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Everything posted by Medlin Software, Dennis
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w-2 wages/paycheck help please - specialist please
Medlin Software, Dennis replied to WITAXLADY's topic in General Chat
Unless the shareholder rarely participates, the wage amount you are referring to seems a bit shy for RC. HI more than wages gets my attention too. Many shareholders neglect to consider for their employee/officer type efforts, they need to be paid at least min wage, for all hours worked, on a regular basis (not the one a year or once a quarter garbage, except in a few states with no pay freq requirement). And the HI should have been pro rated and shown on every paycheck, not just added in for end of year (constructive receipt of the HI benefit). But, ignoring shenanigans, Box 1 = Box 1, however it came to be. -
Part-Time Seasonal Opportunity with Drake Software
Medlin Software, Dennis replied to JRS's topic in Drake
I was not kidding, there is no amount (which anyone would pay) which would entice me. I've had enough. It is a natural progression though, and I was so fortunate to start when all computer users were experts, and those who had a computer and my software, were at the top of the expert list. It was like chatting with a trusted colleague. A few of those originals have become close friends. How many times can one person tell someone the solution is to properly read and do what is in plain language on their receipt? How much can someone pay for that sort of hand holding? Of course, had I been paying attention, I would have seen the end was near when W3.1 came out, and I started to get questions about how to find the drive door, and why was the floppy disk in a hard case now. And I remember all too well having to tell some to put their thumb on the label then insert the disk (so it would not be upside down). It used to be a whole day of "fun" things like one yesterday. Looking into how IPERS contributions are to be reported on a W2. (No, NOT required to be in box 14, only a should be ignored "may". Yes, check the retirement box and alter FWH and SWH wages. And the kicker, no known requirement to include the amount in Box 12! as none of the codes apply.) -
Hopefully at least one of the parties had proper representation. Sounds like no for both, or there would have been documentation to already spell this out.
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To soothe a little. Major companies get breached because they offer a better ROI for the baddies. I am not obligated to any entity to prove I am secure. I am obligated to myself. I use a top of the line physical firewall which I set to be very strict for my work machine. Likely, it is as good as any :commercial grade" firewall, as I actually set it tight. Monitored firewall is likely OK, but I would bet some amount they use the same settings for most of their clients (a default of sorts) to keep their support simple. I suspect what you are really paying for is someone else to be in the liability chain (if they were not smart enough to waiver out). On the other hand, there is at least one locality who has legislated "security" (likely for their own political perceived gain) where data is required to be in the physical control of the person, and stored within the jurisdiction. No online backups for those folks, and in the real world, worse security.
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Part-Time Seasonal Opportunity with Drake Software
Medlin Software, Dennis replied to JRS's topic in Drake
Customer support, over the phone, is not something you could pay me for ever again. 30 years was enough. It was great fun the first 10, since I was chatting with people just like me. The second 10 was OK, as many still knew what they were doing (computer, software, and profession wise). The latter 10 was miserable. Since computers have become an appliance (think toaster), the skill level of those using them varies, and the expectation of the computer and the software allowing anyone to be an expert is almost universal. The most recent 10 has been written support only. Works well, 90% are relatively automated, using stock replies I have tweaked over the years. 9% require manual reply. 1%, the magic 1%, are actually interesting. Had one of the elusive ones - similar to decades ago - where both parties learned something in a professional manner - and it was absolutely an interesting outlier situation. Maybe what Drake is offering is pre filtered, but even then, those who have been waiting to reach you will be peeved at best. Look back at some of the posts here, from ourselves, and imagine you were answering us over the phone after queuing to wait. -
HOH Matching For Qualifying Child
Medlin Software, Dennis replied to Patrick Michael's topic in General Chat
Any case of shared custody, advice is likely to always be first to file since you cannot control the other party, and who wants to have to argue if done incorrectly? -
To me, you are already going above and beyond by not walking away from work today. A SHORT note about tech cost increases is more than enough, and may weed out some who are only cost shopping. You and yours have to come first, always. Can you hire out some of your returns? Maybe even someone here could take a few? Just a random thought.
