Carolbeck

While your client's numbers may work out that they are not eligible for the PTC for other reasons, the above statement is incorrect.  "Qualified Health Plans" that are purchased through the exchange that are at the bronze, silver, gold, and platinum levels are all plans that will potentially allow the taxpayer to take the APTC or the PTC if they meet the other requirements.  The plans that aren't eligible are those on the exchanges that are catastrophic major medical plans only, plans purchased through SHOP, or purchased directly with the insurance company.

Yes that is true in other states, but for NY:

 

I just spent over 6 hours on a new clients return that now owe $1,350 due to excess APTC. As they actually purchased a "Gold" plan and therefore should have not even qualified for the APTC (Has to be a Silver plan) to receive.  Supposedly their "Navigator" from local county office setup everything for them on the exchange. Estimated half of their income and allowed them to take almost 2X the APTC. 1095-A is correct. A couple with no kids making $43k per year - wife does not work.  Of course I am the messenger, so of course it is MY fault. Client wants to get a "second Opinion".  

 

Please come and get your tax documents so that you can get your "2nd opinion".  And please stop calling every 15 minutes with another question about the same thing I told you during the last conversation regarding this. I have not been able to work on any other return today because of this!

 

Sorry to Vent, the crazy late clients are coming out of the wood work! Then the few I have not heard from decide to drop off at the last minute at the same time! And on a Sunday late afternoon.  Of course I have no Family or a life..

A well known local practitioner passed away last year in our area. A number of his former clients have called on me and while preparing one of those returns I noted on the depreciation schedule item listings for fertilizer, feed, and items I normally do not place on a depreciation schedule. I would appreciate any feedback on this as I have always expensed feed, hay ,and fertilizer in the year purchased. 

Maybe Inventory to be Amortized?  Resale of farm produce?  Unusual to amortize items with less than 1 year life.  Could be did not want a loss as stated above.

Imagine that happening while driving and texting ...OUCH!....   

Not to sound mean, but maybe a few of the "Texting" and driving people would swerve off away from me instead of using my car as a steering bumper to keep it between the lines.  

Is it possible for me to manually set my autosave to every 5 minutes?  I know I did last year.  I think Jack told me how, but I can't seem to figure it out this year.

Yes you can, it is in your ATX Preferences.

 

Options, Preferences, Open Return, Auto-Save.  

 

Sorry my Chrome will not let me "Snip" and Paste the screen shot.

 

Hope this helps!

The other issue regarding the early withdrawal is they "forget" about having any State Tax Withheld.  NYS loves to tax these unless you are over 59 1/2.  The problem I had is a person

who did this EVERY TIME she changed jobs. EVERY TIME she owed Mega bucks to NYS.  EVERY TIME I explain about the 10 % Penalty and the 25% Tax Bracket Federal and the approx 6% NYS Tax, so that about 50% is going to taxes.  Never Listens.. "I needed the money"  Than whines about owing..

Knowing you, Jack, you took all the funds out in CASH. (And which was completely justified - your money, your decision.)

That is why we only have accounts with a Credit Union. Have had our accounts with our Credit Union since 1988. I will not deal with any Banks especially Chase or BoA. They really do not want any personal accounts except to charge outrageous bank fees for every little thing. Our Credit Union has been great and especially with the home town touch. Personal attention and calls for any issues. Know us on a 1st name basis.

Cartridge in a bare treeimage.jpgimage.jpg

We have this as one of our Christmas Decorations....

Yep. So few were taking advantage of the advanced option that it was eliminated.

I had one client only who had the advanced EITC. So few used it because it was not a huge refund all at once to spend as soon as they received their refund. Didn't make a difference for them living paycheck to paycheck.

I didn't lose anybody over the 2012 mess. But I sure did lose a lot of time and energy for a few weeks there, both of which translate into dollars, because I was working under increased pressure for a reduced wage. Did anybody die? No, but, I didn't really have time to hunt them down.

Yes, if they weren't willing to cut the price with the 2013 software, it's never going to happen.

I will say this, I found the 2013 program to be just grand, except I hate the letters. It was plenty fast, and I had no desire to kill anyone. None at all. I'll renew, but I think I'll wait.

I agree, 2013 was much better (but I also had a better PC to use than 2012 - Both Dell's, but for 2013 Win7 Pro and 8Gb RAM vs Win7 Home and 4GB - Go Figure it would make that much of a difference). Both Stand Alone except for Wireless Printer (Color) for my letters). HP LJ 3015P for all else.

I also hate the letters, cumbersome and they look unprofessional in ATX. I setup a template in word to use for my letters, copy pasted most of the ATX letter with the refund or balance due info, then tweaked it in Word. It did not take but a few minutes to tweak. Had my letterhead, etc and it looked much more professional than the lame ATX Letters.

I also waited to the last minute to renew and I paid a down pmt in January and the rest in February. Actually received a better price than 2012.

