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Terry, even though we know the rules, we are still required to prepare the return with the transactions and fact pattern that occurred. If there was no salary and only draws, then that is the return to file whether or not it violates "reasonable compensation." In these cases, what we should try to do is educate the client and correct these problems going forward, or choose to terminate the relationship. As someone already said above, report what actually happened, not what we wish had happened. That goes for CPAs, EAs, and any other paid preparer for that matter.

So sorry for your loss. I had a "greeter" cat for many years and most clients looked forward to seeing him every year. Only problem is he liked to sit on my lap when I was preparing returns and if I wasn't paying the appropriate amount of attention to him, depending on his mood, he would start tapping on the keyboard, making for some interesting results.

" Taxpayers' eagerness to use free software provided by the Internal Revenue Service to file their taxes may be exaggerated because of the way a survey was designed, according to a new report." "Taxpayer interest in a Direct File tool may be overstated due to the design of the surveys conducted," said TIGTA. "For example, the Taxpayer Experience Survey did not provide a 'neutral' option for participants. Research shows that developing a survey with a five-point scale, to include a neutral option, rather than a four-point scale as used by the Taxpayer Experience Survey, is preferable because it does not put taxpayers into a "forced choice" response scenario. In addition, the survey prompt may have led taxpayers to believe that the tool would have more options than it will immediately have available, such as the ability to file State tax returns. An independent study by a Federally Funded Research and Development Center found that 60% of taxpayers would choose their current software when State tax returns are excluded from an IRS Direct File tool. The decision was made to proceed with a Direct File pilot based upon a 72% interest in a Direct File tool, per the Taxpayer Experience Survey. However, only 28% were 'very interested' compared to 45% who were 'somewhat interested.'" Goes to show a survey can be constructed to get the desired results. Looks like we may have more job security then we thought.

My little doggers - Vinny - passed away a few weeks ago. He was with me for 14 years and was a major part of my tax practice as the social and welcoming committee. He had his own Instagram and I swear I got clients because of him. We had gotten him in January. We live in western NY and my husband is the town highway superintendent. So in January, he's pretty busy with roads. When I called him to go down to the house and check on my new puppy and he told me he was too busy, I started bringing him to work with me. He peed on lots of clients that year, and W2s and tax returns. As soon as he heard the door open, he'd be up and running to see who it was. I had a number of clients who would bring him toys and treats. I'm missing him!

and registered mail is for items of tangible value in excess of what can be covered by insurance. So certified if using USPS.

Max makes an important point. Even if they were Domiciled in CA, they needed to title the property purchase properly. I just assumed that everyone who is domiciled in CA would title their joint property as CPWROS. Tom Longview, TX

Priority Mail isn't an accepted proof of mailing by the irs. If you're going to shell out for expensive mail, get registered or certified so it will be useful if needed.

I am so sorry for your loss.

Sounds like he had a great life and brought joy to many. Blessings.

If you're going to send a check near a deadline, shell out for Priority Mail and get a receipt from the Post Office that you handed it in directly to them. I push people towards Direct Pay, too - and then find that instead of following my instructions, they pick estimated taxes or payment for notice or something else wrong. Then I tell them they have to call and get it moved. Not dummies, either; just sloppy or rushing or both.

My sympathies; Vinny sounds like he was a real sweetie.

Another pet mother here so sorry for your loss. But you may not need to change your avatar. I have lost all three of my office helpers/paper weights in my avatar but love seeing them again every time I check this site and post. Warm memories...

I'm so sorry for the loss of your furry friend and helper. It's so hard to lose them. When we had to put down our 21 year old cat and office greeter, we got three kittens to make up for it. It has been fun, but a lot.

Hopefully there is a doggy heaven where Vinny can play with my dog Raleigh who I had to put to sleep 6 years ago due to cancer. He was a character and I still really miss him.

I'm so sorry for your loss. No matter how long they are with us, our pets leave us much too soon.

I'm so very sorry. It's hard to lose a furry family member, and an office staffer, too. I'll miss seeing his pic. Hugs to you.