MAMalody

This is a copy of an e-mail that I just sent to ATX. I doubt if I will even get a response. Just my two cents worth. ============ I called today and asked if I could find out what I paid last year for the 1040 Office package. I was told $595.50 (Included shipping). Good. It matched my records. I then asked for this years price for the exact same thing I bought last year. I was told $604. It was not until I asked further questions to make sure the packages were identical that I learned that there was about another $200 in E-file charges that I would need to pay. I do not appreciate being told false and misleading information. If you are going to make package comparisons, you must do so or indicate that there have been changes in that package. I should not have to ask additional questions to make sure that I am getting an apple's to apple's comparison. As a result of this misrepresentation I will be looking at other products, posting my results of this conversation at the ATX message board, and telling those that I came across in the tax prep field to look elsewhere for their software. It was then suggested that I trade up to MAX at $1065. Not my price has gone up $500. I understand that 2nd Story has a similar package to 1040 Office, priced at about the same as my last year price. To put it mildly, this is not good business practice.

<<<I also asked if they had gotten many calls re the disappearing forum.... and I was blessed with this website info>>> Does this mean that you were given this website by ATX? Hmmm. Maybe somebody is actually monitoring this site. I wonder if this will translate into better service and product? Mike

Will the close of tax season (other than extensions) most tax issues have been resolved. If you will monitor during the extension season you will see occassional questions as those issues are resolved. Instead of just monitoring, why not post that question that has been nagging you? Mike

To be honest, I hate to even consider going anywhere else. I have enjoyed using ATX and don't want to change. It does everything I need. Having said that, I am concerned about my price increase for next year and even whether they will be here. The way the community was summarily removed does not sit well or feel right to me, so I have questions about whether ATX will be here for the 2007 tax year. This is why I am looking at other possible alternatives. Mike

Your posting is a little confusing, however, if the school is an integral agency of a church, and it probably is, it would be able to treat an employee performing ministerial duties as a dual status minister for tax purposes and designate a parsonage allowance if it meets most of the requirements of RR 72-606 to be an integral agency of a church. RR 70-549 and RR 72-606 clearly state what is requireed to a school, mission, or other religous organizatioin to be under the control of a church and qualify as an integral agency of a church. If all qualifies, you would handle him like any other pastor. If it doesn't, the housing allowance becomes taxable. This can be a tricky area, however, my guess is, that if you contact the school, they may have documentation showing qualification, maybe even a PLA. Now, let me explain your problem, as I see it. You are indicating that he received a normal W-2, that is, one that has FICA and Medicare deducted on it. If that is the case, he does not qualify for a housing allowance because that would indicated that he does not have dual status. If the W-2 is issued in error that way, you would need to have the W-2 corrected. I do not now all the answers, however, I do specialize in clergy taxes and would be happy to help you with any questions that I can. You can contact me directly at [email protected]. You should note, that if you contact me directly, you will receive the benefit of peer review that this board makes available. I hope this has helped. Mike

Taking into account that some (maybe me) may be moving to different software this year as a result of the changes in ATX, has any tried or have knowledge of TaxAct by 2nd Story? Mike

I submitted the clergy worksheets and would be interested in any errors or comments so that I can fix the worksheets or improve on them. Thanks for the help. You may contact me at [email protected] Mike

Ahh. I looked at the W-2 but missed that. Thanks. (And to think they say these boards aren't necessary) Mike

I can't seem to get the Form 2555 to pick up the income for line 19. Any hints. I tried using the tabs at the bottom to no avail (I am assuming I used them correctly). I can override the field, but, i don't like to do that. Oh yes, this is on ATX software, of course. Mike

KC it is good to see you here. I have missed your missives. What is a link to your reference software research discussion lines/ Mike

This is what you want to putting into their suggestion box, not bring back the community. Any company that is not interested in their clients bottom line is not really interested in the client. It is only as ATX did those things that enhanced our business with better service, problem solving, product, etc that we stayed and spread the word. If our costs go up and we receive less service, product, etc what is our incentive to stay. Ultimately, our bottom line suffering will cause their bottom line to suffer...unless their ultimate direction it to terminate ATX anyway. Mike