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Does anyone use a laptop as their work computer?
Medlin Software, Dennis replied to NECPA in NEBRASKA's topic in General Chat
Ah labels. We have photos of our "label" days. All kids present sticking 5160 labels on postcards or mailers, then dealing with the postal employee who does not understand permit mail does not cost more than stamped mail. Last season I used an online service which mailed the art I sent to the list I sent. They charge a little more than the materials and postage used to cost me, but less than I had to pay the kids. It does take about three weeks, but they likely bundle things with other mailings to get better rates. I remember burning through more than one LJII cart printing the mailers, and using the printer outside to avoid the smell of the paper heating/cooling. It was a big deal to upgrade from the LJII 6ppm to a newer model at about 15ppm! Now, I have a dymo 550 for the few labels I print. A return label (to cover the old address and logo on about 1/2 box of pre printed envelopes, and one for the to address. Also use it for labeling file folder tabs. The label printer is rarely on, i have it on a strip for the things I don't want to vampire (draw power when off). -
Here is part of my reply. "If you are making some sort of implication I have to give you something, you are on your own. You and your client are more than able to find another option. What is your FEIN and PTIN? Would you want the message you sent, with the ultimatum, shared? Say with the public, or your licensing entity? I mean really, what did you expect to get with such a threat? If you cannot make heads and tails out of printed reports a client sends you, or you are not making enough or able to charge enough to cover the software you need, why are you expecting something free (which you are going to use to make money) from us? Do you work for free?" I am omitting a screen image of their online ad (as an accountant/EA). == Received this back today "I am sorry I did not mean to be rude or threatening at all." == blah blah. I don't buy it. I don't have a great way to figure out which customer, nor am I going to ask the 5 possibilities - although I thought about it -I wish I knew, as I would ask them why they retain someone who tried to bully me.
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Received a message worthy of AITA posting, although I did not. Threats don't work well for me, especially from someone wanting something for free to use to make money themselves. "I have a client that uses Medlin and he wants me to access his books! I have tried through the free trial, but it says I have to purchase Medlin. If this is the case then, you will lose him as a client. Please let me know how to access his books one time to try to help him balance and print out reports for his taxes, without me having to purchase Medlin I did ask if they wanted to share their FEIN as part of my response, but turns out it is moot as it took only seconds to get their EA license information. The truth is, they downloaded a month ago, their free trial ran out today, likely why they are asking for a free license.
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Was not missed at all. While only third hand, the person is the type who would have shown the stack of envelopes, if not the actual checks. CR is great for PR tax liability and reporting, but at least the persons reviewing this particular person was not bothered. Let's play. If the envelopes were in a POB for months, how is CR going to be proved? No requirement that I know of says someone must check their POB daily or even weekly. Dec could be a busy time for the business, and no one was processing mail daily? Is that against the law? Skippy with a fresh sheepskin as well as the year vet retiring at end of day, sleepwalking through the audit, would have seen the wild differences in income come Jan. My own income is relatively nil 10 months of the year, for 40 years now, and causes no issues other than dealing with unequal quarterlies.
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Does anyone use a laptop as their work computer?
Medlin Software, Dennis replied to NECPA in NEBRASKA's topic in General Chat
That's the thing with the surface line (at least the ones I have). They have the built in protection, usually reserved for the pro editions of Windows, including boot protection. Thus, they are likely the safest consumer grade machine one can get. I have zero fear of my devise leaving my control. Without my really long key, or getting past the login steps, it would take millions to get in and de-scramble. yes, the drive is always scrambled and anything in memory is also protected. In my feeble mind, anyone not using the same hardware and software security is negligent, and not doing what anyone can do to protect data. I have no idea if other brands have the same security, likely so, as long as you upgrade to the pro edition of windows AND enable all the security features (they are not all on by default). -
Does anyone use a laptop as their work computer?
