Margaret CPA in OH

Try posting on [email protected]. Their are a couple of Canandian posters that seem very knowledgeable sbout all these Canadian issues. KC regularly posts there as do a couple others of us. It's another really good forum, I think.

I hope this works, uploading a wmv file, thanks to Eric. Outsourcing Jobs.wmv

Try this to subscribe https://service.govdelivery.com/service/user.html?code=USIRS

In my experience, this is not unusual at all. In fact, I just got an acknowledgment yesterday from a Feb. 16 submission. I don't know but sort of think that these are "worked in" around the 1040's, etc. At least that makes me less anxious. I did have to pursue a few in prior years but always got them in the end!

Well, I googled his name and found this outdated link: http://www.appme.org/successes/atx.asp I am not on Facebook but wonder if he is. I would love to hear how he and family are doing and let him know he is not forgotten!

Glad I could help out...

One way: go to Form 4562, select Sch E in the upper left corner, in lower left corner click on Pages & Worksheets, select detail report or assets by classification.

Now THAT'S bad! Thanks for sharing on this February day, Catherine. I now have a smile...

:bday: and many more!

Thanks, KC, for again furthering my education. Someday I am going to fully explore this site and actually try out some stuff. Maybe even a dive picture! (I'm still working on Photoshop with the Indo trip. At least I now know some basics.)

Jainen, what is the My Link feature, that is, how does one use it? I've seen it here a few times but thought only computer tech geniuses could manage such magic. But maybe that is the case after all!

And then there are those of us who gave up sweets for Lent...At least I still enjoy fresh coffee with lots of cream. A few years ago when giving up sugar, I could manage coffee only with lots of cream and now prefer it that way. Fortunately, there is now fat free half and half, too, which works for me! Enjoy the banana creme stick. Maybe I can find one on Easter to try as it does sound yummy!

On what website are you folks seeing this? I went to IRS.gov and found nothing.

MAS, where did you get this diatribe? He is/was? a very troubled soul...

My email address is [email protected]. I sent you a pm.

I might be able to help with the 2555EZ having done a couple myself. What is the question?

Thanks, Gail, I needed that!

Thanks for clarifying your status, KC. And special thanks to your son, too, as he must have shared his expertise via your gracious intervention many times with us. As mentioned in my latest entry, I do believe that she will do the right thing and she did say she is not upset with me. I will remember the phrase, though, that we are limited to what the law requires. I just want to be certain that I understand what the law does require. I think we all come down on the same side of this issue. I don't think it will be the last time some of us will be faced with it. The next and continuing issue (with a new client today...sigh) is the substantiation of business use of listed property and mileage records. And I specialized in tax in graduate school because I really dislike audit! Thanks again to you and all for helping me and any others to work through this process!

Barbara has a good friend in you. Let her know her circle of friends is greatly expanded now and that she is in the care of hundreds more...

Just as I was preparing an email to this client, basically saying what you have said in explaining why I could not go along with her position, she called. We had a pleasant discussion, she did understand and holds me blameless and asked that I send her the email anyway. I did so and asked her to just let me know her decision but that I cannot file the child as a foster child. She appreciates, more than I originally gave her credit for, my position and integrity. I believe she will ask me to file correctly and continue her work for social change while following the current laws. I don't believe she holds a grudge against me, either. I just hope she does not decide to go against professional advice. I have not given her a tax return to review yet so she would have to start from scratch. This is one of the toughest client situations I have had to deal with in over 20 years. I have no clients that need EITC and have never had a custody issue before. Most of my folks are higher income, more complex situations, including kiddie tax! but this has been perhaps the most emotional. I've lost a handful of clients because of dubious financial dealings, especially with self-employment, so I really don't compromise my ethical standards. I just ask them to go elsewhere as I am unable to assist them. Thanks again!

Tom, I think I will lose her because she seems quite firm that her child should be recognized as her child in all respects. I am now convinced, however, that I cannot list the child as a foster child on the tax return, that my uneasiness and uncertainty is well-founded. I do appreciate all the input here, especially from KC with legal opinion. But the local attorney's opinion is more weighty, I think. Especially as the local attorney has the same situation. Oh well, should she choose to go elsewhere, at least I won't be anxious about trying to defend a position of which I am not certain. Thanks again to all for responses.

Great thoughts, Tom. That's why I am so unsettled about this. Just a short while ago I called an attorney friend who has similar circumstances personally. She and her partner are both attorneys so the birth parent will always be able to claim the child without question as both work. Interestingly, this attorney in the same state gave the opinion supporting jainen's position. Custody is not the same as placement of a foster child in her opinion. This client would not choose to call this child a foster child but, because the laws do not permit marriage nor adoption by her of this child, she is in a sort of limbo. It isn't just the $1000 ctc, either. It is somewhat of an affront to have to put "none" as the relationship and consider the child merely a qualifying relative. The court order states that my client 'is also now to be considered a custodian as the result of the agreement of the parties....and does not in any way terminate (mother's) legal status as parent of the minor child.' It goes on to specify certain rights and responsibilities but only so far as the state can determine. Federal tax status isn't one of those. I am afraid that I side with the qualifying relative status and will likely lose this client after 11 years. But I can't put down what I don't believe is supported by the law. And I don't believe now, based on the local attorney's opinion, that calling this child a foster child is correct. I just wish this weren't so complicated. I know this to be a loving family and this child is every bit as much a loved child by my client as any parent-child relationship. Thanks for your input.

I had the same concern which is why I asked for any attorneys to weigh in and KC did so, graciously. I asked what you think is missing because perhaps I can find something specific in the document which addresses that. I could retype the entire thing here omitting the identifying names, of course. Would that be of any use? While you are not an attorney, I nonetheless respect your wisdom and cautiousness about tax issues. I wonder if there are state documents that precisely define placement, foster child, custody, etc. The decree does address custody, visitation and support rights which sounds like a divorce decree, doesn't it? I just want to be correct on this.

Fair enough, jainen, but what 'further evidence' would be desired? The pub. states a 'foster child is an individual who is placed with you by....judgment, decree, or other order of any court of competent jurisdiction.' KC has stated that 'placed with' means also grants custody. The court order does that. What do you think is missing?

KC, thank you, thank you, thank you. I tend to take things quite literally, including this time. I so appreciate your willingness to share your legal as well as tax expertise here. My client will be very pleased!