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Some clients just have it all figured out. My elderly gentleman this week neither asked to dance nor gave me a CB gift certificate; but learned from my staff for the first time that I have a pacemaker. He immediately got up from the front desk where he was checking out , marched right back to my office, laid hands on me and proceeded to pray. When he was done he said, "you are going to make it, I have it from good authority that He's not ready for you yet". And with that, he left.

Awww, that's so sweet. Thursday, I had an elderly gentleman come in with his forms to see if he had to file. I told him no, if that was all he had, he did not. He reached in his pocket and pulled out a $25 gift card from Cracker Barrel. He said, "That's what you said last year, too, and you're awful sweet to let me come in and ask. Have a big lunch on me." He got a hug.

My bedtime has gotten up to 6 a.m. I try to sleep at least four hours/night, well hours/day, because I use a CPAP machine and Medicare won't pay for it unless I'm 97% compliant. But, I'm slowing down and having to do things twice. Hubby's gone for the evening, so it's quiet. The reason I'm working all night and then sleeping in the morning is that I do get more done without the phone ringing and without retired hubby walking into my office. I have a guest room, Judy. But, I'll be almost as happy with you on here researching these odd ones that are our latecomers, or the ones we left for last since we really didn't like the looks of them. Thank you, Judy, for all you do. And, a huge THANK YOU to all who jump in with help, answers, cites, encouragement, short-cuts, laughs, and all the things that make up my favorite virtual water cooler.

OK; this was SO adorable. Mr. (Elderly gentleman) said he hoped to see me again next year. I agreed and said we would dance. So he thought that was a great idea and so we danced out into the hall where his daughter and son-in-law were waiting for him.

We expect payment when the return is picked up or before it is mailed to the client. Of course that does not always happen. But we do expect payment before the return is e-filed. Now that is not to say that we are not compassionate. I will give my services away, if necessary, for a long time client that falls on non-self caused hard time. An example for that - I have a long time client that has fallen on financial hard times due to drinking and gambling. I will not do any work for him before being paid. (In fact, just received an email from him this morning requesting services with a promise to pay. Nope.) On the other hand, I have clients that have fallen on financial hard times due to serious illnesses, for example - and I do not expect ANY payment from them. But the run of the mill, every day client, we get paid over 95% of our fees before the return ever leaves the office. About two a year though seem to fall through the cracks and I end up chasing their $200 for six or eight months. That is more of a nuisance and a principle of the thing. They do not do that to me a second time.

Extension. Tell client good books or new tax accountant.

Marilyn, My thoughts and prayers will also be with you and your husband. Having had a spouse with cancer, my best advice is to research as much as you can, don't be afraid to question the doctors on their choice of treatments, and lastly but most important is to get your GP to give you (and your husband) a prescription for anxiety medication. which will not only help you sleep, but will help you have a clearer mind to make important decisions that will need to be made. Take care, Cathy

you have to pay to pick up your returns. you have to bring back your signed forms before i will efile. have extended credit to "friends" in the past only to be stuck. the only people that i will efile without money are very closely related, and i still require their forms. even mom's. for some reason these people are able to go to kmart and buy stuff when they want. i'm sure they can pay for their tax return.

Well, my happy twist is that the client, who hadn't filed for four years, came in on Friday and requested an extension and was willing to send an ample check along with the extension. Filing quarterlies? Now, that is something we still have to work on. Baby steps!!!!!

I hear ya, and I would be in that same boat if I didn't torture myself extra over the last 2 weeks working until 2-3 am and surviving on about 5 hrs sleep each night. Yesterday I was forced to take a short break because I was starting to feel dizzy. I try very hard to finish a day or more ahead because I don't like working extremely close to the deadline in case of some unexpected event like losing power or some equipment failure. Too bad I can't fly my broom around and help you all out with yours, but I'll be on here to help with last minute questions when I'm able.

And it's a very good thing on April 11th! Me: (via email) "I hope you're expecting a big tax bill this year." Client: "Yep, we know." Me: "Do you want to know my first pass at the tax due?" (Still waiting on a few items.) Client: "Not until I go check the balance in our savings account. Hopefully it is a large amount." Maybe it's just because I'm tired, but I laughed out loud! Any other good laughs?

how cool was that!!

I just tell my clients that I use a very good collection service. "Bubba" pays me the client's fee up front and then I give him a copy of the client's name, address, SS#, date f birth, home phone, spouse information, banking information, etc. for him to do thorough job on his "collections." He must be good, because he has never asked me for a refund of the fees he pays me.

