MsTabbyKats

The questions that I mind are the ones where the program does a calculation, and the result doesn't resemble the input. If the client asks "what's that"....it takes more time for an explanation than doing the return. My general response is "it's a calculation in the program"....but if they want a deeper explanation I send the worksheet. These people may get classified as PITAs. While I think it's good to go over the return and ask questions, I am not a "tax theory" teacher. I don't ask my doctor "how the body works" or a pilot "how to fly".

I am crazy about doing research. I generally "figure it out" and then call the appropriate govt to confirm. If someone has actually done something, I'd take their word. But, when it comes to "analyzing", unless someone has specific experience, their interpretation is no more valid than mine. In the case of PA...I have problems....always. I did a NJ res who worked in PA and paid local tax. I never knew that the PA local tax could be used as a credit for NJ, in addition to the income being exempt from NJ tax (reciprocal agreement). The client actually told me that "her friend said........" (First time I did her...and most likely the last) PA seems to have a lot more "complications" than other states. I hope and don't mean to offend anyone....but I think a quick call to the PA tax dept would clear up the issue. Maybe I'm just lucky...and although I've dealt with many "non-stellar" reps....I've never got bad advice. If the person seems unsure (and that's easy to spot) I hang up and call back.

You can order them online from the IRS. http://www.irs.gov/Businesses/Online-Ordering-for-Information-Returns-and-Employer-Returns

This is what happens when people actually read their tax return. Questions, comments....time wasted explaining........... Luckily most just want to know the refund.

Sorry...I should have said "interpretation" All of the "rules" are open to interpretation. That's what "tax court" is all about. Whenever I'm not sure....I call the govt involved. NYS would fully tax the pension of any other state after the $20,000 exclusion.

I don't do many PA returns and when I do I always have "issues". PA has reciprocal agreements with several other (neighboring?) states......NY isn't one of them. I would call the tax dept and find out if MA has an agreement. Otherwise, you're just using "an opinion". (DE is a neighboring state. MA isn't) In NYS...a govt retirement plan isn't taxed like a 401-K. All NYS/C & Fed govt retirement plans are tax-free....only $20,000 of a 401-K or an other retirement income (pension from another state) is excluded. I'd call.

I'd say more reliable than people on a forum who never did a return like this.

From the link: Code 7 Normal Distribution. This distribution from an eligible Pennsylvania retirement plan is not taxable if you met the plan requirements (the age and/or years of service required by the plan) for retirement, and retired after meeting those requirements. I have clients with NYS pensions (not taxable here) that moved to "other states"...where they are fully state taxable. I'd give the PA tax dept a call.

One of the beautiful things about "being the boss" is that you can pick & choose your clients. When I worked in "the office" I had to do a lot of things that were either tedious or I was uncomfortable with (I let the boss sign those.......). If I just "don't like someone" (I dumped a condescending client this summer.....DH thought I was stupid to do it....but I just couldn't take her attitude any longer) I won't do the return.

I don't think "not accepting a client" is the same as "firing a client". I get lots of: 1099-Misc....no estimates paid...people expecting a refund (?????) or to owe next to nothing. Before I start the return I warn them....and give them a rough (but larger than it will be) estimate of what I think they will owe....as a worse case scenario. If they freak out....I return the papers. In general....if I think the person will be unhappy....I don't do the job. As far as firing....I customize the parting e-mail. Many times I blame it on "software limitations" or "I cannot give your return the attention that it needs". For non-payers (I only had 1 in 20 years) I would just ask for the $$$ upfront. For people I had a problem with in the past....I state the issue....and let them know that I won't do the return again if "that issue" is involved. But...for someone that I just don't like...a real PITA...if I couldn't think of an excuse, I'd raise the rate.

The question was academic....but I just found out it's not a corporation....it's an LLC with only him involved. He's not a movie director as in "Spielberg"....more at the trainee stage..... no staff involved. Thanks for the input.........

It wasn't a client that asked....just someone I know. He is a movie director....works on both coasts and lives in CA. He formed a corporation in MI (I think he lived there at one time) and a current client of his offered to pay him more money if he is incorporated. AFAIK...he never filed any returns for MI. Thanks......

