outside and a chewey center."

Try booting your computer, i use steel tip boots!

I was able to update by going to ATX, saving to desktop, etc. Got that error message "CCH encountered a problem... needs to close" when trying to open the program. You know the one. Anyway, I have done this twice, and it worked: I view the error message, don't send the report, close that box. Then, when I try to open, it opens. And then I spend three times longer working on a return and ten times longer printing it. Hope this helps someone.

I am on hold with ATX over yet another issue. The new thing this year is that the idiotic voice system asks you every 10 minutes if you wish to remain in the queue. If you fail to press "1" in 30 seconds it says "Goodbye". What kind of idiotic, uncustomer friendly gesture is this? Plus, the response of the system is slow. You press a key and it takes over a minute to respond with the next menu. I have already been disconnected TWICE after waiting for 20 minutes each time because I put the phone on speaker while I attend to other returns or field calls. So if I even get distracted momentarily while this idiotic message comes up, I get hung up on and have to call back and start at the back of the queue. The wait time is over one hour. Frequent calls to ATX. Now their system makes it more difficult to just put them on speaker and continue to work!!!! Can this year really get any worse? Who is running this company? Do they even know how a tax office operates?

In the IRS’s legal brief in support of its motion, the agency admitted it had already received “over $100 million” in user fees from tax preparers, while only spending about $50 million to implement the regulations. But the IRS objected to spending the much smaller sum of $238,000 simply to notify tax preparers of the judge’s ruling in this case. Why doesn't the IRS just make it optional to take the testing and market it where taxpayers only want to get their taxes done by some one who has taken this exam. It would be cheaper for the American tax payers and it would give the advantage to the tax preparers who are willing to participate voluntarily. By doing this it would come with rules and laws just like a drivers license, and a point system to where you could get suspended if you get to many points. To pass this test it should be made rather easy and the program should be more about the continuing education year after year, we could call it Assistant Enrolled Agent (AEA). Kind of sounds like Assistant District Attorney, but it works. If you want to become a full EA then you would take testing and Continuing education clases to achieve that over time but on the way have it ranked AEA 1, AEA 2 etc. This way the tax payer would know who is really trying to stay on top of things to get the tax payer the best deserved refund and if the tax payer did not choose to check the tax preparers credentials then that would be on the tax payer. This make no sense to anyone else but it did kind of work for the Military... Doug Hughes

>>I am unable to find anything from IRS about this.<< Pub 596 is written in very simple terms, so it doesn't carry much weight. But it does quite clearly explain that if you don't have an SSN, you can still get EIC later. "If you get the new card after you have already filed your return, you can file an amended return on Form 1040X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, to claim the EIC. " This assumes, of course, that you are eligible for an SSN, so it's really only talking about the current year. I don't know how the IRS would look at prior years, because an ITIN is only supposed to be used by people not eligible for an SSN.

Outdated = incompatible with current technology.

For many of us using this program for years (I go back to tax year 1998), complaints about slow response and the inelegance of using spreadsheet and database for the program grew with every passing year. When CCH bought ATX they likely were going to get rid of it but for the loyalty of so many long time users, despite complaints. So they decided to make a major overhaul to address the complaints. I'm not a techy but I think the spreadsheet and database stuff was older methodology and took up lots of memory. Anyhow, CCH did this major overhaul which was promised and we knew it was coming and this is what we have, for better or worse. I think it likely there are more complications than they could imagine but, frankly, I'm a believer since 1998. And it still suits my practice. Your mileage may vary.

Check my other posts. This rework is 5 years overdue. Compatibility issues with server operating system and the newest operating systems. The only reason ATX worked on Windows 7 was the ability of Windows 7 to treat programs like XP. Server software, on the other hand, is not so kind. ATX up through 2011 used an older excel spreadsheet as a format with an Access 97 database. Can you say outdated??

Some of us got an early start e-filing (1/24) but for the rest of us let the season begin tomorrow. I wish you all the best let those e-files fly and keep the rejects to a min. I hope our taxpayer dollars paid for a decent IRS system that will be able to handle the load tomorrow! I am really getting flak from clients who have Form 8863 (most in my age group do). I must have 10 returns sitting in my (to be filed later folder). But luckily these taxpayers are not as hard pressed to get a refund ASAP like EIC clients! With that and a prayer let the games begin! Let's hope for a prosperous tax season.

it's just really rude over there-I think that's why I'm getting really short with people when I answer questions. I called them once last year, slow season for something not mapping right. I've rarely called since I've been using ATX. I get most info from here. For slowness, what's the specs on your computer? I haven't had a crash (knock on wood).

