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A handful of extensions have been filed and 3 returns waiting on signatures in order to efile, and those will be in today. It's been a harrowing couple of weeks trying to get caught back up after losing days of time because of husband being hospitalized for a few days mid-March and then working day and night on about 3-4 hrs of sleep a night since then. I'll be around here to help where I'm able over these next few days, and of course the rest of the year. I want to express my sincere appreciation to every member that selflessly contributes to help others on here. I learn a lot from reading all the posts and seeing the ways that you all approach some issues differently than I would. You all are amazing and are what makes this such a great site! For me, it is also a needed distraction at times too. Thank you all for another great season.

... I became a landscaper. And I have the farmer's tan to prove it! We hired a crew for the front yard. We did the side door ourselves. The backyard is still a work in progress leftover from last fall. A little hardscaping is next (walkways, patio, etc.). Our life will involve a lot of watering over the summer, but we're as happy as we are tired. There will be a rose trellis on the right side and some evergreen bushes on the left. Our side door. A flagstone walkway from the driveway to the front door that follows the curve of the bed goes here.

New couple came in today to pickup their finished returns and I noticed that the woman had tears in her eyes as she sat down. So I thought, gee, this return isn't anything to be emotional over, but whatever. The first thing the woman asked was where I got my beaded necklace and said it was one of her mother's. It turned out that her mother used to make original bead and stonework pieces and did restringing repairs also. This woman's mother made the necklace that was of her own original design about 30 years ago when I purchased it and the matching earrings. I then told *my* mom this story and she was with me that day and remembers the purchase too! It is the oddest thing that I chose this exact day because I haven't worn it in about 20 years, and this morning I felt compelled to wear the piece with a particular sweater I had in mind, and not a new sweater either. These were happy tears for this woman and made her day knowing that mom's work is still out there for others to enjoy. It's an interesting business we are in, and one never knows who will walk through our office door and into our lives. Whatever the reason for this, I have a happy client and a new friend. Happy Tuesday, everyone!

Well forty seasons now done. Some of these clients showed up as young adults, had children whose children now have children. Not in my wildest dreams when I accepted my Uncle August's suggestion to take over his small tax business when he quit it would go on this long. It has been a challenging and rewarding time. I have had countless laughs with clients and sad times when as with this year three of them passed on after more than thirty years. I have been much appreciated and sometimes less so. I have not been perfect but I rather doubt the perfect taxman has yet to walk this earth. And now you are doubtless thinking I am going to hang it up and bring in my rocking chair. Well I ain't ! I'll be back again next year.

Baby granddaughter started walking yesterday, at just-turned-10-months old!

I've been around for a few years but I'm Irish and stubborn so have rarely asked for help. I'm also a one woman band here so rarely chime in because (I apologize in advance) I read daily to learn yet have little time to help. Unfair to all of you that I take yet I don't give. I learn something new every day from each and every one of you. I've done taxes since 1987. I remember peeling the label off and sticking it to the blue form at the kitchen table. I went computerized with a software called Pencil Pushers and I loved it but it went away. Then I turned to Lacerte. Too expensive so I switched to ATX which led me here. The debacle of 2011 sent me back to Lacerte but I'm grateful my short time using ATX introduced me to this incredible group of people. I lost my partner in 2018. Not my business partner but the man I simply adored so 2019 season was a shit show. Sorry if I'm not supposed to say shit. I work from home. Every single day people came in and asked "where's Eric?" I had to say "dead." 2020 was business as usual until it wasn't. 2021 has been the worst I've seen in 33 years. No one in my office. Meeting in the driveway. I won't even list the insanity of the government because I've been here daily. I know you know. I guess this post is to simply say thank you for getting me through another year. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. Your struggles. Most of the time you were helping others but you were also making me feel less alone. Going forward? I'm probably downsizing because I'm old and I'm tired and I'm furious to have done such hard work for so many years only to have them make my life and my job harder. I wish all of you a week on the beach with your family. Or the mountains. Or wherever. Most of all - I thank you. From an old woman in upstate NY who's been doing taxes way too long and still trying to do her best. My sincerest thanks

Husband texted me that he was running late and I answered with what was supposed to be "ok, thanks for letting me know" that I sent as "ok, thanks for loving me now." Then I started to send "geez, I should proofread before sending" which started to convert to "Cheese Arthur profit..." which started me laughing so hard that I had tears running. It was at that exact moment that a representative from the state's division of revenue returned my call. All I can say is that poor woman must think I'm totally nuts, and that it's a good thing I don't text much with my clients.

