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The wording is before the owner reaches 59 1/2 not the year in which the owner turns 59 1/2.

Age 59 1/2 is 6 months after the taxpayer attains age 59. It was covered in this topic a few years ago. From the top of that topic, scroll down to see my first answer that has a link too.

Online POAs don't jump the queue, it still will take weeks to be processed.

My struggle has been with the CAF unit. I obtained a CAF number numerous years ago. I moved to SC in the fall of 2021. Changed all my addresses on everything. First 2848 I did since the move, I checked the box new address. As of yesterday, the CAF unit still has my old address. I called the EA line and they couldn't help nor could the PPS. No known numbers to contact the CAF unit. The action to take was to fax the information to the CAF unit asking them to update the address. I am not very positive this will work but we'll see. On another note, how can you find the status of a POA that was faxed? I did one yesterday online with the client and it still says pending on my end and no authorizations on the client end. In my experience, the quickest way to get the POA to the CAF is through the PPS. They don't really care for the wait time for the fax to arrive but all I can say is fix the system and make it better for all.

The "relatively" safe method, barring a new machine, is to setup a second machine, and use it exclusively for a bit. This ensures you have everything you need on the second machine. At that point, upgrade the other machine. The more risky method is to just go ahead and update your main machine. This assumes you have known good (AND tested) backups. Candidly, I don't always follow my own advice. But, and this is a "large" but, I have many known good and tested backups I can restore from, and know I can restore - from scratch if needed - in a few hours at most. I have a reasonably current second machine at the ready at all times, an alternate collecting dust at my feet, I can "borrow" a different one from a family member, and if I really had to, I can get a new machine within an hour. My former advice was to simply plan on (meaning budget time and $) for a new machine for each new version of Windows. This keeps your machine current as well as having a clean install of Windows. Still likely the best advice. While machines are not getting noticeably faster for the average user, there have been hardware security updates we all should use. Consider - a client asking what OS you are using, and what hardware - and whether or not you are current enough to be able to reply in a professional manner. Not professional, for instance, is "I am using 'insert dead OS version here' on a 5 year old computer".

I totally agree!

* Can't. I always proofread ten minutes after I hit sned.

They still can find a payment from a spouse with a flashlight and both hands.