Jack from Ohio

In my opinion, Windows 8 is far too unproven to be used just before the start of tax season. Combine that with the new format of ATX and you have the perfect storm. I am skipping Windows 8.

I have been using ATX since tax year 2003. There are very few issues in the last three years that I was not able to handle on my own because I chose to learn the inner workings of the software. Our Server is one year old. All workstations are less than 3 years old. "...rebuild your database and cleaner up the junk...?" With nearly 3,000 clients, the software would not be running if the files and structure were not pristine. Till 2012, the program used an Acess 97 database structure. We have been promised for 4 years now that CCH was going to change it to speed up the program. This year they finally did change it, and so far the indications are bleak. Maybe I am too skeptical, but the project for this "upgrade" has been 4 years in the making. That is plenty of time to have worked out all these "bugs."

CCH still has not figured it out....

I agree with John H. This from past experiences. If you buy directly, there is no one for them to shift the blame to.

Let me see... Additional time to reopen and save each return - about 5 minutes. (I actually think that is too small) 5 minutes times 1,200 returns to reopen and save equals 6,000 additional minutes or 100 additional hours of processing time for this tax season. Even at 3 minutes additional per return, it is 60 hours. Tell me how to roll with the flow and eat an additional 60 - 100 hours of unbillable time??

Taxed is correct. No e-file at all until the IRS releases it for 2012 return. At that point, you should be able to e-file an Mef compliant return.

That sounds easy enough. But... We have nearly 3,000 clients and 40% say to open in last year and save again. How should we handle that? I think that ATX will eventually get the problem fixed, but it is a bit frustrating in the meantime.

It is not a tax software function. The preparer goes to the appropriate site and downloads the W-2, then prepares the return.

The database structure is entirely different. The files will not look like database files.

Opening 2011 and updating did not fix the problem for me. At the firm, we have over 3,000 returns and 40% are tagged to be reopened and saved again. I have not tried it to see if that actually works, but the idea of reopening 1,200+ returns is crazy!!

Schedule C is not a return. It is part of a personal 1040 return.

I have lost all sympathy for those that spend money they "think" they are going to get. I have a written disclaimer instructing clients not to spend any refund until it is in their posession. It does not work for those that choose not to be responsible. I am not the keeper of the irresponsible. It has started already this year for me too. Rant Over!! :spaz:

MeF Delay for Some 2012 Business Returns The IRS continues to review the details and impact of the new tax law signed this week, but a number of these provisions will require changing forms and updating our processing systems involving non-1040 business returns. As a result, electronic filing of many business returns will be delayed while we update forms, related instructions and corresponding systems. This delay is not expected to significantly impact business filers since most of these returns with reporting periods ending Dec. 31, 2012, are not due until March or April 2013, depending on the form. The IRS will not accept these business tax returns for processing through MeF at this time*: § All 2012 tax year business forms (other than Forms 2290 and 7004) § Form 8849, Schedule 3 - Certain Fuel Mixtures and the Alternative Fuel Credit § Form 990 series (Tax Exempt tax returns) Beginning Jan. 7, 2013, the IRS will accept these forms for processing through MeF: § Fiscal year returns with a year ending prior to 12/31/2012 § All 2011 tax year and 2012 fiscal year business returns, including Form 1120 series § 2012 tax year Form 2290, Heavy Highway Vehicle Use Tax Return § 2012 tax year Form 7004, Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File Certain Business Income Tax, Information and Other Returns We will share additional information on when we can accept the remaining 2012 tax year business forms as soon as it becomes available. More information will also be available soon regarding 2012 individual 1040 tax returns impacted by this week’s legislation. * Note: Business tax returns not processable through MeF at this time will also not be processed if submitted on paper.

MeF Delay for Some 2012 Business Returns The IRS continues to review the details and impact of the new tax law signed this week, but a number of these provisions will require changing forms and updating our processing systems involving non-1040 business returns. As a result, electronic filing of many business returns will be delayed while we update forms, related instructions and corresponding systems. This delay is not expected to significantly impact business filers since most of these returns with reporting periods ending Dec. 31, 2012, are not due until March or April 2013, depending on the form. The IRS will not accept these business tax returns for processing through MeF at this time*: § All 2012 tax year business forms (other than Forms 2290 and 7004) § Form 8849, Schedule 3 - Certain Fuel Mixtures and the Alternative Fuel Credit § Form 990 series (Tax Exempt tax returns) Beginning Jan. 7, 2013, the IRS will accept these forms for processing through MeF: § Fiscal year returns with a year ending prior to 12/31/2012 § All 2011 tax year and 2012 fiscal year business returns, including Form 1120 series § 2012 tax year Form 2290, Heavy Highway Vehicle Use Tax Return § 2012 tax year Form 7004, Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File Certain Business Income Tax, Information and Other Returns We will share additional information on when we can accept the remaining 2012 tax year business forms as soon as it becomes available. More information will also be available soon regarding 2012 individual 1040 tax returns impacted by this week’s legislation. * Note: Business tax returns not processable through MeF at this time will also not be processed if submitted on paper.

I am loading the program in the network here at the firm. Server and 10 workstations. I have been using in in a standalone on my laptop with no issues since the last program update. Internet Security Suite software packages wreak havoc with ATX. I only use anti-virus and anti-spyware portions. I will post my experiences once I have it installed here on the server.

If your computer is more than 3 years old, your computer may be to blame. Computer hardware is cheap. Find a techno-geek and hire him to help you set up the new system you buy. Buy a system with the fastest processor available, at least 4GB (Best is 8GB) of RAM and Win7 (not Win8). This will eliminate many of the issues with the software.

Colleges that push for ultra-early FAFSA drive me to drink!! The only reason colleges tell parents that FAFSA is needed by the end of February or earlier is that the workers in the Financial Aid office do not want to do their jobs. I had 3 children in 3 different colleges over an 8 year span. I did 11 FAFSA forms. The date of filing FAFSA has no effect on the amount of Federal Aid or Student Loans available. Rant over!

The IRS is not accepting any e-files until they release things for filing 2012 return. Your return must be paper filed. You will need to synchronize your e-file manager. 1. In E-file Manager click "Support." 2. Then mouse over "Customer Service Utilities". 3. Then click on "Synchronize E-file info with EFC" This will start a synchrynozation process with EFC and make your settings match theirs.

I think any discussion about what is changing or not is premature until Monday of next week.

I agree with Old Jack. This has been allowed for several years now.

PASS!!! I do not need clients that badly. If a client shops you for price, next year he will shop again for price. Lose Lose

How do you e-file?

ATX in a server environment has always used a shared directory/database. This is not new.

Today's Lesson in Irony.... The Food Stamp Program, administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is proud to be distributing the greatest amount of free meals and food stamps ever, to 46 million people. Meanwhile, the National Park Service, administered by the U.S. Department of the Interior, asks us "Please Do Not Feed the Animals." Their stated reason for the policy is because the animals will grow dependent on handouts and will not learn to take care of themselves. This ends today's lesson.

Printmaster, not Printshop. My old Printmaster 15 program is WIN7 compatible.