MsTabbyKats

I remember in the past one could enter something on Line 21....and make it subject to SE tax. I'm using TaxAct....which doesn't allow this. On the SE form...it says the income needs to come from C or F. Is this the way it is now....or (forget the program) can someone generate SE tax using Line 21?

And how about lawyers? In NYS...you need a CPA or lawyer "on the premises". By training, they know the least. Whenever someone asks me "my credentials" I tell them I've been doing this over 20 years...and I have an MBA. If the person feels that his situation is "so complicated" only a CPA can handle it...I'm more than happy not to take the job. I actually tell them that they should look for someone else. (IMHO...potential PITAs)

http://alliscpa.com/foreignnationals_tax_attributes_visa.php You need to read the treaty. If he's exempt....he needs to file the 1040-NR for that exemption.

As long as someone is here legally....they are required to have insurance ....just like everyone else....subject to the same rules as everyone else.

I am so sorry to hear about this. Be strong and do what you have to do. Everything else is unimportant.

I filed 3. Two were immediately accepted. One is an EITC...still waiting to hear.

Sorry to hear about your frustrations....and glad to know you're laughing about it today. I used to "never leave home" during "the season". Then I remembered....I'm not in prison. About the supermarket thing...probably the person was joking? You are allowed to breathe. Another option...plan a trip for April 16th...it will be like the prize at the end of the game.

You know that box we check....giving us permission to talk to the IRS. I always have a couple of clients that, for whatever reason, need ME to call the IRS (they get a letter, refund is delayed etc)...because they feel my fee includes this. Honestly....sometimes it is (omitting the time element) easier for me to call and clear things up. Now that the IRS is telling people not to call, no services available and long wait times....I just won't do it any longer (except when absolutely necessary). I'm very tempted to "not check the box"....and tell the client that I'm not authorized (for things that they can call themselves). Anyone else tempted?

On the same topic: http://www.msn.com/en-us/money/taxes/prepare-for-devastating-tax-season-irs-watchdog-says/ar-AA8bCMR?ocid=mailsignout ,.. I'm glad I had already decided "no new clients...except for the simple ones"....."raising rates for everyone".....and "not doing anything complex for current clients" (new complexities only). I have a footer on my e-mail for everyone...about rate hikes.

I'm not so sure it sounds ridiculous.... I've been thinking about running/working from FL (just got back 2 weeks ago....windchill of 5 today).

Congrats to you!

33. Why do I have to pay tax on the gain of a muni fund???? They are tax free!

I have a client who gives me a $100 tip...specifically for my next casino trip!

Thanks...this is exactly what I was looking for!

For the past milliion years, in addition to Pub 17....I've been using "1040 Express Answers" by CCH. They will no longer be publishing the spiral version.....just on line. Does anyone know of something similar.....where I can get a paper version of something? Thanks....

Margaret- I'm with you. Recoup whatever you can....and for this coming season (if she comes to you) explain that your time is limited and that she needs to "have it all" before you start. At times I feel that I'm "my clients shrink" ...because I'm a humanist. Many people are cut and dry....only seeing the numbers.

I wouldn't bother with this one. Whenever I get this kind of request I tell the potential client that if I do the return he may end up owing more tax...and I don't rely on his input. They usually pop up when someone self prepared and doesn't like the results. I also ask to be paid in advance when someone tried to do it. Walk away....

I work for those who pay me. Professionally, the IRS gives me nothing, not even telephone support. I don't do "stupid"...but I don't make clients take lie detector tests.

Just do what you do....and don't do returns that aren't logical. We aren't the IRS police.

But.....suppose those early filers who must get early refunds don't get whatever form they may or may not need for medical insurance purposes. At this point....I plan on telling all the early birds that if an amendment is needed due to early filing they will have to pay the fee again.

You have a point....really depends on the circumstances of the situation. It's hard to be honest without offending....especially if there are social connections. OP..if you're close to retirement...there's the "phasing out" with a referral option. Personally...I'd keep her and focus on spending less time. As far as the money...you can figure out if she needs it more than you.

If you want to drop her,....use the depreciation excuse....but blame it on the software and how complex her return is.

1. This is an example of why not to mix business with pleasure. You cannot be objective about friends. 2. At this point, if she isn't a pita I think you should keep her...or your gonna have a very awkward situation. Be honest..write her a letter explaining that you understand her circumstances and you don't mind helping her out, however, since you give her a discount you have to limit the time you work on her return. In other words....hold off giving the information until she has it all. I had a similar situation....husband's friend's...wife's sister's friend. She thought we were in cahoots against the IRS. I tried to drop her for years. Finally....she asked me a question that I didn't know...so I said I don't know...and that there was no official IRS ruling. Happily....she dumped me.

Thanks....I printed it out also. It's not that complicated when....just new.

I offered a refund this morning. The guy didn't get his refund from NJ yet. Not to go into the details (J-1 issue)....I told him I have a good reputation and I don't want to spoil it. Rather than him be mad at me (of course this is somehow my fault...lol)...I'd refund my fee. And, when he finally gets the NJ refund, he could repay me. He refused my refund...and apologized for taking his frustrations with the NJ tax dept out on me. Truly...the time I've spent on the phone with NJ since June...about 45 minutes to an hour a month. And it's just checking the status....all the paperwork is there....and sitting on a big pile of paper returns. Not worth it...if he comes back to me, I will tell him that the fee is for preparation only and one follow-up call in mid-July. My attorney is $500/hr. At those rates my client owes me a few thousand by now!