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I agree. I don't even think about the other forums most of the time. I don't care about having any more compartments to deal with, either. I can scan and ignore with the best of em. What worries me most is people answering tax questions that they didn't read carefully. Assuming facts that weren't given. Going off into left field with the 1,345 possibilities if it's a Tuesday and there's a full moon. Kinda like I'm doing now.

Thought I would share a form that I have used to Gross Up that Christmas bonus check for proper withholdings. GrossUp.pdf

Agree! I always attach the depreciation schedule to the client copy of the return. Some might say, "Don't do that, you want the client to have a reason to contact you if they are leaving," presumably so you can persuade them to stay. Ain't nobody got time for that. Don't bust somebody's chops in an effort to make them stay or punish them for leaving. The Golden Rule is still classy.

Some people like the off topic and chatty posts mixed it and say that it gives a welcome break, but I'd like to see those types of posts separated out in the Off Topic forum too with the General Chat being relabled to include tax and practice management issues only. I also wanted to separate the software issues out of tax because there are numerous software questions mixed in with the tax questions during our busiest time and end up all jumbled together. What would you think about these categories: Tax and Practice Management Software and Technology General Chat for all the fun and off-topic posts Help

Because only a few read the other forums. You could do away with the other forums as far as I am concerned.

It goes way back to when they purchased Parsons Tech and then offered us users THEIR software at exorbitant rates. Since then, I have observed their business methods of jerking prices and renewals around. I used to use ProSeries when it was Turbo Tax and I was working for another accountant. She had to pay for every single separate module that she added on. I converted her to ATX Max and she did business happily ever after until she retired; and saved a good deal of money in the process. This is clearly just my opinion.; and is not meant to influence anyone else.

That's why I only used a one page questionnaire, which included a request for ALL TAX FORMS received, with the list, W-2s, 1099's, W-2G's, 1098's, etc. And 'obvious' questions like "Any new dependents?" "Did you get married, divorced, buy or sell your home?" etc. Amazing what they can forget to mention, isn't it?

I always insist on the original docs even if they want an organizer!

I agree with you 100% Rita. Also, since I am a one man operation, it is important that my clients have the information if anything should happen to me.

Totally agree with Rita. By the time the 'new' preparer or the client asks, their decision has been made. All you can do, assuming you wish you could retain them, is keep the road back to you smooth and open. And if you don't want them back, why delay tying up loose ends? So be nice, be helpful, and be professional.

Like the idea of separate because of easier to use, especially during busy time.

"You must file Form CT-5.4 and pay the properly estimated franchise tax on or before the original due date of the tax return for which this extension is requested." S-Corp returns are due March 15, not April 15.

There is a NY extension: NY CT-5.4. There is also a minimum payment due with the extension based on NY receipts. If you don't make this payment with the extension, the extension is considered invalid and penalties are assessed as if you never filed an extension.

A separate form has to be filed and franchise fee paid by Apr 15. http://www.tax.ny.gov/pdf/current_forms/ct/ct5_4i.pdf

Grand Poo Bah, you sure got to the heart of the matter. First Intuit was advertising that anyone could do their own taxes using Turbo Tax. The last few years they have offered professional advice for the do-it your-selfers from CPAs. Maybe not enough signed on so they then included EAs. Intuit actually called me at home a few years back to ask if I wanted to become an advisor. I told them what I'm sure all the other CPAs and EAs told them--that I already work 60-70 hours a week during tax season and couldn't give them another hour. Now it seems they are moving beyond the DIY or DIY-with-advice parameters and getting into preparation. If their software was so "intuitive," why would people even need advice or referral to a professional? We've all had clients come in because they tried TT and gave up because they owed. Or something out of the ordinary happened this year and they came in with last years TT return. After we reviewed it and discovered they had cheated themselves out of a few grand in deductions or credits, they vow never again. Or, worst case, they come in with an IRS notice because they messed up royally. I once had a couple in that situation who made way too much to claim any education credits but somehow were able to override the TT system and claim them. They had read that if you had a kid in college you can get all this money but never read the fine print and just assumed the software was wrong. How they overrode TT I can only guess. I'm not saying that people shouldn't do their own taxes or that TT isn't useful to those who can. Folks with simple Sch A and B returns should be able to manage it. It seems that Intuit now wants it both ways (three ways actually): Our software is so great anyone can do their own taxes; if you get stuck we offer professional advice; if you give up we can refer you to people who know what they're doing.

OMG !!!! NEVER, NO WAY.

For anyone that asks for help, I send the individual or business owner to one of the insurance agencies in my area that specialize in only health insurance. The particular agent that I usually recommend has helped me personally over the years with my mother's medigap and drug policy choices as her situation and health has changed, and also when my husband needed short term coverage before a new employer's insurance became available due to the waiting period because of the job change. I don't give insurance advice, and I won't be in the future either.

Me, too. I won't do a return from an organizer; I want originals. Lots of details hidden in them that clients don't realize I need or understand what they are.

Why don't we clean their houses, too!

I wouldn't prepare a cup of coffee for Intuit. As to unknown clients. I have several clients that I have not seen in years. Therefore, that is not the reasoning behind my not preparing for Intuit.

This discussion focuses on the rules/requirements for releasing client info. Let's talk about the pragmatic side. We always provide depreciation schedules when a client or new preparer asks What is the point of withholding them? The client has already chosen a new preparer and they're not going to change their mind and stick with you because you won't release their data. It costs you little or nothing to print and fax the schedules, so just do it. Maybe the client moved and wants to use someone local, but they'll have a good word for you to people they still know in the area if you're not uncooperative. Or maybe the new preparer will not be a good match and they'll come back. (We just had a client return after 2 years away.) Or maybe the new preparer charges twice what you do so they'll definitely be back. Don't burn bridges if there's no real reason to. Sound like this client's old CPA just doesn't get it. Ever notice how CPAs seem to be more competitive and unfriendly with one another than EAs and other tax professionals? Maybe it comes from their training. In my Masters in Taxation program one professor said he liked teaching tax people more than MBA students because we were eager to help one another whereas the MBAs hated each other. Something to think about.