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That is the 64 thousand dollar question. I am amazed that the IRS spends so much energy on not talking to the very force multiplier that they need, US! We can talk to them and get them what they need to close their cases, but they have treated us like the problem and not the solution for the last decade. Congress and the tax code are the IRS problems, not reputable tax pros. The IRS knows who I am. They gave me my EA license. They hear from me every three years when I renew. They gave me my PTIN. They collect a check every year for that number as well. They gave me my EIN for my company. They gave me my EFIN number. They gave me my CAF number. They know my SSN. They require my software provider to know my information before I can use a software that they approve every year. They can look up how many returns I prepare and how many POAs I have on file and how many times I call in and the number of returns that are selected from my client list for audit and the resolution on those audits. The Commissioner knows me better than anyone except my spouse. And they treat me like I am the problem instead of the TurdoTax software they allow on the market. I am just so fed up with the incompetence of the IRS leadership, especially the Commissioner. I wish he would realize I can get his backlog on my clients through the system faster than his staff can without me. Just staff the PPL line and let us work with the quality revenue officials, like we used to do when I first got my license. Stepping down from my soap box now. I feel better. Tom Longview, TX

I filed my father's returns years ago when he was in LTC. If the LTC totally pays for medical expenses or LTC, I do not believe it is taxable, but you have to subtract it from any medical expenses you've paid as itemized deductions.

I'm in the never ending merry-go-round with the IRS. Client had a fraudulant 2020 return filed mere days after she passed away. We didn't know at the time, but when we went to file the returns 2020 & 2021 rtn (yes, 2020 was late) in Sept 2022, obviously it was discovered a few months later when the refunds weren't issued. I have been through ID verification 7 times for the 2020 & 2021 returns. I finally got the 2021 refund, but 2020 (the return that actually had fraud) still, 1.5 years later is in limbo. Strangely I got another letter that they needed me to ID verify 2021 again and soon after a copy of the cleint's tax transcript for 2020 that said I requested it, but I didn't. Of course, I have called the ID verification number at least 50 times, and it says, you "due to high call volume, we cannot take your call at this time." Adding insult to injury, the main IRS reps cannot field any calls regarding the still outstanding 2020 refund until I ID verification, for the 8th time, has been completed. And the true cherry on top. They said processing after ID verification is taking upwards of 650 days!! (This is much worse than the 430 days number I got 6 months ago.) WTH. I don't even know who to go to for help. Can't the gov't be held accountable in some way for this nightmare of disorganization. It has got to be criminal the way the IRS is being managed these days.

I feel better just from saying "YEAH!" to everything you wrote.

Look at Drake single-user full license. Not worth any small price "saving" to me if I'm going to spend dozens of hours learning a new software, converting returns, checking every single bleeping depreciation item (those are most likely to get mucked up in conversions), every single carry-forward amount, etc. I have easier ways to hurt myself, and easier ways to save a couple hundred bucks. YMMV.

WE all know that the IRS has been woefully underfunded until recently. This isn't to disparage mcb39 and GR2's comments, but you've got to give them time to hire and train people.

The client can type their name and choose the font they want displayed.

Yes, they have priority access to the TAS

Or, your client's Congressperson.

Perhaps you should try the Taxpayer Advocate Service https://www.irs.gov/advocate/the-taxpayer-advocate-service-is-your-voice-at-the-irs

Double "YEAH!" to everything you both wrote.

Only the one who creates the workspace can control signatures. I had a client do this, and I started a new workspace for her & her husband, saying it was the only way for me to get signatures. It was a mild annoyance only. Next year, I'll start her workspace early, so she does not.

I just had one of these this year. Her expenses far exceeded the LTC payments.

But, then, why won't they talk to some of us who might know the answers?

For my client who has not gotten his 2022 return yet and no word other than that it still being processed: I tried the Taxpayer Advocates; received no reply; After 46 minutes on hold with the PPS, I was told that they couldn't talk to me because "check the box" had expired. Client has finally sent in paperwork to State Senator. Will see if that goes anywhere. The IRS is so badly broken that I wonder how we can continue to move forward.