I think I'm having a senior moment, because I know that I knew this. I don't do business/corporate returns....... What is the benefit of a company asking an independent contractor to incorporate? Someone asked me this...and I went blank. I'm still blank.

I use TaxAct. The preparers edition is exactly the same as the "general one". One of the reasons I love it is that it walks you thru things....especially "other states". By saying "standard deduction" I was really oversimplifying. But, I won't get involved in "unique situations" if it means submitting a return that I can't justify.

TRX started my "retirement by attrition" last season. New rules, new foreign rules, new NYS rules, preparer penalties, new this and new that....just accelerates my rate of attrition. At this rate, by 2015 I'll be doing "Standard Deductions" only

Yes...but they will be starting from scratch...with 0 return customers. And, unless they produce a workable and decent product, those new clients will take advantage of "the money back guarantee".

I doubt it. It looks like this Pope is more aware. (Sorry if I've offended..........)

I got a similar e-mail a couple of weeks ago. I searched my "sent"....and this was my reply! This is a joke, right? Considering your 2012 software was non-functional.....I wouldn't put it on my computer, even if it were for free.

Good........I can't imagine any "returning customers", especially the ones who actually used the product.

It should all be under the primary. She could call IRS to verify everything is on the primary's record correctly.

Forgot about this thread... The bf (gf needs the amendment) e-mailed me again last night to show me what he and his mom did. I corrected the 1040-X; 1040-NR was ok. But, he again started with the "return of fica taxes".....and offered to pay me something......and I again told him that I don't get involved with that. If a new (paying) client approached me, and wanted this included with his return, I wouldn't take the job. (Unless the IRS changed the rules back to how it was years ago......).

Did you sign the paper return?

Believe it or not....I don't have a problem with slow payers. I guess I'm just a world-class nag. But...what aggravates me the most...the PITA who thinks their tax return is the most important legal document ever written! I just fired one: Wife is attorney (the PITA); husband retired Return is really no big deal...except for one specific to NYC form (20 years...300 returns/year....she is the only one that ever needed the form) She gives me way too much backup...and I have to go thru every page. This summer...for her 2011 return....3 lbs of paper and a 16 page letter of instructions.(This is besides K-1s, 1099s etc.........) She is always condescending. I didn't read the letter...but looked to the last page to see how long it was....and there was yet again...another condescending remark at the end. I used to charge her $400. The CPA before me charged about $1500 (I don't remember exactly) Of course she reads thru the entire return...and will point out typos....such as "and" instead of "&" for names of charities. If she just gave me "the papers she got in the mail" and a list of charities....it would be a quick return. But, instead, it becomes hours because of reading thru her 3 lbs of notes. So...I told her "my new software" didn't support that special NYC form. I know...it was like throwing $400 away....but that condescending attitude....ugh.....I just couldn't take it.

Not to mention that you'll need less supplies, use less time making calls and have less "after the season" follow-up. This is the advice my husband keeps giving me..........it's called "working smart"!

Michael- I understand about "just doing the return"....and I basically did the 1040-NR to copy (even had numbers filled in) and told him what he had to do to customize it. (Date of arrival...Visa type). I told him exactly what to put on the 8843. I told him how to do the 1040-X. I told him I don't do FICA rebates...because I haven't done one for years....and I cannot help with the state because I never amended a RI return. It would have been much easier for me to "just do the return" but to do it completely (with the FICA rebate and state) it would have been time consuming with calls to the IRS & RI. These people are PhDs in science....not stupid. I'm sure he can figure out the correct way to do the 1040-X by reading the instructions or calling the IRS. But, it's just easier to call me. The thing is I would not "just do it" because the woman who referred him, and the man that referred that woman are also earning minimal incomes...and they paid me. I didn't want them to feel slighted....and I didn't want my name spread as someone who did the returns for free. (Most of the non-resident aliens earn next to nothing...which is why I do them so cheaply....and which is why I have limited new NRA clients.) ETA-Most other preparers, when I tell them how little I charge, especially for NRA, consider that whole sector of my business "volunteer work".