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I can relate to this so much! The pictures of documents are the absolute worst. It's awesome to keep people out of here for stupid things (hey, when can I bring my stuff in? ), but I am happy as a clam that most of my clients hand me a stack. Even unopened mail. Just wrapped up one who moved to another state, mailed her docs to me, along with some things I didn't need (I can live with that), emailed me probably 14 times, and was very slow about responding to my questions. This all started on Saturday, September 10. I hope she fires me. Very nice lady, and I hope to never hear from her again.

I find it very difficult to work with emailed docs (especially when they send piecemeal so you have to go back through ten emails to be sure you got everything--a portal would help here). It's not a big problem when they just have a couple of W2s and mortgage 1099, but when you start getting multiple brokerages or eight 1099Rs, I really have to print them out to put them in reasonable order. When I am done with a return, I manually add up all the W2 income, bank interest, withholding, etc. and check it against the return, then put a check mark on the original doc. I find it impossible to run this check on 25 helter-skelter docs. How do others work with emailed docs? Don't get me started on phone pictures of docs. Our client letter states in all caps NO PHONE PHOTOS. Never can read them, often can't print them or send to electronic file cabinet.

"Easy decision when they emailed their documents - not sure what the solution is when they mail or drop off?" I don't think you have a choice. Could be wrong but, I mail the docs back with their copy of the return. "I can relate to this so much! The pictures of documents are the absolute worst." I agree totally. Been trying to figure out how to turn the monitor around, up and down, to see the ones they send upside down and backwards.

When I get email docs, I save them all to the client's current year folder, as they come in. And if the email contains any useful info, I print the email to a PDF in the same folder. Good naming conventions help keep this files organized (22 W2 X company, 22 1099R Z corp, etc.). You can merge them all into one PDF and rearrange the pages, or work with them as separate PDFs. All PDF viewing software has some ability to type on the PDF. I usually put a dot with pen tool by clicking or type some text or paste in an adding machine tape, like we used to do with actual tape and actual adding machine tapes. Electronic is far superior. I also draw arrows or ovals or rectangles around important data to make it easier to see for when I'm reviewing a return. I was always holding paper docs up in one hand to read them, now I just have them on another monitor, and zoom in as needed to read smaller text. Used to use a magnifying glass. And if a document is searchable, I can copy/paste EINs, SSNs, or amounts from the docs into the software. I prefer to copy/paste ID#s and addresses so there aren't any typos. And I just convert photos of docs to a PDF, after cropping, resizing and enhancing if needed. This work replaces going through paper records, removing staples, rearranging, etc. Clients who do better jobs of organizing and properly scanning their records, are rewarded with lower fees.

I totally agree that pictures are not to be tolerated. I have clients in other states and the time wasted on a document I can't read is not allowed. A texted screen shot is a crying shame. I want original or PDFs of the documents or I get a little crabby. A few clients are thoughtful enough to make copies of pertinent info before they bring it in. If they bring in originals, they get them back with a red check mark which means that they are entered.

Sara, try Verifyle. A friend here recommended, I convinced clients to use it and both sides feel paperwork are more organized. As the host, you can always remove the outdated doc so client wont get confused from multiple drafts. The only thing I would like them to improve is, if they can put a sign on each unread message from client on the dashboard to remind us to check. currently, the message is sorted by date only, and they will send message reminder, which is not good enough when you get busy. May someone has other suggest, but you could try if you didnot find any solutions yet. Thank you!

NO emailed tax documents. Upload to my portal. If they mail/drop off/fedex/etc., then when I have time (it's going to be December this year) I mail back. I might start uploading their original documents to my portal and shredding their original documents. FREE smart phone app Scannable, blue logo with a butterfly, cleans things up. I've convinced clients to use it to scan/upload documents to me.

Travel to see to the safety of assets held by an estate is indeed an acceptable estate expense. Think of it this way: if a professional was hired to administer the estate, would they be eligible for mileage? Then an amateur is, too.

