Margaret CPA in OH

Abby, I use Firefox exclusively (save for IRS stuff) and wondered about that option. I have been using Adobe encrypted to 256 bit to send returns to clients for review but the signed 8879 has always presented issues except for a single client who had the capability to sign electronically and return encrypted. How do you handle e-signatures, if you do? I've just signed up to try Verifyle as mentioned by a couple of folks to utilize the e-signature capability. I did read through all the terms and privacy stuff (never, ever their fault, they can do anything, etc.) and am just concerned about the part that says they can keep and use User content, which I take to mean anything I or clients upload. I do like the Firefox temporary aspect. Guess I better get this straightened out last month!

Anyone else have this happen? Apparently 3 login attempts were made unsuccessfully but I have to wait 24 hours before checking to see login history. No, I didn't try to login. I assume that since my (our) credentials are online with IRS now, hackers see possible opportunities. Grrr....

Thanks, that was all I could find, too. I was hoping since IRS announced a date that NY would have one by now. Guess we can wait at least another week. I think she only needs a copy of her federal return which she will have.

I simply cannot find this date on the NY tax website. I do know that it is shut down until sometime in January but cannot find out the opening date. Any help appreciated. A client needs to file her 2018, yes, 2018, return by Jan. 31 to get her health insurance. IRS is Jan. 27 so I think we can make that but NY needs to be ready, too. Or we have to mail it in - ugh!

I, too, don't mind the attrition as I am in my last 3 years of work. I renewed my license in December for those 3 years and, at 77 then, will call it done. I spun off all business returns, save one partnership, and payroll and bookkeeping a few years ago when the other CPA working for me retired. I didn't want to continue any year round work. I kept 50-60 individuals and have let nature take its course. I still have about 50 losing a couple each year yet somehow gaining at least one. This keeps my brain involved and engaged and gets me enough money to go on great dive trips so I'm pretty happy with the situation for me. I do wonder about the future for accountants and tax preparers, however. Different world ahead, for sure.

Thanks, good idea! I had forgotten about this form. And since NY doesn't allow any writing except a signature, this should, I hope, suffice.

New client (daughter of friend) has dawdled with abandon and needs to file her NY return by Jan. 15 to get health insurance. I'm still waiting on some data, of course (artist, you know). I see a dire warning that because 'this return was prepared using software, (I) MUST use e-file. If (I) file a paper New York State tax return, (I) will be in violation of New York State law.' BUT New York e-file is down until mid-January and not accepting e-filed returns. 'Preparers who file paper returns are subject to penalties.' What to do? On top of this, paper tax returns cannot have any writing except signatures. Another dire warning...

Oh Great! We are supposed to actually see the documents to correctly prepare returns and also meet client expectations of timely return prep which, for most, will be well in advance of March 2. Perhaps more 'guidance' will be forthcoming and no penalty imposed for returns filed without eyeballs on the 1095-C.

It's been 2 years since my last raise of just 4.5% but think it's really justified this year. I had to get a new computer with Win10, upgrade scanner and fax software to work with it and the tax software inched up another 10%. I bill by time but think I will add a technology fee of $25 across the board as an incremental amount per hour for my small client list won't do it. And I WILL explain in my cover letter. I think everyone is familiar with this major change in OS requirement. We shall see who decides I'm no longer worth it. I kind of like natural attrition, actually!

Oh, this is sad news, indeed. He was such a wonderful person providing true technical and customer support. I had the great fortune of talking with him at least twice. Thank you for keeping us apprised and providing a way to help remember him. I hope you are continuing good work and helping others as you learned from him. Many of us here certainly hold him and you and so many other original ATX folks in very high esteem. One barbeque dinner wasn't enough to thank you all!

New (well, she still hasn't sent me anything yet) client showed inventory on 2017 return O boy, $10,000 materials and supplies, 0 eoy COGS $10,000 plus additional supplies of $5092 on line 22 Sch. C. So no real inventory valuation but does that ever exist? IF she ever sends 2018 information, I am curious as to how to distinguish between supplies in COGS and other. Anyone out there have experience with artists? She paints and shows in galleries. They are quite good but a bit too abstract for my taste. I just want to do right by her.

From handy dandy Quickfinder - If the business or rental portion of the taxpayer's home was used as a personal residence for two of the five years before the sale, the taxpayer can exclude the gain on the entire home (except for any depreciation allowed or allowable after May 6, 1997). An example provided even uses the same years as your client! So up to $250,000 less the part of the gain equal to the depreciation allowed while renting the house.

I've never had such a late client - new, artist in New York. She has yet to get me her data. Is e-filing still possible given the above cut off times?

I don't see that SendSafely has e-signature capability. Lion, it seems that the CCH portal doesn't either, ,that you also need CCH e-Sign, right? I'm struggling to find a portal option that includes e-signature capability. Maybe I'm using the wrong search terms. Yardley, does the ATX portal have e-signature option? I just may end up using snail mail again! (kidding)

I just looked at a SendSafely demo. It seems to cover the bases except, of course, for electronic signature. I called ATX and the portal cost was $450. No bargains for me, I guess. SendSafely is $20 per month for one user. I'll keep looking, especially for something that can be e-signed.

Just WOW! You have excellent taste in gifts. That necklace is stunning. The shoes are beautiful but make my old feet hurt just looking at the pointy toes. I'll bet your wife is beautiful, too, and so appreciative of your generosity and obvious love.

Thanks so much, friends! I may return with questions if I ever get her documents. She didn't seem too worried so I will not be, either!

Thanks, I was hoping that at least one was allowed! I used to have a NY client several years ago but she moved back here. Could be a scary adventure!

Daughter of friend has contacted me to prepare her 2018 returns. She is an artist living in NY, Brooklyn, and sells through a Detroit gallery. Yes, she is successful enough to live in NY but, well, an artist. No extension, no estimated payments (she wrote, "I know, I know"). So I'm in Ohio but pretty sure she has to file NY state and NYC. I will look up MI and Detroit as she will receive her 1099 (hope she has it already!) from the gallery that represents her. My question is whether I am allowed to file in NY. I seem to recall sometime in the past that NY was getting really picky about out of state preparers. If this doesn't work, any volunteers from NY?

Thanks, Yardley. I will look further into this. I suspect most will be flummoxed by it as my clients are, well, of a certain age and are now experts at using encrypted email though that took some time. Or maybe I'm not giving them enough credit. But that seems like a reach to cover so few clients.

Yardly, how much did the portal cost? Did you add something like a technology charge to cover it? I have only about 50-60 clients so the per client cost is a consideration for me.

"effeminately?" Not sure what kind of line that actually is given the definition I Googled.

Well, I wish you a most wonderful birthday! Enjoy the celebration. How nice that it isn't during tax season like mine in March. Hey, take lots of time off to celebrate and get the rest you deserve. Taxes, wedding, birthday - all merit a good break!

IRS updated my file to license expiration date of 2022 and PRESTO! I had the option to renew and did so promptly. Another task checked off. Now on to the year end newsletters and insurance renewal. Oh, and the amended 2017 returns of a former, now returned, client. Are we having fun at last?

Consolidated companies? Division? Subsidiary? DBA? Do you know of any relationship such as identical shareholders?