Jack from Ohio

Sounds like someone from the Obama Administration wrote that article. Many words and nothing of value!

Flash drive and an external hard drive used redundantly is the safest long term archive solution in today's technology. Flash drives have no moving parts and have very very low rates of failure. CDR longevity is mainly based on the materials used in the read/write layer of the disk. Too risky for me for long term storage.

Keep an old computer with XP operating system. Keep all the prior programs on it. Archive all the return files and backup files for all the years on a flash drive. CDR media is questionable as to longevity. This computer would not even have to be connected to the internet or network. This is our plan at the firm. We have program and returns back to 2000. ATX programs older than 2004 are NOT compatible with Windows 7 at all.

I do not think the Government should tell anyone when to retire. In the situation of a firefighter, if a man meets the physical and stamina requirements, what difference does his age make? Life and father time will take care of that. Now if the Fire Department does not have standards, that is a local issue. The Government should stay out of businesses.

Well it just popped right out at me!!!

There is a difference between "failure to file" and "failure to pay." Failure to pay does not get any jail time. It is not a criminal offense. Failure to file or filing fraudulent returns are both criminal offenses and you can get jail time. Show me an example of someone in jail for only "failure to pay" and I will believe your earlier statement.

Just in time to get the requirements reinstated to have a huge rush for CPE in 2013. I am doing mine anyway, just in case. I am going to hire Justin Case to work for me.

It is so hot here today... I saw two beagles chasing a rabbit and they were all three walking....

Last year had Chicago and New York. If you waited too long to register, that is not the fault of the planners. The information is out at least 2-3 months ahead of deadlines. This year, none are close to me, so I have to travel. I learn as much from the other professionals that are attending as I do from the forums. That being said, I am registered for Atlanta this year. I have a room reserved at the Mariott and would share expenses if another man wants to attend. Splitting cost would make it more affordable. Send me a PM and we can talk about logistics. I will be arriving on Monday afternoon and will leave Thursday afternoon.

It is an easy excuse by the IRS.

How many clients are in your program?

No easier answer. You can remove the locks on those returns by deleting some files in specific control folders. Call tech support and ask.

I will take a shot and say that you are using a computer(s) with WIN XP? Long ago it was determined that ATX2012 was NOT friendly with XP. I updated to 12.18 on my domain server with 10 workstations, and my home standalone computer. I have none of those issues.

Close the program. If you have a router, turn off all software firewalls. If you are on a domain server, shut down all workstations, reboot the server then restart the workstation. If you are standalone, do a complete cold reboot. (Turn the computer OFF, count to 10 and turn it back on) From first hand experience I give you this suggestion.

Yes. See my previous posts...

I would expect it to be retroactive to when DOMA was passed into law. Looks like the opportunity for MANY amended returns. I have no position on the moral implications of the bill and the accompanying social effects. My only reason for paying close attention is to provide tax services to any of my clients these law changes affect. I do not understand why a tiny percentage of the population is able to drive society and our Government into such a costly frenzy.

In case you needed a chuckle... Weight Loss Plan A man calls a company and orders their 5-day, 10 lb. weight loss program. The next day, there's a knock on the door and there stands before him a voluptuous, athletic, 19 year old babe dressed in nothing but a pair of Nike running shoes and a sign around her neck. ... She introduces herself as a representative of the weight loss company. The sign reads, "If you can catch me, you can have me." Without a second thought, he takes off after her. A few miles later huffing and puffing, he finally gives up. The same girl shows up for the next four days and the same thing happens. On the fifth day, he weighs himself and is delighted to find he has lost 10 lbs. as promised. He calls the company and orders their 5-day/20 pound program. The next day there's a knock at the door and there stands the most stunning and beautiful woman he has ever seen in his life. She is wearing nothing but Reebok running shoes and a sign around her neck that reads, "If you catch me you can have me." Well, he's out the door after her like a shot. This girl is in excellent shape and he does his best, but no such luck. So for the next four days, the same routine happens with him gradually getting in better and better shape. Much to his delight on the fifth day when he weighs himself, he discovers that he has lost another 20 lbs. as promised. He decides to go for broke and calls the company to order the 7-day/50 pound program. "Are you sure?" asks the representative on the phone. "This is our most rigorous program." "Absolutely," he replies, "I haven't felt this good in years." The next day there's a knock at the door; and when he opens it he finds a huge muscular guy standing there wearing nothing but pink running shoes and a sign around his neck that reads,"If I catch you, you are mine!!!" He lost 63 pounds that week.

No. The flippant attitude about situations.

I am speechless at the lack of professionalism and client service in that answer.

Most likely the refunds were direct deposited into a recently opened account. As soon as all the money was there, the account was closed. Since it take the IRS a year to find W-2 and 1099 forms, the crooks have plenty of time...

In my opinion, those who choose to ignore the breaking of laws, and "rename" and "re-characterize" the actions of the people breaking the laws to make them seem less like a crime are the major source of the problem of not being able to enforce the laws we have. This is a common tactic of the left to camouflage the real problem. The left wants the people here. The left does not want "voters" to prove their identity or citizenship to vote. Hence the diversionary tactics to make people think those coming here without going through proper procedures and process are not criminal. Anyone who breaks a law is a criminal. Your point about not filing tax returns or filing knowingly fraudulent returns being a crime is spot on. No one is trying to decriminalize the people who break that law as well. Calling people who enter this country by breaking laws "undocumented workers" is as appropriate as teaching someone how to pick up a turd by the clean end. The IRS is a multi Billion dollar department of the Government that is tasked with enforcing the laws about not filing and fraudulent filing. What I do NOT see is any Government attempt to enforce the current laws about illegal immigrants that are on the books now.

Are you simply trying to mess with our heads and pull a complete joke? Certainly you are not THAT blinded by liberal thoughts and rhetoric? What are the checkpoints at border crossings for? How are people crossing the border at places other than checkpoints being arrested if it is not a crime? This is really the worst case of exaggerate and extrapolate I have seen yet!!! "Illegally immigrated persons" New P/C term for the people committing a criminal act by crossing the border against our laws.

Which software are you talking about? For the record, Drake software is a WINDOWS program. Because of their dedication to speed and efficiency, it looks like an old DOS program.

My personal preference is to acquire Continuing Professional Education credits by Continuing Professional Education. That is, by attending teaching seminars and classes where I actually CONTINUE EDUCATING myself. Those companies that sell CPE credits are a huge disservice to our industry. And still the question comes up about "uneducated and unqualified" preparers...

You are talking to the junk food EXPERT!!