Margaret CPA in OH

I have Win 7 and don't find the options you list. If anyone with Win 7 can translate, please do. I found similarly titled things but not exactly and did not find VIEW and SHOW HIDDEN FILES... Thanks!

For many of us using this program for years (I go back to tax year 1998), complaints about slow response and the inelegance of using spreadsheet and database for the program grew with every passing year. When CCH bought ATX they likely were going to get rid of it but for the loyalty of so many long time users, despite complaints. So they decided to make a major overhaul to address the complaints. I'm not a techy but I think the spreadsheet and database stuff was older methodology and took up lots of memory. Anyhow, CCH did this major overhaul which was promised and we knew it was coming and this is what we have, for better or worse. I think it likely there are more complications than they could imagine but, frankly, I'm a believer since 1998. And it still suits my practice. Your mileage may vary.

How nice, lynnjacobs, especially to share. I have one client who may qualify this year so this could be most helpful.

Cursed candy bar - not your friend, it seems.

Candy bars always help. Keep a good supply for the season. A nice dry red wine is especially helpful after around 7pm.

Are we forgetting that we sign on page 2 that the "(d)eclaration of preparer (other than taxpayer) is based on all information of which preparer has any knowledge" (my emphasis)? If we know information and sign and submit a return excluding that information with the intention of amending it later then it seems to me that would not be abiding by Cir. 230 and whatever we have promised as preparers. Ethical? I'm thinking maybe not....

I find the mismatch of forms downloaded and processed strange, too. Can't imagine the rationale there.

I went to the Forms option and clicked on Customize Master Forms. I selected 1040 than to the signature line at the bottom of page 2. I selected a calligraphy font 9 point and it looks beautiful. I clicked to Save Masters. When I opened my sample blank return, I changed the existing 1040 with the new one and the signature was there. I do know that form updates will wipe this out and the 1040 does have Draft all over it but it surely looks to me as if I customized at least a part of this form. I also can understand that we should not unprotect a cell with certain links as that could create problems with the program working properly and specific data fields being transmitted via efile losing integrity. But I did change the signature line.

GeneInAlabama, I forgot all about that one! I have to amend last year's return now. Thanks!

I tried TonyETS' test although maybe not exactly. 1. 2011 program to open - 2 seconds, longest 3; 2012 program to open - 9 seconds, longest 11 2. just new 1040 in 2011 to open - 2 seconds, longest 2; same in 2012 to open - 4 seconds, longest 5. Yes, 2012 is slower. For me, so far, it is not significant enough to get my shorts in a bunch but I can imagine those with slower machines, it would be a problem. As I mentioned earlier, my computer guru builds mine so no extra stuff at all, Intel i5-3450 CPU @ 3.10GHz, 3.4 Ghz overall; 8GB RAM, Win 7 Pro. I found a little performance rating box for Windows Experience Index, whatever that is. Processor: calculations per second, 7.5; Memory (RAM): Memory operations per second, 7.6; Graphics: Desktop performance for Windows Aero, 3.3; Gaming graphics; 3D business and gaming graphics performance, 5.4; Primary hard disd: Disk data transfer rate, 5.9. For what all that is worth... Again, I am quite happy with this new computer and trust the kinks will be worked out with the software.

I have seen that possibility. What is the cost? For me to deposit checks isn't a huge deal as the bank I use has a counter at the grocery store I use. What equipment is needed, just a typical scanner or something special?

Well, I have never even used it and doubt it would be used much but I would 'eat it.' My fees are high enough to manage the rare occasion that this might come into play. I also don't charge for extra postage when sending out organizers and engagement letters or for printed return copies. It isn't worth it to me. YMMV

Well, back to dummie category! I didn't even think about a practice with no money. Oh well, at least I know it works - well, up to the bank.

Woo Hoo!!! It went through on my credit card account but I don't yet see it in my bank account. Maybe it will be processed overnight. I did order a 3 pack of styli from Amazon. We'll see the next chapter soon! I feel less dummie now.

