mcb39

Two Person. She is the Tax Matters Partner.

No two businesses are alike. Being a sole practitioner, as many of us are, changes the playing field. We need to make decisions based on our own feelings as opposed to the "corporate rules". I have only ever fired one client and it was a difficult decision to make. It was difficult because it was a relative of a close relative. However, once I made the decision and followed through, the relief was, and still is, tremendous. The time I wasted on that one client has been well filled by several other respectful and good clients. In the case of non-payers; they get one chance. If they don't pay, they don't get tax prep the following year. The few times that has happened; they were ready and willing to pay up in full rather than have to find another tax preparer. Generally, they will pay for the prior year and prepay for the current year. None of these situations are going to make or break me. I get to play by MY rules; right or wrong. And so does Margaret.

These two I actually heard already this year: My friend told me that if I put a magnetic sign on my car, I can deduct ALL of my mileage because I am constantly advertising everywhere I go. My friend told me that if I go to Virginia and do a show (Pampered Chef), I can deduct the cost of the entire trip. (from Wisconsin) I asked her if she just happened to have some friends or relatives in Virginia that she was going to visit. You all know that the answer was "Well, yes!"

Are you a CPA? No, I am not (but I have several clients who are). If you really need a CPA, feel free to keep on looking. I just have one quick question My taxes are really easy this year

OMG! Every one of us has heard them all..............and more! Wait until they come in this year with all their knowledge about ACA.

Page 1-12 The Tax Book: Tax Extenders Late-Breaking News "The new law also extends the provision that allows a taxpayer to revoke the Section 179 expense deduction for the 2014 tax year" Hope this is what you are looking for. You are correct about the $500,000 limitation for the 2014 tax year, with the $25,000 limitations to apply after December 31,2014.

IRC 179(b ) and (f) The ceiling for IRC 179 deductions is $25,000 in 2014 and the investment limit is $200,000 Elections for 2014 cannot be made on an amended return unless the amended return is filed by the original due date for the tax return. For tax years beginning in 2003 through 2013, the election could be made on an amended return anytime during the time prescribed for filing the amended return. This is taken from my National Income Tax Workbook 2014 offered by Tax Insight LLC; the classes that I attended in November.

After looking at it on my tablet, it is hardly worth the effort. I doubt that it has changed since the 2013 copy. I have other sources of reference as well as printouts on the ACA. The ironic thing here is that the IRS has always preached "PUB 17" as the final word. As I said before, they almost entirely based the RTRP test on the Pub 17. That test cost me $95 and a 200 mile trip. How do I print that and put it in a binder? You know that I am only kidding, Jack, but it only proves what most of us already know: the IRS will do what they do! As far as they are concerned, we are only here to do their bidding.

Funny! So did I. It is right up there on the wall with the letter of completion and the AFSP; all in matching and very impressive looking frames. As for the Pub 17; it has nothing in it regarding the ACA. It refers you to Pub 5187. Go figure. I do have other sources of reference.

I use a P2035 for returns. Strictly black and white. I see the model is still around for sale and I wouldn't hesitate to buy another one. Also, still use my old 1200 and a much smaller P1066. My first laser printer was a Lexmark that we had to make think it was a HP. There were no drivers for Lexmark in those days. Finally gave it away when I couldn't up the memory any further. Otherwise no problem with that one either except that it was huge.

I have two tablets. I am, however, not smart enough to know how to download Pub 17 to an Android tablet.

Yup....5 X 7 dinky. But, I put it in an awesome frame.

It's the principal of the thing. They keep wanting us to do more and then take away our tools. Nearly the entire RTRP Test was based on Pub 17. For what it cost me to take that test, they could furnish me with a printed copy of "the bible". I'm getting pretty disillusioned. Would you believe I had to print out my own AFSP certificate?

I have it downloaded to the desktop; but it is nearly 300 pages; which does not make printing it user friendly.

Yikes! There will be no paper copy of the Pub 17 this year. Bad news for me as I like to carry this with me and reference as needed. There is such a huge lack of available assistance from the IRS this year, it is like being thrown into the deep end of the pool and told to "sink or swim". They already told us at classes to expect little or no telephone assistance from them.

My oldest HP laser is a 1200, but that was not my first. Have two other active in my office for tax prep, etc. I bought the color printer just as a toy for myself to print photos, etc. I purchased my first laser printer in 1997. The cost of these much more efficient printers has dropped dramatically since then. I am surprised that anyone with a business would even consider an ink jet. I get my toner cartridges online. Have never used a refilled cartridge since the first one blew up inside the printer. I always buy the compatible clones which are extremely reasonable and have never had an issue. Also, seem to get better mileage than with the OEM cartridges. We all have to learn to agree to disagree; but we all seem to be on the same page when it comes to laser printers for tax prep.

D......I have always used HP laser printers and mine just go on forever. I just bought an HP color laser printer with 14 ppm for $129. Anything that is filed with the IRS is required to be laser printed. I have never, ever used an ink jet because of the cost, etc. If you go with EO Johnson, they will rape you with repair and maintenance fees. Don't you have an IT man? I have never had to do any maintenance on my printers other than what I do myself. At the prices you are quoting, you could throw one away every year and still be money ahead. I have been using the same printer (s) for MANY years. I realize that you have a much higher scale of workload than I have, but my experience with EO Johnson at the dental office is horrific. You can buy toner cartridges at Office Depot or online for much less than you can from them. Give me a call if you get a chance. The bottom line to your question is that, yes, if you are going to paper file any returns you need a laser printer. We used laser printers way back when I worked for Joan so your post really surprises me.

Something also hit me shortly before Thanksgiving and have never really gotten over it despite treatment. Trying to get as much rest as possible before the "season" hits, but the phone is already busy. Get well, Judy. We need you!

It goes without saying that most of us echo this post. May 2015 be the healthiest and happiest ever. Today was my Mom's birthday for nearly 91 years. We had an extra special reason to celebrate.

The weather here today is approximately what it was the first time that you were here. In all reality, ice cream would not be the food of choice today. If we actually get to file before the 22nd, I will, however, expect you to pay up!

Just remember, Jack, you might be owing me a hot fudge sundae.

It's more than a strong chance. It's pretty much a "given". Mine pestered me all this morning until she got what she wanted. Now she is taking a nap on my bed. What's fair about that?

Which is why I use alternating external drives for all of my system backups. Your post is timely because I had issues last night with a brand new external HD. Haven't solved the problem yet so will back up with a different drive today.

Which means that you need to keep your protection programs up to date. Update and run frequently. Also, watch all of the things you do every day just as Dennis advises; downloads, links, etc. I absolutely will NEVER click on a link from anyone. Also, the protection programs that I use are all the free versions. The other thing is; when you have a clean machine; backup, backup and backup. If you ever do get hit, you can always restore to the clean version. For complete harddrive backups, I use Ease Us to Do; a great and also free backup program. For incrementals, such as tax files, I use jump drives.

I don't even have a smart phone. I use a tablet with a fine tipped stylus. Sometimes that is even difficult. I don't use the tablet as a computer either, but find it a great source of information.