easytax

He was having therapy ---- Therapy ---- so he can eventually --- again --- go more than he could -- after the accident. Therapy is wonderful to regain your use back!!! Also --- anybody know if this could happen --- as we RUSH to the telephone for that IRS callback --- after all; if we hadn't been waiting and so direly needed the call back; we would not have had to rush ---- therefore it HAD TO BE caused by the IRS --- not our fault because it is our phone cord ... Just asking.

Just some thoughts ---- 1/ Is this payable as child support or as alimony --- one is deductible -- one not? 2/ Is he "happy" with ex ---- possibly he might want to know that the "reimbursement" depending on how done would be "income" to her as if health care from a big corp. --- she has already benefited from possibly pre-tax on that amount. My job is done --- more muddy waters. Have a good season.

For those who might want an alternative to "going to a seminar/webinar and in particial answer to part of my own question and suggestions that some good seminars/webinars on the ACA would be beneficial I found the following web site: http://kff.org/interactive/subsidy-calculator/ . When you visit this calculator you can ALSO go to there "home" tab and give yourself a VERY informative webinar (only difference is you are "reading" instead of being "talked to"). This not only shares good information but also has various "parts" that can/should be shared with those clients with a lot of questions. This should allow you to "help" the clients without the liability I wonder about. Here is a PDF of an interesting "chart" that I believe I will be sharing when/if the discussion gets to ACA. requirement_flowchart_2 050113.pdf Again, good taxing .... remember ---- we are the good guys/gals (got-to be PC ) -------- not the actual "tax collectors" .

Comment pertains to if you need to paper file returns ---- Federal returns can be duplex but many states do not allow submission with duplex pages because they scan each page in --- apparently the fed's do not. I can not answer the best duplex printer question or if ATX does or does not but thought this might be good information to know.

Joanmcq has a workable idea above. If you have ATX and want to have both completed and e-filed markers - just add a column to the "Return Manager" page -- go under options "customize filed" and toward the bottom of the description box, check and rename a column. You can also -- place the column where you want on the return manager page there.

Thanks, I now know what the 1095 forms are (first I heard about them was last week). THAT WAS SOMETHING I WAS MISSING ---- THANKS again! Let me clarify; The tax aspects of ACA are understood and will be freely shared--- what I refer to as "insurance aspects" and not really a "tax" aspect (does affect, but NOT (to me) actual part of helping my tax clients) is the actual numbers that will be used to do the tax preparation. Sharing information on what the ACA is/does is not what I mean --- that is actually pretty straight forward (yes, could be a pain --- but straight forward). What I was confused about was giving my clients the numbers they "might" need --- when that depends on the insurance they buy (or don't buy). With the 1095 forms that onus is off the practitioner. As far as estimated what the subsidies might be (not the penalties -- again pretty straight forward 2014 either $95 or 1% over basis, etc.) I still can not in good conscious tell my clients the subsidy number; --- that will need to come from someone such as the form 1095 issuers or a "licensed insurance agent" or maybe the "marketplace". I DO NOT want the liability for "you gave me the wrong amount" -- let the 1095 issuer or licensed insurance agent have that liability. That is one of the nice things about this forum ----- you ask the question, get perspective and answers !! Have a good season, Ed.

Would seeing the following, raise your hackles? From, MyPet Health Guide, "raises an accountant's hackles more than seeing 'four dependents' listed on the tax return of a single man with a dog, two fish, and a ferret." It could have been true in 2009 --- but did not make the "cut". see last section of "6 tax breaks for pet owners" from an article on MSN.com today :: http://money.msn.com/tax-tips/post--6-tax-breaks-for-pet-owners

The tax aspects I can and will answer and I will find some webinars for those parts (no travel, etc.). The tables, charts, etc. as far as the insurance numbers --- not from me -- I have been out of insurance for a number of years and am no longer licensed for insurance. The "tax" preparation liability is mine --- I know what I put my signature to. The insurance liability, I do not want, so with the litigious society we have; I will not recommend or explain something that even though administered by the IRS, is more an insurance aspect than a tax aspect. Kind of like practicing law with out a law license. After all, from what I can understand and confirm, the employer or "marketplace" will supply forms giving the subsidy, premium credit, etc. and the government will "tell" the consumer (based on the facts the consumer gives the government (at the "marketplace")) what advanced credit, offset, etc. they may have. All the consumer has to do is keep updating the government through the "marketplace" with any changes, etc. ---- if not, then the consumer has the wrong numbers and ----- I get to take that into account --- when preparing the 2014 return in 2015 (based on the forms (numbers) supplied by the employer and/or government). Since I do no payroll, etc.; I do not need to have the discussions with employers and can simply suggest they contact their licensed insurance person for those numbers --- again, reminding them that when they have the numbers, I can THEN help them look at their "tax" numbers. The individuals asking, if not on Medicare, etc. and/or employed, etc. will be referred to their licensed insurance agents and government "marketplace" to figure out the numbers --- again, reminding them that when they have the numbers, I can THEN help them look at their "tax" numbers. Has anyone seen/heard that in January 2015 our clients will be receiving Forms 1095A, 1095B & 1095C, which will be needed for the calculation of the penalty and/or credit? I received this information in a different site post. However, I can not find them on the IRS form/pub site.

