Randall

I have a computer stand opposite my desk, swivel around in my chair from computer to desk. My two monitors are currently at the back edge of the computer stand. I've already moved them to the front edge to see how it would be to use as touch. I have a pull out shelf for the keyboard. I must be odd for an accountant, never use the number pad. Still use the numbers at top of typewriter formation. My laptop doesn't have a number pad so I don't miss it at all. Can't imagine plugging in a number pad to laptop. I guess I'm different than most so I can easily see how touch monitors with a desktop will work for me. Using the mouse is annoying for me. I lose the cursor, swing mouse back and forth in long swipes. Click too fast sometimes in the wrong spot. So I guess I more ready to transition to more touch functionality.

The mouse and keyboard aren't going away. Touch is there as a 3rd way. I still use all 3. I wish I knew and remembered more keyboard shortcuts. They're probably the fastest of the 3.

I was scrambling before Nov 7. I bought a one year subscription from Checkpoint (PPC) last year so I could get both 2012 and 2013 in the same subscription year so I had to get it all in by Nov 7.

Also, on this forum, just touch view new topics, touch topic, scroll with finger or thumb. Very convenient.

Taxed: It's doubtful there will be a lot of touch functions in the tax prep software at this time. But the touch function can be great for moving from one open app to another (swipe). And there may be some touch functions available in the tax apps. But QB and Peachtree, you can use some touch functions. Office 2013 has a setting to make the menu buttons larger and more convenient for touch. Website links are handy, just spread finger and thumb to make the links bigger, touch and go. The tiles are handier for touch. It's takes some getting used to and you can find more conveniences as you go. I bought a 2nd monitor with my laptop. But it was not touch. Now, I'm reaching with my hand toward the 2nd monitor only to have to return to the mouse. I will stay with my W7 system at office this tax season. I have 3 monitors, two for me, 3rd one mirrors my left monitor and is for the client to view. It's handy. When I do upgrade to W8, I want my 2 monitors to be touch and I'm hoping I can drag one thing from left to right monitor with my finger instead of using mouse. I track some financial info in an Excel spreadsheet. To update, I go to WSJ site, open my spreadsheet, swipe from WSJ to Excel, enter, swipe back, get the next info, swipe, enter, and repeat. It beats the mouse thing by far. Just an example of my usage. Touch also comes in handy with pdf, MS Explorer folders, moving around the OS. I'm still learning ways to use. My hang-up is NOT having the W8 touch functionality on my office desktop so I can use it both at home and office. Also have a windows phone so I'm familiar with the same os.

I've had W8 (now 8.1)on my new laptop (now a year old) with no problems. There's still a lot to get used to but I like it and I like the touch functionality. The only hold back on getting a new W8 desktop for office is the pricey large touch monitors. If you're using W8, you definitely need to take advantage of the touch functionality. You won't eliminate using the mouse or keyboard shortcuts, but there are a lot of touch functions that more convenient.

My understanding is Square has no monthly fee, 2.75% per charge and their device is free. Cube has no monthly fee, 2.5% per charge but they charge $35 for the device.

I'm thinking of accepting credit card payments this coming tax season. I anticipate doing so only a few times. Just want to get the money up front and lose the hassle of late paying clients or those who 'forgot' their checkbook. I see the Square card reader doesn't work with Windows phones. I see a similar reader and service called Cube that works with Windows phones. Anyone using Cube with a Windows phone? It seems similar to Square. Anyone have any comments regarding their experiences and procedures (Cube or Square)? For those taking credit cards, how do you keep your record of the client's signature authorizing the charge? Do the readers produce a e-record? Can you then print a hard copy of the signed record?

Yes, not enough info. I'm always leery of these things. Lawyers get people set up in these things and it sounds so simple, but the client (and lawyer) doesn't consider how things will be reported for tax purposes, especially future events. Many times, the trust document itself doesn't contain enough info.

David1980, I was going to mention possible accidents too. Scary how high these bills can get quickly.

Naveen, I'm not sure what you mean when you say pdf already open, open in another reader? If so, try devices, print, print in Adobe.

Remember too that the 1040 p. one deduction is only to the extent of W2 wages subject to Medicare tax (which would exclude the health insurance amount).

Thanks for comments.

Was the original post referring to returns or letters? I use upper case on the returns, but it seems there are some auto fills that input the info in lower case (ATX), Can't think of a specific example right now. Perhaps on Sch D (8849) when you use 'various' or 'inherited'. For letters, I use mixed.

I got an email recently to renew. I thought I was supposed to renew at irs.gov so the link made me cautious. I went to irs.gov to renew.

I liked the separate programs too.

I think this is the equivalent of the archive cd. The final update for the 2012 program.

I haven't gotten my email yet. But I'm looking for a discount too. I think they need to have some kind of 'loyalty' discount to keep as many people as possible. I think they need to keep as many as they can and 'prove' the 2013 program is much improved. The 2013 program may be do or die for them. They won't survive two consecutive years like 2012.

Even if it is safe without encryption, I still do it with password. Even if it's just a placebo effect. It also makes the client feel more comfortable. But brokers won't email their info to clients even with encryption. I'm currently waiting for a client to receive some cost info thru snail mail.

As for reporting, I put the earnings amount from the 1099-Q on line 21. ATX input has a line for it. I then put a negative number on a fill in line for the nontaxable amount with a description such as '1099-Q amount used for qualified education'. IRS may still audit this, but at least the 1099-Q is accounted for in the return processing.

Lying is an accepted practice for anyone anywhere.

Jack from Ohio: Where did you buy your new computer? I'd like a 500gb ssd on my next computer. I've only seen up to 256gb. I'd like 16gb RAM but would settle for 8.

Just this season, my tax shouldn't be very much because we bought a house in NC (2nd home). And just today (no kidding), follow-up to that, I thought the down payment was deductible. We put 25k down on it.

I agree Eirc. W8 is really about touch so MS can compete in the mobile device business. That all remains to be seen, but W8 works fine in the PC world. For me, I want the touch and I want to work in the same os with my pc, laptop, phone.

Not sure why you can't load ATX 2012. ATX and other programs all say they don't support W8. But the programs run just fine on W8. I have ATX 2012, QB, Peachtree and others. If you don't like touch, don't get W8. W 8.1 will not do away with W8. W8 is NOT another Vista. That's a techie sound bite that has spread like wildfire. IT techies and tech rags have all jumped on the 'I hate W8' bandwagon. I plan to get a new office pc, W8, touch, Thunderbolt portal. The biggest holdup now is the touch monitors and Thunderbolt devices are pricey. Apps will start to support W8. They'll have to go forward or lose out.