Long time client. Has a rental, royalties, detailed schedule A, 2106 etc. Because they are friends, we always gave them a discount. Last year, their son talked them into going to Liberty so he could get a $50 referral payment. They also got a very heavily discounted return. Like only $17. But the bill would have been over $550 without the discount. So this year they want to come back. Sure, send me over your 2013 return. Roll the return from my software and put in the numbers from last year so I can roll the return again. Guess what, they don't match up? Why? Well, the rental has NO DEPRECIATION on the 2013 return. I keep looking at the schedule E and I don't see the depreciation. So that $17 return that got your son $50 cost you $1400 in Federal and State Taxes paid in 2013. Now I get to do the amended and the 2014. I bet they never leave again. And there will not be a discount this year. Tom Newark, CA

Cordelia Rose arrived on the 19th. 7 lbs 10 oz, 19" They asked us to stay quiet until they got home and settled, so I've had both hands over my mouth at all times for four days now! And I just had to share with all my dear friends here.

I've signed a sales agreement for my practice. I have high respect for the guy who's buying my business and I'm thrilled that what I started 27 years ago will continue to grow and prosper, and that my employees will have a great new boss and continued employment. (is everyone singing that Who song in their heads right now?) This coming tax season should be my last full-time one where I work 70 hours and 7 days a week. I still need/want to work part-time for several years to come, perhaps at the wine bar in the town where I live. They've been struggling to find reliable employees who won't steal from them or screw up their inventory. Excited for the next chapter of my life and for being less stressed. I can't believe it all worked out exactly as I always hoped. I'm not much of a planner but I've always been lucky as can be. Don't worry. I'm not leaving this forum. You all (y'all) are like family to me!

Well, today I sold my practice to a very capable young man! I have taken down my shingle and have entered retirement. I just wanted to stop in and say so long for now and to express the deepest sense of gratitude for each and everyone of you and the sense of comradiry we have had here. It is with the most sincere part of me that I say I wish the each of you the very best of luck and success in the days and years to come. May the Lord of all creation be your ever guiding light! And until we meet again.................

So I check with my doctor the other day to find out what's ailing me. He said I had IT'SAD, Income Tax Season Affective Disorder. This malady was first recognized by Dr. Walter N. Cluer of the renowned ATX Institute or the Amsterdam Taxpreparers Xfile Institute in the Netherlands. Some of the indications are, Fear of missing something if you don't visit this board daily. Grief, when opening a tax package and seeing a crumpled, sticky, coffee and spaghetti sauce (or blood) stained documents. Headache, from breathing the odor of tax documents that smell like a pack of Marlboros. Sadness, when receiving a long fax with 50 pages of a year end brokerage statement with instructions. Anger, when realizing you are out of fax ink and machine keeps beeping. I'm sure many of you have other symptoms. I asked if there was a remedy and he said "No bunky, just therapy from a support group". I hope everyone here gets the help they need if they are affected, and it is good to know we have a great support group right here. Thanks to all, I feel better already. Don't let the April fools get you down, they all just realized what date is fast approaching.

Well, I just received my final acceptance from the IRS for my last return on extension. I am officially retired. I started preparing taxes in the '80s with H&R Block, bought a franchise in 1991 then sold it in 1997 after doubling the business. Started doing some returns for friends and investment clients using ATX (with the bunny hop) making only house calls. I joined this community after ATX dropped the previous version. I am thankful for the advice and assistance I have received from various members over the years. I will continue to lurk on the forum in the future. Good Bye and thanks to all. Joel

Baby granddaughter at just over 8 months old, has her first little toofie. So exciting!

Andrew was hired by United and started training January 4. It was hard for him to leave SkyWest, but this has been his dream job since he was little. He will be flying 737s out of LAX until a spot opens in Denver. We are super happy for him. I am looking forward to more fun trips to places that I have never seen.

