mcb39

I have used Malwarebytes for several years. The Best Idea is to run it and use it. It often picks up a Trojan or a PUP. You need to keep it updated as well. I also use AVG and CC Cleaner. I use both AVG and Malwarebytes on my android tablet. Both apps are downloadable from the Google store. Prevention is the best cure.

I knocked on the door of age 70 several years ago. I agree with Jack. I have no desire or intention of quitting yet; but for when I do, I am always looking for some ONE person to carry on my business and my client load. If the gal I had helping me the past two years had paid attention, she could have HAD the entire package one day. However, it was either boring, over her head or just not her cup of tea. I have a new helper this year who is my age; so together we will continue to carry on and keep looking for that certain someone for SOMEDAY. Jack said it very well.

IMO, I cannot believe any average person would spend that much on a new computer, let alone an upgrade. My desktop was new the summer before the 2012 so-called year from hell. I think I paid about $600 for an i5, Win 7 Pro, 16 mg ram. Both of my laptops are identical i5s with Win 7 Pro 64 bit and all three of these computers handle ATX beautifully. I had extremely few problems in 2012 or any other year. Again, IMO, most of the problems lie in systems that are networked and/or are low on Mhz processors. All of mine are running at least 2.6 MHz with turbo boost. I wouldn't trust a Geek Squad tech from Best Buy from here to the corner of my office. We have more technical knowledge on this board than all of them put together. Jack and Pacun have amazing knowledge; as do many others. I am sure the main reason for my ability to stay out of trouble is the fact that I run all of my machines as stand alones. I do feel badly for those who have to network. Will probably get rained on for this post, but Jack summed it up very well and Judy concurred. Welcome to the world of ATX and technology. We are always happy to have new tax preparers join the board that Eric so very kindly put together for us.

Hot Fudge Sundaes with peanuts are my favorite; so I am going for January 22nd (ish)

Oh Please!!!!! They contact me every year; as does Liberty Tax and, this year, Jackson Hewitt. IMO, you would have to be pretty insecure before you would hitch your wagon to their horse.

As preparers, we should all be happy. This tax season is going to be difficult enough without having to wait to see if the extenders are enacted or not. I feel so stupid when I have to answer a client with "I don't know!".

I really have to say that 2013 was my most productive year ever, monetarily and client wise. Wish the same for all of you in 2014. I am already being addressed by new clients who are all referrals. ATX and I must be doing something right.

I know that I read somewhere, "Do not try to operate software before removing disk from drive"; or words to that effect. Possibly, during the install.

Kudos to you Eric. That was really a mess on Sunday morning. I could hardly believe my eyes and tried to PM you as well as the moderators. You probably already knew what had happened. I am sure that nobody on this board is going to hold you to blame in any way. Thanks for the quick action. You can beat up on yourself if you want to, but we are so glad and lucky to have you.

FWIW, I always export mine to a jump drive.

If you have an EFIN number, why are you applying for another one; or did the IRS put the cart before the horse? Are you confusing EFIN with PTIN; or am I the one who is confused?

The IRS speakers told us that at the seminars.

Sara, your post pretty much covers it and I gave you a "like". What I didn't like was the suggestion to trust the software to "do the rest". I firmly believe that is something we should never do with any situation. It is all well and good if that is true, however we need to know WHY and where the software is going with those numbers. Otherwise, we are not professional tax preparers. I have attended two ACA seminars and I WANT to understand it; but have to admit that I don't totally. Am waiting and hoping for the pieces to fall into place when we reach the "hands on" phase. One of the hardest things we may have to face this year would be all of the false, misleading, totally untrue and partially untrue stories that are going around out there. Some of the things my clients try to tell me make me doubt myself. We have to learn this law. My greatest fear is that we may spend hours agonizing over and studying a subject that might someday go away or at least change to a great degree. For that reason, I am keeping a low profile for now.

I did as well. I prefer to download to desktop and install from there. Just works better for me with extremely slow internet.

It is fair to say that Minimum Essential Coverage does include Employer-sponsored plans, including COBRA and retiree coverage. Also, Coverage under specified government-sponsored programs; which would include Medicare. There are other exemptions as well.

I have nearly three hundred clients and this is the first time that I have ever seen it; and then; only on one computer. I used the 2013 software on that same computer last year. I don't consider it a "biggee"; just a slight nuisance. Have to load it once more on a brand new computer; which means installing 2013 as well. Hoping for the best, but if this is the worst that happens I am willing to wait. After all, it's a long time before we are able to file our first returns.

Of course, we still want to do the best job that we can with what we have to work with. Just because the teacher isn't looking over our shoulder, doesn't give us the right to be lax. We have a moral obligation here.

But, as you know, Jack: I am not networked. One of my computers just seems to think that I am. There is always the chance that I might have clicked on the wrong installation method.

They told us the same thing at the seminar that I attended. They have no method in place to verify the information for 2014.

That has happened on one of my computers. I considered uninstalling and reinstalling, but I found that if I clicked on the icon again, the program opened. So, since it is early, will wait and see what develops.

Just finished my second install. One more to go. Why does this junk make me so nervous? It all comes out in the wash. Have to go over preferences about four times before I have them the way I want them.. (Well, at least we have the options!) And, yes Rita, I have page 2.

I went into the Preparer Manager like we always had to and entered all of the information rather than try to fool around with something new. All of my info is now there and when I rolled over my "test" return,; it was on that return also. I entered it all again on the Payroll module. It only takes a few minutes; rather than trying to mess with something that I don't understand. At this point, I am good to go on one computer.

I am still mulling the situation over. I, of the kind heart, find it hard to penalize clients for something that is not their fault. They actually need us more than ever. I will also have a new right hand this year, but am hoping she will work out very well. She is older and wiser and eager to learn. Even paid her own way to go to two day seminar with me. I have my AFSP certificate now (for what it's worth). I have the feeling that many of my clients will be exempt from the ACA penalties; either for being retired or low income. Take your pick. (Am SO sorry to hear the reason why your assistant will be missing).

Same here, with the two systems, both stand alone; possibly three. Installed to desktop today. Went well. After updates, was able to roll over my "Test" return with no issues. And away we go for another year.

From my Classbook: "For calendar years 2007 through 2013, qualified mortgage insurance premiums for a qualified residence were deductible as qualified residence interest, subject to AGI limitations. Beginning in 2014, no mortgage insurance premiums are deductible, even for taxpayers who were amortizing prepaid premiums and had not completed the amortization period." It doesn't say anything about it being included in the possible extenders.