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I know people feel strongly about their political beliefs, but you guys have to have some tact. Apparently it's impossible for Americans to have a political discussion on the internet without it turning into either a circlejerk of like-minded individuals ranting about the other party, or childish name calling. Neither situation is of any value to anyone. Thread Locked.

This here. I am a sole prop, and just got my first part time assistant. I do, however, have a couple of returns that would work better on more advanced software, and having used ProFx & Lacerte at jobs in times past, I know what top line software is capable of doing. Since you mentioned in your blog about having 'CPAs and paraprofessionals' I'm wondering why you were using ATX to begin with, unless it was simply a holdover from when your firm was smaller. I'm doing about 300 returns now, and have not had many issues so far this year.

I just use the paper version. Haven't tried the web version, but I understand it's handy based on what people are saying on their forum. For me, sometimes I just like to hold a book in my hand to look something up. (Some old habits die hard) I might get more interested if they develop something for the iPad, though. I had already purchased the Tax Book back in October 2012 before I decided to abandon ATX and go with Drake in January 2013, so no deals were available to me. I'll be figuring out the pricing during May, but I assume it will save some money since I'm bundling The Tax Book with Drake this year. For the first time in my life, I'm thinking about taking the early purchase discount on my tax software since I'm convinced I'll be using Drake next year.

Back in January, I ordered the free 2013 1099 INT forms from the IRS. They arrived today. Whooo-hooooo! Tom Hollister, CA

I meant to add something important to our side conversation concering learning more about Excel but it slipped my mind until this morning. There's a great site which provides email tips on using Excel. Here's the link: http://excel.tips.net/faq.html?awt_l=EXwEx&awt_m=Jmdj2_Z_QHsx4X There's a free version and a paid version. Both are very helpful, with the paid version just having more info each week. The tips usually arrive on Saturday morning, and they are frequently very useful. So I'm passing this info along just in case you want to get more involved in Excel and develop proficiency.

I've used the TaxBook for a very long time. I switched to them from QuickFinder about 5-6 years ago - maybe longer. The Taxbook satisfies almost all my needs, and they have an excellent forum as well.

The crucial piece to keep in mind with these requests is that the bank is looking for someone ELSE (=you) to blame (=sue) if your tax client defaults on his mortgage. Any letter you do write (and some of the samples are excellent) really needs to include the lines about "do your own due diligence; I am NOT responsible for the consequences of your decision" to protect yourself.

Ken, After givings your post some thought. I am a little bit encouraged by your post. However most people when confronted by upset customers are going to be contrite and say things that will reassure you that everything is going to get fixed. So far, I haven't seen or heard anything else that reassures me. So I am going go ahead with a thorough demo and review of Drake. Frankly, I don't really want to change, but crossing my fingers and hoping that a miracle will occur isn't the way to prepare for next tax season.

There are all sorts of posts about these things and the AICPA has issued some sample letters as have some of the malpractice insurance companies. You should contact your insurer for guidance if you have not. My letter simply states that I have prepared the tax returns for xx number of years for the client and I will be happy to supply the client with another copy to give to them. I get all kinds of flac from the banks about this but tell them that is all I can do and they need to do their own diligence. The most funny one I have had is a bank called me to ask if one of our mutual clients was still in business. I said, "do you have gas in your car". The response was "yes, why?" I said, "then get off your rear-end and get in your car and drive the five miles to his place of business and see if he is open." She (the banker) doesn't call me anymore.

I will be holding our rep's feet to the flame!! We will see if all the talk about "Wanting to keep our customers" and other drivel is fact or not. Fool me once, shame on you; Fool me twice, shame on me; Fool me 12.15 times, I am a blithering, mindless moron!!

Journal of Accountancy http://vovici.com/wsb.dll/s/4e5ag53498?wsb83=01532455

The real problem is the "Undocumented Democrats".

Yes, but the recruiting letters for continuing Ed and software as well as reference materials are coming in daily. Life is so much fun.

YA, I received my Pub 17 and E on Fri!!