Jack from Ohio

You need to seek out a different hardware supplier. At the firm, we do ~3,000 returns per year for the past 10 years.. Over the most recent 5 year period, our computer hardware costs are approx. $.95 per client per year. This includes replacing all workstations, the server and a total upgrade of wiring and infrastructure, all software including QB and Office. None of our equipment is more than 3 years old. To try to use todays computer systems beyond 3 years will cost you in productivity. Dedicated domain server, 10 workstations, wireless access for clients, 4 networked high volume networked printers and 2 wireless access points. I think you are spending way too much.

I have a hot fudge sundae on: Personal returns can be filed on Feb. 9, 2015 or later.

I choose NOT to send my client information to be stored on any server except the one in my office. I have total control. This also comes with total responsibility which is part of the game. However, if I allow my client information to be stored on a "cloud" company or service, I have no control over security but still have total responsibility for the security of said information. NO CLOUD for me.

Just check the "complete" box on the returns in Return Manager. This stops any changes without a warning screen. Maybe you need to rethink who you have working for you??? At the firm, we have 3K clients and as many as 8 people working with returns on a busy day during season. We would have 5-10 instances of this every season. Most of the employees here are diligent. 3 seasons ago, we started marking the return complete when the e-file was accepted. This reduced the instances of this to ZERO. Another trick is to go into preferences in the prior year and change the color of the input box to something different than the current year. That is a visual signal that only the truly careless employees would miss.

Many of our clients don't even open the envelope...

The "hardware is not adequate" actually means... "It is a design problem and we don't want to talk about it." I have been challenged and derided about this statement, but I can state this from a position of actual experience and knowledge.

...and I have a bridge to sell...

I post those letters on the wall in my office. When asked why I put them up... "They either know my business is very valuable or they want to buy out a real competitor..."

The IRS prints the forms in November. You do the math...

Congress does not care one iota about taxpayers.

No more discounts. You ARE WORTH your fees!! Engagement letter telling that you must receive total payment before she gets the return. No e-file until total payment is made. You ARE WORTH your fees!!

Yes to both your questions. Looking for sense in tax regs is a waste of time.

1. Employer cannot provide an HRA that is tax free. Not allowed after Jan 1, 2014. 2. The employer must add the money to boxes 1, 3 & 5 on the W-2. 3. Sue can use the money for whatever she wants. 4. Since it is not allowed, there is no benefit to the employer.

It seems to me that selling one asset does not constitute receiving income from a business source. I do not think this triggers the 990.

If it looks like manure...

I disagree. Problems installing 2014 at the firm. I have not called tech support yet. Monday morning will be my day to see if there are any qualified and empowered technicians on duty. Corporate reluctance to take ownership of the 2012 debacle and admitting how it hurt ATX users' 2013 return. A general lack of understanding of customer service.

I throw it away for just that reason.

This is why I do NOT USE the DVD for installation. Download the install file and run it. This problem will not exist if you download the file. In addition, the downloaded file will be more up to date than the DVD. I toss the DVD.

How much additional costs did you incur for this service?

Really???

I will make no more posts regarding installation or program operation issues with ATX2014. Everyone should call Tech Support or ask Pacun. I have been scolded.

You are absolutely correct. This information has been available, as well as training to become proficient with the new laws for over 18 months. I am dismayed and a bit concerned at the lackadaisical attitude about learning this that seems to be the normal amongst the preparer community. The laws and necessary steps to incorporate them are convoluted, confusing, sometimes contradictory and very extensive. Learning will not be a "webinar or two and I will have it." I have had 4 more hours directly concerning the ACA in the past three weeks. Two different seminars. At each one I learned even more things that all my previous training had not provided. This will truly be the "Worst Tax Season in 30 Years" for those who are going in unprepared. I believe there will need to be a separate forum for ACA related questions as I predict a massive amount of them to be asked on this site. Rant Over.

You talked to the wrong tech support person. I have 10 workstations with WIN 7 and all years 2005-2013 installed and running. Again, ATX tech support, with a few, very few, exceptions is not equipped for the task they are trying to do. Blaming things on hardware and operating systems are examples of the uninformed nature of tech support.

For 2014, only the people buying insurance through a marketplace will receive a 1095-A. For 2015, people purchasing their insurance through a marketplace will receive a 1095-A For 2015, anyone that has insurance from a source other than the marketplace will receive a 1095-B from their insurer. For 2015, anyone that has insurance provided by their employer through a group plan will receive a 1095-C from their employer. All issued 1095s are REQUIRED for proper completion of the tax returns in the respective years.