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Calm has returned, for a week or so! Most have had their first payroll of the year, so panic orders are done. Many have done their EOY filing. It will pick up again at the end of Jan for those who wait until the last second to file EOY payroll reports (similar to your April 15). The 1099 IRIS seemingly changed CSV column placement while closed, but not a huge issue. New customers (of a now closed former competitor and the next to last longtime shareware author still around - I am now likely the last) seem to be doing well, no major issues other than questioning cases where zero WH "is" the proper calculation, and wondering why I do not let them alter the calculations (proper) I build in. The only real nagging issue is one long time customer who has asked more than a dozen times, the same question. It is clear they are not seeing/reading my replies, and are not seeing/reading my text messages to them. None are rejected, and the SMS system I use shows them as being received. I need to find a stamp or three and send them copies of my replies on paper.

My first experience with an IRS audit was in college. Doctor went to India for the holidays for the entire month of Dec. Came back to a stack of checks in his mailbox. Payers issued 1099s for the amount paid including the checks not cashed. IRS assessed for the entire amount. CPA I was working for claimed the checks were not received until he came back from India in January. IRS asserted that DR had staff that could have deposited the checks, and just because he did not trust them to make the deposits, the checks were still in his possession. Audit loss for the client. Over $150K added to the return, with penalties and interest. Tom Longview, TX

I've been using laptops for 20 years. In the office my laptop is set up as if I had a desktop computer with 2 external monitors, wireless keyboard and mouse. When I take the laptop with me I can run my office completely and client's have no idea. This past summer we took a vacation to Normandy France and Paris - took my laptop and could answer client questions each day. After dinner I'd get online for 20-30 minutes and get everything caught up so I didn't have a pile on my desk.

I have a similar situation with a tax payment that I scheduled with the Oregon Dept of Revenue to be paid on Thursday December 28th ( confirmation saved ). However it didn't clear my checking account until Tuesday January 2nd. I am going to treat just like an outstanding check.

Remember all those PoP-Up ads that were a nuisance, so you had to get an ad-blocker? They seem to work. Except for Google. I can't even call home or go to any website that Google does not block my screen trying to sell me their latest service. I've always been a subscriber to the idea that "Big money ruins everything it touches." Everything from Professional Sports to Radio. I apply this mindset to Google also. Obviously they are not my favorite. Why should I have to put up with Google every time I crank the car??

Interesting Tom. In the case of my former client, they are a corp, and did not get 1099's, and if they did, I am certain they would have refuted them as being not required, so not valid. This was 20 years ago... The owners were the type who enjoyed the grey, which is one of the reasons they are an ex client. The mass 1099 deal (blanket sending, even when not required) is a royal pain, and about to get worse. Even though my highest ticket is under $600, I get requests for ID from a few each year, which I toss. Usually from a government or quasi government entity, which has a policy of 1099 to all. It is even easier for me to refuse now, as I point out they paid by card, which my merchant account will 1099 me for already.

Agree with Lee. If the taxing agency gave your client credit for the payment being made on 12/31/23, then I'd use that date. Depending on which type of electronic payment and how it is processed can affect the timing of withdrawal.

Likely no one cares. Used to have a client who would hold incoming checks for months at the end of their year. Tens of thousands of dollars. Passed audit just fine several times. Likely the same the other way (outgoing checks/payments).

I use a 17" Acer laptop with the pointer turned off and use the keyboard. This is not my main computer, BUT, could be. Any bookwork or returns prepared on the laptop are exported to a jump drive and imported into my desktop for revue and filing. Even with my diagnosis of Macular Degeneration; I don't, as yet, have a problem with the 17" screen and it is running Windows 11. I could add another monitor if I had the room. I also would need to get a wireless printer, but there is no need at this point. Each computer in my office has its own printer at the moment. Good luck with whichever way you choose to go. Generally, I believe that if I want to do something, such as tax prep, I will find a way to do it. So far, I haven't let age or left-handedness hold me back.

More likely, "don't allow sites to send pop-ups" is not turned on.

I rarely get my screen blocked with pop ups. Having your screen blocked like that is a sign that you may have unknowingly downloaded some malware.

I have a Surface Pro 7+ and love it. It's my second Surface Pro, needed to upgrade to Win 11 and more. My main desktop is custom built by my computer guru, no games, etc. and he knows everything about it because he built it.

Surface pro 8 is my main. When static, I plug it into a big monitor. When mobile, it works fine too. Prob swapping to surface studio when W12 hits. A slightly bigger display when mobile. I don’t like tablets unless they are convertible - sans keyboard - as they take up too much space on my desk. I like one specific keyboard layout, not what they use on a laptop. The other brand machines seem less sturdy and the built into surface is a plus. If you get a surface pro you get the good pro security without having to upgrade windows.

Oh - sorry to hear this Bonnie. Laptops stink. And bad knees stink more. I have a little Dell that does okay with QB and ATX on it. I only have the 2 years of ATX on it. And QB is always used with a thumb drive so I'm not using up space on the laptop. I don't use it for anything else. It is definitely worth the extra few bucks to get a keypad - make sure you have USB ports. My daughter got a new Mac and no USB ports. Which, btw, if you aren't used to Mac, don't get a Mac. It's also worth it to get a bigger one so the screen is bigger. I hope everything works out for you

Q11: Do I have to use the IP PIN I received this year if filing prior year returns this year? A11: Yes. You must use this IP PIN to confirm your identity on your current tax return and any prior year returns filed during the calendar year. https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams/frequently-asked-questions-about-the-identity-protection-personal-identification-number-ip-pin

I agree. TT seems to be going more in the assisted returns area. If you don't have a relationship with client there will be some who don't see the value of us rather than going that route. I had always met in person with clients. During COVID I refused to let clients in my home office, although I would have phone consults. I had a drop slot for them to drop off info, and then we would meet briefly in the garage to sign. I lost a few clients during that and have a few that continue (mostly younger) to use that method. It's what works best for client. I don't remember ever charging a client extra to deal with a notice. I've never had a full audit and most notices can be dealt with without much effort. Other than the clients who had to file in 15+ states, I only remember one client notice for 2022 due to the fact that they messed up their estimated payments. I'm way too much of a control freak to outsource. First off, I'd want to make sure that the notice wasn't in any way because of an error on my part. Most notices are from matching. If it affects federal AGI, I need to amend state or get a notice from state when that do an AGI match 2 years later. Doubtful the PP company would handle the state amendment. I know if I was the client I would appreciate the preparer handling the issue. If I was told I need to contact someone else to handle it, I wouldn't return the next year.