Margaret CPA in OH

I sent out engagement letters and questionnaires Monday. I sent actual organizers only to those who request them as they have been typically a waste of paper for my folks. The questionnaire serves as a reminder of what documents are needed and, of course, I ask questions later on as needed. This has worked for my small practice for many years. They know me, I know them.

I just paid mine through AICPA. I opt for $100K/$250K with NetProtect or Cyber insurance. I also have a million general liability through other insurance but this is not specifically malpractice. I've never had a claim in 25+ years (whew!) and benefit from Engagement letter credit of 5%, CNA longevity credit of 10% and Claim Free Credit of 5%. Yes, the rates have increased somewhat but the $190 NetProtect is the ugly part, I think. But I would not go without it these days.

I'm happy that you figured this out. I was getting confused between 'red' and 'read' but now realize that you were overriding the calculated amount from the input box. You probably now know that anytime you have to override and get a red (in my case, pink) box, that means you might be wise to click on the arrow link to see how that calculation may be done in the system rather than your direct input. I'm glad you brought this up, though, as it's always good to learn what new things the programmers have done for us. I had not clicked on the box until you mentioned this so good on you!

Answer: This must be special for you as mine does not. Aren't we all a bit tax nerdy? I mean, this is New Year's Eve about dinner time and here we are looking at tax software, finishing up (my) bookkeeping, and keeping in touch on this forum. Let's take a breather. Husband is bringing home from Carrabba's Salmon Saporito with lump crab on the salmon. I'll go set the table and put this computer to sleep - after one more peek at the Giant Panda baby. Happy New Year! We surely need it, right?

I did roll over a client file and nothing was there. This happens to me every year. Guess I'm not so lucky! It isn't a big deal but might be if I had several preparers. Perhaps there is a box to check to roll over this info and I've missed it. Since It's just me, I manage but grumble - a little!

Hmm, I just rolled over my own return and assets were there. I downloaded the program as soon as I received the email but did update forms before trying the rollover. Good thing I did as I forgot one must re-enter (grumble, grumble) all the preparer, firm and e-file info as it doesn't carry over. I hope your trick works!

Tom, I am in line with Catherine's last thought, that this turn of events might well be the best thing to happen. About 20 years ago I thought I was in the perfect place working full time tax season and part-time the remainder of the year with a small firm. That firm decided to buy a new building and realized that I was unaffordable with that. So rather than being an employee, they offered contract help during tax season only. I (respectfully and other emotions) declined and went out on my own. BEST DECISION EVER! It wasn't easy in the beginning but am so happy that happened. We all here, your virtual support system, are rooting for you and a great future ahead. 2021 could be the best professional year for you - make it so!

Abby, if it was a contemporary type service, I can understand. Some of us still appreciate 'old school' services and organ music and bells over praise bands. Different types of worship appeal to different folks. I could not get used to overhead screens with hymn words printed and no music, but that's me. I've attended a couple of those type services with friends but find it hard to be contemplative and worshipful. Main line Presbyterian here, still liking the 'traditional' service. So grateful that there are options and not a mandated religion or church! So we digress and will probably be chastised soon. Back to taxes, right?

Oh Tom, I am so sorry to read this but, as Gail said, it may back fire on the employer. I hope things work out better for you and your business. Let's hope 2021 will be better.

Great minds can think alike! Our director also began Zoom choir about 3 months ago. It was so rewarding seeing so many folks including one who had to go back to another state when the university closed for classes. As she could teach online, she chose to be with her husband who teaches at a west coast school. Depending on when the numbers decrease and the weather increases, I am hoping to rejoin the outdoor vocal group. I think he's planning for bells again about February or March in the large Social Hall which has separate ventilation and lots of space. The College Conservatory of Music at University of Cincinnati has been using the space for rehearsals so installed the HEPA filters and upgraded the space. They do all the extra cleaning even though only they, so far, are the only users. But it is singing and even with masks a bit risky. Oh, this can't be over soon enough! On the other hand, having Bible study and prayer group online now has brought in many more folks who would not have otherwise participated due to driving distances and/or at night. So a few pros, not 100% cons.

I love reading about this ringing and singing as I miss it soooo much! I'm in the choir and my husband and I are both ringers, for about 27 years now. But, like you folks, not since months ago. Only one can ring four in hand and it isn't me, alas. We are hoping to try again for Easter if weather permits. Several choir folks were brave enough to sing outdoors even into the 30's to be recorded for the virtual services. I wasn't one of them, too many negative factors. For sure missing the choir practices has been the hardest thing. Choir is a 'family' all its own, at least at our church, now 152 years old. This chat just warms me so much! Hoping you all stay well and healthy!

