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I've always followed the theory that my odds of wining the lottery are roughly the same whether I buy a ticket or not.

Couldn't leave this alone, so it occurred to me to look at an old file I keep for a family member. Turns out that until 1998, the only number the preparer could enter on the 1040 was the SSAN. The first year the 1040 made a provision for "SSAN or PIN" in the jurat was 1999, and I began using my PTIN in that initial year. So I suppose the earliest any of us could have obtained a PTIN was late 1998 or early 1999. This also means that for any of us who prepared a tax return in 1998 or before, every time someone threw out old tax records without shredding them, there's been a potential identity theft issue for them and for us lurking in their garbage dump.

Mine has an R after it too. When I'm on the phone, I always give them the R.

You can still write down some numbers and check them against the winning pick, though. That way you can still experience the thrill of participation and the disappointment of not winning, but without paying for it.

How about form 8879? I am really not that concerned about it, but if it becomes a common practice maybe IRS will look into the massive wave of rejects that occurs every year on October 15. By the way, if we happen to become cell mates, I get the top bunk.

My original CAF# (1982) was that same nine-digit format, followed by an R. Due to a mix-up on an address change, I was assigned a different on in 1989, also followed by an R. Then in 1991 I was issued a third one (for unexplained reasons), also followed by an R. So I've always assumed all CAF numbers had R at the end. After a few more mix ups, I was eventually told to use the 1991 number from that point forward. In the process of looking through all that paperwork, I also found a couple of sets of clear plastic overlay sheets I used for many years to drop this information onto a photocopy of Form 8821 after I'd type the client info onto the form with a typewriter. Talk about a walk down memory lane...

I was assigned a CAF and never received the # or mailing but knew that I was assigned one and handled the case successfully. When I realized I didn't have the # to put on subsequent POAs, the owner of the firm wrote directly to a specific person at the Maine IRS office and received a handwritten note back on what looks like a memo pad of ~ 5x8" with IRS letterhead (form 5260 - Quick Note) and attached to a duplicate of the printout with the tractor fed edges. I googled and it looks like this form is still in use for quick, one-page handwritten memos. Anyone else ever receive one of these? What is also strange is that it's a typical CAF of nine digits in the format xxxx-xxxxx followed by the letter 'R' that the computer systems don't need now. Anyone else have letters after theirs, and is this typical?

The minute I read the e-alert or whatever IRS e-newsletter(s) I subscribe to about the PTINs, I applied: P00005XXX

There's an interesting story about the Cold River distillery. Their vodka is very popular in these parts (pricey but worth it) and a friend of mine became a salesman for them. He said the distillery was started by 4 neuro surgeons from Maine Medical Center who went in partners with a potato farmer and started making vodka. The Blueberry is my favorite and only able to find it in one liquor store. Blueberry vodka,, great way to enjoy your vitamins and anti oxidants.

My CAF number has an "R" at the end, as well. Sometimes on the phone they take it, sometimes they tell me I don't need it.

Buried deep in a folder, I found my 1982 tax returns a few years ago. Talk about a blast from the past!

My wife and all of her co-workers buy tickets in a pool. I'm bothered more by losing than I am by missing the opportunity so I don't actively participate. If she wins I will participate in the spending.

This thread got me wondering if I kept my original PTIN application. Haven't located it yet, but I did find a folder with my original CAF number assignment. It was dated Dec 6, 1982. I still have the 2-part form printed on continuous-form paper (holes & perforation on both sides), unburst, with the carbon paper intact. Talk about a pack rat....

I didn't read the link yet, was typing this. Yes, it depends on if the preparer rectifies the errors and receives the acceptance within the 5 days perfection period, then the return is timely filed. That's why I bolded my original quote. If not, then no acceptance. It's the typical answer to many tax questions: IT DEPENDS!

It was quicker than me! I'm up in the 100k range.

Mine is 8 digits, beginning with 3 zeros. The first non-zero digit is a 4. I thought I applied for mine as soon as they were introduced, but it appears I wasn't as quick on the trigger as I've been thinking all these years.

I had to google that! More of a rum guy myself, but I like a hot toddy in the winter, especially if I have a cold or sore throat. Bought a bottle of Dr. Stoner's hemp based whiskey recently and love that. Also picked up a Cold River whiskey from a small distiller near Freeport, Maine when I was there a few weeks ago, along with a blueberry vodka. Both are delicious and smooth.

I took care of this, cleaned up this topic, and moved all of the posts about forcing an e-filed return to reject to gain additional time all to their own topic. Let's keep this discussion about the allocation of land. Thanks.

It varies, actually (and quite stupidly): https://support.cch.com/kb/solution.aspx/sw18051

I wanted to add, because I'm not sure why you asked about the safe harbor and mentioned 2016 where no tax was due and no return was filed - While it's true that "zero" prior year tax would generally allow an individual to use that figure for the Federal safe harbor method to avoid the underpayment penalty for not paying estimates, somewhere from the dark recesses of my memory tells me that a return must also have been filed for that prior year, otherwise the agency has no way to know if "zero" is correct or not. Anyway, I didn't go digging deeper into NJ law since I don't think this is why your client was charged the P&I anyway. Again, I think it's a balance due issue after the original due date in April.

Yes, it is. Please see the bold statement from this IRS page under the heading "Submitting a Timely Filed Return":

I was just offered to go in with two others for $10 each. But the times I bought a ticket I've never had even 1 number, so I would probably jinx them. I still have time, I need to think about this. Not that I'm cheap, but I adhere to Arnold Rothstein's method of betting, "I don't bet unless I know the outcome." With the odds I think in the trillions that $10 will buy me one of Abby's or Judy's martinis, if I throw in a few extra bucks, and I would consider myself a winner having one of my simple pleasures.

I would say 5 Jokers, all wild in this case, you win hands down! That's what I call being audit you can be!