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The flowers must be more beautiful when you're retired Elrod, more time to stop and smell the roses.

I have this printed and framed in my office. You just know what the cartoonist was doing the weekend prior. MacNelly 1040; 1977

It can be frustrating trying to help clients when they get in this predicament. And we don't always know the whole story. But sometimes it seems that wealthy clients have family in the wings who can't wait to get their hands on the money. I've seen clients that have lost the ability to handle their own affairs get totally ripped off by family. And family that turns on each other as soon as there is an estate to divide. Makes me so sad, and mad. I wish sometimes that I could hug as well as Rita.

Gail, I am so sorry for your loss. Everyone else has already given the best advice and wise comments. Prayers for comfort to you and your family as you all go through this difficult time. Update, Again, thanks to everyone for the prayers and thoughts for my mother. She is in a nursing home now and is doing a bit better. However, she will not be able to go home unless of course some miracle takes place. This is bittersweet for me as I know there are folks looking after her daily. I just returned to NC so time for some much needed rest.,

No - I have not had that problem. We use it probably about 300 times during the months of October, November and December and have found the estimates to be spot on. Of course you have to watch things like credits that may or may not role over from the actual return to the next year planner and things of that sort. The only time I have known the planner to miss is: it calculated a capital gain estimated tax when, because of the other income on the return being where it was, the capital gain rate should have been zero. But then, I am still struck with awe when that happens myself. Had a return this year that had 95,000 capital gains but paid zero tax. There is something logically wrong with that. But I digress......

I've seen SO many families ripped apart over the years, by bad planning, not wanting to admit lack of current ability, and greed. They far outnumber the ones where planning is done correctly, everyone knows what to expect, and those helping are content to help but not to help themselves (you know what I mean). And it doesn't take a big estate to produce the ravening wolves, either. Guess it's a lesson to all of *us* not to believe we are immortal, to address our own planning needs (*and* publicize them so there are no surprises and no possibility of someone trying to steal and hide, much as we hate to admit the possibility) - and also to warn our clients to address this decades before it becomes an issue. Sigh.

I'm glad your mom is some better. I did not realize she was out of state - for me, that would add to the stress of the situation. I hope she is not too far away, and that you are able to communicate with her frequently. Taking care of aging parents is never easy. I will continue to hold your family in my prayers.

Do you mean M-1 and M-2? M-3 isn't commonly filled out unless the company is huge. I had one SCorp field audit, triggered by a large amount of advertising expense that was valid. The auditor wasn't interested in the Sch L, M-1, or M-2 except to see if the shareholders had basis to cover the distributions. The result was no change. I think the IRS will pick out a return for audit based on revenues and expenses reported. I don't think they zero in on the Sch L, M-1, or M-2 to initiate an audit, but probably look at those items if the return is selected for some other reason.

@RitaB I just LOVE your sense of humor!

I am trying to keep it shorter, because I think they lose all letters over three or four sentences. Dear (Ex) Client: It's me, not you. (It's you.) I am writing to inform you that my business is going in a new direction (away from you), and I be unable to provide services to you in the future. Good luck (with the next poor fool you make miserable)!

I have no idea. Did you ask the auditor why the return was selected for audit?

I also use the ATX planner - and pretty extensively in the fourth quarter of the year. I have also used the CFS Tax Tools but found it did not give me anything that I did not have in ATX. Now that could just be a function of my familiarity with ATX - and not a negative comment on CFS. CFS puts out some great products - the planner just did not do anything for me

I wouldn't fire this lady yet. I'd be doing what Sara is doing: trying to figure out a way to help her. I am thinking of a client I have who's in this shape, too. I'm pretty sure he's having some dementia issues. It's sad - he has been such great client, and I'd be happy to sort thru his stuff if he'd just bring it.

@Gail in Virginia - my deepest sympathies! Whether it's a surprise or long-expected - and even sometimes when it is a relief - losing someone so close is still and always a shock and sends turmoil throughout your life. We are here for you in ANY way you need us - take care of yourself, and your family. The clients can bleeping wait; compared to family they're just *not* important.