Thank you Jack. I've started posting "have you looked at the manual?" in the other forum. I'm sure that's why the ATX bulletin with the training videos went out yesterday. They must be getting sick of having the tech lines filled with these kind of questions.

here is the pdf 2012 EIC Worksheet.pdf

Part of the problem is idiots calling for help when reading the manual like Jack suggest would work quickly. I saw a post on another board regarding the 'hidden files' problem-finding his backup files. He was complaining he was on hold for 2.5 hours, when the issue had been posted for days on this forum and the official one. I'll admit I haven't read the whole manual. But my assistant has. And I know to come to this board and now the official one to look for answers before even thinking of calling Tex Upport. Like my lockout issue. You guys got me in!

lol yesterday I received a doughnut too, on a plate, handed in to me while husband stayed hidden on the other side of the doorway. I guess he was trying to stay out of the line of fire. hahaha

I opened my e-mail I received from ATX and I had to laugh! Quick Tips Video Library: Install & Initial Set-up Our systems show that you have not installed your ATX software. If you have not recently installed ATX, we recommend that you watch our install & initial set-up videos as soon as possible. These short, instructional videos are found on the ATX Quick Tips Video Library website. Each video is under five minutes and guides you step-by-step through important program enhancements. I wonder what system they are talking about. I've had my software installed since they released it, have done daily update, (although yesterdays was a bit difficult) and have already prepared 35 returns. ATX is really on the ball this year! Deb!

I'm up to 31 returns in and this has happen to me twice so far. Now I'm in the habit of saving every couple of minutes just to prevent losing everything. But able to move ahead. Have 5 appointment today and problems are at a minimum. Things can only get better. Not doing any efiling until Monday. August @ ADG Financial

I already wrote a letter to the VP about this very issue. I am fine putting my phone on speaker and doing something while waiting. But I had to take care of some business in a private room and heard the please press 1 but didn't make it to the phone in time and was hung up on. An absolutely terrible process - I already confirmed I was willing to wait - why do you need me to recommit every 15 minutes?

One year I didn't want him to get the giant Costco sized bag (I'd eat it all at once!), so he repackaged it for me in little snack sized zip bags! He is a sweetie. Except when he walks into my home office, sits down, and talks away, while I'm trying to research or something. But, the chocolate makes up for most of that...

Pick your poison. File the 1099 with incomplete information and subject your client to a penalty. Don't file a 1099 and answer the questions truthfully on the tax return and subject your client to at least an inquiry. Don't file a 1099 and answer the questions on the tax return untruthfully and subject yourself to penalties. I never will do the third option, but the other two depend on the client and either way, I inform the client what to expect. This comes back to that old cliche, "poor planning on your client's part should not constitute a crisis on your part". This is your client's doing and you have no ownership in it, so long as you have previously informed him/her of the rules and consequences of not following those rules. All that said, my firm prepares a boat load of 1099's for our clients and I have always found it amazing how quickly they can track down the person when I remind them of the rules. The conversation goes something like this: "Mr. Client, since you paid the contractor before gathering all of the info and you can not find him now to get the info, I have to check a box on your tax return that says that you should have filed 1099's but didn't. How do you think the IRS is going to interpret that, Mr. Client". Mr. Client grumbles, "Let me see what I can do." We hang up the phone and I set my timer. The phone usually rings within 5 minutes with Mr Client calling in the missing info. It's a miracle I tell you, a miracle!

I was gonna "like" that, but I had reached my quota for "likes" for the day. What is the world coming to?! No way can I make it till midnight, so two thumbs up.

I downloaded 12.5 at what must have been an off-peak time. I'd already rolled over all 2011 retrurns (using the first version). The program runs very slowly. A fully-loaded, complex federal and state individual client in 2011 takes 17 seconds to load. The same client file, which is "empty" and missing most of the state forms, takes more than three minutes to load. At this rate, I'll be lucky to finish before November. I don't fault ATX for all the idiocy from the furballs in Congress. Does anyone know what happened that made 2012's speed such a disaster? All the pretty colors? The other so-called enhancements? The 2011 program worked so well. I suspect I'm not alone in wishing that the ATX gurus had simply kept the 2011 architecture.

