Margaret CPA in OH

Is this a gaggle of nerds or what?

In a previous life, I was a research assistant in genetic engineering in molecular biology. This 'recipe' is not so foreign sounding. To this day I have to measure liquids at the bottom of the meniscus at eye level.

Ain't it the truth about so many, many things: follow the money!

I've taken several courses from them. Some have been quite good with good reference material, others not so much. I try to steer away from the blatant sales oriented ones but the price is right. Among my favorites are KPMG and IRS SBSE Stakeholder Liaison Field webinars.

Thanks, SaraEA, for qualifying what we have 'easy.' The catch in Ohio is that we have to take a specific ethics course, not just any. And what comes prior to the ethics courses throughout our careers is not so easy hence the Can't Pass Again designation, at least for me! When I took the exam, it was 2 1/2 days to cover all parts at once. Now candidates can take one part at a time online. I understand it is more challenging now but to have to know it all (Auditing, Business Law, Accounting Theory and Accounting Practice) and spit it out in 2 1/2 days is something I really never want to do again.

Thanks, easytax, for reclassifying at least some CPA's. Generally the requirements for a license are similar across the states but not identical. In Ohio, where I passed in 1993 (Can't Pass Again test), one needed just 4 years of college with appropriate courses, 24 semester hours in recognized accounting courses or completed examination demonstrating equivalency plus 2 years of public accounting experience or a master's in accounting or business admin with a minimum of 6 semester hours of recognized graduate level accounting courses plus one year of public accounting experience. Currently a master's degree or 5 years is required, I believe, by all states. We also have a 120 hour CPE requirement over 3 years with a minimum of 20 hours annually (no packing the last year). If one performs tax work, 24 hours of taxation are required; if accounting and auditing, 24 hours of A&A are required. With either, 3 hours of Ethics are required. All CPE must be accredited by NASBA and certificates presented to the board every 3 years. Any attest work (compilation, review, or audit) requires peer review. Even retired CPA's (less than 1000 hours annually, such as tax season) must meet the CPE requirement so I take as many online freebies as possible. Thankfully many are now available. I do take at least 8 hours annually in a classroom setting with the new regs, etc. to have an opportunity to meet with colleagues. I am biased, admittedly, but think CPA's do know a lot and those who specialize in tax do so because they love it and love learning about it. My MBA is with a taxation specialty and my favorite course was learning about tax court.

Thanks for the support but I am in near retirement mode now. This incident was several years ago and I primarily do only individual returns for long time clients. There are a few Sch. C's and 2 partnership LLC's that do not have these issues but I won't be taking on more. I was just reinforcing your comments about basis issues and partnership wrinkles in general. They do exist and can be pretty unpleasant!

Edsel, You are so on point about so many things here. Especially the point about "... most partnerships do not last very long ..." and "... six months later they hate each other." My now former clients fit this description to a T. They thought they were so clever to have the partnership (LLC but they didn't know it would be a partnership - duh) agreement prepared by an attorney who knew nothing about basis. One partner provided $200,000 cash, the other fully depreciated equipment originally valued at $200,000. It was bad enough when I explained the tax ramifications initially but guess which one was furious when the K-1's were prepared and the tax deductions were so different on their individual returns. I vowed no more partnerships after that. It was ugly.

No, I don't think it is a scam. The letters are in duplicate (not sure a scammer would waste the paper) and the return address to mail documents is the IRS address listed online down to the zip code. On reflection, I think what may have happened is that we sent an amended return about 5 weeks after the original return was efiled. I had omitted Form 8962 as the client had provided erroneous information caught later. So she owed money from that but then could avail herself of the energy tax credit. I wrongly assumed that the efiled return would be in the system by then. Apparently the amended return folks thought the 1040X was her original return - or something. Don't know but am sending the requested forms along with the 1099 various supporting documents showing the source of the amounts questioned. I'm not worried although it seems it will take some time to sort it out. The client is unhappy, though. Then again, she is a chronic complainer about high her taxes are so I should be used to it.

Catherine, I have done virtually all the things that you listed. I called the number on the letter, the agent saw that the return was efiled, couldn't understand what was being asked but couldn't really help. The letter was from a different department, Operations Manager Input Correction, ICO Rejects Team FSPC. When I explained that I called the number on the letter, well, you can guess that went nowhere. I would love to just fax all this but, of course, '(d)ue to high volume, we can't acknowledge receipt of your fax..." At least I'm not too busy now but the client is really unhappy and won't enjoy the postage.

