kathyc2

It can be hard for legit farmers to show a profit. A lot of the hobby farms have a few acres and "someone" told them they can take the loss. Maybe they raise five cattle for beef in a year, butchering one for themselves. When I tell them I'm going to decrease feed, vet, etc by 20% they aren't happy.

MI and IN have reciprocity for wages for state income tax. However, IN also has a county tax that is not included in agreement. MI residents working in IN pay the county tax to IN and can then take a credit on MI return. I've yet to see DIY software handle this correctly. Even on professional software I need to manually enter it on MI return rather than having it flow from W2. IN and IL do not have an agreement. This is due to a large difference of IN residents working in IL (Chicago) than vice versa. I'm guessing the east coast states without reciprocity has to do with similar differences rather than where a football team plays. Craziest one I've seen without reciprocity is KS and MO. TP works for company that has locations in both KS and MO portions of Kansas City. W2 has wages and w/h for both states depending on which location she works at.

I decided to keep it very simple. This is what I came up with: "This tax season was rather hectic for me, especially toward the end. After reflecting, I realize that I need to reduce some of the workload to maintain my sanity. While I have enjoyed helping with your tax prep needs over the years, I think it’s best that you make other arrangements for next year. I wanted to let you know now so you have ample time to find another preparer." Thoughts?

My money is on the chainsaw gang who have shown time after time that attention to detail is not their forte.

My clients all know that I've been scaling back. No longer doing accounting work or corp returns. They also know that in the next several years I may be totally retired. Letter letting them go will in some way reference scaling back. The rating system is a reminder to me how to answer when they ask how much longer I'll be in business. One's will be told as long as I'm still mentally sharp. Others may get an answer of "a couple years" or "five or so years" depending on the degree I want to keep them. All have been told that unless it's because of immediate health reasons, I'll give them at least a years notice. I don't have an issue if they are long term clients. Most have been PITA entire time. Back when I actually needed the money I'd be much more tolerant then now when the income is nice but not needed. I make a note on Excel sheet whenever I add a new client as to how they came to me. Most clients have at least one or several others clients that are their family, friend or co-worker. I do think harder on those if I want to release or keep.

I went through my client list and gave everyone a 1 to 5 rating. 1's being clients that are a joy to work with, 2 and 3 room for improvement, 4's skating on thin ice but being given one more chance and 5's will be receiving an email to make other arrangements next year. 1's were over 50%, and 4-5 less than 10% but a source of excess frustration.

With all the poking and prodding going on in IRS systems, I'm afraid we may have another crash like 2018. Or even worse, they don't pick up the software generated withdrawal authorizations. I was planning on having everything submitted today but some clients can't seem to get their (*&^ together and get signed forms back.

Mine is clients that make multiple times my income but complain they can't make ends meet. When I ask if they make a budget for expenses they look at me like I'm a space alien. Of course they never have the money to make estimates or adjust W2 withholding like I suggest. Yet they think they have the money to buy an expensive new car, live in a McMansion and take extravagant trips. Two of them just this week that look large 401K distributions in 2024 with no state tax withheld and only enough FIT to cover 10% penalty. Another one with a rather large inheritance held in a trust as apparently parent realized they can't handle money. Supposedly, EJ told him he doesn't pay tax on inheritance. He can't understand me telling him he's not paying tax on the inheritance but on what it earns as shown on K1. Since they know they owe I never see them until April when my tolerance level is below zero.

Yes, it appears balance due will work. Duh!

I have a situation that will have a large balance due. Actual return won't be filed until fall due to a K1 that never comes before Sept. I haven't talked with client yet, but guess they won't have all cash available by 4/15. If they pay a chunk now, how to they pay more in a couple months to reduce additional penalties? It appears direct pay for 2024 goes away after 4/15. https://www.irs.gov/payments/types-of-payments-available-to-individuals-through-direct-pay

New client has 2 disabled adult children, which in prior years never claimed dependent care credit. She is a teacher, so only available when school is in session IMO. They stay days at an organization for disabled. Medicaid, etc pay most of costs but she also pays some. Would it make a difference if she is required by facility to pay some, or just takes it upon herself to do so? I'm thinking along the lines of if they don't require it, the payments may be looked at as charitable donation rather than dependent care? Both receive a few thousand in SSI, but that shouldn't make a difference, should it?

LOL! I thought this post was going to be in regards to the current state of stock market.

See chart in W2 instructions when retirement box should be checked or not. Page 31 https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/iw2w3.pdf

I e-filed a 2023 amended on 2/7 that still shows as processing. State processed and sent refund on 3/5.

Not anymore..... https://blog.ssa.gov/social-security-to-reinstate-overpayment-recovery-rate/