JimTaxes

looks like a nice phone

it is very confusing and depending on who you talk to you get different answer

I called Ohio tax hotline... depends on who you talk to there.. the last rep told me the state wants the drivers license info and if not entered the taxpayer may get an identity proof letter.. but as far as absolutely required for e-file? that rep said no though another one said yes.

Gail.. example.. couple comes in. long time client.. two children, no EIC or AOTC.. just CTC and maybe ACTC. They tell me, either on their own or from my question that they have two children.. on prior years' return.. Do I need more proof?

I hope I can ask this here because a lot of confusion on other reading that I do.. I used ATX years ago.. still read this board to keep in tune though even though software I moved on.. This has to do with 8867 and due diligence. It is so confusing and so much disagreement as to what is needed I would like to number my questions 1. We need to see documentation to claim the the credits, correct? 2. Do we need to keep copies, paper or electronically of the documents? 3. For EIC, we that proof has to show residency of children, correct?.. so that proof could be medical records, landlord letter, church records, school records,, correct? 4. For AOTC, 1098-T is needed, right? 5. For CTC and ACTC, this is a child test issue.. what could be used here? birth certificates? some items used for EIC would not prove CTC and ACTC eligibility. Do we have to get proof of CTC and ACTC for long time clients.. say, no EIC, just regular CTC.. Do we have to get proof they are really their children?. if so what is the proof.. A lot of different views on the above. . I was looking for official answer if there anyone knows.

I know it is early in the season but I looked as my appointment book from 2015 and I had a lot more appointments booked by this time last year. Do others see their work flow up, down, or about the same compare to last year?

As far as the cell phone and auto allowance is concerned, if these are paid under an "accountable plan" where the employee substantiates expenses to the employer where the substantiation equals at least the amount of the payments to the employee, these amounts paid are tax-free to the employee. If the substantiation is less the amount of the payments, only the amount of the payments unsubstantiated get included in wages.