mcb39

There were no ill-gotten gains. If only it were that simple..........

No, he wasn't. Both of their computers were seized in April. She just got them back last week, minus the hard drives. Apparently they were both loaded with hard core evidence which will be used to try to convict. She rarely used the computer, but her son and daughter need them now for homework. Wish me luck on this one.....See other replies under your statements in text above. I haven't figured out how to do that neat bracketing thingy.

Thanks Jainen...that makes sense to me. Her attorney sees no reason why they shouldn't just file MFJ; but you know how some attorneys are about tax law. Also, I believe there was withholding on the 401K; but have no way of knowing the exact circumstances. I work with this woman and she is depending on me. Her husband always prepared their tax returns in the past and was secretive about them, as he was about other very serious things. I'm sure our CP laws are much the same as yours.

:unsure: Client's husband has been incarcerated since April, charged with several felonies of which she had no knowledge. She immediately filed for divorce. He refuses to cooperate and is contesting divorce. I know that she qualifies for HOH with two minor children. She could itemize deductions as she has been paying all of the bills since arrest. His income stopped immediately. Other than distributions from his 401K, she has received no assistance other than her own wages. Is he responsible for taxes on 401K if she goes HOH or MFS? Also, keep in mind that WI is a community property state. Do we have a possibility here as he will not cooperate and divorce hearing does not come up again until Feb and may be postponed again. What would you do, KC, Jainen or anyone else?

If you look at the date that the list was compiled; it's quite out of date. I ordered a new HP last night as my 2200 is acting stupid. I ordered the 2035 which is also not on the list, but I think is new since that list came out. I have never had an issue with ATX and HP and I have gone through several over the years.

Yes, the name of the qualifying child goes on line 4.; right after you check Head of household status.

Neither did I! Thanks to all who contributed.

And what it is..........is AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!

I totally agree with Jainen. It doesn't sound as though you wish to be bothered to practice "due diligence" as a Preparer, either in this case or the case of the EIC questions. Remember, you are signing that tax return as well as the taxpayer. Perhaps you need to read the new rules and guidelines for Preparers that have been put in place over the past 2 years. And be aware of the penalties involved for non-compliance.

I did not receive a user's manual....just 2 small pamphlets; "Quick Reference Guide" and "Getting Started Guide". Did, however, receive 1040 Express Answers, which is a Tax Reference book and not for the Software.

The ATX software puts those letters on the line right behind Social Security payments.; so either someone missed that or the calcualations were incorrect. My guess is the first. I had one come back because someone didn't dig deep enough and find attached a Form 982 and explaination why Cancellation of Debt wasn't claimed. Client was in prison and had NO assets. so was exempt. I called the IRS and the "nice lady" said, "Oh, someone missed seeing that form attached!" I faxed them all the information and we haven't heard a word since. (Which brings up once again Taxbilly's reference to lack of competence in certain areas, which is so frustrating for us at times). :dunno:

Right click on the list and select "Print" or "Print this page" and see if that works.

Yes....for some reason that has to be re-entered every year. Go to the Preparer Manager. It only takes a few minutes. I suppose that is easier than deleting all the info if the Preparer or ERO should change from year to year.

That is going to be so much help. Have it in your Favorites for quick access.........Thanks Taxbilly.......

I would go first to this board to see if someone else has encountered the same problem and solved it. Then I would go to ATX KB; and finally to tech support. Knock on wood, I have only had to actually call tech support about 3 times in all the years that I have used their products. Generally, the answer is here, first.

I also use the Test return for the E-file test. Yes, one at a time here too; the day that they are coming in.

Several of the forms are still in DRAFT form.

Generally, it is mid to late Feb until the middle of March when the big guns start coming in. However, when I look at last years' appt book, January was incredibly and unusually busy (I assume because of the stimulus). This year, I am getting several calls a day with questions so clients are hearing things and trying to get ready asap. Of course, business clients are hard to predict. Also, remember that in the midst of preparing returns, we are also preparing W-2, 1099 and estimate forms as well as getting some kind of organization together and doing end of the year bookkeeping for clients as well as ourselves. In some cases, that is FULL year bookkeeping. I really don't remember having any lull last year at all. These are all reasons why this board and interaction with each other is so important. All of the text books piled up beside my desk do not equal the knowledge and advice that I gain from this board. :dunno:

I am going to make it a goal to get rid of all of my PITAs this year. But, be careful what you say. I was so happy last year that one had not returned and mentioned it to a mutual friend. She said, "Didn't you know that he shot himself in November?" And, guess what, his sole heir, daughter brought his final return in for me to do. Because he was a trucker and we had no documentation as to days on the road, motels, etc; she got a very small refund......and I never did get paid. As to price-sensitivity, there are so many people out of work around here and more each day. I stick to my original post that it will be possible to lose several clients for financial reasons. I also agree with John that we will be cleaning up the mess down the road. I will not raise rates this year. I already know of at least five clients who have passed away in the past year, which will create its own problems. Am not looking forward to this year for several reasons., among them the stimulus from last year, the first-time home buyer credit (LOAN) and the faltering economy.

Lion, all of your boots are exactly correct. So, am showing my age also. Last week I had to resort to Ctrl-Alt-Delete to find out which program was messing up. Someone tried to send me a Trojan Horse, which Nortons intercepted, but resulted in a corrupt e-mail. Had to rebuild and clean out my e-mail account. Keeping everything up to date and current backups is SO important.

I also agree with all of the responses. It's bad enough when you DO have a loss, without trying to create one.

Congratulations! You shared the day with my Mom! Hope you had a wonderful Birthday.

Dec 31 would have been my Mother's 95th Bday. She has been gone for 4 years. I purchased a diamond anniversary band that my hubby has promised me for Christmas. Thought this was a good day to do it. I know this is not the right time for extravagant purchases, but it's just a channel-set band and, hopefully, will give me some incentive to get going on taxes. (Lost one of my best clients and friends last week at the age of 57. I still have all of his 2008 bookkeeping to do and it's hard.) Then, we headed to the cottage for a few days of R and R. Lots and Lots of snow here...records being broken, etc. Wishing each and every one of you a very happy and prosperous New Year. At least our work doesn't go away and we don't get laid off. I am afraid, though, with all of the businesses going down, more and more people will try to prepare their own returns......unfortunately!

KC....your words have summed up the truest meaning of Community and Thanksgiving that I have seen in a long time. And on this holiest of holy days. (Someone will probably object to that also). The thought of your despair brings tears to my eyes and you can be assured that many of us will never stop being here for each other in whichever capacity we can contribute. Peace.....and we are so grateful that your trials took a turn for the better. My husband just had surgery in early December and all has gone well, but, "There, but for the grace of God..........!"

I second that....I also object to any objections. And Mel and Sue, hope you had a wonderful Bday.