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not me, no clergy just strippers, I have my standards. Of course I had to stop doing returns for barter once I got married.

The way I used to do it, and still occasionally partly do, is run a check-tape from source documents to see if I get the same answer as the computer. Later, when software got better, I paid more to be sure I had a program with very robust diagnostics. I then began printing draft copies and worksheets, and checking off EVERY item of data entry with a colored pencil, on the actual source document and on the printout. Those actions still fall short, however, in a couple of ways. First, if (i.e., when) I misread a number, I might still see it the same way the next time. And if (i.e., when) I get the theory wrong, I get it wrong. So a few years ago I gave up my solo practice and merged with a local firm that puts two colored pencils on every return.

I once had an audit on an escort that deducted birth control and the agent accepted it.... That aside, I too do a few strippers since my old office shared a parking lot with a club and they would come in from my sign. [ah the benefits of having a store front office]. You aren't doing an audit so you don't need records other than what they tell you, get it in writing and educate them how the irs will do a lifestyle audit; what is their rent, their car payments, their child care, food, clothes etc. Most of mine would show a 20k-50k profit, especially the ones that were thinking of buying a condo etc. ps: I no longer am in the store front but its available if any one is interested, the good part is I never had to give a guy directions to my office. me "hey its across from the ******Trap" them "ok I know where that is"

Well....an IRS rep once told me....it goes to whomever files first, claiming the dependent....and let them work it out. However, I'm giving this to "the client". After going thru the checklist: temporary absense is allowed and the child "did not provide more than half of his own support" As to the friend...since the child isn't related...the child would have to live with her for the entire year.

I would never send the 1099 for a big reason, if they fight it you have absolutely no records to back up what you are reporting to the irs and since most clubs are owned by people that perhaps play a bit rough you don't want to start with them and good luck getting their ein's or even the real corporate name. YOu might have a rational to think you can 1099 them for the door fee but for the dances, they might take the position that they charge the customer 40 and pay you the $35 net so in fact they should 1099 you. YOU really don't want to start with all these problems. Take the amount she reports to you as income, maybe write off some costumes and that's it. And no one here has yet to address the fact they make lots of tips over the dance fees. You truly want to file a return based on what you were told, keep it under the radar and keep it simple or you should pass on it. BTW the profession should be listed as entertainer or actress not STRIPPER, or all the local irs guys will want to audit just to see her <s>

I love that Mike specializes in clergy and strippers!

I might have to do a little more research, what's the address. And I agree with Michael Mars on the life style audit, you'll be very surprised the amount of money they rack up, no pun intended.

I am not filing ANY returns until Feb. 7. I will process them, but no submissions till then. I will wait for the annual IRS system crash and recovery before I jump in.

I would give her the makeup, spray Tan and other things to look the "part" as a dancer. She is in business. Treat it as such, she isn't any worse than the construction guy whose CGS is always 5k below his "sales". The problem is, there is no money left over, right? So, if she made $50k, and the tax due is $12k, there is no $$ to pay it... And none of the other girls are paying taxes... That is the real problem. Also, what is the part about "International Business?" and no 1099's, W-2's? Many of them do SOMETHING. Not always everything, but enough to keep the local and state officials out of there bank accounts... Rich

Yeah...BUT....the people don't hear the part about Jan 31. They only hear that Free File is available. And if you file for someone NOW....they are going to be calling about their refund for a few weeks.

Wigs or hairpieces, if solely for the job? Theatrical grade makeup (nothing that can be purchased in a non-theatrical store)? Business cards? Dance lessons?

ROTFLMAO X 100

#1 was entertaining too. lol

Because our interviews are interactive with the clients, we have always had a generic client file called "AAA to Duplicate" (so that it sorts to the first of our manager menu). The file contains 1040, Sch A, EIC, our basic state and local. We simply duplicate the file with the name of the new client so that we can hit the ground running--then add forms as needed. Works for us, but Jack you make a good point, we will monitor the update forms process this year and see if there are problems.