I never renew early as they take the money ahead of time with free use for a measly 10% (wow $100!) discount. Not worth it to me.

I also remember prepaying for software back in (1995 - 1996?- had 2 girls 1 and 2 so memory is foggy) and then the company went belly up and lost the prepaid amount. I tried ProSeries Intuit that 1st year - Very Expensive, then I switched to ATX for 1997. I have never renewed early since then.

Just my random thoughts - Sorry!

And then seeing the news about the huge bonus's received by IRS Employee's who are not compliant with their own Personal Tax Filing responsibilities. A case of "Do as I say, not as I do".

Do you think that sets a tone for the average taxpayer civic duty of tax compliance?

Our dogs do the same thing....

Sigh.

I have been working on a four-tune Scottish fiddle set for the New Hampshire Highland Games this September -- since last September. My instructor just added a whole slew of really excellent ornamentation and dynamics to the tunes. So now I've been working on adding those in.

Thing is, my instructor broke her left (violin fingering!) wrist in *fourteen* places in February after falling on ice.

She still made it sound easy and beautiful.

With no broken wrist and no mobility problem I sound not *quite* bad enough to make the neighborhood cats howl.

I don't think breaking my own wrist will improve my sound, though.

I love going to the Scottish games when they are here in August. The calling of the Clans, I could listen to Bagpipes and Fiddle all day! Keep up the good work and you will do fine!!! Nice to be involved with something totally unrelated to Taxes!

I generally charge $25 for a dependent with a couple of W-2's. I charge the parents a little less than the non-storefront preparers in this town and a lot less than the storefronts, so I don't feel much like giving away my work. I've not had any complaints. Yes, I know that some take that as an indication that I should charge more. You do your thing and I'll do mine.

This is exactly how I handle these. Sometimes a little more sometimes a little less. I usually show the Fee on the parent's Invoice with a discount down to $25 to cover the costs.

Though this year I had one that just irked me. High Income couple that due to her Student Loans requires her to file MFS so that eventually her loans will be paid in full as she is a teacher with her Masters Degree. There is a special program that allows the elimination of debt if she files MFS because it is based on just her Income.

So that means actually 3 Returns, as I have to show them what MFJ would be like and what each files as MFS. Then I have to explain every line as to why it is better to file this way, what the tax savings are, etc, etc. What a struggle this year just getting paid the $100 I charged for all 3 returns. They asked to file just the wife's to get the refund on hers, and wait to file his (Always owes) and pay me when they get their refund. Then they thought I could do his 16 yr old son's return "If I was not going to charge them anything for it". This would have been a $56 refund.

It just irked me me with their attitude, Together they make 4 times what our family makes. So I just told them that I could not prepare the return as I was not a "Paid Preparer" and suggested they pick up some forms at the Library.

Congratulations Jack! Not a Grandparent yet, but oh how I miss the "Baby Fix"

It is great to hear how involved you will be as a Grandparent. I wish my in-laws were the same.

Well, I love you, Rita.

Me too! You have made this tax season the best with your knowledge and sense of humor. I am not afraid of you. Keep up the good work! Love your posts!

As my part-time gig, I have approx. 120 unique clients...some more unique than others. As my part-time job along with my 8-5 accounting/shipping job, I just physically cannot handle more than that. State returns included OH, IN, KY, PA, MT, ND, CA, and CO.

Lost a few clients due to my policy of not preparing a return that includes questionable deductions (i.e. the total cost of an unlinited data plan cell phone because she just HAD to have it to sell her Mary Kay)...and sadly lost several this year because they passed away in 2012 (I will especially miss Ivan the Mad Russian..."you will do my taxes right, so KGB not break you!".

However, I obtained more than I lost via referrals. What I will NOT miss is the feeling of being a prisoner in my own home....never knowing when its safe to shower or poop for fear of un-scheduled client arrivals. Never being able to schedule anything for myself because my clients see appointments as a general goal rather than a time at which they need to arrive. I will miss the money...paid for my daughter's Spring Semester at college.

This about what my situation is. I have approx 136 clients that I file Federal and State for, down to 1 Partnership. Some of these are quite complex Farm Returns and Stock Sales. Most of the Farm Returns require quite a bit of bookkeeping (Say No to Shoe Box Accounting). Sometimes some people who use Quickbooks should not be allowed. Takes longer to correct. I no longer do Payroll as I can't compete with what ADP does and is not worth the hassle.

I also work full time in a Tax Department at a large global company that usually requires a 60 to 70 hour work week. I complete approx (With 1 other Co worker) 25 (Large) Corporation Consolidated Federal Returns along with numerous State returns that are either Separate, combined, or unitary. The Massachusetts Unitary return is the most difficult. At least these returns are on Extension until September 15th. But I never get to see the Summer Sun because of it.