I had an estate return (only filed to get refund for one of the pandemic credits) take more than two years to get processed and the funds received. There was no fraud or other issues and was timely filed. Even after about 4 years, still dealing with estate issues, such as trying to get native oil/gas dividends/settlements transferred (the folks who manage these have zero incentive to actually help).

Changing to Sigma Tax Pro to save $400 isn't worth it to me. I can make that up with one tax return.

I wonder if dentists and veterinarians have these kind of discussions? They don't hesitate to raise their prices--maybe they don't hear the kind of feedback we get from our clients?

Amen; I hated cleaning up Turbotax returns with a passion. And I inherited one client who only wanted me to review his work in Turbotax for a nominal fee--I did it once (the 1116 was a total mess) and when he came back next year I doubled the price. Thankfully that was the last I saw of him. But funny how proud he was of his work, I think he just wanted me to congratulate him.

I have been with ATX MAX since its birth and will never change. That is a lot of years since 2005. It ofers everything I would ever need and then some.

Back in the day, I worked for an Accountant who used Turbo Tax big floppy disks. She had to pay extra for every single module. Efiling was barely heard of. We printed and printed and assembled and assembled. Once I started my own business and graduated (by force) to Sabre; I introduced her to the ATX products and she embraced the (Everything for the price of one). She happily continued with Max until she retired. We often question why people are willing to pay almost as much for Turbo Tax as we would charge them for a professional return. Sometimes we end up cleaning up the messes that they create. I have never gained a client by advertising. 276 returns for a small, in-home office isn't bad for "word of mouth" growth. Integrity and personal interest will win out every time and I sleep very well at night.

I got the renewal notice as well. If you use the full Pro bundle the price is relatively close to last year if you but it before May 31. It retails around 2900 plus dollars. With the discounts the bundle price is $2094.00. I knew there would be a price increase but this isn't as bad as I thought.

If I can add, I too have been using Verifyle for the last few years. The signature portion is approved through the IRS due to the 2 factor authentication. You do get and can print the certificate which I recommend to. I keep everything digital. Yes, a single email can be used for two people sharing the same email address. I highly recommend this program. The majority of my clients hated Drake portals. I now have at least 85% of them using Verifyle. There are some older folks who just can't seem to deal with any technology. One client suffers from some form of paralysis and can no longer use their hands well. I'm pretty sure Verifyle gives the option of choosing a digital signature or a handwriting signature so a mark can be made. As Margaret said, use workspaces. You have to use workspaces to multiple signatures. Workspaces also keeps thing organized. One thing I want to know is if there is a way to stop a client from becoming the host once I create their account. I have had clients do this which prevents any signing. I'd be happy to help getting someone started. It is easy and you'll love it. If I drop my NAEA membership, I would have no gripes about $9.00 per month. Drake portals has increased to $21.00 per month.

maybe file 8821's for all those clients and wait until they need representation (and that you want to represent them) for the 2848's? just a suggestion

I'm currently on the phone with PPL for a reduction in a 2023 refund for a 2019 additional assessment. My client never got the CP letter since his wife is in the army and they move quite frequently. His address on record was/is his dads and apparently his dad didn't take notice of any IRS letters. I'm not sure if I will be able to do anything for him. Learned a lesson though - I'm getting 2848 for all my clients in the military so I can get the correspondence.

Thank you, ladies. And, duh, when all else fails, read the instructions! I did tell mom and daughter that I want to see her LTC contract to know what's covered (she talked as if it's NOT the per diem coverage, but need to read her contract).

kathyc2 is correct. I have a current client that is about to run out of LTC insurance and had another a few years ago that nearly did. What can happen and is currently so with my client is that the expenses can be much greater than the coverage. In my current case, the unreimbursed expenses amounted to $87,777 after reimbursing $85,200. The per diem was $153,300 ($420 times number of days) and actual expenses were $143,323.

A Record of Account Transcript will give you the necessary information. The basic Tax Return Transcript will not.

See instructions for 8853 Section C.

I needed a good laugh, thank you "IRS making sense".