Read these "reviews" -- they are horrifically, hysterically funny in a slightly disgusting way. Be prepared to laugh out loud, and don't be snacking. Review #2 is my own particular favorite (also the shortest). http://slightlyviral.com/beware-sugarless-gummy-bears-on-amazon-com/

My issue would be if the client can provide your support :-)

People do think "since it's all on computer, it should be ready in a day or two". They don't realize that the major cause of having to do 'corrections' is rushing and not taking time to cross check and verify addresses, etc. Not to mention the dreaded "Christmas bonus checks" that so often are a last minute idea that the owner did not bother to find out how to do them correctly, he just wrote a check, not part of the payroll, HE THOUGHT.

I read that too, but wonder how many people will. I just hate for kids to rush out to file their returns and mess up their parents by claiming an exemption for themselves even though they shouldn't.

I put reminders in my calendar March 1 and April 1 to get the extensions done then.

I figured out #3 a couple years ago, pretty much as soon as I didn't have any outside employment. Work whenever I'm clearheaded, which for me tends to kick in again around 11pm. I get a second wind that allows me to do some of my best work and very little to distract me. I do have a few night owl clients that have figured they'll get an email response after midnight though! I hate it if appointments keep me from getting a nap when I need one, but I try to schedule during times I'm least likely to need one. One reason I love drop offs and getting docs through the portal! Now if I could just get #5 worked out. Regular food is hard during the off season, much less during! I keep cereal in my office.

Venting is OK any time you need it. One of the great things about this board is that we help each other, not just with tax questions, although that is important. We also help when the walls close in, or the clients go nut! Karen, been there, wanted to scream at them, bit my tongue to keep from that, then Margaret posted something that made me laugh, and I was back in good spirits. Hang tough, Karen. And please, add at lest a few dollars to the bill of those who quote their lawyer, their friend, or their barber! At least $5, 10, and $15, respectively.

What would they do with Gain on stock sales? If the client owed, it could be a real Downy experience. This is a new Era for tax preparation. We must try to clean up the messes the clients have made.

ALL right, enough with the puns, are we clear, all clear, all with bleach, all for colors - I am all done

When they press her for details, she'll bounce back to you.

I can see a Tide, of people flooding in there.

really puts a new spin on taxes

Brings a whole new look to Laundering Money... Rich

Client e-mailing me questions about her boyfriend's return that he is doing himself. He makes $130,000 and needs a big refund so they can go to Hawaii. They just got back from Disney World. Two Facebook "friends" trying to pick my brain today as well. Not clients. The pickings are slim. Very slim. Anorexic actually.

I think all attorneys, and real estate agents for that matter, should be locked in a room and not let out until they get it. Every year home buyers come running in with their closing statements and insist that all those closing costs are deductible because their attorney/RE agent told them so. And the new stove and roof they had to put in are deductible too (maybe their barber told them that). Sad part is that if they bought the house in August or Sept, they probably don't have enough interest to itemize. All those fantasies about how much you can save by buying a house come crashing down. Maybe the bad news about SSA disability or closing costs can get soothed somewhat if it gets delivered with a free wash and dry.

Or just send them to the Laundromat ! Bronx Laundromat Offers Tax Prep Services Bronx, N.Y. (January 13, 2014) By Michael Cohn A laundromat in the Bronx, N.Y., plans to offer tax prep services while New Yorkers wash their clothes. Starting this Wednesday, 1 Stop Bronx Laundromat will offer walk-in tax preparation from January 15 through April 25, 2014 between 8 am and 7 pm, even though the laundromat itself is open 24 hours a day for laundry services. Customers will be able to get a free wash and a $25 cash bonus upon acceptance of their electronic filing, according to the company. “We wanted to find a way to make tax preparation convenient and efficient, even fun,” said George Lora, managing director of Broadway Professional Services Inc. (BPSI), in a statement. “No one really wants to do their taxes, but if you combine tax prep while you’re already waiting for your clothes and add in a cash bonus, it’s a whole other experience.” The company said customers’ taxes will take between 30 to 45 minutes to prepare, about the time of a wash or dry cycle, provided customers bring the proper identification and the necessary paperwork. Taxes will be prepared by tax prep professionals, registered with the State of New York, with valid Preparer Tax Identification Numbers. Tax preparation charges will vary by customer based on the number of forms (1040, 1099, etc.). In addition to 1 Stop Bronx Laundromat on Willis Avenue, BPSI is also offering tax preparation at its Manhattan office. For more information, visit www.SudsAndTaxes.com . Don't you just love that name?