Speaking of IRS notices. A client who filed late and owed the princely sum of $147 which he sent in shortly after efiling got a penalty notice which is so convoluted it will take a me full two hours to prepare a letter to address it ! His penalty will likely be a big $30. I myself received a request from the Service requesting a form for my return to report $27 (twenty seven dollars) of income from a small holding I own. TWENTY SEVEN DOLLARS ! I shudder to think what is coming down the road with all these new hires.

I wish I was working as hard as you. I need to pick up new clients if I am going to make my "retirement" work. I have always had a day job and worked the tax business on the side, hoping the day would come that I could just do tax work. The day has come, but I need to expand the business to continue this lifestyle. I have about 2 years of savings cushion to get the practice to the point that it provides the income I need. I thought I had more time, but inflation has changed the calculation a little bit. We love Texas too! We live in the piney woods forest in NE TX. It is so beautiful. Wish I had made the move sooner. Not to get political, but the environment here is so much better than where we were. You don't realize what you are putting up with until you get out from under it. If you are ever coming through this area to pick up cars (closer to Shreveport LA, just off Interstate 20) stop in. Would love to host you. Tom Longview, TX

It is only $200 on the card, and the estate does not need the money. The daughter (sole beneficiary who has had POA since her father started declining about 2 years ago) asked if she should keep or send back. I don't think she needs to send back for the reasons I stated above: it was processed by the state at the end of October and the mail just got to her. I think once the state determined he was eligible, which he was on the processing date, the funds belong to him, therefore part of his estate. @ILLMAS There is no issue with the family priorities. Daughter is the only living relative, and she was just trying to make sure she was doing what was right. Tom Longview, TX

What's the last Nov. '22 day to e-file for ATX users? I have a few that gotta get in gear, So I can e-file before shut down. Don' t know if I should smile or kill 'em. I've used ATX 25+yr. 2001 or 2002, my family included Caribou, Maine in our road trip to visit orig. ATX (yrs before they sold). Sadly, we arrived after they closed since it was "off season." Oh well, Caribou is lovely & has a funny zigzag street, After 50 yrs. I am ready to retire + travel since Covid restrictions have lifted. I stopped accepting referrals yrs. ago & gradually decreased clients for several yrs. It's painful ~ because I consider my clients as "my peoples" vs. just clients. I'm sure other tax people with long term clients feel the same. To many long time & pre ATX sale users ~ I wish you super well. My prior sign-in was "Judy EA." We had a tighter/more personal sight before ATX sold & expanded. Which is NOT an insult or negative in any ~ simply fact. I sincerely hope all others enjoy their work as much as I have.

Client passed on Thursday. On Friday, he received in the mail his debit card for the California Middle Class Relief payment. My thinking is that the funds on the card are part of his estate, as he was alive when CA processed it, and his executor can activate and draw the funds from the card. Went online to look for a FAQ but did not find anything on the FTB website covering this. Is my logic sound? Tom Longview, TX

Tom, I know you know this. But...the daughter's POA expired when her father passed. Don't know what CA calls them but she has be appointed the Fiduciary by the will or court and be granted letters of authority over the estate. I agree with you and others, the card should be part of the estate and as Catherine stated, you can make a good argument based on the post mark on the envelopes.

I did this the second day it was available without any problems. I submitted my renewal for my EA and haven't heard anything yet. I called the offie of enrollment to check to see if they received it. Yep, they got it, just sitting there waiting for someone to process it. Kinda scary.

