Randall

I agree that usually it would be better to take the AOC first if they qualify for it. But I don't think you can just deduct the credit amount and use the balance to calculate the 529 taxable portion. You have to use the cost amount ($4000) used for the AOC, then the remaining cost balance applied toward the 529 calculation. Room and board won't count for AOC but does for 529.

Have you checked the C drive under ProgramDataCCH etc? If folder is not shown, maybe it is under hidden files. I had this going on, needed to check 'show hidden files'. Can't remember off the top of my head right now how I got there to do that.

Yes, Rich, that was my view too. Just started second guessing myself with the cash method rules.

Just to verify, SEP IRA contributions can be made up to the return filing due date (including extensions). So if contribution is made in 2014 for 2013, a deduction can be taken for 2013. If employer is a corporation on cash basis, is this still true for a contribution made in 2014 for the year 2013?

Thanks Jack. I see that the program did clean it up. The space went from 3.3gb to about 300-400mb.

I spoke too soon earlier when I said I didn't see this problem. Seems that my backup file was hidden. Anyway, I only had about 7 returns and it took 3.3gb. I updated program yesterday. Not sure how it's working now. I'm wondering if I copy existing backup to flashdrive, delete the backup on HD and then redo backup in the new updated program, it will use less space for already existing returns. Just thought I'd ask for comments before trying it.

I've not noticed the problem so far. I recently updated the program and have version 13.2.500.9. Not sure if that fixed the problem but I haven't noticed my HD being eaten alive yet.

I'm not sure how close they are to a fix. I'm no programmer but it seems like there must be some kind of replication loop going on for it to take up that much space. It seems a client backup file would only take about 2000 kb per version with up to 5 versions or so backed up at any time.

I use my 3rd monitor for clients but only some things. It's turned off most of the time. When a client questions something, I'll show the pdf copy of the return or last year's return or some of the client documents I have scanned in as pdf. Easier than thumbing thru original paper docs. Also like Richcpaman, I use the planning tool sometimes live with the client. Most of the time, I just have a printed copy of that for the client. Also, when I have the 3rd monitor on for the client, I move anything on my 1st monitor over to my 2nd monitor (click and drag) that I don't want the client to see. I've also used the 3rd monitor for a quick training session in QB. I really don't use the 3rd monitor much. For most clients, it just isn't necessary. But it is handy at times. And I don't do returns while the client is there. They drop off info and come back for the return. I tell new callers this up front.

I think large low cost drives are beside the point. If ATX is hogging that much space for backup files, something is wrong. If they don't fix it, I may be using Drake sooner than expected. Already have both programs installed and paid for. Was planning to give ATX the benefit of the doubt for 2013 and give Drake a good comparison look. That's why I bought both programs.

I think the simplest way to go is to get an adaptor and not a splitter. My old computer (XP) had only one monitor port on the back. I bought a 2nd monitor thinking all I had to do was plug it into another port on the back. I had looked on the back and mistakenly thought I had another port. But when I bought the 2nd monitor, I realized it wasn't a port for a monitor. I bought an adaptor (not a splitter). The monitor plugged into the adaptor and the adaptor plugged into the computer with a USB port. The adaptor came with a CD app to install. That put an icon on my tool bar and allowed me to set the 2nd monitor to be used as an extension or a mirror. I don't know what video components were already in the computer but I didn't need to install any other video cards. My current office desktop (W7) has two monitor ports. I have 3 monitors. The 2nd monitor is set as an extension of the 1st. The 1st and 3rd are connected to a splitter and the 3rd is a mirror of the 1st. I use the 3rd for clients to view. My laptop (W8) has a HDMI port and I have a 2nd monitor I plug into the laptop.

I put reminders in my calendar March 1 and April 1 to get the extensions done then.

JohnH, Are you doing corp extensions already?

Taxed, I've only just begun. I looked at some of their tutorials, but with those kinds of things, I usually forget by the time I need to use the particular app. I've muddled my way around in the setup and input screens. Picked up a few things already from this forum. Are the cheat sheets on the Drake website? With me, I don't think I'll really learn until I get into real time work flow experience. I know it will be slow at first. I think the cheat sheets will help me learn on the fly without having to hunt around too long.

JohnH, Thanks for the comments. I have both programs this year. I'm trying not to get discouraged with Drake. I'm getting the impression though, the more I learn it, the more I'll be a true convert. What are you using as a backup program? I believe you were one of the biggest proponents last year of everyone having a 2nd program. Another reason I bought both programs this year.

Is there a font setting in ATX? Or is it something in my computer. Form in ATX is different. The input is showing up slightly different looking. And there seems to be a heavier font on the form itself, running over space it should be in. And Ohio is showing IT 104 in upper right instead of IT 1040. Prints out that way too. Any comments would be helpul.

If a W8 laptop, make sure the screen is touch. Sometimes they say touch pad, but that's not the same as touch screen.

If Lucho goes for W8, get touch monitors. And they will be pricey. Without touch, follow Jack and get W7. Definitely get new system.

Thanks jklcpa

Thanks. Yes, taxed, I did not see the restored client, but the prompt said to enter the ssn. I entered the restored client ssn and it suddenly appeared. I'm just a beginner with Drake, very frustrating, still will have ATX for 2013 but will try to learn Drake to give it a fair comparison. Another question: I see in setup, I can suppress the 1040A and 1040EZ forms and go with 1040 for everyone. I like to do that. I also like to go with Sch C regardless. But Sch C-EZ shows up and I can't find out how to suppress it. Can it be done?

With Drake, if I want to prepare a return at home, take to office and finish up, how do I do it? With ATX, I used the export/import function. I'm not seeing this in Drake. Import seems to be talking about QB. I do see the Backup and Restore functions. This seemed to work. Is this the normal Drake method for doing this? I have only tried this on 2012, have not installed 2013 yet.

I agree Eric. I hate when I don't get a prompt telling me what's going on. Not just ATX but other apps too.

It seemed like a good idea at the time (3 years ago) but I've learned (not just ATX) the apps put some things where they want regardless of the custom installation. With the larger SSDs now, I won't bother with that on my next computer.

Or with a touch screen, hold index finger and thumb together and spread apart.

Crank, I'm like you with my current system. But I too will go with the default installation locations for ATX 2013, just to avoid potential problems. This should be my last year with my current system.