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He's in the infotainment business to make money for himself

I believe the nondeductible amounts should be disclosed before hand. The amounts should be based on fmv using any reasonable method per reg 1.6115-1. It is the entity's responsibility for making the estimates, but I would ask about the reasonableness. For example, what would the speaker normally charge per person and did the attendee's really receive a benefit? Same with music and dancing.

It's not well publicized but most of the data management, all of the computer programming and system engineering functions are performed by third parties under contract. Consulting firms like Accenture, Booz Allen & Hamilton, Deloitte Consulting, Microsoft and ID.me.

After just reading about the millionaire non-filers, I would just leave it alone. W2 withholding and SE Tax end up about the same. Apparently the IRS just doesn't know their butt from their elbow and are going after the little guys. I doubt that this would ever be questioned. Just because they might have an EIN doesn't mean that they conducted any business. A little humor here as I had two young fellows approach me this summer to set up their Partnership. They came in together and I told them explicitly what the steps were going to be and they both assured me that they understood. They both promised to bring me the Partnership return as well as their separate personal returns. I never like to prepare a 1065 if I don't also get to prepare the returns of the Partners. So far, that has always been the case. The Primary Partner here already was a client of mine as a Sch C filer. We can do good things and issue great guidance if they only learn to ask.

"The Federal Trade Commission says five large tax preparation companies could face civil penalties if they use or disclose data collected for tax prep for such unrelated purposes as advertising without getting the consumers' consent first. The five firms are H&R Block, Intuit, TaxAct, TaxSlayer and The Lampo Group LLC, d.b.a. Ramsey Solutions."

I can believe it and those are the same promises made to me. For a guy that promotes smart financial planning among many other things, this is not smart advice at all. Very poor decision to make an investment with less than sketchy return.

I see issues with compliance and professional standards regardless of the dollar amounts involved and whether the net result is basically the same. RR 69-184 clearly states that a partner cannot be treated as an employee. Sec. 6664 prohibits taking a position on tax returns unless there is substantial authority for the tax treatment of an item. AICPA SSTS#1 requires members to adhere to the above statements. Looks to me like they can and that is probably how I would handle this situation. Most likely the simplest way to straighten it out. I thing an abatement is possible and they should be informed of that.

A lot of the stories are biased one way or another, so I am not going to post a link. But you can google the story. It is all over the web. IRS Consultant illegally downloaded decades of tax returns of the nations wealthiest taxpayers, including a "public official" widely believed to be former President Trump, and leaked the information to news outlets, most notably the New York Times. He faces up to five years in prison if convicted. ***warning - rant coming*** I HOPE THEY CONVICT THE JERK AND MAKE HIM SERVE THE WHOLE 5 YEARS WITHOUT A CHANCE OF PAROLE. I wish Congress would pass a law that says anyone who distributes taxpayer information without written (not click through T&Cs on a website) agreement of the taxpayer should face the same 5 years. ***rant over*** Tom Longview, TX

On my software, I attach it as a PDF attachment.

Had a colleague sign up to be a Ramsey "Endorsed Local Provider" after they promised he would get many good referrals and grow his business. Turned out he spent most of his time answering questions for free, with few new clients.

Ramsey Soultions?? I looked into being a Ramsey Pro and quickly declined. To join, they wanted $1,000.00 training fee plus $149.95 per month membership and 40% of your fee for individuals and 60% for business. I thought this was crazy. I had never heard of the Lampo Group, LLC and didn't know they offered any tax prep. I'm glad I refused.