Okay, I found a plastic credit card and turned the volume all the way up. I keep getting the message that I have to swipe faster but I can't do it any faster. I have tried turning the stripe up and down, swiping left to right and right to left. Nothing works. So I typed it in and got to the signature screen. I have tried to sign with a plastic tipped letter opener as I don't have a stylus but it won't take it. I do have a screen protector on so hope that isn't a problem. Any ideas now? I finally just went to the main screen again. I will check to see what happens on the credit card and bank account. Thanks for helping this dummie with a phone smarter than I am!

Volume? What does that have to do with swiping a credit card? I can't even imagine.

Thanks, Lion, for more details. The Square thingy fit comfortably into my phone and connected. I just kept getting the message that I had to swipe it quickly. Guess I may not be quick enough anyway! I may yet try to type in the info, an option that you noted was a tad bit more costly. It is 3.25% or so and 15 cents. I guess the investment to see if the thing works is worth it. Let's see, $3 transaction so 10 cents fee plus 15 cents - I think I can afford 25 cents. I'll try it later. Yes, options are good these days.

I prefer the top, most of the time but with the ease of changing through preferences, I now see what works with a given return. Sometimes in entering K-1 info, I have to go to tabs left to see enough of the data entry screen to make sense. It's also seems easier to change the size of the viewable form now, too, or maybe I just discovered that. Never too old to learn something - I hope!

I'm sure Medlin and others will chime in too but here is my reply. I have a different PIN for each client, received via the process of efiling the application which you saw in the program. I might technically be an agent but each has their own PIN. I think the program puts 940 with the 941 AND with the W2/W3. I choose to use the 940 with the W2 file as it populates from the W2/W3. I send W2's via BSO/SSA and efile the 940. For SSA you have to change your password every 3 months or it takes a process to get a new one. It isn't as easy as with E-Services. You may have to reregister. Call and see. Entering the preparer info on the form should not be dependent on the PIN. I have one client that refuses to do the PIN thing so I have to print his out and he mails them. Last year for that client, I swear! I am in Ohio so cannot address CA issues, sorry.

Thanks, Catherine, for again sharing your knowledge. I have had a Paypal account for several years but hardly ever use it. I just thought the Square thing was cute even though I couldn't use it. Now I can't use it either because it won't scan my card. Hmm, back to my nonused Paypal account and, of course, those checks that clients have been using for year. In fact, I have never even received cash. And no check has ever bounced. Of course, there were those #$$%^&& clients that refused to pay me. Good riddance though to bad clients.

Curses! I thought I had it all set up and tried my credit card. It kept saying to swipe faster but I think it is because it isn't all plastic. It's very heavy and doesn't work on a handful of other machines. Guess I'll have to find plastic somewhere.

Start the program, click on Support then About. It will say right near the top the Program Version. I have 12.3.112.1.

Oh, phone download! I guess I need to do that now. Time to get back to the website to review what I have and how to use it. At least I found the little thingy. Where does it connect to the phone? Funny, send you my credit card. Right.

I upgraded in October to Win 7 Pro, 8 GB RAM and i5 processor. I have zero complaints with speed - see comments above. The hard drive is 931 GB, your basic terrabyte, I think. I have my computers built by the local major geek. He actually hosts radio program called Geek Talk. He has built my last 4 computers. This one costs $1515. I like that he knows every single part inside and all the software and how it is connected to my periferals, etc.

I got this several months ago but didn't realize I needed a smart phone. At that time I had only a dumb phone but went to the dark side over Christmas with a great deal. And my minutes plan is grandmothered in so I could go back to 1000 minutes without data if I choose to do so. Anyway, your message reminded me and I found it! No idea how to use it and don't know where the instructions are but can probably get that online. For some reason I decided it might be useful although no client has ever asked me about paying any other way than check. It will be good to see if others use it.