mcb39

My guys (and gals) are very good about logging their days out. As Taxbilly said, it is our job to train them. And, the prior post is correct in that days down while on the road overnight away from home count as per diem days. The day of departure and the day of return are usually partial days.

The last downloadable update was on Wed, Oct 20th. I would imagine that it would be coming any day.

Yes, Teri, since you are in WI, it would be unavailable. Actually, I was surprised when I was able to get it. Your situation is almost identical to mine; ie: home office, no RALs, reasonable rates, etc. Keep up the good work. That is all that we can do. Be there for the people who need us.

I was going to give that same answer. Actually, from what I read, if it is a "business purpose", it could be up to $75 per person without documentation.

Good for you Jainen....We voted first thing in the AM and I still had calls all day long asking me to vote. I was happy to tell them that I already had.

Jack the PTIN has to be renewed every year along with the fee. I am sure the registration of the PTIN will monitor the e-filing of returns. Also, I suppose they could always pull your EFIN. Speaking of which, I forgot to mention in my prior post that I have had my EFIN as long as they have been offered. I was also finger-printed in order to get it. Therefore, it is very important to me, personally, to keep it active and clean. Just another little hoop that I had to jump through to get where I am today.

I take a two day class every year which generates 14 hours of CPE credits which are certified. Have attended this class starting in 1999 and all years since. In fact, class is week after next. I also attempt to attend Webinars which are offered by ATX and the IRS. These will also certify credits if you want. In addition, I subscribe to and USE Quickfinder Individual, Business and All States. I also use the US Master Tax Guide and the Wisconsin Tax Guide as well as the textbooks that are included in the schooling. In addition, I use Pub 17 as well as a working relationship with the local IRS service office. I am consistent with reading the questions and answers on this board and use the "Search" or question option for issues that I need additional help with. I don't have a problem with being licensed by the IRS. Of course, nobody likes to pay a fee every year, but if it will help keep down some of the preparer error that I see cross my desk, I will not complain (too much)! I have held a PTIN since the first year they came out, which, of course, means nothing other than that I have tried to keep current with the times. The classes I attend are not inexpensive and not always interesting, but I think they are necessary to what I do. I hope this answers your question from my perspective as to what some of us unlicensed preparers do to comply.

I had a client a few years back who was "the friend". Very similar situation. We worked up an amortization schedule and a legal agreement to purchase. My client claimed the interest he received on the payments and held lienholder title to the vehicle until it was paid for. In essence, the purchaser was purchasing the truck just as if he had borrowed the money from the bank and was entitled to all of the deductions for depreciation, etc. I think your case depends upon what kind of paperwork they have drawn up and what kind of agreement they have.

Margaret, you brought up a good question and a good reminder to those of us who like to save everything. If I even go back seven years, I will be creating a lot of extra space in my basement. Thanks for the prod.

I don't have one either.

Excellent post, Joan. It may be an inconvenience now, but we have all known it was coming and I, for one, will be pleased to be able to tell my clients that I have passed the competnecy requirements. (If that is the case). If it isn't the case, it is time to retire.

Let's not forget to support Eric's efforts on our behalf. We need all the help that we can get and this board is the best source of useful information and assistance that I know of. Nowhere else can I go to ask questions and have them answered by "friends" quickly and knowledgeably. Thanks Eric. If at all possible, say it with "Donate"!

I just got 150 from Tenenz www.tenenz.com for $88.50. These are open window and side staple and I have used these same folders for many years. I just put a different colored year code on the spine. Take a look at their site as they have several different types, styles and colors. I then have a cover sheet with all of my pertinent info that shows through the window. I put a client label created by ATX program on the front of each. This is just my idea; there are many others used by members of this board. Be creative and Good Luck. My clients are very impressed.

Same here.!

I have also received the postcard. Am glad that I have one less thing to deal with.

I was able to get in on Wed, but had to change my password. Can't keep up with all these different passwords.

It's a good thing that classes are coming up in a few weeks. Generally, they cover all the changes in various degrees of depth. Sometimes I wonder why I continue to prepare tax returns. But, as I told my friend at the local IRS office the other day; somebody has to help the people who don't know how to help themselves. Thanks to all of you who are here to help me.

Lion is absolutely right. Hardship does not forgive the penalty on withdrawal from 401K. Rules are different for IRA.

Thanks for the update. I had missed that one.

Eli, I tried searching both sites and also Jainen's posts. I couldn't find it. Could it have been the old, old ATX board? Nice seeing you back.

Was it an outright transfer or did she retain a Life Estate? Could make a lot of difference per taxes. If she were to pass away prior to surrendering home, his basis would be basis on her DOD. However, if she does go into a nursing home, a totally different story.

Happy Birthday Sara......... :bday: