Patti in Upstate NY

So, it took 2hrs and 53 minutes, but I actually got a live body! She couldn't tell me why the letter went out but did confirm I'm active until 3/31/2028. A valuable lesson learned (thanks Lee that I truly didn't know I was supposed to renew by January 31. I probably should have failed the exam way back when It's irrelevant now. I can't say when I'm getting out, but it will definitely be before 2028 so this will be my last renewal debacle. As always, I sincerely appreciate everyone's input.

No luck today, just the recording but I will continue to try to reach them and get confirmation. Or die trying. I don't use ATX, I have Lacerte, but this board is filled with the best people in the tax business. That is sincere. Stick around, you'll learn a LOT and get a few laughs here and there

My letter is also dated 4/14/25 and I received it on 5/12. The issue date on my card is 4/21/25. The first day I called, I was on hold for 2-1/2 hours then disconnected. Yesterday, I tried at least five times but only received an automated message "due to staffing issues, we are unable to take your call." I've been on the road all day today but will be trying yet again shortly.

I've been enrolled since 1991. My license expires 3/31 every cycle. Historically, I've renewed anywhere from late January through mid March. I looked back and it was almost always submitted in early March. So, this is on me? Or maybe on them because I wasn't compliant on the dates? The next 30 days will determine whether I continue doing taxes or not. I was pretty sure I was done before this letter arrived but I'm weighing my options.

I renewed on 2/17/2025 and received my new card last week. Today, I received a letter telling me my status is inactive because I failed to renew As I type, I've been on hold waiting to speak to someone for just over an hour. Anyone else had a problem? Part of me wants to hang up and ignore the letter but I don't want to lose my license.

You are speaking directly to me. As a warning. And I thank you because I needed to be reminded. I've been doing taxes since 1986 or 1987. On my own since I think 1990? I have brain fog right now but it's close. Many, many of my clients are about to be "fired." It's best for all of us. After almost 40 years? Time to put myself first.

This is me but with a bottle of Chardonnay and wearing my flannel pants and I'm never coming out.

No one else does today so I thank you

Almost all of my (rare) posts start with "I don't often chime in, but I appreciate your knowledge." At least once a day during tax season, I tell myself that I have no business doing taxes because I'm no longer qualified. Times have changed. Laws have changed and I took the wrong classes to try to stay up to date. I've done this for 38 years and I'm good at it. Until the weird thing hits my desk and I wonder if I'm smart enough to figure it out. It's April 14 and I'm on the edge. But you're not alone and you're not stupid. If you are? Then so am I. I can't wait for this time tomorrow.....

I notified two on 3/15 their returns were done. Radio silence. Since I no longer have a filter, today I sent a text to each "24 hours and counting." It's on them but I want the files out of my office. One replied "Oh. Sorry. I'm in France." The other called and said "what does that mean? I need to come pay you?" Then, I had another come to pick up and I wish I could show you all his check. Pay to the order of said one hundred fifty and zero. The next line was blank. It wasn't signed. I said "give me your checkbook! Here's how you write a check!" I wish my IRA didn't tank last week. I wish I was full retirement age. It's time to be done with all of this.

I printed my client list in January. Because it's all a blur by April, anytime someone left my office and I wanted to scream, I highlighted their name. They will get a letter at the end of April saying I am no longer able to assist them. My problem is I have several families. I love Mom/Dad. I love sister/brother. But one family member is ridiculously difficult to deal with. It's been hard to figure out how to fire one and not all. My go to in the past has been to say "I no longer have the time to dedicate to a return as complicated as yours and since I want you to get the best service, please look for someone else." In my head, I'm saying "you are insufferable, and I don't like you. There is no amount of money that makes it worth it to have you sit across from me ever again and good luck finding someone like me who will put up with your $h1t." Sure. They may go out into the community and tell people I couldn't handle it. I don't care. My reputation speaks for itself and I'm not taking new clients anyway.

I had someone last week with this. His father worked at a paper mill named Westvaco and received stock through employment. Father died, stock went to Mom and at some point, it became Westrock. My client inherited when his mother died six years ago. I looked up the closing price on DOD and used that as basis. Right or wrong, that was how I handled it. He still showed a significant gain and owed around $10K if I recall.

I received a text from the Bitcoin client early this morning "I'm a little terrified about how this will work out." Unprofessional, tired me replied "you should be." It's done but I'm letting him sweat until tomorrow.

First, I'll say I'm over this tax season and I'm hoping it's my last. I have clients whose parents died in 2020. Part of what they left was an IRA a little over $200K which their financial advisor put into a "Beneficiary Designated IRA" in the name of the Trust. He told me today that was to mitigate tax impact to the beneficiaries - my clients. They need to take it within 10 years which has started. There are two 1099Rs for 2024, one for each child/beneficiary. The recipient on the form is the Trust. But the Trust was closed in 2022. The financial advisor and I disagree on this. He told me to just put it on their individual returns. I think IRS will be looking for a Trust return even though it was final in 2022. What say you? Then, just for fun, I'll tell you someone dropped off their documents today. $398K early distribution from IRA with NO tax withheld. They bought Bitcoin with the proceeds. You can't fix stupid.

I have the utmost respect for everyone here and I thank you for sharing your day to day and making me feel less alone. Sincerely. My plan was for this to be my last year but I looked at the numbers and I think I have to do at least one more. Here's hoping I'm just exhausted and maybe I can call it a day? Congratulations to those who are done. My best to those who will continue.