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That was beautiful.

Hi Elrod, I didn't find anything offensive, ever from you. In fact I think you're a graphics and comedic wizard and enjoy your postings immensely, always makes me laugh. Don't stop because you make our day with your humor, a good laugh will always add to our lives. You're one of the best Elrod, and we are honored that you take the time to keep posting in your retirement. And thank you for thinking the way you do. Love you brother, Bill PS, if you are talking about Kramer driving, well, you weren't far off, he was driving to CA, I was driving to Walgreens listening to 60s on 6

Guys. We get over quickly.

Thanks Pal...You are very kind. When I woke up this morning it popped into my mind to humble my self in open forum, instead of writing you directly. I'm glad we're still friends... It'd be sad if it came to this....

Yes we do, that's what friends are for.

You need to follow the instructions in the ATX knowledge base, which requires, if I remember correctly, a fresh installation of the ATX software for each year.

Thanks so much, friends! I may return with questions if I ever get her documents. She didn't seem too worried so I will not be, either!

Margaret, this NY page should help. CPAs aren't considered "tax preparers" for registration if they don't offer RALs or RACs. If they do offer those products, then that puts the preparer into the "facilitator" status. It seems that if you only do the one return and haven't done 10 in the prior year, you do not have to register. https://www.tax.ny.gov/tp/reg/tpreg.htm

Get a really good engagement letter, and get a BIG retainer, up-front - and make sure it CLEARS - before you do anything for this guy. And tell him right off the bat that his chances are not zero, but not good. Put that in writing in the engagement letter, have him sign and date it, and you both keep a copy.

The step child is still his step child, and the step grandchildren are still his step grandchildren: https://www.forbes.com/sites/peterjreilly/2014/06/23/step-kids-remain-step-kids-after-divorce/#82fc21271b04 A birth certificate just proves somebody was born. Your issue would be proving they lived with him for the proper amount of time. If you take this on (I might if he could convince me they did, and produce plenty of dated documents with their names, and his address - like school records, medical invoices, Forms 1095 B, etc.) here are two documents I'd read first: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p596.pdf https://www.eitc.irs.gov/eitc/files/downloads/f886-h-eic.pdf

I think I found it. There is a button that says "Unmute when answering incoming calls" and that button was turned to off. Thanks for the insight, it helped me find the issue (I think). Tom Modesto, CA

You're fine to file one return in NY. Catherine is correct, 10 is the magic number. NYC is not so scary, just way too crowded, and prices for parking spots are like condos

My method for that dreaded message is Control panel>Administrative tools>Services then Start or Re Start each ATX year from 2013 on. I think Abby has a shorter method but this one only takes less than a minute. Good luck. Also Payroll 18 hiccups too from time to time.

Thanks, I was hoping that at least one was allowed! I used to have a NY client several years ago but she moved back here. Could be a scary adventure!

I only use password protected pdf files for out of town clients of which I have very few. Every one else has to pick up their returns at my office,

Last I heard, you can file up to ten returns for NY before you need to register with the state. That might be old, but it might be OK. I'll let folks from NY chime in.

I tell the heirs of all my elderly clients to look in ALL the pockets before they toss/give away clothes. Coat pockets (and mens' suit pockets) tend to be places older folks stash cash "to be safe". Especially when they were old enough to remember bank crises. Good to know it works for birthday gifts, too! A couple of years ago, I bought some small tools as a birthday gift for Doug, and hid them in a cabinet. I *knew* they were there, but could not find them! Turned out they had fallen off the back of the shelf and were wedged behind - out of sight and almost out of reach. I found them in time for Christmas.

I appreciate all of your replies. I have retained Rita's reference for future possible use. I informed him today I can do him no good (regrettably). He is a good man and was truly attempting to help that family but the audit indicated birth records for those kids. He had a misunderstanding with their mother when she moved and neither she nor the former wife will raise a finger to help. He himself cannot get the records so I can see no way to keep his filing status or credits intact. I did WARN him of the real possibility this very thing might happen. Now he will learn a difficult lesson.

We're Proud for you Bill... We share in the joy of your discovery....... Bill on his way to get that card...........

I handled an EIC/CTC audit for a grandmother a few years ago, and it went great. She was really the grandmother, and the kids really lived with her while the parents were incarcerated. She had been my client forever, and I had plenty of "proof" before I prepared the return. We got some more items together, and IRS was satisfied. I really hate refundable credits, but I felt very comfortable that she was entitled to the refund. I certainly would not go out on that limb otherwise, correct.

auto-UNcorrect version of "definitely" was my guess.

Congratulations! Does this mean you don't need Gail's second pair of earrings?

Whew! Found it. Was in a winter coat pocket, nobody would think to look there, I was right. Also found my draft card, my college ID with a picture of someone who looks like Che Guevara, and a money clip with an inscription from an old girlfriend (better scratch that up). Thank you all for your well wishes and support. Elrod had me down to a T, as soon as she left I went wild, because 3 hours can go very fast when you are under the gun. Oh shoot, got to run out.....to get a card.