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I both parents file electronically, the first one in wins, as the second one will be rejected. The same ITIN can't be on more than return. If the return is paper filed it would most likely generate an audit letter. The best thing to do is to file right away, so the ex's return gets rejected. Then burden of proof will be on him.

The 2020 has to be filed by May 17 of this year to claim the credit.

The Oregon form 40 has an error with the "kicker" on joint returns. It is double of what it should be. I chatted with live support and he said "if" there is a problem it will "possibly" be fixed on next update. I said there is no "if" about it, it is wrong and needs to be fixed. He said can't you override it. I guess that is what I will be doing but I shouldn't have to.

Notice came out yesterday that IRS is simplifying their letters. NOW we are in trouble... every time they simplify something it makes it worse. Remember the postcard tax return turned into 8 pages.

This very much parallels what a client of mine got as noted in my post today. they must be upgrading the system or something.

If you file just HOH, you have to enter the ITIN of the person who qualifies you for HOH even if not your dependent. Hence, same ITIN will be on both returns.

Max has played this game before!

I'd get that in writing (email, at least) as proof that the client tried to get the code changed, and the custodian refused to cooperate.

Here is part of my reply. "If you are making some sort of implication I have to give you something, you are on your own. You and your client are more than able to find another option. What is your FEIN and PTIN? Would you want the message you sent, with the ultimatum, shared? Say with the public, or your licensing entity? I mean really, what did you expect to get with such a threat? If you cannot make heads and tails out of printed reports a client sends you, or you are not making enough or able to charge enough to cover the software you need, why are you expecting something free (which you are going to use to make money) from us? Do you work for free?" I am omitting a screen image of their online ad (as an accountant/EA). == Received this back today "I am sorry I did not mean to be rude or threatening at all." == blah blah. I don't buy it. I don't have a great way to figure out which customer, nor am I going to ask the 5 possibilities - although I thought about it -I wish I knew, as I would ask them why they retain someone who tried to bully me.

Why do people do things like that when we are doing everything we can to help them.? I would say that losing this client is worth losing a client. Our overhead continues to snowball.

https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/recovery-rebate-credit

His broker's back office advised his advisor that for legal liability reasons the code could not be changed. Go figure.

Over the years I have learned that helping clients with quasi related legal issues is that they avoid retaining competent legal help, which in the long run shoots themselves in the foot and gives us big headaches.

The IRS is in the middle of a total redesign of all of the notice letters.

In my experience, not all brokers are knowledgeable. A few years ago I had a client whose broker advised her incorrectly about her RMD. She didn't really understand so I had to email the broker with a copy of the rules that applied to her situation.

Received a message worthy of AITA posting, although I did not. Threats don't work well for me, especially from someone wanting something for free to use to make money themselves. "I have a client that uses Medlin and he wants me to access his books! I have tried through the free trial, but it says I have to purchase Medlin. If this is the case then, you will lose him as a client. Please let me know how to access his books one time to try to help him balance and print out reports for his taxes, without me having to purchase Medlin I did ask if they wanted to share their FEIN as part of my response, but turns out it is moot as it took only seconds to get their EA license information. The truth is, they downloaded a month ago, their free trial ran out today, likely why they are asking for a free license.