RitaB

JohnH is correct as usual, probably because he was in my Algebra class 15 years ago (falsehood), and I will add that it helps to be able to say to people that I get an extension for my own return. I also tell them I know I've paid in enough and will not owe. Psssshhh, it's all good. I will sooth fears of extensions one time and one time only. I'm happy to extend the tax season, but the people having more than one panic attack about 4/15 are given a hug and my best wishes for continued success with another preparer.

Actual footage of me enjoying coffee with the phone off the hook.

I looked into this last week sometime and came to the conclusion that if the premiums are deducted by the taxpayer, any benefits paid would be taxable. If premiums are not deducted, benefits are tax free. I think it's in IRC section 104. I remember telling clients in the past that you can't deduct owner disability premiums on Sch C. It may not be so much that you can't, but that it would be a bad decision to do so.

Same.

I agree that normally Sch E filers do not have a home office or the deduction. That's why the data won't flow. It also won't flow for Sch F filers or unreimbursed partners. However, in Pub 587, the instructions address using a worksheet (instead of Form 8829) for farmers and unreimbursed partners. If the rentals are a trade or business, I think you'd have an argument for using the worksheet and taking the deduction. (I'd just use 8829 and enter the results on Sch E manually, we've established that it won't flow. keep the 8829 in the file. give taxpayer a copy). There was a landlord who successfully defended the deduction in tax court. It wasn't me, and I've never entered that deduction for a landlord.

Well, if I know already it's a MFS situation, or if they're going to fight over who paid what, I'd file separate extensions and have the spouses send (or initiate online) separate payments. The extension is an extension to file, not an extension to pay, so I'd encourage them to pay what they owe by 4/15/19. I think IRS will credit the taxpayer (as opposed to the spouse) if spouse sends an estimated payment or extension payment on a "joint" voucher. Pretty sure.

The 2017 short gap is not affected by 2018.

I seriously had to look at one forever last night and convince myself I knew what I was doing. No, it's not the first time I've seen it this year. And, yes, I do a double-take every time. Every. Time.

I've enjoyed knowing you, Margaret. Actually, I don't know the answer to your question, but I only enter items form Box 12 that affect the return. For examples, I never enter DD amounts, and I only enter D amounts if they qualify for Retirement Savers Credit. Maybe there is an entry that you can omit.

Oh, I love this. I'm going to do this when I get a staff. LOL.

Same as Tom. I think I'm ahead of last year. Either that or I'm not and just think I am.

Yes, income for this purpose does include nontaxable SS benefits. It's called Hall Income Tax in honor of the senator who sponsored the legislation. Don't do me any favors like that if I create a tax, just sayin.

I have never been assessed a penalty as long as I pay by 4/15. Also I have never known of a client being penalized if the tax is paid by 4/15. I am not aware of any vouchers available to pay by check. If your client wants to pay ahead, they can do so online, but our site is the WOAT (worst of all time) to navigate: https://revenue.support.tn.gov/hc/en-us/articles/115005892446-How-do-I-submit-a-Hall-income-tax-estimated-payment-for-2018-

Scholarship income is unearned income for Kiddie Tax purposes. Yes. Now, you taught me something: I didn't realize the taxable scholarships are NOT counted as support provided by the student. Also. I wonder how many education credits are reported incorrectly. I hate it when I see a 1098-T.

Yes. Of course you need to make an effort to complete the lines on the 4868.

And I bet your script has no broken fingernails and never curses.

I know good and well that I am NOT typing in my password incorrectly for ATX. Well, I'll show them. Not only will I slow it down, I will break fingernails pounding out those characters on this keyboard. Take that! Just once, I want them to say, "Close enough," and let me in.

Yeah, I don't start one if I know something is missing, but it seems like every other one I pick up, something is missing. Today: Me: Your Composite Statement from LPL Financial is missing. Lady who actually tried to get me to put a value on empty peanut butter jars she donated to Bible School project: Are you sure? I thought I put that in there. Every. Single. Time.

It's the worst, having to touch a return more than once. If they only knew how much more likely we are to mess up when they dribble in information or change their mind about something after we think we're done...

Yes, it does covers both of those, but my mistake was so special I was on my own. I had bank numbers entered and "mail a check" checked.

I just prepared a return for a client for whom I had a note in the file that last year she got a check because I forgot to click the Direct Deposit box before filing. You know how some people say at pick up, "Oh, yeah, I want that to go to my bank account," and you smile and say, "Oh, sure, no problem," (even though it really is a little bit of a pita), and you enter the numbers but forget to click the &*^% box? Maybe that happened.

Agree, my off the cuff answer is the pond didn't improve the land so I'm going with nah.

Yeah, and guess how many times I've done that... so awkward. I hate the forms soooo much...

Charge her full return price when the letter comes: "Where's your 8962?" P. S. I can't find the definition of pertute, I'd have to charge her for that, too.