Leaderboard

Authenticators are implemented with a hashing algorithm. They simply hash a "secret code" with a counter derived from the current time to get the 6-digit passcode. The "secret code" is obtained from the QR code or the equivalent string when you setup a site. Any authenticator initialized with that code will produce the same passcode at the same time. It doesn't even need to be connected to the internet as long as the clock is accurate. For those technically inclined, you can google or wiki TOTP (time-based one time password) for details. For that reason, you should treat the "secret codes" with care, as anyone who has them can set up an authenticator to mimic yours. Pasting them into a Word document named "Authenticator codes" is probably not a good idea.

I use a browser based authenticator. It completely eliminates the 2F aspect of this. One of many reasons these laws are asinine.

I'm getting dizzy with all the yes-no-yes-no-yes-no!

My old phone died and I had to rush to get a new one. I have the authenticator on the phone for a few reasons. I called support for help to renew (or whatever the term would be) access for the program and payroll. Although I was on hold for probably 30 minutes, the tech was very helpful and knowledgeable. I have the authenticator on my desktop now and am quite happy to not have to scramble to find my phone every time to access the software. I didn't expect to prefer this option.

... on one of those authenticators. Hey! I'm in double digits! Might be a while though before I earn a "k" after my post count

This has not been updated for TY2024. There is now a field at the top of Schedule 1 for non-taxable amounts reported on a 1099-K - there is no need to report it and back it out. By "Block", I assume you mean the company formerly known as "Square" which runs the "Cash App" payment app. If the app is used for gifts or reimbursements among family and friends they shouldn't even issue a 1099-K. But if they do, or if these were for sales of personal items at a loss, use the new field: https://www.irs.gov/instructions/i1040gi#en_US_2024_publink1000131906

I haven't filed because I didn't get around to it, and then when they said I didn't have to I thought maybe I would never have to and that would just be one less thing to do. Not that I care about reporting the information, I just get tired of filling out ridiculous government forms.

True. I agree. One thing I'd wish for is if we could get rid of the program timing out and requiring us to log in again.

That seems nigh impossible. I just checked my phone and computer and they are two seconds off.

Yes. Mirror codes, to the second (as long as internal clocks are identical). My original intent was to simply have some standby authenticator available in the event my cellphone went to zero or worse. Everyone will have differing security concerns. If not on the same computer, then maybe on another. (possibly snaping a photo of the QRCode and installing on a second cellphone?) As long as there's a backup plan. In my case - now knowing I have one gives me calm. Enjoy tax season, all!

I'm surprised that works. So you can use either authenticator and they both show the same code at the same time?

Also, I have a password on my authenticator, so they'd need to guess that to even get the code. And my authenticator is an extension in one of my browsers, so they'd have to find it first.

Less than 30 % of the total filings expected by FinCen have filed. You really think the other 20 Million people that haven't file are trying to hide their ownership? I haven't filed yet for the same reason I don't have an ID.me account.

Just like car insurance that I hope to never use (but have used), I paid the tiny price for PP for the 23 tax year and renewed for 24 tax year. I have only 1 biz (except for trusts, that PP doesn't cover yet), so the $10 for each of my other returns is a small price to pay to sleep easier at night. I hate answering the letters, so If I can hand that off, especially when I'm busy, it's worth it. I don't have hundreds of clients, so it's a small price to pay. I've been raising my fees each year, because I was underpriced for my area. Now I can tell clients they have an added benefit in their new fee.

Restart your computer. Pause your malware protections. End all unnecessary tasks, and stop them from auto-starting on boot. Smudge your entire office.