I just am not able to complete more returns than I do for Individuals as there is not enough time during the filing period. I wish I could! It seems like this year there was not 1 simple easy return to do. All seemed to either be missing info or more teeth pulling. This part time work does help with the Finances greatly! My husband is disabled and it helps pay for college expenses for my 2 daughters.

I just finished my last return, sent efile signature pages and return pdf via email for signature. Have a few on extension that have already been efiled. Just waiting to hear back from clients with efile

signatures. Efile, and wait for ack. Have 2 pickups on Monday. I am so very tired. This has been the longest Tax Season ever (Not in days available), but slogging through.

Best Wishes for everyone!!! Hope Monday and Tuesday go smooth and everyone gets to take a break.

Talk to you soon.

Yes, I did attend the Cornell Veterinary School Open House with my daughter today. So glad we went and had some special time together. Worth it being up to almost 4:00 AM!

Everytime I see the word "Anvil" I think of poor Wiley E Coyote and the 'Anvil" falling on his head...

I have 3 different Staplers. I autostaple for the 2 efile signature pages, 1 mid size Ratchet up to 60 pages, and the big Kuhuna heavy duty one for more than 60 pages.. I really hate when the big Kahuna jams. Usually have to reprint because of the bleeding involved.

This site is my sanity break. Thank you Eric for keeping this site alive. Happy Birthday!!! and Happy Birthday to KC, who is always there to help.

I have been with ATX since 1997 also (Still have the 1997 CD's), when I switched from Parsons to ProSeries (Very Costly). Thank you everyone for all of your insights and help. I was a lerker for a long time, much more productive being interactive.

I still love to see all of RitaB's Posts the best, they make my day. She could be a Stand Up Comedian in her off Tax Season.

Thank you again everyone! Hope everyone survives the end of Tax Season. At least next week I am off from my "Normal" day job, and can concentrate on my remaining tax returns and extensions!.

Carol

I'm with Lion and Jack. Sure that sort is a pain, BUT they can also be the source of SIGNIFICANT income. Demand a hefty retainer, and file extension.

That was another one of the problems. "We do not have any money" I got them caught up last time as a gift and did not charge them that much. Not counting all the Bookkeeping (as they had a shopping bag full of receipts) and then the Tax Returns. I charged them $200 per year including the Bookkeeping. At this point in my life, these clients are not worth the stress as I am not able to go the 36 hours of no sleep anymore. I have 8 other returns in the hopper to be completed before the 15th.

As Jack in Ohio has always said. "Poor Planning on your Part, does constitute an Emergency on my part". Sometimes it is just not worth all the $$$ in the world. I really want to spend Saturday with my 18 yr old daughter and go to the Cornell Veterinary School Open House. This is her dream. So I think I will!

if they are suddenly trying to get it done by the 15t, I'm betting they are either applying for a loan or IRS is breathing down their neck. Both would be deal breakers for me.

I figured they probably are getting many letters from the IRS and that is what it took last time to light a fire under them. Honestly, I do not know how people who operate like this can sleep at night. I would be worried sick.

Had a couple a few years ago 2005 to 2009 finally get their act together and we filed all of the returns to get them caught up. Refunds etc. Took forever getting their info, had to stay right on top of them. Filed the 2009 in Oct 2010. Never heard from them after that. I called, mailed, etc. No Response.

Yesterday, after getting home from my day job at 7:30 PM, message on my machine: "Hey can we stop down with our tax info (Like we just talked the other day), oh and by the way there are prior years included". Can we have these completed by the 15th? 2 Self Employed people, no estimated taxes, 2 separate business, etc. NOT Happening. I told my husband if they try to drop off anything, to tell them I am not taking on any new clients at this point. They will have to find another preparer.

Unbelievable!

Engineer who spent four days trying to do his return before handing it over, pays $19700 in investment fees, picked up last week, comes in today to give me the signed e-file authorization, and ask / say:

1) What is the $336 on Sch A for medical? I know we don’t get anything for that, but can you take it

off?

MC premiums on your wife’s disability.

Oh, are insurance premiums deductible?

2) You only gave me one copy, I will need one for myself.

See this e-file authorization you signed? You, uh, authorized me to e-file. That’s your copy of

the tax return. Also says here on the letter, that I will e-file it. You know, when you give me the

signed e-file authorization.

3) Hey, are you cooking something? Smells real hot.

4) Hey, I will get more bang for my buck on the 19,700 investment fees next year cause my

deductions won’t be limited and I will only have $100,000 AGI.

10.7

I may look calm, but I have killed three people in my head today.

I had "My Engineer" tell me that I made an "error" last year with only applying his $5,200 Investment Fees on Sch A, subject to the 2% limit. His "Broker" told him he could write it off to ST Loss on Schedule D if he was at the Schedule A Limit. Would I be so kind as to Amend.. NOT, I did ask on here about that as I never heard of that before, maybe my brain was fried.. Not my imagination, but his "broker" sure is trying to pull a fast one.

Rita, you have the patience of a saint!! How did you not smack him upside the head with his tax return?