I don't file or give a copy of the return till I'm paid

One of the reasons I take credit cards now! I will extend credit to some clients; hold a check until payday and I just had one ask for a max of 21 days, and I'll nudge him if I don't see it then. Some of my early clients ask to pay when they get their refunds, but they also live across the street from me, so collection is pretty easy.

Burned twice. Cash, Check or Credit/Debit card. No tickey no laundry. "IN GOD WE TRUST" All others pay on delivery.

The problem I see with your statement is IRS might see his tax preparer responsible for knowingly using the bimbo's records, or rather lack of records, in preparing the return which very possibly will cause IRS to want to look at the returns of your other clients to see if you are aiding taxpayers in submitting less than honest tax returns in your practice. You are putting your honest clients at risk for audit for allowing this taxpayer to cheat on his return. It's not worth it! I'd tell him it's complete and accurate records or the highway! Just my 2 cents.

I second or third the "Dome SImplified Monthy Bookkeeping Record" as it is called if I remember correctly. My "suggestion" would be either the bookkeeper complete the Dome record for the year or I will have to create a comprehensive accounting of income and expenses that will be used for the tax return. I would make the client understand that if the bookkeeper can't enter his information properly in the Dome record, then he should not waste his money or your time (and fee) to correct it. I have a feeling the owner of the business is pretty much in agreement with the manner in which the bookkeeper presents the year end figures to you. He/she is relying on you alone to put your head on the chopping block for figures used on the return...you have been given the bottom line and you need to make the figures jive on the return......NOT! Stop that dog from sucking eggs for 2014 and you'll have a completely different scenario for 2015.

So I finally got some detailed financial info today, IN THE FORM OF 20 SCREEN SHOTS. It appears she downloaded the quickbooks MOBAL APP. So she is keeping the books of a co the does 1.1 MILLION in gross sales on a mobile app.

I do the same thing. I get much more work done when my phone is not blowing up from people wanting to know if their taxes are done. I'm pretty sure that I would let them know if they were, but we all know that they think they are our only client. It is so much easier for me to work late and then email everyone that I can with questions. One guy told me to call him anytime that I was working instead of emailing him. I just can't call someone in the middle of the night. This board is what keeps me from being so depressed. Knowing that I am not the only one with stacks of problems. We all need a laugh, too!

Thank you I needed that very much

Yep, the kid that moved out of his parent's CT house into NY in 2013, then moved to NJ during 2014. Still hasn't emailed me back to tell me how the dates of residency break out and if his work locations changed. And, his brother changed colleges into RI and worked a tiny bit while there. And, a partnership included their personal returns this year "because we don't have time to do them on TT this year." And, the new guy has a NJ S-corp with one pay stub but no W-2 or K-1. And, another client works in her father's church and has only a pay stub. And, there was a schema error in another kid's OH return for his tiny job while at college. These Fairfield County kids are so rich that they don't have to work, so why do they work while out of state at college?! Some of them have more state returns than their commuter parents. And the man who promised me his trust had been dissolved; well, it still has one brokerage account and needs me to prep the 1041 before I can prep his 1040. And, the couple that absolutely must file on time due to an IA (I know, but I can't convince her otherwise; they have good w/h). And, the guy who gave me his stuff, and I find it includes a trust due to his wife's death. And, spring break is next week, so the calls started coming in Friday that people are leaving for vacation and wanted to pick up their returns today. I am so tired. Hubby went up to the Hartford area to visit with his daughter, go out to dinner, attend her concert. I really wish I could go, but even if I had I would fallen asleep listening to music. This is the first year that I haven't been counting, because the stack is so visually imposing that I don't want to know. Now to calculate some extension payments....

...some already available. http://distractify.com/matt-buco/these-things-should-be-everywhere/

This is how our calls for pick up go: My staff: Hello client. Ron has completed your tax return. Ron's fee is $XXX. Would you like to know how the return came out? Client: Yes. My staff. OK - Ron's fee is $XXX. You are getting a refund (or you owe) (and then the staff runs down all the numbers and then my staff says) and Ron's fee is $XXX. So by this time, we have impressed upon the client that the fee is important to us. At the end of the call my staff says, Don't forget to bring Ron's check when you come to get your return. Actually had one client call back this year after that dialog and asked if Ron takes cash. Duh! It is all about training the client. This may come a little easier for me and my staff because my first degree was in marketing and I spent a number of years in sales before going back to school to get my master's of tax degree. In sales, closing the deal is not an option.

