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No. Non deductible commute expenses.

Me, too! .

I usually at least look to see if I can tell what they were charged for tax preparation the year before. Just for information, not necessarily to decide what to charge this year.

I just got an email offer at $1,299 to entice me to return to ATX. Yes, they really "care" about me. lol

It's kind of a delicate situation. You don't want a blast email/letter saying the old preparer made significant errors. The clients might think you're doing it wrong. I would first look at materiality and then handle the more significant errors individually when you meet with the client. Explain what you think the error was and ask the client if they want you to amend the return. You can't make them amend the return, and some preparers would fire clients who refuse to amend, but the ones who are getting refunds will see you as a hero. I actually had a somewhat similar situation and got a fair amount of amended work out of it, and it impressed the new clients that I knew what I was doing and I was thorough.

Three tax preparers I have known for many years via NY/CT-ATP partnered to produce Fingertip Tax Facts. Tom, especially, is an amazing researcher; he tracks down answers to questions posted on our NY/CT-ATP bulletin board with speed and appropriate cites. Kristin brought me in to work with her a few years ago, I to prepare an S-corp, she the 1040 with spouse’s Sch C, and a great remote QB expert to keep their bookkeeping straight for the two businesses and personal; so I know her thoroughness. I trust their expertise and already ordered for my practice. Website (with bios) is fingertiptaxfacts.com Facebook is fb.com/fingertiptaxfacts Just thought some of you might want to check out Fingertip Tax Facts for yourself. And, spread the word around your own networks. (If you don't want to click on links, message me to email you a .pdf file. It's too large to upload.)

I saw the mock-up of this product at our December two-day tax update seminar as they wait for some final numbers. Quality product. Color coded. Laminated or some such durable finish. Accordian fold for a LOT of information in a small piece for desk or briefcase/laptop sleeve. My friend/colleague Kristin is especially excited about the education credit information in chart form which Tom compiled. I think this fills a need, like the former TaxFacts or the desk cards when I worked at HRB. I've been putting info in sleeves in a thin notebook for reference each year and use the tables at the front of TTB. But Fingertip Tax Facts requires no work on my part, and my clients don't see me reading a book in front of them! I think this fills a need. I look forward to receiving my order in January. (I get no remuneration from my review of this product.)

Two kinds of people, I guess. I pick that thing apart. No just glancing for me. That's no fun. CSI over here.

Well, you were right after all about those cancelled check copies I sent to IRS. Instead of hurrying things up, zeroing out the accounts, and calming the clients down, today one of them brought in another IRS letter which states: "We received one of the following items: Correspondence, Telephone Inquiry, Payment, Response to our notice, (etc., etc.). We're working on your account. In order to provide a complete response, we need an additional 45 days to let you know what action we are taking on your account...". This, of course, means nothing except the wheels are grinding at a maddening snail's pace, but it sounds ominous to the client ("What are they gonna do to me?") This...to record a payment. I shudder to think if it had been a real tax problem... Now all I have to do is pacify three more people when they get their letters....

Yes, dear! As for Naveen - I agree with Abby and RitaB. Be respectful, make it sound like this is not usual but you've seen one or two, not surprising at his age, good for him for recognizing and stopping, but you're one of the "lucky" few and (for those who owe) we should fix this else you may well get a letter. Of course those owed refunds will be eager to amend. They will all think you walk on water, the refund people will be pleased as punch, the tax-owed folks will be glad to avoid the nasty-gram from Uncle Sam's tax boys, and no one will disparage the old preparer.

Totally agree with Abby. I normally do. (See what I did there?) For sure, you want to be respectful of previous preparer; nobody wins trying to outshine somebody else. This will be a great opportunity for you, and I'll betcha many of the clients won't be surprised at the errors. Be gracious, and yes, it will seem you are spending twice as much time as you should. Just part of it; they're gonna love you, Naveen.

It is not your obligation to advise the clients of your opinion of previous errors on previous tax years. Therefore it's not your obligation to amend any previous years unless the client requests it. My advice would be to deal with any problems if and when they occur. You make waves in a small town and you lose.

Agree, it's for the employEE's convenience. Personal decision re residence by H&W.

It's two part, right? 330 days in a rolling 12 months qualifies you for the exclusion. But in the quote above, only 6 months were in 2015, so the exclusion for 2015 is HALF the annual exclusion, more or less. Right?

I provide a nice labeled three-prong, two-pocket folder. Client copy three hole punched and bound. supporting documents in back pocket. Mailing items (local returns 1040-V type items) in the front pocket. Dont have many requests for an additional paper copy, although I had two for prior years just in the past month. Nice guy so no charge. He left a $10 tip. Usually the first one is free. Again my wife thinks Im too cheap in this area. LOL Also unless they are specific I just give a copy of the 1040 and a Sch C if applicable not the whole return. Usually its for a bank loan and they dont ask for more.