Medlin Software, Dennis replied to NECPA in NEBRASKA's topic in General Chat
With the likely nest version of Windows this fall, I started looking. I always get a new box with the new Windows, avoids update issues, and is a good minimum time to get a fresh box. What I want is the new surface studio because it is the most powerful, bigger screen than the other models, and the kbd folds out of the way, but the price has me pausing. I'll likely try a surface laptop this time, and live with not being able to fold or remove the kbd, as the specs are good, and the screen is a little bigger than the surface pro. Old eyes are more of a "focus" these days... -
Possible 2023 Child Tax Credit Increase
Medlin Software, Dennis replied to Lee B's topic in General Chat
IIRC, the last Q of ERC was clawed back, after the fact, so what you mention would not be a first. While I have enjoyed a certain "sport" my entire life, redirecting ERC to fund rebuilding dormant facilities was an awful look. I suspect it is not so much as stopping valid claims, but using the money allocated for ERC, which was unused, either by lack of interest/follow through, or by stepped up enforcement on the "commercial get your ERC money here" claims. For instance, certain tribes are still allocating funds from the pandemic (after receiving said funds a year or more later than the other programs were funded). Some of the remaining tribal funds are simply unclaimed funds which likely have to be used or returned. -
Possible 2023 Child Tax Credit Increase
Medlin Software, Dennis replied to Lee B's topic in General Chat
(We keep certain things from being posted here.) We are all to blame for yet more games. -
Possible 2023 Child Tax Credit Increase
Medlin Software, Dennis replied to Lee B's topic in General Chat
The ones who are likely scraping by, or trying to get to the scrape by level... -
Possible 2023 Child Tax Credit Increase
Medlin Software, Dennis replied to Lee B's topic in General Chat
Indeed. Catch-22. File when open, then pay to amend (or whatever it may require to get any additional amount), or wait for the process to work through the system. For those who have enough income to require withholding, it is another reason one should manage their withholding to owe just under 1k every single year (or whatever the allowable amount is to avoid penalty). For those with no actual liability, they are stuck with the games we allow others to play to get our votes. Here it is 2023, and this mornings first waiting message was from someone who is dealing with employees griping about under withholding. We all know what happened in 2020, or should, and yet, there are many who do not pay attention to their withholding until their "IRS savings club" wants money instead of sending a large check. -
Does anyone use a laptop as their work computer?
Medlin Software, Dennis replied to NECPA in NEBRASKA's topic in General Chat
For surface, depending on the model, something like the image is handy to add other items. I use BT for keyboard and mouse wheel. Plugged into the adapter are HDMI monitor, SD card (for a local backup), ethernet, label printer, USB stick (second local backup), USB drive (third local backup), and when needed, a code signing dongle (USB). This way, I can add more than typical, and only have to plug in one item when I grab the surface "to go". I keep a second power adapter in our motorhome, and a third in my suitcase. I will often take the periphal adapter with me, as it also has two USB C ports, in case we don't have enough to charge phones where we are at. The surface keyboard stays behind the device (on my desk). I also have an HDMI cable with me when er are away, so I can plug it into whatever monitor is available. I will also bring my main keyboard and mouse wheel with me. The mouse wheel means I do not need any space for it as it can sit on my knee, on a couch/chair arm, anywhere I can reach, even if not smooth and flat. Much of the time I "write" via voice, so a keyboard can be moot too. My prior surface (6 I think) had an SD slot, the current ones do not. I also have a single phone with ATT and Verizon on it, which can switch real time to the best connection, and we bring along a starlink when not on a hotel trip. Handy at home too as I can run it off batts, generator, or from EV power. I would never go back to a desktop, worrying about a UPS to prevent loss from power outages and such. The surface also automatically limits charge to 80% when connected to power long term, which is less bad for the batt - and an easy click to make it charge to 100% when desired. Now, if the surface was water resistant, that would be a game changer, since hot tub breaks I would not have to "work" via phone/splashtop! I have played with huge monitors, dual monitors, curved monitors. I prefer a single flat 27 diagonal gaming monitor, landscape. I want something I can see with just eye movement. Some of the large ones, maybe most, the resolution is too high, making things look too small unless one artificially reduces res or increases magnification/font size. Old eye syndrome... Not that I know it all or have the perfect, it just works for me. -
Calm has returned, for a week or so! Most have had their first payroll of the year, so panic orders are done. Many have done their EOY filing. It will pick up again at the end of Jan for those who wait until the last second to file EOY payroll reports (similar to your April 15). The 1099 IRIS seemingly changed CSV column placement while closed, but not a huge issue. New customers (of a now closed former competitor and the next to last longtime shareware author still around - I am now likely the last) seem to be doing well, no major issues other than questioning cases where zero WH "is" the proper calculation, and wondering why I do not let them alter the calculations (proper) I build in. The only real nagging issue is one long time customer who has asked more than a dozen times, the same question. It is clear they are not seeing/reading my replies, and are not seeing/reading my text messages to them. None are rejected, and the SMS system I use shows them as being received. I need to find a stamp or three and send them copies of my replies on paper.
