redux

Thanks for the head's up Wayne.

John: Data can be filtered to show only the parameters you want. Private me, and we can work out something.

http://www.hurtwood.demon.co.uk/Fun/copter.swf

I don't, I've reached the bottom.

So far, we're now up to at least three contest entry dates. It appears they had their minds made up...in a way that could be changed easily.

You are correct, it did say if you have already renewed you will be automatically entered, here it is: Dear ATXer, You know that you can receive a 10% discount if you renew your ATX software by June 30. Well, if you renew by June 20, 2007, you'll be automatically entered in a drawing for one of three prizes.$5,000, $3,000 and $2,000. That's right.we're giving away a total of $10,000 to three ATXers just for renewing early this year. You don't often get the chance to win a lot of cash for doing something you were going to do anyway. So what are you waiting for? Call one of our Account Management Specialists today at 800-944-8883. Or simply renew online at offers.atxinc.com. Your savings code is: xxxxxxxxx Your ATX Total Satisfaction Team P.S. If you have already renewed, then you will be automatically entered in this drawing. However, to be fair, they could still have ended the first contest as they stated, May 31 and those persons re-entered into the next contest, except, I would hope, for the winners of the first contest. My sense is that it was an attempt at deception, they're getting good at it, I'm sorry to say.

Not just your thought Gene, mine also.

Many of us were solicited and told that if we renew by May 31 we would be entered into a drawing for the $5,000, $3,000 and $2,000 prizes. Then we received another message on the 5th of June stating that if we renew by June 20th we would be entered into a drawing for $5,000, $3,000 and $2,000 prizes. Since we have so little faith in the New and Improved ATX many of us assumed that this was an extension of the previous contest. Apparently we were wrong... see: There's still one day to qualify to win up to $5,000 just for renewing your ATX software for the 2007 tax year. Our special contest ends on June 20--tomorrow. And anyone who renews by then is eligible for one of three prizes--$5,000, $3,000 and $2,000. By the way, we recently drew the winners of an earlier contest for ATXers who renewed by June 1. First prize goes to Paul Kirkland of Kilgore, TX (customer since 2003), second prize goes to Karen Graham, Liberty, MO (customer since 2001) and third prize goes to Michael Sapera, Mandeville, LA (customer since 1999). Congratulations all! a message I received today. It would be nice and more believable if the winners would come forward and identify themselves on this board so we could be sure they, in fact, exist.

With your income - we'll assume a 28% tax rate, so after taxes you'll have $3600 then you can share it with us, of course. 3600/258 = $13.95 per member. I need mine right away, so just send it as soon as possible. If you don't win...I'll return it :lol:

Yes, this was NATP's question of the week in "You Make the Call."

Joan, the TMI board is the one published by "The TaxBook" see: http://www.thetaxbook.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=2

First of all I’m not sure any of us have the ability to detect exactly how someone else is thinking. If you can, that's a skill you should hone. Now, let me say, you're completely wrong in what you said. I neither said nor did I mean that such a donation will result in an equivalent refund. Yes, no question that the income will increase by $2,000, BUT if the conditions are right that can be nullified by an opposite and equal deduction in taxable income. Leaving him with the same taxable income as though he didn't have the additional income, just as you said. Yes, I was wrong, his “net savings” is larger than I first said. He must pay $283 SE tax, (half of which is deductible from his income to arrive at AGI – Line 27), so he actually deducted $2,142 from Income to arrive at a taxable income. Therefore, $2,142 - $283 = a “net savings” of $1,859 in taxable income at whatever tax rate he may be in. Contributing to one’s future by adding to your SS account is not ever a bad thing in my mind. Even small amounts such as $283 can ultimately be beneficial. Stick a fork in me, I'm done!

Well said and duly noted John.

We don't know that he would be worse off with just this income amount known. It would depend on his "Other" income...his itemized deductions, if he has enough to exceed the standard. If he exceeds the standard by a substantial amount, then the $2,000 becomes significant in reducing his "taxable income" and the $283 SE tax on the $2,000 would still give him a net savings of $1,717. Moreover, while we're talking about insignificant mileage amounts, the cost of the disk would be deductible. So without knowing ALL of his annual details, it would be difficult to answer his question, except to repeat that his services are NOT deductible.