Hey, Everybody, we're all good. Lots of hail but the tornadoes missed us! Thanks for checking!

Fifteen years is a long time, but 9/11 is remembered vividly by all of us as the most profound and defining day in America's history. We lost nearly three thousand heroes that day, civilians and first responders alike. As a former firefighter in NYC, I know why 343 firefighters and 60 police officers were killed. There is a segment of a bible proverb in every firehouse, "Greater Love Hath No Man" (than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends). Those first responders ascending the towers' staircases knew what their fate might be. But they still tried to get as many people out as possible. That's the job, that's what we do. September 11th is called Patriot Day, a day of Service and Remembrance. A fitting dedication to honor all those lost on that awful day. First responders around the world do their job with unwavering dedication, continuing the legacies of those lost. We will be doing the same as we remember and serve those in need. Please say a prayer for all those who have become sick from 9/11 related diseases. 120 NYC firefighters have died since, and many others are battling for their lives.

Don't let your spouse watch those home improvement programs, you'll be sorry.

...wishing the ATX Community a happy 7th birthday. This site was created April 10, 2007.

Yes, lots of letters are coming to my clients because in spite of my spending countless hours explaining why I needed their exact stimulus payments, many got them wrong. In other news, I did sell my business! YAY! I will continue to work for the buyers for at least 4 years. I will be transitioning from TaxWise to Ultra Tax. Praying for an easy learning curve. I'm so happy to be an employee and not a business owner. One more step toward retirement. And yes, you will still see me here!

New client with five rentals. NOT a real estate professional. Came to me because HER LENDER told her that her 2013 and 2014 tax returns were not prepared correctly. Boy, that is the understatement of my short, illustrious career. Preparer put the rentals on Sch C, charitable donations on Sch C, made up 14,685 business miles, completely omitted depreciation (but the mileage made up for it). Lo and behold, we have EIC! The rentals are in a trailer park. Taxpayer lives in the last trailer in the row. There is NO travel. WTH? I also looked at what the preparer before this inept person did in 2012. She used Sch E. Good call there. However, two rentals, that had been depreciated for 16 years, were sold. Not a peep about accumulated depreciation on Form 4797. Taxpayer had gains of 32,000. Tax return comes out that she made 1,200. Where is IRS? These errors are GLARING. Stuff like this kills good tax preparers. In general, people here are not well off. They go to the preparer they can best afford. They either think all preparers know what they're doing, or they don't care if it's correct. This 2013 and 2014 preparer charged $150. It's worth nothing. She is making twice as much as me per hour and producing crap. How is a good preparer going to compete with these bad preparers if nobody is minding the store? I realize that many of you have all the business you want and/or have clients that will never leave you, no matter what. It's not like that in Rural, TN. C'mon, IRS, help a girl out.

So glad it’s over! This morning as every year I leave MA at midnight to spend a few days with Mom in NYC after being away for nearly 3 months. She’ll be 99 in a few weeks and all she wants to do is play dominoes, Bingo and drink my homemade wine with no sulfites. A tradition I hope goes on for as long as I am in this business. Photo is not long ago.

Because they make good lighting stands for a standing desk. Of course a good book on Capone is an appropriate topper. Looking forward to a good tax season for everyone.

So this is why @RitaB hugs 'em first.

My wonderful wife has finished my new quilt. It is on a King Size bed in the picture. My wife is the bomb. Tom Modesto, CA

Shout out to my girl RitaB for hosting such a wonderful event. I have considered her a friend online for years, but now she is like a sister. She put on a fabulous lunch for us all and we just had a marvelous time hanging out. Love you Rita....you are the best. In case it does not get mentioned, Possi is the best joke teller of the group. She does accents and dialects for all her characters. Abby is not far behind, he is very fun. Abby is also brilliant and has a wonderful spouse. Margaret can cook! Catherine is sharp as a tack and competitive as all get out. Jack is just like he is online. Edsel is a soft spoken southern gentleman. Gail is very sweet and funny. The back forty has a lot of flowers in it. Seems to be well tended and fertilized. Seriously, the view from Rita's house never gets old. I just kept walking outside to look out over the back 40. Beautiful country to look at. And most important....BulldogTom and Catherine are the undefeated cornhole champions. Thanks again RitaB for hosting. Tom Modesto, CA

