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I FINALLY have proof that paper beats rock ---------

I'm a CPA, and at my only stint with a (big) CPA firm, I used ProFx, which is top of the line software. It also costs 20k or more. i do quite a few multi-state returns (I love multi state because I'm a frikkin masochist- yeah I seek out those suckers as a specialty) and I find ATX handles them just fine. When I find a situation that ATX can't handle, like when I had same sex couples that had to file an out of state return as single, I just copy the return and then change the filing status to do the oddball state, deleting what I don't need for that return. No need to input from scratch. Also, the out of state tax credit calcs improved 100% in the last 2 years. They are much easier to do than they were in 2011. All that said, if you are used to menu inputs like with Profx, Drake will not be much of an adjustment. But I will also stress that you MUST know when a return is correct. I have the all-states guide and go through a states instructions very carefully when doing one I'm not very familiar with, and look for oddball credits and deductions a state might have. And I always check to see if anything has changed on all the states I do.

Larry Hess created a useful form for the situation where you sell your practice, and part of it is that you want to transfer client files to the buyers. Useful whether you are the seller or the buyer, this is a good CYA for both. He created it using the language & requirements of Sec 7216 & related Regs. Here's what he ended up with with the blessing of his attorney who is also a CPA: CONSENT TO DISCLOSURE OF TAX RETURN INFORMATION Federal law requires this consent form be provided to you. Without your consent, or unless authorized by law, I cannot disclose your tax return information to third parties. I would like your permission to transfer your file, including copies of your prior tax returns and my workpapers, to [xxx]. They have agreed to keep your return information confidential in the same manner required of me, as your original return preparer. You are not required to complete this form. I am not conditioning my services to you in the future on your consent, as I do not intend to continue tax preparation services in the future. Any services that I might provide to you are not conditioned on signing this consent. If you agree to the disclosure of your tax return information, your consent is valid for the amount of time that you specify. If you do not specify the duration, your consent is valid until you withdraw it. Purpose for forwarding information: To enable the successor to Lawrence H. Hess CPA to prepare my/our income tax returns and provide me/us with tax planning services and other tax advice. Name and address to whom the information is being disclosed: [yyy]. Duration of Consent: Until withdrawn, or until [xxx]. If you agree to permit me to transfer your tax return information to [yyy], please sign below and return this form to me. If you do not consent, please let me know and I will make available to you any information that you may need for the preparation of future tax returns. Thank you for your cooperation [xxx] I/we, [client], consent and authorize [xxx] to disclose to [yyy] all tax return and other information in the files of [yyy]. Signatures & date

For those times when you need to look nice, but you may have to fight the Persians. Or have a chariot race.

The election that ATX provides does not mention a dollar amount, just the code section: Section 1.263(a)-1(f) De Minimis Safe Harbor Election Taxpayer elects to apply De Minimis Safe Harbor under Reg. 1.263(a)-1(f).

The American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) has come out strongly against the new bill in Congress that would give the IRS broad authority to regulate tax return preparers. On December 4, it sent a letter to House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady (R-TX) and Ranking Member Sander Levin (D-MI) opposing the measure. http://www.cpapracticeadvisor.com/news/12147822/aicpa-objects-to-new-bill-to-regulate-income-tax-preparers

Why doesn't the IRS have its proficiency exam administered and regulated at the state level much like the CPAs and attorneys are?

And watch out for the imaginary character i.

What's with all this flap on tents?