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Interesting Tom. In the case of my former client, they are a corp, and did not get 1099's, and if they did, I am certain they would have refuted them as being not required, so not valid. This was 20 years ago... The owners were the type who enjoyed the grey, which is one of the reasons they are an ex client. The mass 1099 deal (blanket sending, even when not required) is a royal pain, and about to get worse. Even though my highest ticket is under $600, I get requests for ID from a few each year, which I toss. Usually from a government or quasi government entity, which has a policy of 1099 to all. It is even easier for me to refuse now, as I point out they paid by card, which my merchant account will 1099 me for already.
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Likely no one cares. Used to have a client who would hold incoming checks for months at the end of their year. Tens of thousands of dollars. Passed audit just fine several times. Likely the same the other way (outgoing checks/payments).
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Hot topic in my home. I actually use a physical firewall (Firewalla) product. They build in many options, such as ad blocking. It allows tracking what was blocked. I also block certain countries IP addresses as well. The one exception is my wife's phone, because a game she enjoys will not work unless certain IP's, in a country I block, are allowed (ads). My firewall hardware (a little purple box) also allows a backup or dual internet connection, so I have a failover to Starlink if my wired provider is down. Could also be setup to use cell data as a failover/alternate
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Does anyone use a laptop as their work computer?
Medlin Software, Dennis replied to NECPA in NEBRASKA's topic in General Chat
Surface pro 8 is my main. When static, I plug it into a big monitor. When mobile, it works fine too. Prob swapping to surface studio when W12 hits. A slightly bigger display when mobile. I don’t like tablets unless they are convertible - sans keyboard - as they take up too much space on my desk. I like one specific keyboard layout, not what they use on a laptop. The other brand machines seem less sturdy and the built into surface is a plus. If you get a surface pro you get the good pro security without having to upgrade windows. -
Even given my avatar/photo. That was my dad, at a time when people made and fixed things themselves. IIRC, he was running a flathead at the time, and once V8's were allowed, he went with an Avanti (just to be different, plus he likely got it cheap from the auto wreckers. My passion for racing is likely stronger than his, but I find it boring today. Why? Because no one builds their own, and just buys the same parts and pieces the others have. Back then, the rule sheet was literally about 3/4 of a page, double spaced. I gave it a spin in my "day", but it was all about who bought new tires every meet (or who could cheat - soften - the tires without getting caught), and whose engine builder had enough spec motors to test them, and would give you one of the "good" ones. The only comparison, at present, to how it was then, is the robot fighting. Each participant has freedom, within certain parameters, to build what they want. It is getting homogenized though, as there are places to buy kits, the motors are all the same, and the designs are trending towards one or two styles. I am not saying the old days were better, just that there was self responsibility back then, which we have lost as a group of humans.
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"I've seen multiple threads on here about declining customer service" I would shorten it to the above. While we do not offer phone support, I get comments multiple a day when people are shocked we reply almost instantly during business hours, and even on off hours at times. Truth be shared, it is also a decline in customer skills, given I get multiple messages daily where the only symptom is "help", "I can't", etc. I literally have to pull out details of the issue by asking questions. This is not a case of having no idea what is going on (like telling your mechanic the beating on the passenger inside CV shaft is out), it seems like the expectation is for us to know what they are doing, what they want to do, and how to tell them to do it, in some sort of magic mirror fashion. The problem is us (humans).