My assistant and I went for a doubles massage. My neighbor brought us a little bottle of champagne, so we had some bubbly before going. This gal, Cynthia, has become like a daughter to me. With no job and no plans for a career, I took her under my wing last year. She was even better this year. I'm helping her study for her EA (even though I have no plans for my own) so she can plan her future in taxes. Personally, this has been the most peaceful, joy-filled, and productive tax season in my life. Thank you for all your assistance, all your laughs, and for being my extended office. This is my safe place, right here. What a difference this site makes in my business and my spirit. Saturday, I begin HORSEBACK RIDING LESSONS. Yes, 62 this month, and I'm finally able to fulfill a dream of mine. I am going to a Christian camp so that if I fall off the horse and "wake up dead," they know how to pray me UP! AMEN? I'm a very blessed woman! Thanks, and God Bless y'all.

Since no one responded to the thread for the week of 3/24-3/30, I hope you all like my decision to make @Eric an Honorary Aficionado for putting up with us (probably mostly me bugging him at times), and I'm also awarding him a crown of golden laurels for keeping this forum up and running for the last 11 years. Thank you, Eric! If anyone that has benefitted from this forum has not yet donated to Eric, please consider doing that to help keep the site up and running. If you consider the time another member here may have saved you by providing answers not easily found in other reference materials or sites, or if this site has helped make your season a little easier or more profitable, I think you'll agree that a donation isn't too much to ask.

Preparation is - done! Extensions are - done! I am - DONE!!!!!!!!!! Will work on some quarterly payroll reports tomorrow and Thursday while putting out minor fires that pop up - and then we we are out of here for four relaxing days!

HUGE bald eagle flew at low altitude over my car and then landed in front of me (I was going slowly to start with, and stopped). First time I've seen one live and in person. This was in Lexington MA, barely a 1/2 mile from a major interstate highway. Wow. Just wow.

Ah yes, "the hipster underwear taxpayer strategy". Happens to me at least once a year. Taxpayer slips in a flattering (size), popular, functional and colorful 3 pak, trying to gain your generosity in calculating their tax liability. IRS knows all about it and they have sent out briefs on the subject to warn us to not get boxed in by this ploy.

Long-time client (and family friend) was in an "unfortunate" marriage for several years. Her spouse earned cash (under the table) and had not filed taxes in 5+ years and was not going to start just because he got married...so I have had to file client's returns MFS even though jointly was better because husband did not want his name ona a return and refused to sign a MFJ return. Client finally divorced the guy (unfortunately not final until January 2016). Client demands to file HOH (daughter lives with her) instead of MFS. The problem is that client already told me in several previous conversations that she did not move out until Sept. 2015....so did NOT live apart last 6 months of the year. After reading some IRS literature I sent, client is now telling me to file HOH under assumption that they did NOT live together last 6 months. I told her I could not file that way, as much as I may want to, because I had reasonable belief that it was false. Client cried Client shouted Client is no longer client but I will sleep well knowing I did not file a false return. I figure she'll find another preparer this year...to whom she will know what not to say...and she will probably be back to me next year. This job.....

Ok, you started it! Granddude pics for your viewing pleasure. 3 of the current 4 with one on the way in July.

No pics? Being a Grandpa is the best thing in the world!!

I am retiring from practice, gray hairs and all. I hope I can still drop in and chat with ya all, from time to time. Thirty seven years is long enough I think. Although I will still have to prepare mine,.. going back to pencil....NO SOFTWARE Giving away all my office furniture and equipment to charity today, hope they can use it or sell it. All in all it has been a rewarding career. I may miss it for a time, but I guess all things come to an end. My best wishes to every one of you pro's. Elrod

7 years ago today, my high school sweetheart and wife of 17 years passed away. Some of you were with me in spirit then (on old ATX forum) and offered words of encouragement. Thank you. Life is a crazy-magical thing....the door closed on that part of my life....and another opened just a few months later....affording me the opportunity to spend the 2nd half of my life with a grade-school sweetheart. During this time of year that is so filled with tax returns and clients....a take a little time to remember and be thankful. The motto I've learned to live by: "Shit happens...get over it...live happy"