Information in posts is correct - April 15 From pub 590 - You can make a contribution to your IRA by having your income tax refund (or a portion of your refund), if any, paid directly to your traditional IRA, Roth IRA, or SEP IRA. For details, see the instructions for your income tax return or Form 8888, Allocation of Refund (Including Savings Bond Purchases). Contributions can be made to your traditional IRA for each year that you receive compensation and have not reached age 70½. For any year in which you do not work, contributions cannot be made to your IRA unless you receive alimony, nontaxable combat pay, military differential pay, or file a joint return with a spouse who has compensation. Even if contributions cannot be made for the current year, the amounts contributed for years in which you did qualify can remain in your IRA. Contributions can resume for any years that you qualify. Contributions can be made to your traditional IRA for a year at any time during the year or by the due date for filing your return for that year, not including extensions. For most people, this means that contributions for 2013 must be made by April 15, 2014, and contributions for 2014 must be made by April 15, 2015. If an amount is contributed to your traditional IRA between January 1 and April 15, you should tell the sponsor which year (the current year or the previous year) the contribution is for. If you do not tell the sponsor which year it is for, the sponsor can assume, and report to the IRS, that the contribution is for the current year (the year the sponsor received it). You can file your return claiming a traditional IRA contribution before the contribution is actually made. Generally, the contribution must be made by the due date of your return, not including extensions.

Appreciate the replies. Basically they changed my perspective -- I have been looking at ACA as how much will the government subsidy be, how is it calculated, etc. --- which I don't have a clue on --- and how does that impact my clients and their taxes. Looking at it from the "tax" changes (3.8%, .9% increase, 10% up from 7.5% itemized, etc. that part I understand and is just part of helping clients with "tax" requirements. Since I still have not seen ANY (again, if I'm missing these, please let me know) real guidance from the IRS on figuring ACA actual numbers to "guide" client with, on that part, I am still confused. Even the EITC had guidance and forms and pubs, etc. (although they too changed/shifted). Tax changes, I can share, guidance on numbers that apparently the government STILL has not figured out yet -- is where I am lost. Again, Thanks.

I posted this on the "other" ATX but since many people do not belong or go there I wanted to ask here too. OK, WHAT am I missing --- a number of commercials for different "tax preparation" companies are saying they will help the "tax client" with what they need to know about the ACA (affordable care act) and what they can look for with their taxes. Additionally, I have received two "survey's" from non-ATX tax software forums asking how I was going to handle ACA with my tax clients this filing year (was I charging more; what was I going to tell them; several other things and of course "had I or would I" take a course and how much did I/would I pay, etc.). 1/ ACA as far as many tax practitioners are concerned -- is not till next year filing. 2/ The insurance side is a NOT a "TAX" issue and NOT part of tax preparation. 3/ Maybe -- something for the "payroll" folks to discuss with business, etc. but not regular tax filers. 4/ Since not tax issue how would a tax practitioner consult on "insurance" and be safe to offer a qualified opinion? 5/ Why would the IRS let a blatant thing like this be advertised when we as "professional" tax preparers have the 230 to answer to? I must be missing something here... ANY serious explanation would be appreciated. Thanks.

Currently using Brother MFC-8480DN (several years old and not produced anymore - others are). Does all and not much costlier than just a printer. It's nice to be able to put in a bunch of papers and let the document manager run them through the scan process and even the individual scan (on the top if you want) is easy. All can go into my client files as PDF documents. If you happen to be an ATX client --- remember to check their Staples program. Free shipping, lower than listed through the StaplesAdvantage site (ATX members) and/or lowest price in the store (using your REGISTERED (through StaplesAdvantage/ATX) credit card first). They have good deals on a lot of things (shop everything -- there may be better prices out there too). When I bought (late 2009, early 2010) my Brother MFC 8480DN - retail was (all estimates as my memory is old - like me) about $479; staples $364 in store; staples online through the ATX program $348 and since I wanted it now - instead of waiting a few days -- store price using my credit card registered with Staples on the ATX/Staples program was just $327. Additionally I purchased an extra cartridge and Drum at reduced prices too. NOTE: There is a discussion on this board on "Toner" costs -- and the high yield toner for my Brother unit for me last year (Feb 2013); Staples $104; Wal-Mart $84; Amazon (forgot who) $46 - so shop all items too.