Ok, throw this around. If ERC sells the program to the non-p at full price and later donates an amount equal to the difference that he asked about, he would have SE tax to pay on the full amount - but would likely be entitled to a deduction for the donation of cash. (with the appropriate proof, of course.)

That's where to debate would begin, I guess. Suppose you design and build a lawnmower, or any such device and you donate it to some non-profit...is that not deductible as far as its FMV is concerned?

If you're donating a physical program that you wrote, that is tangible and would likely not be challenged as a legitimate donation. The way you first posed the question was that you wanted to donate your time and deduct it.

Well, you cam to the right place for tax questions. Unfortunately No! You may only deduct donations that are. lets say, tangible and things like mileage. Services are not deductible.

I guess "fair" is in the eyes of the beholder. Here I give you good solid financial advice, after years of training, and you seem to think it's a gift. The very least you could do IF you win is to reimburse my $0.41 plus the cost of my 3x5 card, envelope, oh yes, and a little bit of ink I used to mail in my 3x5 card. I won't be able to deduct that as gambling loss because I didn't win anything. You, on the other hand could deduct your $0.41 plus the amount paid to me as reimbursement which you could classify as a cost expended in the course of winning...you know, "financial advice." We're so lucky to be tax advisors....

My commission is...

For those who may be motivated to renew early in order to be entered into the contest, you should realize that renewing is not required in order to enter. The contest rules stipulate: "A purchase is not necessary to enter, and will not improve the chances of winning. To enter without purchase, send a 3x5 card with your contact information to ATX Renewal Contest, P.O. Box 1040, 63 Sweden Street, Caribou, ME 04736. All entries must be postmarked no later than June 20, 2007." Good luck!

Hey, it must be very difficult finding a particular return if they're all name the same....just kidding

Open the return that you want to change the name. Click on "Returns" scroll down to "Rename Return." Type in the new name.

Why do I feel that tonight at the dinner table the husband, wife and kids (the board of directors) will discuss new memberships?

Boiler plate one-sided agreements, such as the one stated by Pacun, generally speaking, do not always succeed in court. That said, however, I doubt that any of us would like to expend either the funds or the manpower to pursue a suit for such a small reward that may be available here. I think John and OldJack have the right idea, about the NEW and Improved ATX's (NIA) attitude toward their clients as well as the low class mentality they have adopted. I have not made a firm decision about renewal, yes, I know I stated earlier that I decided to "re-up." Call it vacillating, it is. Ever since NIA pulled the rug out from under us I have felt an overwhelming sense of dishonesty, trickery, deceptiveness, and deceit on their part. Not because they canceled the forum, that in and of itself is an insignificant act. It was the method they used that left me with the feelings I have. Don't think for a minute that this year's ATX software is going to be the SAME as last, or other, years. My profound distrust leaves me wondering just what is going to be in their programs this year. They have so many products that it would make sense for them to "step" them in terms of quality. So, for instance, suppose they decide that the "old" ATX software is going to be their lowest quality product, it would not be a giant step for them to remove some of the features while keeping the price where they have currently advertised them. Other product lines would be a little higher in quality and price and so forth. We, of course, wouldn't know what (if any) features of the "old" ATX software have been removed until we purchase it this year. Think about it folks, does it make sense to have two or more product lines that compete with each other in the same company? So I too am going to sit this one out. To me, it isn't worth the small savings or other "incentives" they offer. By the way, have you ever noticed that a product that is selling well, such as a car, offers NO incentives. It's when the sales are low and they want to increase the sales that the incentives appear. I will make my decision later after all the demos have been tested. If my decision later is to stay with NIA, I still won't know anything about the program so I'll still be taking a chance. But that distrust will certainly be part of the calculus of my decision. So, everyone must make the decision that is best in their mind. I am not suggesting that anyone else take my position, I'm simply sharing thoughts with you as others have done.