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Better version Tax Office Cyber Security Plan-Fillable.pdf

Go here. It will have your codes and the software. https://support.atxinc.com/download/ATXProgramDownload?year=2020 Go here for all your install codes for recent years, and print them to a pdf for your reference. https://support.atxinc.com/myinformation/MyProducts

Okay, I love the discussion on this. To address what Catherine has said, yes I reviewed the conversions from the IRS with the client via telephone. I offered a brief written summary as JohnH suggested. The client said there was no need. After an hour or so had gone by, the client then asked for not only the summary but wanted me to add to the summary that I ask their tax preparer advised them to ignore communications from the IRS regarding this case. That I never did and only repeated what the IRS agent stated. That is what has raised the suspicion on my part. Also, that gave me the rear tire feeling from the bus. Now, after all of this, I am considering again what JohnH suggested to give the summary without anything that indicates any input from me. Maybe that will satisfy the client.

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.

I agree with Bulldog Tom.

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