Jack from Ohio

At the Atlanta IRS Forum, the IRS clearly insinuated that as tax professionals, we are to school our clients on the proper methods for obtaining coverage, and teach them how to choose the correct coverage as part of our services. They also insinuated that we should do this as a "service" to our clients without charge. Teaching people how and what insurance coverage they should or should not purchase is WAY outside my profession as a tax preparer. I will gladly inform them about tax ramifications of their choices as it is part of my tax preparation fees. I am considering offering a clinic with a minimal charge to teach everyone what the IRS just finally released.

The second time any client questions my advice on a matter of ethics or following tax regs, I fire them.

Sounds like all my new clients at the first interview I have with them....

After talking extensively with CCH people at Atlanta, I still remain "skeptically hopeful" with wide open eyes and intense radar at work. That being said, we are changing software at the firm. We cannot take the chance of a repeat of 2012. In 2012 I heard the phrase "We will have the problems fixed soon" too many times, staring in first week of February 2012. For the record: There will be NO MORE updates or patches to the program for 2012. We have to live with all the remaining problems. IMHO, another massive PR failure on the part of CCH.

Is anyone else from this board going to Atlanta? Would be nice to meet face to face. Send me a message and we can make the arrangements.

My very short answer - No. Tell her to be happy with only paying 15% and quit trying to "end around" tax laws. Refer her to someone else.

I have ordered 7 new systems since March 2013. All had WIN8 option. I opted for WIN7PRO instead. NO REGRETS!!! WIN7 is well supported. If you choose to use WIN8, you will be in Deja Vu with Vista. WIN8 is my "skip" Operating system.

Considerably larger than the ones I am using. May put all three on my system at home.

I have three on the way!!!

I keep seeing the word "hopefully." Anyone care to explain that?

CP2000 letters are NOT audits. Don't exaggerate your TRUE omniscience!!

I am certain that none of your clients have ever received a CP2000. I bow to your omniscience!

I wish our work as preparers would be approved at 50% error rate!! With the current set of rules and liability regulations we face, it would seem that the IRS prefers errors.

The VITA program is a steady source of customers for me when the CP2000 letters come in. No volunteers to handle any follow-up, if needed.

After you blasting my co-worker for not reading directions for Sch A line 10, 2 & 3 are almost unbelievable.

I find this revelation hard to believe....

Max is $1,248. This package includes up to three preparers. Unlimited preparers license is $624.

Ok, for all those that didn't get it.... The meter is set to measure (in ohms) RESISTANCE. "Resistance is FUTILE" was pronounced by the Borg to the Enterprise on an episode of Star Trek The Next Generation. Taxed, I am surprised that you remember ANYTHING from your college days!!!

The problem the letters are dealing with is as old as business itself. We all KNOW that many business operators do "Cash under the table" or "barter" transactions that are not reported. I have heard people that are on welfare, food stamps and Section 8 housing say "I am paid 'under the table' so I don't have to report the income and can keep my government assistance." Last tax season I sent 2 prospective new clients out the door after they used those very words to me. "...has created some heartache in the small business community." "There's an emotional thing when you get a pretty ominous-looking letter from the IRS [saying] you might have done some bad things." The only ones with heartache or emotional distress are the ones that know they have been underreporting income. Sorry, no sympathy here. I saw two waitresses get notices for additional income after the employer, two years later, was audited. Seems that tips on credit card payments were around 17%. Tips on cash payments were 2%. Hmmmmmmmmm Restaurant owner had to pay additional SS & Medicare tax on the calculated 15% shortfall and the waitresses involved all received letters showing they had incurred the additional income.

Wait till those of us on the Beta Testing squad have given it the once over. I intend to beat it relentlessly with the most difficult returns and scenarios I have. Told Keri that too. "You want me on the Beta test squad, I want fully working version of what you have and don't expect me to pull any punches about problems I find.. We are still switching to Drake.

Nice video, but BEWARE! The site the video is on will kidnap your browser and not let you go back without closing the page.

Oprah is a spoiled brat self appointed DIVA. Nothing else.

yes

Well, we agree on something else!! At the firm for 2012, I think we did 120 NEW injured spouse forms where the spouse had delinquent child support. This is an area that I take very personally!! The children are MINE, and my disputes with their mother is not their fault, nor any reason for me not to take care of them. Even when I had no control over how she wasted the child support money, I set an example and sent a message to my now grown children that following the law, despite disagreeing with it, is the right thing. Also, taking care of your children is NOT optional, it is mandatory. I was diligent for 12 years.

You are about 2,000 miles too far West. I would truly entertain purchasing your practice but for the logistical mountain!!