That cite is a good reference. Importantly, you need to confirm whether Form 4361 was filed by the priest. My guess is that is was long ago. So the OASDI and MC withholdings were wrong. I'm not sure whether the priest wanted state withheld, too. As a church treasurer for 7 + years and still involved, every minister here has wanted federal and state tax withheld and the local tax was required. What to do now? I seriously doubt that you can get it refunded but suggest that your church try to make the priest whole and, of course, check to see what has happened the rest of the year. Check the Paychex to see if they have any solutions. Is it possible to 'reassign' these erroneous withholdings to a lay employee before W-2's are prepared and the last pays are made? It's hard to imagine that Paychex was not apprised of the clergy status here. A few years ago we began using Paycor and they have been great with all the quirks involved.

I dated the letters January 4, 2021. I will mail them Jan. 4, 2021. I do not use a postage meter. I'm old fashioned and use regular stamps. I don't think postdating a document which will not leave my possession until the date on the letter is illegal. I've prepared these client packets for over 15 years by having all ready to go usually by Thanksgiving - a little later this year - then putting in the mail on the date of the letter or on occasion the next day. Good luck with the letters and projections. I hope they aren't illegal

Wow, you have had a year! Too bad it's ending with a challenge, too. I may look into Nuance, I've certainly gotten enough ads here and there for it. I have Adobe Pro which may be able to do that, too, but there is so much I can't figure out how to use. Like Excel, more than I can handle. Good luck with getting this to work! I've already printed out everything and actually stamped the envelopes today, ready to mail Jan. 4. I always mail right after Christmas not wanting to spoil the holiday or get lost in the mail.

I added the organizers to my clients about a month ago. Returns/Organizers/Create... I actually only use about 4-5 for those who have Schedule C or E. I got tired of mailing out lots of paper which I didn't get returned or they came back blank. I do use the Questionnaire in one of the organizers (really wish they would distinguish by name) modifying the master slightly. I add a couple of questions and blank out the SSN field. Actually I have to edit that field in Adobe to write 'Complete Both Sides' and now it is spread to 3 pages. I print double sided for only 2 pages. I do have really good compliance with these. Maybe someday I can manage to have it fillable and online but not yet. The questionnaire prompts folks to think about what they need to provide. Not always perfect but better than nothing. I honestly was not even aware of Client Communication Manager. You would think, after 20+ years of using this software, I would have taken the time to explore more. Kind of like Excel - so much more powerful than I imagined! But I use the AICPA engagement letter template on my letterhead. I do see the template option in the CCM, though. Don't quite understand why you do not. Wish I could help and am sorry you are having these challenges. None of us need this kind of aggravation going into tax season!

Thanks, Lion. That was my inclination as the documents had all the original stamps. It would seem no confusion in reprocessing. There are no missing signatures and nothing else is requested. I will put a sticky note on the 8863 just to point it out.

I prepared an amended 2017 return (MFS to MFJ) to get ed credit for child. I forgot to add Form 8863. IRS returned the entire 1040X and support with all their stamps on it, received June 1, 2020. The 8009-A has a check box to 'Complete the forms or schedules llisted below, to support..." What I cannot find it clarity as to whether to return the entire packet or just the form. It says, "Send your return or CP notice, with the information requested below, to the following address:" So best to send the entire stamped return along with the notice and the missing 8863? That's my inclination. I've no experience with missing a form so worry if I'm missing a few little gray cells, too! Then again, first time in over 20 years and countless amended returns - always something new.

When I upgraded last season, I assessed a technology charge and explained in my cover letter the upgrades were required by IRS for security purposes. The fee was modest and assessed to every client so covered the expense and I dropped it this year being considerate of several who are affected by the COVID stuff. It worked for me, your mileage may vary, and I am very happy with the upgrades.

I think you missed something. I received my email Nov. 23 (it's titled REG Code Notification so maybe you didn't recognize it) and downloaded the program. I haven't poked around it yet, though.

I use the form from AICPA slightly modified for my practice as a sole practitioner. I believe it largely mimics the one from IRS in Pub 4557. It's hard as so much really doesn't seem to apply to the likes of me with a home office and no employees. But my IT guy builds my system and internet protection (don't use wifi for the business computer) and works for several other small to medium sized local accounting and tax firms. I also carry the additional network protection insurance through AICPA and have covered all their requirements. Retirement looks better every single year!

I would also think about tying into the deal a retention of clients factor. For whatever reason, some folks will not stick around. Maybe 40% for one year but 4 seems, well, greedy.

Yesss! I just saw both federal and state accepted. Happy camper here, this was a nail biter. I surely hope this client, or any client!, does this again. I try to not be so involved but it's hard as I really like my clients and mostly understand that some of them just have issues. This one, for instance, is an incredible entrepreneur full of ideas and energy, not my skill set at all. But she is much more big picture, not much on details. I try to help. Mom's cancer was a real setback this year, though. Now to begin preparing for the next season. My Thanksgiving cards get mailed tomorrow. I send those instead of other holiday greetings because I am truly thankful for my clients. Wishing all y'all a blessed day of giving thanks.

So this morning both federal and state sit in transmitted to agency. Here's hoping they get accepted!

Thanks Danrvan! That worked. The tech did not tell me to do that. I was able to transmit now but we shall see if transmitted to agency. Sigh....

Hmm, have to look up that one!