mcb39

Me too. I didn't know what it meant either. And no, Margaret, I never spent more than 10 or 15 minutes on any of those kids' returns and there are a lot in that family. Just keep rolling them over, some years they come back and some years they don't. I had a kid the other day (different family) that I had to go back to 2006 and roll him forward year by year cuz he spends most of his time in jail. Just happened to work part of 2010; back in jail...SMH (These do not represent my everday, ordinary class of client)

When the Fed comes back ACKd; the held State return automatically changes to created. Therefore, if you click the created box to send the Fed returns that are ready to file and any acks come back; the state return will automatically show in the created window. (I know this sounds like Greek, but I have never gotten a prompt either, but have noticed that when the Fed is accepted, the State changes from "held" to "created". No matter whose idea it is, we have to deal with it and we need to learn how to deal with it in the most efficient manner without leaving any returns created and unfiled.

Client calls me yesterday and says that he and a friend are trying to "do" his taxes on Turbo Tax. TT is asking them all these weird questions that they don't know the answers to and could I lead them through it. (You all know the answer to that, but I was polite about it). I asked him how much it was costing to use TT and he said $27. I said I only charged you $30 last year and your Grandma paid it. He said that if they didn't get it figured out, he would be dropping it off. It makes no difference to me, is a large family and his Grandma has been with me forever. Makes no difference to her either. She says let them learn a lesson.

I sent my letter out in early January to all of my clients eith with or without an organizer. I informed them at that time of the situation and told them that not only could I not file some of their returns early; neither could anyone else. The response has been heartening. All clients have been very receptive to the "wait" issue. They are booking appointments as usual. I almost get the feeling that some of them feel relief from the pressure of having to get everything together quickly. Those who could be filed have been and many should be expecting their DD this Friday. So far, I am feeling less pressured also. Have had a steady flow of clients in person and by mail and so far so good. No, I would never tell a client to leave and come back later.

But, I am not her accountant or tax preparer. I did suggest the EIN, but she is having her taxes prepared somewhere and the questions she asked me were just wanting to check to see if I gave her the same answers as her preparer did. I really don't think that I want her as a client under those circumstances as it appears she doesn't really trust anyone.

I had an issue the other day installing 2010 ATX on one of my laptops. It would not install, the message being that the computer did not support MEf. I installed the other disk that came with the program and then tried to reinstall ATX. It still failed to install. The odd thing is that this is not my oldest computer, but I can live without it and don't have time to worry about it now. There is something here that I am not understanding.

I had something different yesterday. Client came in with her paper from her day-care provider with the amount filled in. However, provider had a note saying that her preparer had to call her to get the SS#. I did call her and she asked me two different questions to identify myself before she would give me her ID# and/or address. People are so afraid of identity theft. I ended up commending her on her caution (though I thought it was a little over the top). She ended up asking me a few tax questions, so, who knows. This could or could not lead to a new client.

I use the last five digits of their SS and nobody has ever objected or changed their pin. The thing they find silly and unnecessary is having to give me permission to e-file their return every year, when they have already been doing it for several years.

Read the rules for Divorced or Separated parents. It plainly says 2) One or both parents had custody for more than half of the year.

Doesn't the CTC follow the dependency?

You pretty much "nailed" it., on all counts. People with contrived sob stories get to come in with CASH before I will even start their returns. It is the people who I know have difficult situations, yet, never complain, who get the discounts and pro bono.

I agree with Kea and Crank....my business is based on good and thorough service for those who can least afford it; rather than on a huge profit for me. I am happy with what I make and I am also happy with all the smiles, hugs, thank yous' and homemade gifts; more than I can say. I, also, work in a home office by myself and don't have a terrible overhead. I pass that on to my clients and have as much business as I can handle by myself. Sometimes, more. I had a client call the other night and tell me that I knew more about her personal life and finances than anyone other than her husband. She added, "But, I would trust you with anything, and thank you so much for everything you have done for us." How do you put a price on that? Working on Sunday!!

You will be able to e-file that return; but the 5405 is one of the forms that is affected by the extender provision and will not be able to be e-filed until Feb 14 or after.

I think that Tom and/or Gene should invite all of us Midwesterners and Northeasterners to move in since they think it's so funny. Actually, here in WI we have less snow than usual, but a prediction for a dumping tomorrow. However, the cold has been bitter. Always Nap first. Lunch if you can find anything to eat. E-mail when you are rested and fed.

Thanks Catherine. Some good ideas there. the ageing process is so "distracting". You can feel so young inside (and I do), but the struggle to maintain the frame that holds it all together is pretty frustrating at times. I celebrate being here every day that I wake up.

You can borrow mine, because I am just going to quietly let them slip on by from now on. I did't stop living; just stopped counting. ;)

At least you have a check to cash. Nobody has offered me any, good or bad. But, things are sure starting to gear up.

Exactly the same here.

updated 1-20-11 with IRS Press Release Information at the bottom of this post IRS IR-2010-126: Forms Affected By the Extender Provisions Taxpayers will need to wait to file if they are impacted by any of the tax credits or deductions that expired at the end of 2009 and were renewed by the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010 enacted Dec. 17. The delays impact taxpayers claiming: · Schedule A (Form 1040), Itemized Deductions · Form 8917, Tuition and Fees Deduction · Educator Expense Deduction claimed on Form 1040, Line 23, and Form 1040A, Line 16 · Form 4684, Casualties and Thefts · Form 8859, District of Columbia First-Time Homebuyer Credit A few other taxpayers will also need to wait to file, due to the impact of other recent changes, primarily some of those included in the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010. Affected forms include: · Form 3800, General Business Credit · Form 5405, First-Time Homebuyer Credit and Repayment of the Credit · Form 6478, Alcohol and Cellulosic Biofuel Fuels Credit · Form 8834, Qualified Plug-In Electric and Electric Vehicle Credit · Form 8910, Alternative Motor Vehicle Credit · Form 8936, Qualified Plug-In Electric DriveMotor Vehicle Credit The delay affects both paper and electronic filers.

The 5405 is on the list of forms that are affected by the extender provision, ie; cannot be filed until the IRS lifts the ban in mid to late February. (This is according to an IRS Quick Alert e-mail on 1/20/11.

I am wondering the same thing. I am in a (used to be) piggyback state so never had to hold and prompt. So far, so good, but like you I have just waited for the Fed to ACK and then file the State.

Is it your EFIN that is in never-never land or your PTIN.? If it is your PTIN, you can go ahead and file as long as you applied in a timely manner. My condolences on the loss of your husband.

That first one is always such a good feeling. They all are, but that first ACK is special. Don't worry, they will withdraw the money as you directed them to. I have never heard of an instance when they haven't; not that I doubt that those instances might exist.

I don't understand the reference to the year 05. Stock options are reported and taxed in the year they are exercised. Proper reporting should be done by employer. I am rusty on this too as I haven't done one for a while, but you never know when one will pop up.