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As preparers, we should all be happy. This tax season is going to be difficult enough without having to wait to see if the extenders are enacted or not. I feel so stupid when I have to answer a client with "I don't know!".

I really have to say that 2013 was my most productive year ever, monetarily and client wise. Wish the same for all of you in 2014. I am already being addressed by new clients who are all referrals. ATX and I must be doing something right.

My immediate reaction to seeing this article on the ATX/CCH site was that the title should have read Get Ready For “The Worst Tax Season Since 2012”

I know one person (me) who is very happy to see this bill passed. I have a VA loan on my home and I get to deduct the VA funding fee now. Thank you Congress. Tom Newark, CA

I feel the same.

I received the following email and have several questions and comments. Please note; I know nothing of this company and am asking just about concepts, etc. When we say $19.95 / month, we mean $19.95 / month. No Pay-Per-Return Costs – No Annual Commitment MyTaxPrepOffice is a new online tax software company for tax professionals. Our online software brings you all the benefits of the cloud, no installation hassles, no need to back-up your tax software because we do it for you, access to your client returns wherever you are; all you need is a browser and an internet connection. In addition to working on Windows, Linux, and Mac; MyTaxPrepOffice will work on tablets hosting a supported browser. Because we’re an online software company, it only makes sense to offer customers a monthly subscription. Here’s what you get for $19.95 / month ✓ 1040 Individual ✓ All State Individual Returns ✓ 1,000+ Forms for Individual Tax Returns ✓ No limits on the number of State Returns ✓ No additional costs for clients with multiple State Returns ✓ Document Manager and estimated space to store 20,000 documents ✓ Office Notes to improve communication between clients and staff ✓ Business Returns available as a separate subscription ✓ No More Renewal Letters Announcing a Price Increase The MyTaxPrepOffice Price Guarantee is simple, keep your subscription active and it remains $ 19.95 / month. This means no surprises in the mail after tax season. You can breeze through the summer knowing what you’ll pay. Say goodbye to renewal letters by subscribing to: www.MyTaxPrepOffice.com Try MyTaxPrepOffice Now No credit card - No commitment Has anyone else seen this offering? Has anyone tried this? Would there not be some client confidentially allowing data that you no longer control to be "out there (cloud)? I do NOT like "the cloud" as this is simply a replay from decades earlier where the "push" was to use off site units (same as cloud really) instead of having your data under your control. Yes there are some good things (easier maintenance, back-up if need be, etc. all the usual things) but having the possibility of being cut-off from my data scares the bejesus out of me. I can assure I have my data by doing a bit more work without trusting an entity "in the cloud". More work, YES; feeling secure === PRICELESS! Just checking to see if I am totally a fossil or if my beliefs are still sane.

Typically, compensatory damages are not reportable because (at least in theory) all they do is restore you to wholeness - there is no profit or income. Now in this particular case, I am not sure what kind of damage was suffered that resulted in compensatory damages...

I apologize if this is political, but it was refreshing to see the President act reasonable on the spending bill and the extenders. He signaled early that he would sign both if they passed congress. It made him look downright moderate. First time I have actually seen him act this way. Refreshing. Tom Newark, CA

It seems to me that selling one asset does not constitute receiving income from a business source. I do not think this triggers the 990.

That's correct, the "Affordable Care Act in the Real World" CPE training gives you a couple of examples of people that purchased health insurance through the market place, employer provided and no health insurance (how to calculate the penalty) or how to calculate premium assistance credit PAC. Recommended if you already have the theory but want some hands on training. MAS

It's not the first time, and likely not the last, but we will always take action when it happens.

I disagree. Problems installing 2014 at the firm. I have not called tech support yet. Monday morning will be my day to see if there are any qualified and empowered technicians on duty. Corporate reluctance to take ownership of the 2012 debacle and admitting how it hurt ATX users' 2013 return. A general lack of understanding of customer service.

After reading it a second time, it is funny.... what I meant was that if you are behind in getting your credits, that website will be your best friend because it is inexpensive and the exams are not tricky which can be passed without studying the material. About 3 years ago I went to my country and on December 30 and Dec 31st, I passed several courses and I was happy that I could do that. BUT that one course about ACA in the real world is very informative and they pull out form 1040 and the new forms.

I think we need it now to have post quesstions and solutions. I am ready to put some questions now and I know some people have the answers. I like to give credit to whomever deserves credit. If you want to get your CPE credits without learning a lot, go to www.apluscpe.com and the credits are not expensive BUT there is one course called "Affordable Care Act in the Real World" which is EXCELLENT and you should buy it. This course is a video course and it is for Tax Preparers. They have about 3 other courses regarding ACA but this one is the best and I recommend it.

You are absolutely correct. This information has been available, as well as training to become proficient with the new laws for over 18 months. I am dismayed and a bit concerned at the lackadaisical attitude about learning this that seems to be the normal amongst the preparer community. The laws and necessary steps to incorporate them are convoluted, confusing, sometimes contradictory and very extensive. Learning will not be a "webinar or two and I will have it." I have had 4 more hours directly concerning the ACA in the past three weeks. Two different seminars. At each one I learned even more things that all my previous training had not provided. This will truly be the "Worst Tax Season in 30 Years" for those who are going in unprepared. I believe there will need to be a separate forum for ACA related questions as I predict a massive amount of them to be asked on this site. Rant Over.

Now for the one about 3115 and repairs regs....