Unhappy client brought IRS letter that lists several forms, etc. 'missing' from the return which was efiled. The tab that shows efiled forms lists them all. The letter also states the return doesn't have the original signature - duh! Should I just fax an entire printed return along with the efile acceptance? I now have to have her sign a 2848 and go through that aggravation. Other suggestions? I've never seen this in all the many years of efiling.

I just updated but haven't used it yet, still waiting for client data. I had no problem getting into the community board. Keep trying?

This is all good to know and adds to my knowledge base. I have not before heard of this but most likely because none of my clients received one of these - or didn't tell me! Does this count for CPE?

I've not heard of that and think it a scam. Ask what the return address was and on what the form number was. Every document from IRS has a form number, I think. If she calls (and I wouldn't advise it as the usual response is to mail in or fax information), she may want to say that her POA will handle the issue (may scare them off) as she has turned it over to you.

I recently renewed my ATX MAX package though still grumbling about the exclusion of the Ohio RITA efile ability. Today I received in the mail the 2017 State Tax Handbook published December 2016 and the Deluxe!!! Edition of The Taxbook for tax year 2016. Why? Does this mean I won't get these for the year for which I renewed or that they are just now being sent for the 2016 package I used for, well, 2016? Left hand, meet the right hand.

Ahh, the memories, indeed! Thanks for them, Elrod.

Yes, some of us do need that per diem!

And don't you just hate it when things are thrown in that are unneeded but really important stuff (as advertised and listed on my renewal form) are left out to be obtained separately. I am in a not very nice back and forth again really angry that online and on my renewal form ATX advertises for ATX MAX Package, "Unlimited individual and business e-file returns for preparing federal, state, and municipal forms." Except one has to purchase a separate Ohio package to efile RITA returns. And more municipalities are going to RITA annually. What is it about the English language that WK cannot understand about '(u)nlimited individual and business e-file returns ...municipal forms?' RITA forms are for municipal returns. I believe this is false advertising and am just so annoyed. And it isn't even listed on my renewal form. One might think, with an Ohio address, that I just might need or use that software. Grrr...

Rich, what are you using? My Max package is actually the same as last year. You must have all the bells and whistles as my package without shipping with discount is $1421.

Except for the 7.65% deducted on Page 1.... Ohio now exempts business income from Sch. B, C, D, E (including guaranteed payments and/or compensation from each pass-through entity in which the taxpayer has a 20% direct or indirect ownership), F, and other items of income and gain separately stated on federal Schedule K-1 and miscellaneous federal income tax adjustments, if any. I wonder if this is a prototype for the proposed tax reform. I also note that, along with the elimination of the estate tax in Ohio, these changes have contributed to the decline in tax revenues leading now to a potential budget deficit of $25 million and the not insignificant increases in local taxation to cover the shortfall of funds previously distributed by the state. It's my understanding that the new federal proposal has not yet addressed a similar potential outcome. I think the idea is to assist in creating jobs and expanding the economy but not sure if this can happen simultaneously. There may be a lag time. It does make tax planning for my small businesses, including my own, challenging. Think I will enjoy the summer and 'think about that tomorrow!'

This use tax line has been on the Ohio returns for many years. A few years ago the then tax commissioner said the Dept. of Tax was hiring additional agents just to audit returns for this added (or omitted) tax. So I have my clients state yes or no using the verbiage on the return. And you cannot efile Ohio without marking yes or no. But I will not make that choice for my clients. Yes, it is a royal pain to keep track but I manage.

At least the English and grammar are way above the usual standard. Sure it isn't legit? /s

Gail, I am so sorry for your loss. I do hope you managed to go see him knowing family is always, always first. And now you must take care of yourself and other loved ones in your family. No client or tax return is ever more important than family.

Terry, just be sure to care for yourself. Your mother needs your support and family is first. It is amazing to me the expectations that some clients have. I am glad your response was rational. Extensions are available for good reason. We are human, after all, with limitations though always striving to do our best. I am biting my tongue and biding my time about an incredibly rude client (trust beneficiary) just now. She will be gone soon. Best wishes possible for your mother, prayers and healing thoughts for you and her.

Plus you can sit and read or snooze or daydream or do your nails or ......