4 more 2011's plus 4 more to pu - ya I know 4/1 was to be the drop dead date but 3 were new clients this week and poorly returned returns - no expenses! about 65 to review by Wed 300 to rollover for extensions and ATX is working ssooo sssssllloowww on rollovers Then all the messing around on the extension - opening everyone up, lock it, etc... About 20 vouchers and get them all in here!! I am so tired - but have to call IRS 7 am for another 2 2011 transcripts an wage and income - can't find their 2011 and need wage and income for a 2014 - hope it came thru for someone who owes in another state in a nursing home I can no longer stay up all night. Read that a Muslim made a chair for the Pope and stayed up the whole week to make it - However, I doubt he was short the last 3 months of sleep. I need a really good professional tax preparer - for next year to help! yikes - get to work - 3 families and 1 s corp, 2 partnerships coming in at 7 and 2 individuals to finish yet - break over.

I used to be more lenient and have way too high and too old accounts receivable.. Now I gird my loins, tighten my belt and buckle on my armour and ask them "How will you be paying for this?" We take check, cash, credit card or for $15 if you have a refund and a bank account we can have the fee taken right out of your refund - as long as the IRS isn't going to take your refund. and I have some who will give me a check to hold - but that is a pain as they never call to tell me when I can cash it... and we know when the refund comes! We let them know when we get paid we will e-file their return. That is a hard part of business but no one else let's them walk... Took me a long time to learn this and one of my staff is really good - they are to let them know on the phone their refunds or owes, when to pick-up or sign and how much the fee is - still have people come in without checks or cash or wallets or purses!! You know you were coming here!!! ps - when I first started I never worried - they always paid and a few paid the next year - then they didn't pay and didn't come back! But they had to pay that preparer,,, silly people

Terry, I read the post completely differently. I think what Steven was saying was that, after deducting scholarships and grants, the amount of tuition and fees was STILL $35,133. The 1099Q shows $9,300 which would reduce the amount paid out of non-scholarship, non-tax deferred funds to $25,833. Which would leave plenty of expenses for AOC.

Those are the ones that burned me. They didn't show up next year. Try asking for those payment terms at the grocery store, your hairdresser or a restaurant.

Sounds good to me.

I want every one of those!

It's always signatures and payment before e-filing. I do take all major credit cards and have a PayPal link on my website. But, with my long-time clientele, I do make exceptions on payment when asked nicely. Sometimes I'm too busy to get their CC info over the phone before mailing out their folder to a distant city, state, or country, so include their invoice in their mailing; I always get a check back in the mail or a contact with their CC info. Once in a great while someone will ask me to wait to charge their card or deposit their check; those have always worked out fine. Many of my clients came from HRB where I worked, so were used to paying at pick-up. The only time I got stung for much, I didn't think I was going to complete the second year before I met the guy to deliver the first year; he'd brought a check for only half the first year. He was paying me monthly for many months, but stopped; he's no longer a client. I have a couple of small ones now; one thought Daddy paid, but Daddy stopped being my client this year. So, I have these two to re-invoice in a week or two, but each are around $100 only.

I always do...... Most of my work is on-line...and I e-file before getting paid. If someone asks for more time....I ask them "when"....and I don't bug them until that date. In doing this 20 years....I only had one who didn't pay (and he was a long time client...but he didn't get a refund that year,,,so I guess he got angry) I do have one this year that I'm anticipating won't pay. ETA....most of my clients aren't American. Other countries take "not paying" more serious than we do here. (It's considered a crime.) So...that may be the reason I don't have issues. The one "non-pay" and the potential "non-pay" are both American.

I did explain to him once that the IRS will hold him alone responsible for the information on the return. AND yes I think he believes he be able to wiggle out of going to jail by blaming a bimbo and sloppy bookkeeping

I am meeting with the client. Picking up their complicated return, plus the son's Easier, but now he is working in the "real World" return. The invoice has a total for both the parents and the kid. I ask him if he wants a separate bill for the kid, and if so how much of it too the kid? "All of IT!" We both laughed. Rich

Incredible! You can't risk the professional manner in which your other clients records have been maintained by using screenshots of a mobile app for a business with 1.1 million in gross sales for this client who pretends to have no clue about his records and who has a bookkeeper that is less than desirable.

