Mike D

Does anybody know if the rebate applies to a married couple filing separately whom jointly earned $200,000 however one spouse earned less than $50,000? Thanks

In addition to your postings I found the following additional tax software companies on the website http://www.taxsites.com/software.html. I have not researched them as yet therefore I cannot vouch for thier relevance, etc. Good luck Mike Dubin CPA CCH: Â ProSystem fx Deloitte and Touche: Â CORPTax Dunphy Systems: Â Dunphy Systems [no longer in business] ExacTax: Â Package EX Forms Unlimited Full Duplex Systems: Â FD-Prep LamSon Technology: Â ExelTax RIA: Â GoSystem and InSource Tax Link: Â AutoTax Pro Tax Technologies: Â Tax Series TaxCut TurboTax U.S. Tax Systems: Â TaxStar Vertex: Â AACTS/VantageTax

I just sent this off to ATX fvia thier web site suggestion box. Hope I wasn't out of line? I have used ATX Taxoffice for 5 years and although I can't say that it is the best product that I have ever used it is adequate and gets the job done. Are you guys aware of the tension you have created with all of the rumors regarding the discontinuance of ATX and the likelihood of it being replaced by Tax Works? There is a broad based effort to establish an ATX user owned tax software company which should it come to fruition will most certainly affect your business. Just to name a few issues that have led to this action, price increases, layoffs, customer service, cessation of the message board, cessation of the chat feature, etc. I am not certain as to the actual number of customers that you have using ATX however I am certain that if you continue along this path you are destined to lose a significant number of them. I for one will not renew with Tax Works as I believe that it is inferior to ATX and am totally committed to the formation of a used based tax software company that will be there for the customers, and not just the bottom line. Time to wake up and smell the roses! Michael M Dubin CPA

I used a HP LaserJet 5Plus for about 5years. It still works quite well. I needed to set up my new home office as I retired from my CFO position on September 1, 2007, so I selected a HP 3055 which is an all inone unit. It has fax, copier, printer, scanner, etc. It cost me about $400. I used it last year and found it to be much faster than the 5plus. The only drawback is it uses alot more toner than the 5 plus. I have now learned to refill my own cartidges and save quite a bit of money. Good luck with your choice. Micke Dubin CPA

Welcome. I'm curious as to what software you swithched to and why? Thanks Mike Dubin CPA

I beg to differ with your replies. Below is an exerpt from the instructions for filing 2007 Forms 1099. 2007 Internal Revenue Service General Instructions for Forms 1099, 1098, 5498, and W-2G G. Paper Document Reporting 9. Use the official forms or substitute forms that meet the section 301.6724-1 (relating to information return penalties) specifications in Pub. 1179. If you submit substitute forms that does not require you to file corrected returns for missing or do not meet the current specifications and that are not incorrect TINs if you meet the reasonable cause criteria. You scannable, you may be subject to a penalty of $50 for each are merely required to include the correct TIN on the next return for improper format. original return you are required to file. I addition see IRS Pub. 1179 for overview of substitute filing of Form 1096. If the software that you are using to print these forms has been approved by the service then you good to go. I personally use NP Systems software that has been approved. Good luck. Mike Dubin CPA

I have been advocating for the seamless integration of multi state returns since I started using ATX in 2002. Compared to other competitors at similar prices ATX is lagging in this area. CCH Prosystem fx handles it magnificently, so if they already have the programs written it should be a no brainer to adapt to ATX? Good luck MikeD

I too switched to ATX from Microvision Tax Relief back in 2002 when they sold out to Ultratax. I prepare some high-end personal returns and a few multi state personal, partnership, corps, sub s, etc. ATX is an excellent product for simple 1040 returns. If you are used to what all these tax software companies allude to as seamless multi state integration, ATX is not for you. You will need to follow each state and physically enter additional data as necessary. Like any other software there are no seamless results simply work a rounds. I have found that with ATX there is a learning curve associated with multi state integration which although is not insurmountable, it does require more hands on. The cost benefit of ATX as compared to LaCerte, Ultatax, CCH, etc. was my motivation for switching from Microvision Tax Relief in the first place. It takes more time and hands on to complete these complex tax returns however once the work a rounds are perfected it appears to be manageable for me. I hope this will assist you in selecting your new tax software. Michael M Dubin CPA

The only enhancements that are certain are price increases! Mike Dubin CPA

Your encounter reminded me of a potential client that was recommended to me by a CPA firm that I had some exposure to at that time. I had just become a CPA and was attempting to grow my practice. The potential client was in the electronics importing business booked about $5 million in sales in 1977 with unaudited pre tax income of $400,000. All they needed from me was my signature to an inventory valuation for as I recall approx. $11 million. For this alone they were going to pay me $25,000. So whats wrong with this picture? Had I gone along I am centain that I would not be in practice today and probably would not have a right to vote as well. Just for the record I lambasted the CPA firm that referred them to me and ironically about 15 years later this same firm was indicted for complicity in sales tax fraud with some of their clients. So your decision was centainly a good one. Life is good! Mike Dubin CPA

The first thing that comes to mind is that if in fact this check was stolen and fraudulently endorsed the institution that cashed and/or credited funds against this alleged fraudulently endorsed check is fully liable to the payee for any and all associated losses. This is banking law 101! Unfortunately I agree with the IRS in that they show a distribution where the check appears to be cashed by the taxpayer! I would gather all of the relevant documentation and ask to meet personally with the IRS to discuss the merits of these issues. I sincerely believe that minimally you would be entiltled to a casualty loss! Let us all know how you make out. Michael M Dubin CPA

I just got off the phone with ATX tech support re: Vista. They advised me not to purchase a new computer with VIsta as they are encountering many problems with the software. They further advised that there appears to be a comfort level for 2007 however 2006 & 2005 were having real problems with Vista. In any event they will not support Vista for years prior to 2005 at all! This didn't sound very encouraging. I will most likely purchase a new computer with XP and an upgrade to Vista and monmitor thier progress in getting all years to work. Mike Dubin CPA

I posted a similar request about 2 weeks ago as I totally agree with your idea. The feedback as you can see was less than positive. However I would move to pursue this effort in that it could turn out to be the wakeuip call that CCH needs and in addition what's the downside, they say no? Good luck. Mike Dubin CPA

I had a brainstorm! We should all petition the ATX Communities database from ATX in order to continue this valuable service with all of it's history. I'm certain that they will initially resist this request, however a class action from all of us threatening not to renew for 2007 may have some direct impact on their final decision. What does the community think of this pursuit?