Jack from OH, Thanks, I'll keep my eyes open for them (hopefully they will announce them on IRS.gov). Did like the Tax-Talk-Today but now that's a pay to view too. . I always try to learn.

Anybody know if they ever have or intend to webcast any or all the events, etc. Given some limitations, travel is not really an option. besides, even when I could, I enjoyed things (football, some sports, etc.) from my TV screen --- I could keep up with them from there --- on sight sometimes too much AND no worries as with the TV --- a lot of "replays" so I could watch again. Just asking...

As all your information for posting, etc. ---- WORKS GREAT! Thanks again, Ed.

Jack from Ohio, Several things ... 1/ Thanks for the ATX support, it did help me decide on staying with them, so I appreciate your input, help and time. 2/ Agree with most about taking from rich to subsidize; with some exceptions but we probably agree mostly there too. ( a helping hand for those who truly need and will try to "stop" the help when they can do for themselves --- is good //// giving to someone who "CHOOSES" NOT to try but can/could except it is easier to take, than do for themselves -- can be and unfortunately many times might be "welfare"). 3/ Things could be worst (I try to find a "silver lining" in most things (usually successful at it too)) --- think --- France --- they have a "new" (actually old and we did have something like this at one point in the past) -- a 50% automatic tax on over 1mil euro's (about 1.3 mil US today) on companies paying (as I understand it) their exec's . At least right now we are just about 45% fed on the individual side (39.9% fed top, 3.8% Medicare, .09% something else -- I may have my names mixed up, but the govt. wants that much). And we still have the state and locals to add in ---- hhmmmm... maybe a flat 50% might be less --- have to think about this. Have a good one; today, tomorrow and future ---- Ed.

Appreciate it --- tried it, it works well! I also tried to use it for an email address but that didn't work. What am I missing? Thanks again and also in advance for the email help. Shows Eric not only has knowledge BUT has a good heart, as he saw a need and wanted to help and fill a BIG void. Thanks for the Eric information. ERIC, THANK YOU again ! Stay as you are (well, happy, having fun and enjoying). If any of those are missing, here is praying and hoping for a good change for you; you deserve it.

Not a bad choice overall. I do have a question --- (my paranoia) "the fee will be based on how much work I need to do....and their income and/or lifestyle." ----- From your other posts -- I KNOW you don't mean it the way I'm asking (I believe you are saying -- I will help the "poorer" earning people, more kids, bigger expenses, etc. making less - so I will cut them a break, etc.) BUT given todays' attitude toward litigation, etc. -- would that not be (or at least construed by those just wanting to make news, money, etc.) discriminatory? Just asking as I do NOT want you even to have a remote possibility of being in trouble --- or worst yet, court.

An associate a decade ago was making a 'client call and presentation" to one of the owners of a business (equivalent to fortune 500 account); left their computer in the "office annex" where all the employees hung out while he and the owner went to lunch (owner assured secure, etc.). Came back, found some of the "employees" --playing with several "programs" that were only available on HIS COMPUTER and not available to the general public (including the company he was calling on). Bottom line, went to owner, explained situation --- owner fired three people immediately as they had compromised my associates computer --- they thought it was just fun but caused them to lose their jobs. Needless to say, my associate kept his computer with him or "locked" up after that. Hacking can be good or bad BUT it still can be trouble for the person losing control of the data.

On this site, the URL's post as clickable links. Anybody willing and able to answer my question below? (interesting enough I asked this question to ATX customer service and was referred to another site for my answer as - ATX customer service answer - " Customer Support has very little interaction with the ATX Community board. Try contacting [email protected] for assistance with specific formatting of your board posts." Guess what????? --- that's ERIC here on this board. No Eric is not affiliated with ATX but apparently they have heard of him as they refer people for answers to him. ---- KUDO's to Eric ...) Here is my "formatting question" (remember - this pertains to how to -- on the ATX main forum): From the comment boards last evening (12/30/2013)and at other times too, we find that some would like to be able to place in their posts "links" (possibly called "hyperlinks") so someone viewing the post could just "click" on the link and be taken to that posting, site, etc.. When "posting" either by typing in the text or by cut & pasting, etc. the URL or hyperlink address goes in as regular text. This occurs even if it was a "hyperlink" or "URL" in the original document/site address, etc., it only goes into the ATX forum post as a regular text entry. There have been some who apparently have figured out how to change it to an active "hyperlink" but many of us do not know how. Please advise on how to make text in an ATX forum post into a "hyperlink". Some of us would like to be able to reference others to a particular post, site, information, etc., other than showing just regular text and asking the viewer to do a cut & paste to their browser. It would be very helpful if they could JUST CLICK the "hyperlink", "URL", etc. Do you know how to make an address (URL) into a hyper-link in the comments on the board? If so, please advise so we may start doing it this way. Thanks in advance.

