jasdlm

When I run MFS vs MFJ for CA, the tax comes out higher. The non-resident spouse has no CA income and doesn't (and hasn't) live in CA. The CA tax seems several thousand dollars higher than it should be for just the resident spouse income. Joan, KC, Tom, anybody . . . is there something I'm missing? Income for resident spouse is only W2 income plus a little interest. Standard Schedule A deductions. I have read the publication, and my clients have a pre-nup agreeing to keep property separate (not community property) - maybe I'm missing something in indicating this on the CA return? Thanks much for any help anyone can provide.

My efiles won't create if I don't have a phone number listed. I could not efile without a phone number if I wanted to. Weird that we all have different experiences.

Awesome! I just requested to 'join'. Thanks, Judy and Rita, and thanks Eric!

I got Clementines, Almonds, and Organic Tea from my clients today. I wonder if they're trying to tell me something.

We have a Facebook page?

10) I know you're really busy, BUT . . .

Who needs a reason. PITA fee - we assign those as needed (or deserved) in my office.

I'm not even slightly offended (although maybe I should be). You're right - I'm getting an incredible, much-needed laugh!

Just can't go a year without giving him a shout out. Jainen, if you're lurking, hello and all the best to you!

Client dropped off a $20 off Tax Preparation coupon from H&R Block with his tax 'bits'. I'm not sure how I'm supposed to take that, but I think a $20 fee increase is in order .

I know you meant to say 'excluding jasdlm, who is top notch, always' and brings a breath of fresh air to the legal profession!

Ooops . . . and Thanks so much, Judy! I really appreciate it.

Woohoo! Great day in Mudville! This is a Mom who could really use, and in my opinion deserves, a break!

Child was the beneficiary of a life estate that was gifted to him prior to the death of the life-estate holder. (Feedlot I mentioned in another post.) The lot was sold. I reported the gain on the child's 1040 and completed form 8615 with Mom's information (does not make much and has 3 children - head of household). Federal tax due $0. I think this is correct, but it is not completely passing the smell test. (Total gain of $14,000 plus $5,500 1245 recap.) Thanks for your thoughts. I need verification or a swift kick, but under no circumstances do I need a hug from Rita!

Clients started a new business and owed a fair amount of money last year. I recommended estimated payments and prepared the vouchers for the same (complete with addressed envelopes)! Called after completing return to confirm that clients had, in-fact, made the estimated payments. Nope . . . thought those were coupons for a payment plan for the 2014 amount due. Did not want to owe the feds money, so did not opt for the payment plan. Awesome! These are great clients. I got a great laugh and a reminder that things that are clear to me might not be as clear to other people who are just as smart but not versed in my lingo.

I really do not like extensions. I put off my legal and financial clients until after tax season, and I feel like I really need to attend to other things after 18 April. (I'm aiming to be done by 15 April. I do NOT want to work that extra weekend.) I agree with treating clients like they are special. They are. Some of Rita's clients are extra *Special*, but if they pay the bill . . . If not - there's always the goodbye hug and the back yard of the farm.

130. I need to do 8.7 returns per day.

My husband goes too long without shaving, and during the day, he is running around working on our rental properties (or at least that's the excuse he gives), so he wears crummy jeans and a ratty t-shirt. Since I am up to my ears in taxes, he took our 10 year old son to work at the Interdenominational Nutrition Kitchen, which my Son does once a month. Someone looked up, saw my husband standing there, and said, 'I'm sorry, Sir. We're not serving until 1:00!' These are people from our Church! It actually shocked him (my husband) a bit, but it made me laugh until I cried when my Son told me the story. My husband could look a little better even if he is working!

A return with schedule C and EITC for $80 is NO BUENO! Good choice.

That's funny!

Me calling client: Did you make estimated payments for 2015? (New client, so I did not set them up.) Client - somewhat haughtily: Yes I did, the information is in the packet I dropped off for you. Me: Do you think I would call you if the information was in the packet you dropped off for me?

I agree with FDNY. You'll need to see the plan document to be certain. The following is from the IRS Retirement Plan FAQs. If the SEP-IRA permits non-SEP contributions, you can make regular IRA contributions (including IRA catch-up contributions if you are age 50 and older) to your SEP-IRA, up to the maximum annual limit. However, the amount of the regular IRA contribution that you can deduct on your income tax return may be reduced or eliminated due to your participation in the SEP plan.

Town evicting you? I must have missed a thread. Eeegads.

At the high risk of sounding like an idiot, why do you cut the W2s apart if you're electronically filing all the returns? I'm panicking that I've been doing something wrong for, oh . . . about 12 years!

I'm so sad to read the posts by Catherine, Joan and Lion. Sorry, Ladies! Catherine, had you been thinking previously about selling your practice? I hope you won't leave our 'family' here. Best to all of you.