I just spent two hours in a webinar learning more about this form. I have a fair understanding of its purpose as well as who must file the form. Good information on stock basis and debt basis and the need to re-create if the shareholder is clueless. The webinar was hosted by an Attorney who admitted several things were not tested in court yet as all is too new. One question that I couldn't get answered that hopefully we can discuss here. Yes, I've tried researching this with no definitive answer. I have an LLC who in 2015 chose to be taxed as an S-Corp. All required forms filed, IRS accepted; etc. Here are my questions: 1. When an LLC chooses to be taxed as an S-Corp, they retain their LLC status correct? They have not established a full corporation correct? 2. LLC's do not or are not permitted to issue stock. Hence the stock basis part of form 7203 calculation. 3. Should the LLC who elected to be taxed as an S-Corp choose the desired number of shares at the time the election was made to properly track stock basis? This particular entity doesn't meet the filing requirements for form 7203. But... the attorney in the presentation it would be best practice to fille the form anyway. I can't find anything in the regulations or anywhere else that gives any instructions or exceptions for an LLC taxed as an S-Corp. Applying logic, being tax as an S-Corp means you follow all of the S-Corp rules when filing form 1120-S. I'll welcome all comments and opinions.

Apparently the bugs aren't fully worked out yet. I, too, had to update my password and wait for the 2FA code. The code didn't appear until I put in a filter with my AV software to allow emails from that IRS address. The emails weren't even appearing as spam, just blocked. Weird. I got that worked out and successfully logged in with a new password and the 2FA and renewed my PTIN. The weird thing is that several hours later after all of that, I finally got the very first 2FA code.

Personally, even though I know I am old-fashioned, I still like paper. From the same standpoint, I won't read an E-book. I want the paper in my hands and I read a LOT. I don't mind a pile of junk. It gets annoying at times, but I would rather have too much info than not enough. I just had a young man walk in the door with an amended K-1 for 2020 and his paperwork for 2021. Wowza!!! I never met him before because his mother always brought his info in. Apparently he decided to become an adult. BUT, they have their Partnerships prepared by another accountant and he just finished with the K1s for 2021. Will be interesting to see where this one ends up.

It may depend on whether the executrix is a beneficiary. If her travel was to get the house ready for sale, and she will share in the proceeds, probably not deductible. Take a look at Sect 20.2053-1(b). The estate can reimburse her travel, but I'd be reluctant to deduct it on the 1041.

That's a very old article under old rules before the law changed in mid-1993. No, if the customer list cost was part of a business acquisition, then it is an intangible to be amortized over 15 years under sec 197.

Tom, I have to tell you that my husband is in the automobile business; which keeps me pretty busy also. BUT, of interest to you is the fact that they (he and our boys) get all of their cars and trucks to sell from Texas. Rust free vehicles in Wisconsin is a BIG ASSET! Works well for them and kudos to your state. We all love TX and I sure miss seeing the Bluebonnets the last few years.

You can make a good case for it being an asset of the estate. The mailman might have simply forgotten to drop it off on Wednesday (that sort of delay sure happens around here a lot), in which case it would have been estate asset. If there was a postmark on the envelope, or any letter coming with it that was dated, I'd be even more inclined to say asset. If the estate needs funds to pay a lawyer (or you!) or for death certificate copies, or upkeep on the residence, those are all appropriate uses of the funds.

Hi Judy Good to hear from you! I agree with all you said and fondly recall the barbeque bash we sent one year to those outstanding folks. Good people, all. Like you, I am downsizing and looking at maybe 3 more years as my license renews end of this year. Best to you on your journey - it's been so great to have this community in various configurations since 1997 for me.

Damn Judy, I feel like I just found a long lost friend. Many memories of conversations with you on the old ATX "tree" board! Hope sure hope life's been good to you.

How much will the market bear?

I'm also decreasing use of toner, paper, and postage next season. Really pushing delivery via portal more than ever. And, eSign includes the client's returns anyway.

Did mine yesterday; very annoying. First step: log in with 2FA including a very long delay before the code showed up in email (was ready to try again but I waited; good move). Which then required me to update the password with ridiculous requirements. But then I had to log in again with the new password and 2FA, as if maybe it wasn't the real me who had been fully logged in with the old pw and 2FA. That brought me to a screen with no "renew your PTIN" option. Tried all the other options before trying the "home" button (did find a confirmation of last year's PTIN renewal - so timely), because as we all know sometimes on the IRS site using the "home" option bumps you out leading you to log in again. But that Home button did get me tot he "Renew your PTIN" choice. After I got to that point, it all very easily.