Well I just finished looking at their short "videos"... found some useful tips in them regarding the Client Communications Mgr, the Client letters, and print packets... Might as well spend my time learning something while I wait for Michigan Efile to be released.. ATX might have sent this out due to the complaints from many of us trying to figure out how to use these "features"... After looking at what is in them I think this was a way of trying to help us use these functions in the program. If you stay with ATX and ride out this storm now might be a good time to study up. I know we don't like change. We don't like spending our time this way; but I need to learn how to use this stuff now.... not in June! So I'm using every opportunity I have to make my life just a little easier this tax season...if I can. Taxtrio

Probably half of them were so focused on their taxes that they did not notice. The others respect you so much they would not dream of pointing it out.

Cursed candy bar - not your friend, it seems.

I got one of those too. Mine said "With the release of ATX update version 12.5, users are quickly preparing for the start of individual filing season. To help you maximize your software"...blah, blah, blah. I can't even keep the software open after running the 12.5 update yesterday afternoon. I'm not laughing.

JB, that's what I did many years ago when ATX's letter wasn't nearly as user friendly and I didn't like the look of theirs at all. I made a standard one-page letter in word. On the second page of the letter (that I never printed) I had a variety of paragraphs all set to go. All I had to do was copy and paste the section that I wanted and fill in an amount. The sections were all preformatted and matched the letter perfectly. I had 2 for federal, for balance due or refund, and the sections already included the proper mailing address. It would be even easier now with e-filing. I had similar sections for the state with bal due and refund too. I had a second similar letter for estimates all ready to go too. It was a lot quicker than fussing with the letters in the program at that time. Up until 2 years ago, this is how I continued to do the covers too. The look so much nicer than what the program prints. I still have all the letters if I ever need them.

One of the early posters about the "Network Update" issue that posted on the official ATX site just posted over there that he received a call from ATX's technical that It looks like they've figured out the problem and will be posting an update. I sure hope so. I hate to think like this, but I'm ready to ask for a refund and purchase something else.

I know, and it's not us. I don't care how inexpensive a program is perceived to be (and it ain't cheap to this gal), boxes oughta stay checked. I would so like to smoke right now. And I don't smoke. While I eat my candy bar, I am going to watch Kid President's pep talk that I posted last night. Not cool, ATX.

I'm dead in the water with this program. Opens, network update box pops up, program shuts down. ERRRRRR!

Candy bars always help. Keep a good supply for the season. A nice dry red wine is especially helpful after around 7pm.

Yes, thanks, I am doing that. Cause I am also getting the message, and it's closing down, in the middle of returns when my computer sits idle while I talk to Chatty Cathy and friends. Oh, wait, I mean while my sweet clients and I catch up. So, I restart the whole kit and kaboodle. I'm getting a candy bar now. Maybe that will help.

I repented, and the fourth time was the &^*%^^$ charm. This is like when gas goes down 3 cents, and we celebrate. Nevermind that it's still twice what it should be.

When you post a reply, there is a button below the editor labeled "More Reply Options" You'll be taken to a new page with more options. One of those options is under the editor, called "Attach Files" But as far as including things like YouTube videos, Rita is right, you just paste the URL for the YouTube video, and usually the forum handles the rest automagically. For example, pasting this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1oHWvFrpocY Results in this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1oHWvFrpocY

RIta, if your new client complains, don't put too much of the blame on cleaning up the last bookkeeper's work and setting her up as a payroll client or she'll expect MUCH cheaper bills from now on since she's no longer new but a continuing client that you've already "fixed" all her bookkeeping problems from before. If she's an El Cheapo, then give her some prices to expect going forward so she doesn't get too low of a number in her head. Be clear that you didn't charge any new client set-up fees or other start-up charges (as your once in a lifetime favor to her!) and that her continuing fees will NOT be lower. I will often list things on an invoice with $ amounts, maybe set-up fee and 4Q corrections and on and on, and then list a discount to get her back down to your $360 total, so it's on paper that they already got a discount so don't you dare ask for any more....

I gotta say, your $1.50 per W-2 almost made me cry. I felt like a total thief for about five seconds, then I remembered ordering perforated forms, envelopes, ink, band-aids for the paper cuts, etc. LOL.

Terry, I appreciate what you are saying and I will work hard to make sure you have a wonderful tax season. I will see what I can do to get the CPA-Preparer, privacy letter in the software. Doug