GreenLED: Not an IT guy but believe username and password would have to come from your client as generic at beginning but what the client does - did not able to know. Also, at one point --- neither were required to run the program (do not remember if/when requirement was made), so possibly there is "NO" user/password, etc. I have been stuck like this in some other programs --- only to find out -- thou they ask, there is nothing to enter --- and 'blank ________" works. Hope this helps.

Alright, I'm dense -- please bare with me (no photos - please ). Based on the above -- especially this part "1% of your yearly household income. The maximum penalty is the national average yearly premium for a bronze plan. $95 per person for the year ($47.50 per child under 18). The maximum penalty per family using this method is $285." "Penalties apply to each member of the household," Understood to this point HOWEVER -- since household income can be looked at as belonging to both family partners and/or even maybe kids --- would not this entire 'household income" be used for each family members penalties? I know this is simply stating the idea/question, etc. but I'd like to fully understand this. Another reason is --- will not the families/people NEED to know this so they can figure out what if any subsidies' or penalties there might be -- and they will ask us, the practitioner, so I'd like an understandable answer to give them on both --- penalties and HOW MUCH they might be able to ask for/get in early/prepaid subsidies. It's kind of like a W-4 for withholding --- I'd like to be able to answer the how-to do the form question for them --- it's a tax thing and NOT a legal or insurance question (as least not alone). Thanks again --- Happy New Year to all!

Shows I do not always pay close attention to what I thought was an IRS "free" training and informational program. It is good and informative. Now if you "watch/attend" you pay regardless of any CPE's or not. I'll not be attending any more. It's a business and I've enjoyed attending the webinars, etc. but never took any CPE, etc.. Just as an FYI: NEW! VIEW-ONLY SUBSCRIPTION PLAN Starting on January 6, 2014, it will be necessary for non-CPE credit viewers to: Buy a View-Only Subscription Package (Purchase does not include CPE Credit) If a viewer does not have unused CPE credits in their account, it will be necessary to purchase a View-Only package for $50.00 to watch any future or archive programs. You will be able to make your purchase on-line starting January 6, 2014. You can view One Free Program before subscribing to the full viewing subscription program. You will be able to view all Live and Archived programs for 12 months from the date of your purchase. If you decide to purchase CPEs after viewing, we will issue you a credit for your View-Only purchase that is proportional to your CPE credit purchase. Tax Talk Today is now approved for QAS Self Study CPE Credit in all states. Tax Talk Today, Inc. is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its website: www.learningmarket.org. And Approved IRS Continuing Education Provider. Tax Talk Today’s CPE program is approved by the following: National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) IRS/RPO Approved Program for EAs and RTRPs California Tax Education Council – CTEC Oregon State Board of Tax Practitioners Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants (Sponsor ID 009525) Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Division of Professional Regulation (License No. 158.002556) New York State Education Department, State Board for Public Accountancy Click Here to see 2014 Program Schedule UPCOMING LIVE PROGRAM Individual Tax Law Update 2013 - It's Filing Time Again Tuesday, January 14, 2014 2:00 PM – 3:40 PM ET 2 CPE credits Please forward this on to your colleagues. Tax Talk Today content is provided by: NAEA, and IRS Tax Talk Today ® - The Tax Show for the Tax Pro! ® is produced by Tax Talk Today, Inc. Copyright © 2010-2013 Tax Talk Today, Inc. All Rights Reserved The distinctive Tax Talk Today logo and "The Tax Show for the Tax Pro!" are U.S. registered trademarks of Tax Talk Today, Inc.

In another life (building computers and systems, etc.) there was a saying that " there are only two kinds of people using computers --- those who hve had a computer crash and those who WILL HAVE a computer crash. You unfortunately "had" a crash (by the way - doesn't mean you won't again). I share this because EVERYTHING should be backed up - data, programs to be installed, used, etc.) at all times because you don't schedule crashes. Even knowing this and saying this to clients so they would not be in trouble when it happened --- I did not follow my own advice (too busy - you know and I'll get around to it when I can, etc.) and had it happen to me ---- today I follow my own advice!

Just want to make sure I'm not missing something. I use ATX (1040 office) and they have some disclosure forms about me contacting clients for other than tax matters, etc. As I read them, once the client signs off, I can contact them as I deem fit, share information, etc. --- would this not preclude "other" authorization rules as mentioned above or are we in fact basically saying the same thing? I have in the past "used verbal" OK from client to give other parties information BUT will not in the future as even a small "slip" could bring penalties in todays IRS. Thanks for input.