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Yes, but you could not efile 2019 amended returns until August. I wish I knew in May they would be getting this efiling available soon. Back in May, paper filing the amended returns was the only way. I think the Covid situation brought this on faster. At least going forward, we'll have efiling for amended returns.

You would think by now, some one at the IRS would've figured this out and had software companies insert a "Resubmission of a paper filing" check box to avoid any confusion.

I am kinda on the other side of this. If the client wants to know when and who you talked to at the IRS, just tell them. By acting like you have something to hide, you fuel their concerns. I would "dummy down" the notes if they are very detailed. Change to something like "Spoke to Mr. West ID#1000XXXXX on xx/xx/2020 concerning client 1040X. Mr. West confirmed that IRS is still in backlog and that interest and penalties will clear up when 1040X processed". And that is the truth, so why not put it in writing. What is he going to do, sue you? Wait till he sees the backlog at the courts because of Covid. He will get his refund, and the next 3 or 4 refunds, long before he gets a hearing. Sometimes, people just don't trust anybody and they are looking for a reason to be upset, especially now. If you give him the notes, or the summary version of the notes, the problem goes away. My humble opinion. Your practice, your decision on how to proceed. Tom Modesto, CA

We need to get together at Rita's farm (or is it a cemetery?) again. If TN EA Society has a seminar this summer, I can go back again. That was fun meeting you all. Tom Modesto, CA

I haven't tried Webex, but I use Zoom 2-3 times a week for church-related meetings & classes. I'm a big fan of Zoom, especially since they tightened up their security. Once you master the basics, it's amazing what you can do with it. And it isn't very expensive (yet).

First release is ready for download.

I'll second that! Meeting all of you (the ones that made it there) at Rita's was great.

Now, I have been assuming that @Terry D actually DID provide that information to the client, at the time of the calls. Perhaps not in that specific detail, or in that detail but by phone instead of email. (I frequently email a client telling them that I spoke with the IRS today, and they said X, and leave off the agent's name and number.) It was the wanting copies of the specific notes to "prove" the contact and the recommendations that set off my warning bells. If someone just needs reassurance, that's one thing. But when they are asking me to "prove to them" that I contacted the IRS that's different. For the first, I'll refer them to the original email, or review my original call with them. I'll reiterate the backlog and maybe even send a link to a press release talking about letters going out in error. But as soon as a client wants me to put in writing something that "proves" I did something for them, my radar goes off like tin foil in a microwave.

Let's not get off track by delving into the whys and wherefores or by choosing up sides here because we aren't going to go there. We're all trying our best to get the work done and keep our clients happy while the IRS and every other business sorts out how best to continue operating under extenuating circumstances.

No not at all. That is what I am trying to avoid. The only thing I plan on giving is the opportunity to seek help from someone else. I know I've done nothing wrong at all but I don't need them making something out of nothing. Never put anything in writing that could even remotely put a rope around your neck.

I agree with both Catherine and cdslee. Those were my exact feelings, that either they don't trust me or they want to toss me under the bus when things go south.

I'm following this because I have never, ever used either one. I do dread the day I might need it, too. I'm so ragged out all the time, my mug will scare my clients to death! And if I have been *coughing* that day, the only medicine that works for me is Tennessee Honey. And that only makes me look better in MY eyes!