mcb39

Has it really come to that already? I am making what will probably be one of our last decent meals in months. Ribs and baked potatoes.

Why is this year so different? I, too, am so not ready. Worked on W2s all day today, but no heart in it at all. Have clients balking at Direct Debit for WI "My Tax Account" and EFTPS. And, who can blame them. Nobody likes to be controlled. Calls and e-mails are coming in and I just want to hide. Perhaps the first big snowstorm of the year which is expected tonight and tomorrow will help to clear the air. Good Luck to the rest of you. :mad:

I did! I gave it to the girl at the drivethrough at Wendy's along with one of my cards. She thought that was too funny!

I agree with both of you. Unless the taxpayer is sitting in my office to give them permission, they absolutely will not talk to me. So, yes, what benefit is the PTIN, EFIN, Check the Box and/or the 2848? I truly believe that the IRS is going to force many very competent and dedicated preparers to retire. Even some of my clients are getting frightened. Just a note of humor: While I was shopping today, someone put a sticker on my driver's door stating that if I brought the coupon in I would be entitled to $50 off on Tax Prep at Liberty.

I don't have catalog handy, but I use uni-forms and print the 1099's on them and use the same envelope that I use for the W2's

I get everything from Tenenz. It used to be Tax Aid and I have ordered tax supplies from them for years. Fast delivery and some nice discounts once you get set up with them.

I would imagine they got it off of the IRS website where all e-filers are listed by zip code. I got the e-mail today also so I know what the graphics looked like. I really want to prepare taxes like an animal..NOT. On the other subject. I have absolutely no objection to taking the test. My anger is with the lack of availability of the testing. At my age, I no longer drive in huge metropolitan areas, nor should I. In an earlier post I mentioned that I live one mile away from an IRS walk in center. Well, clients are telling me that there is not a warm body occupying that office. They say that when you go in, you have to talk to a computer. This is after they just spent mega bucks remodeling that almost new building last year for the "sake of security". Will check it out when I go down to pick up my Pub 17. and will report.

Are you checking the box next to the return that you are trying to backup (In the program manager)?

It's OK that everyone took a silly pill. We won't have much longer to joke around. Yes, Jan 17. I already have clients setting up appointments for Feb. Happy Holidays everyone. :read:

And, Merry Christmas from Wisconsin where we have no snow and that makes many of us happy. People are already calling for appointments in Feb, which is probably the direct result of sending out engagement letters early in the form of Holiday Greetings. I am with Joan and need to get my office cleaned. In our case, this will be a very blessed Christmas as we are all well at this point. My very best to all of you. Could not continue without the help of all my friends and colleagues on this board.

Mine is (now) provisional, but it is still the same number that I have had since the beginning of PTINs.

That is the result that I get when using my desktop calculator. I have never used the calculator in ATX.

Yes, nice to have another brain to pick. Some of us have been with ATX forever; others on this board use different software. That is what makes us a community. Some of us are more proficient in the workings of the program; others may be more adept at tax law. We all help each other in any way we can.

The travel expenses are of no concern. I know that we have until Dec 31, 2013 to take and pass the test. I will sit it out for at least one more year and see what happens. There is no "quick competitive advantage" in my area. So, if all the slots are filled if and/or when I decide to take the test, what are they going to do with me? If they tell me that I cannot practice, I won't practice. *When I say "me" I don't refer to just my person, there are several preparers I know of who feel the same way.

The IRS has farmed the testing out to Prometrics. From what I understand, it is still done on a computer, but at their designated site. You will not be allowed any carryins. I am not opposed to the cost of the test or the continuing ed. I have been doing continuing ed since 1999 on my own. Some years I come away feeling that I should not even be preparing taxes because they have discussed things so far over my areas of expertise. However, once I settle down with my clients, I am pleased if I have learned anything that will help them. My gripe is that there are only two locations in the entire state that the test is being given; and both are large metropolitan areas. For an ageing country girl, that is intimidating. I have an IRS government building less than a mile from my house and wonder why the IRS chose not to use their own facilities. Even one of the speakers at classes this year suggested that we not be the first ones to run right out to take the test. :dunno:

Hey, Eli.........I was just thinking about you the other day and planned on sending you an e-mail. Merry Christmas! :D

I am seriously considering hanging it up rather than travel 200 miles to pay $112 for what is supposed to be a "simple" test. After over 30 years in this business, I feel that I have proven myself and/or the arrangements could have been made somewhat simpler. Will think about it this year and next.

There have been a few instances when I was able to find the answer in the Express Answers when I couldn't find a clear answer anywhere else. I prefer to have several sources of information at my disposal and I prefer paper and this board.

This also applies to refunds that were owed but not collected. You cannot apply those early refunds to the following year. They are lost.

According to ATX Shipping Schedule, it will be the week of Dec 27. The Master Tax Guide is scheduled to ship the week of Dec 6.

Too Pathetic. At least she walked! Can there be anyone out there that stupid? :dunno:

I don't think any of us rely on (or should) either Quickfinder or TaxBook exclusively. As Lion states Quick Answers is a huge plus; as is the CCH US Master Tax Guide which is included in the Max Package. Online searches as well as forums such as this are a huge source of research and information. I often search through several to find the exact wording or cite that I am looking for. Last but not least, I always have a copy of the Pub 17 on hand and generally carry one with me for quick reference. Certainly, this board has been the answer to most answers. On that note, we all need to remember that "Donate" button as the new tax year rolls around.

I have used and trusted Quickfinders for many years. I usually order the 1040 and the Small Business every year and the All States about every three years. IMO

Received, updated, tested and looking good!

Correct, for now.