Client decides to jump on board the direct marketing bandwagon and start a "business" selling hand bags/purses (through Thirty-One). I sit down with her and explain the whole idea of business vs. hobby and explain to her what expenses might be deductible if we do approach it as a business...to assist in reducing the affect of her $1,000 1099-MISC income. She admits that there is no area of her home used exclusively for this activity, so no OIH...thus I inform her that she cannot deduct mileage...even if it was business-related...which was in itself questionable. I also inform her that her cell phone is not deductible since (among other reasons) she does not have another home phone...just her cell. She seems to understand and leaves me with her papers with a positive attitude...understandably since her product cost and other legitimate expenses would reduce her "profit" to only approx. $300.00....not having much affect if any on her usual refund. However, this evening, she e-mails me that she has been talking to other people she knows that do such "businesses" and they have been deducting such expenses for years...and that if I cannot deduct those things, she wants her papers back...below is my response...first time in my 16 years that this has happened. She is a nice young lady, but so be it...I do not have time for that crap. I understand completely. I pride myself on preparing returns according to IRS regulations in a manner that would hold up under IRS audit. A person can claim anything on their tax returns and not suffer any negative consequences…until they are audited….and there are no shortage of preparers willing to claim those deductions in order to attract or retain clients. While the chances of you being the unlucky one is really small, I will not lower my standards or risk my professional reputation by putting my name on a return that I consider questionable. I will be home tomorrow evening after 7:00pm, and other evenings this week after 6:00pm. I will have your papers ready.

My daughter gave me a placard for my desk that reads, "I can explain it to you, but I cannot understand it for you."

Here's to health, happiness, and prosperity in 2024!

My daughter was in a car accident yesterday. Anyone looking at the mess it made out of her car would never believe in a thousand years that she walked away unharmed. The other driver had dozed off and crossed the yellow line on a bridge. With no where to go, she accelerated enough so that he hit the back of her car. This spun her around and she travel sideways and backwards off the bridge off the side of the road - and fortunately not the side with the drop off. The truck continued into a field below the bridge. He too was not harmed. We get so deep in numbers and papers this time of year. I wanted to take a moment and remind us of the importance of each other here and at home. I don't even know half the names of people on this forum, but I consider you part of my extended family. In my prayers of thanks for the life of my daughter, I will also pray for all of you - for your safety as you travel and for peace as you wind up this tax season.

Happy New Year to all my friends and colleagues here. Couldn't get through this madness without you all!

May your hearts and your holidays be light!

No, no; I'm not tryin' to proselytize you or hand out Witness phamplets; I saw a Help Wanted KFC sign yesterday which may appeal to those of us who are sick/tired/fed up (I'm in there somewhere) translating taxes for the terminally obtuse. It offers $15-20 an hour (possible manager training for those who can tell the difference between Original and Extra Crispy), 401-K, full health insurance + dental & vision, two weeks paid vacation, and fast-tracking for the skilled employee (if only I'd played basketball instead of majoring in business; accurate burger-flipping is probably a plus). Yes, yes, it's cheap pay, but think of the enticing attraction - soothing that wrung-out, worn-out brain of yours with a desperately needed island-class rest. The only thing you must really know is not PPP ins-and-outs, back-door Roths, or tracking CTC advances, but merely this (50% errors are tolerated): "Did that guy say with cheese or without?"

I've never said, "If you have to ask, you can't afford me." but I'd like to do that once before I fully retire.

I hit golf balls because the golf season has officially begun.

MERRY CHRISTMAS to all! We just bought our Christmas Tree from the market. One of our better clients She deals with good people and even said if we gave it plenty of light and water she would even and come and take it away for us come February! So nicely shaped and just the right amount of fill, etc. Kind of strange quills - I did not get the type. What a great deal and nice young lady she is!! First year in this endeavor, hope she does well. /s

So at church this morning, the Pastor says in his sermon that we are going to get audited by God some day. On the way home, my 18 year old son says he isn't worried about that audit because he will have a mileage log and his receipts when he gets there. He must be listening more than my wife and I think when we talk about clients at home. Tom Hollister, CA