Daune/CA

How about soda that came in a bottle and you needed a "church key" to open it, instead of in a can. And those soda bottles could be returned for 2 cents deposit refund. That was how I got much of my spending money, returning those bottles that I found for the refund. And most of today's kids do not even know what a typewriter is, let alone to use one.

Churches have many "designated funds" that people show where they want the funds to go that they designate. The church is bound to distribute any funds designated to any specific needy family to go to them. They may not withhold any portion even for administrative purposes, which most churches do provide the administrative costs to their operating budget and not frm any designated funds. Daune/CA

The problem lies in the fact that the church never received the funds. If the church is showing receipt of the funds and then showing it distributed to the needy family is could be a charitable donation, it depends on how the church is handling it on their books. If they do not show receipt, it is not a charitable contribution. Daune/CA and former pastor

My guess would be that they are trying to get things resolved before coming on here just to add to the confusion. If the managements of the 2 firms are working out their differences, give them time to do so before responding here. Apparently CCH hs some differences that they need to have addressed with TRX. Hopefully they will keep in mind that we all are effected by their continued relationship with providing a good software product for both companies.

From my point of view last year and TY2007, I did not feel that TRX was selling any tax software, but they were offering buying into their ALLIANCE, that provided Intellitax software as part of being within the ALLIANCE. It now happens that TRX has a contract with CCH to provide the software as Intellitax did, to be a part of being with the TRX Alliance. There are several other benefits provided aside from the software package provided. Do not lose sight of those differences when you are debating this issue. If your only reason for going with TRX is the software, then maybe you are not ready to be a part of the Alliance. Yes, it is a major reduction in cost, but also offers other benefits. IMO Daune/CA

KC, that is not totally true. TRX did offer ATX if you requested it instead of TW. I had signed with TRX for the 2007TY and again for 2008TY. After the sale by ORRTax, they sent the TW software, but I requested ATX instead, as they had mentioned it in some correspondence after the ORR sale was made. This year I requested ATX and got the TTO pkg, much more than I had expected, I thought it would be more like the "old Sabre". I am not going to be practicing anymore, so I am not renewing with TRX. However, if I were to continue, I would have no qualms with renewing TRX.

In the 2 yrs that I have been with TRX, I have found their Tech Support to be even better than what I received frm ATX over the 5 yrs I was with them alone. I had the opportunity to use the TTO this year, even though it is way more than I need. It was, at least, equal to the 1040 Tax Ofc pkg that I had for 2 yrs from ATX. Someone mentioned they would rather have the 1040 Express and MTG, you could even buy them separately in print version and save many more dollars with the TRX pkg, it just happened that I received them with the TTO pkg this year. Although I am retiring from tax preparation, I was totally satisfied with TRX and their very compentent Tech Support. As I have stated before, their use of "screenshare" for helping to solve problems, impressed me very much. I am not much of a computer literate, so this benefited me no end, and saved alot of time in accomplishing the desired results. Daune/CA

John H, it is too bad we can't get you on TV to explain it like that so people can make an informed decision. My beef is that the TV people do not help folks in most situations, but make things more puzzling for them. There is a need for other states to learn from what NC is doing. CA can't pass a budget on time, so I do not see them doing anything that would help folks.

Mostly it is an extension of time to file w/o penalty, but there is penalty if they do not pay timely. They can still pay later, but there will be penaties accessed.

On Sunday nite, a TV anchor told his listeners that they could "delay payment" by filing an extension! I emailed "Fox40" Sacramento and advised that the anchor had erred in his statement. Told them that too many already believe that and they need to get it right. To my amazement, they chatted with a "Tax Expert" from HRB about this topic of extension of time to file but not to pay on Tuesday. It was evident from their questions that they were using my email as a basis for their questions. Even with HRB they finally got it right. Apparently, some do try to get it right. Surprising that with all the good EAs and CPAs in Sacramento that they must use a HRB "Tax Expert". Kick back and enjoy the time until the "Tax Man Cometh Again"! Daune/CA

I used to do that until I realized that by moving the deadline to April 8th, those who are always late would continue to be "late" but late for April 8th instead of 15th. After several years I moved the date back to April 1st. Began to enjoy my wife's birthday on April 13th and no more stress on the 15th. After being in business for many years, you can dictate the day that you want to finish. Starting out, you have to endure to gain clients, but later you can dictate when you will not accept anymore. Even when I operated in the Montgomery Ward stores, I was not open on Sunday! We still got the clients, they just came on the days we were open. It is a matter of attitude and holding to it.

Report it on the SE as housing allowance. Any amount over the actual allowance must be reported as line 21 income.

OOO! What has happened to all the friendly people in OH. I lived in the NE part of Ohio with all those friendly farmers, have they all gone snippy nowdays, or is it just the Tax Stress talking :unsure:

HAPPY EASTER TO ALL. May the Lord bless each of you as much as this board has blessed me thru your caring and advice. Especially, thanks to ERC for making this board possible. Happy Easter! Daune/CA

This is housing allowance for convenience of employer. It is taxable for SS, but not for income tax.

If they are living as though married and have a certificate of marriage from the religious community, I would treat them as MFJ until denied by IRS. I would not ask IRS for ruling, but should for some unknown reason be denied by IRS, I would treat them as they appear to be living.

In the 2 yrs that I have used TRX, I have NOT used any bank products thru them. It has worked out well for me. Upon the changeover to TRX from ATX, they had a conversion package that worked fairly well for me. I am sure they will do the same for whatever pakg they present next yr.

At least for me, TRX has stood behind their product. They also offer many other free services with their product, ie tax folders for clients tax returns. Their tech people have been very good in helping me with any problems I have had, and without a major time wait to get them on the phone. I have never had a problem with efiling with TRX. Yes, I would say my point is that TRX stands behind their product and offers great customer support!

I too did not read this board yesterday. I was shocked at first and thought it was good that I decided to retire after this year, and then to my delight found the "April Fool's" joke. Hard on an old man! This forum has really helped me over the tenure, thanks to all of you that make it what it is! Keep up the good work and fellowship, even the jokes Best of everything to all.

I used TRX for tax yr. 2007, and being satisfied with their support and program, I decided to use it again for 2008. I then signed with TRX for 2008 and later decided that I would retire. TRX would not refund my $299, so I decided to stay with them for one more year, since I had already paid for it. To my delightful surprise, when TRX sold Intellitax, they sent me Taxwise, which I did not install and requested that they send me ATX. To my surprise they did send me the ATX total tax office pkg. Way more than I expected, but working out very well for me this year. This will be my final year doing taxes as I am now over 75 yrs old and it is time to retire from the headaches of tax work. For my final year it has been good to have the ATX pkg. Best to all of you in the coming years. Daune/CA

This is similar to a split. Zero basis in cash sale and zero basis in new shares being held. Old stock still retains original basis.

I am afraid my response would have been, "If H & R is so good, why are you here today?" While pushing their stuff back to them. Don't need PITA clients. Some of the regulars can push the bar too close to snapping. I'm getting way too old for this anymore.

A breezy 78 yesterday and probably similar today, but less breese.

Yes, and send enough back with Tom that he can share them in California. I need the Cinnamon Roll fix too! I agree Tom the fair rolls are super. Did you know that Pillsbury makes their "Grands" cinnamon rolls with the Cinnamon used by the people at the fair. They are good too! Now you have me hungry for them. Daune/CA

Cheer up it could be worse. So I cheered up and sure enough it got worse! :(