I too have filed many years back for clients. I am going both ways here I agree with Rita and Old Jack. I see it from both perspectives but still tend to lean towards it is the client's decision. It is our job to tell the client what they are required to do and the consequences if they are not compliant. Can't force them to sign anything and can;t stop them from trashing the paper copies to be mailed that we can't e-file either. Rita I am with you 100% I don't want to pay that person's taxes either and yes the irresponsible party should pay. Unfortunately, and more often than not, it doesn't work that way.

I have my haircut scheduled on the 21st. My Cosmetologist client is a happy camper because she just filled the last chair she had for rent in her salon. I hope it is easier to sleep after the 15th. Right now, even if I plan on sleeping in, I always wake up early.

Judy, That's great! I won't even count what I have left because I will be sick. I'm tired and very sick of almost every return having some strange issue this year.

I love ASP's CEO Walter Crouch, headquartered in Johnson City, TN. He attended one of our orientations in Ridgefield, CT, on Thursday. Although, he's not the minister that writes their devotionals. And, then there's you; I love you. And, some of our southern gentlemen posters must be from TN, right? I might check with you when we get our assignments; you can see if we're repairing homes for any of your clients (well, no, because we use code names only and you can't disclose clients; but I can tell you what counties we will be working in by our June orientation and meetings.)

That is correct if none of the dividends were reinvested, ever, and taxbrewster is not sure, and this is why accountants mumble a lot. Vanguard and client are your go to guys on his question.

Just finished the amended. My spouse talked to them and gave them a discount on the amended. GRRRRRRRRRRRR. I don't even have a stapler that will go through the CA amended because the documentation is so much. But they will pay full price for the 2014 return. Tom Newark, CA

I will spend most of the day on Veranda Beach. One of my all time favorite places for R & R. I will have a couple of good books, some cool refreshments, take a couple of naps and enjoy the scenery and tranquility.

I understand what you're saying. But if a person is surprised by the consequences of their own actions, that person is always gonna blame somebody else. There's nothing we can do about that. When a person is irresponsible, somebody pays. It needs to be the irresponsible party. Yes, I have become my mother. And I don't wanna pay that gal's taxes. Or get her refund. (Unless it's refundable credits, then I'm kinda mad, because that's often a reward for under achieving or hiding income.)

I had one last year who hadn't filed in four years. IRS came a'knocking with transcripts in hand. This guy is SE and didn't learn a thing. Is coming in this afternoon to file an extension for 2014. He says he doesn't LIKE to file taxes. (As in, who does?) Of course, we preparers absolutely LOVE filing taxes.

I will file returns as far back as a client can give me information to file. As far as e-filing prior years, none of us can e-file more than the current year and the two prior years if I am not mistaken because that is all the IRS is set up to accept. And as far as the client never having heard from the IRS - REALLY? Even if it was just computer generated letters that were never followed up on, I bet the letters were sent. Almost always, when the IRS grabs a refund from the current year for past due taxes, my clients have never been notified that they had past due taxes. This is the first they heard of it. Right. I know the post office occasionally loses mail, and surely the IRS occasionally misses one of these letters, BUT my money is on selective memory on the part of the client.

Maybe tomorrow I'll take the ol' broom for a spin. I just hope I don't have to unleash the flying monkeys.

I wish we could work it out. I really hate to see you 'missing' from another season. You have taught me quite a bit since I started my practice, and since I never practiced in a firm and do not have any partners, it has been invaluable. When you or OldJack were tough on me when I asked a question I should have known the answer to, it made me work harder and research more before I asked, which made me a better practitioner. There are many people on this Board to whom I owe a debt of gratitude. I'm afraid to name them because I might leave someone out. It's just sad when someone is missing from 'the firm'. I hope you are well.

>>I really miss you, and I missed you last year. I wish you would join us again.<< I thank forum members for this kind thread. As a moderator points out, the reason jainen stopped participating in 2013 has been resolved. Still, there is another issue in my own mind that has kept me from posting in the last year. I thank the moderators for allowing my non-tax post here.

Said like a true accountant! This made me laugh because we think like this. My husband would have eaten a whole row, or half of a row if it's a large package.

Tom I am not against using ATX. I was a long time ATX Max user until the CCH takeover. The hell all of you went through plus some issues I have read this year tells me to proceed carefully. Two years ago, all of us went thru hell with one software program or another and I was a victim of the TRX debacle. The support you mention is another issue which is a negative. Remember the days of William and I can't remember the other guys name but they were tops with support. Their pricing is out of my range now but I may try to get a CD after season to do some returns to see if I will put them in the list of choices. Last time I inquired they didn't even bother trying to get my business back.