kcjenkins

Every state is a little different, but they all are similar, and the lawyer should be able to provide the date very quickly.

BTW, Judy, your cite reminded me of something I've been proud of since I was old enough to understand it.  My sister was adopted in 1943, and I was adopted in 1944, in Arkansas, and at that time AR inheritance law made a distinction between a natural child and an adopted child.  My father thought that was wrong, and he got busy on lobbying to change it.  And although it took some convincing, and even a bit of bribery, he got it changed!  Did I mention I had a wonderful father?  Thank you for bringing up that memory.

1 hour ago, Catherine said:

Also in the paper returns we highlight neither the refund nor the tax due, but rather the "total tax" line (which I call "the amount they get to keep"), since that is what I want people to take note of.  This - plus the comparison page - also helps when the inevitable "why did I get more back last year" questions crop up.  

Now that is brilliant, what a great idea!!!  My father, a farmer, always said, and I totally agree, "the slickest trick the government ever came up with was the withholding gimmick."   When people focus on 'how much is my refund', they usually overlook the  "the amount the government keeps", i.e. the amount they paid.  The real dummies actually look at their 'refund' as a gift from Uncle Sam.  Even those who owe tend to look at just the amount of the check they have to write, not the total tax bill.  

2 hours ago, Jack from Ohio said:

Just picked up a 7 year old retread client.  2 W-2s and a 1098INT.  Price increase over normal is happening.  After tax year 2008, they have not communicated with me.  Their info was in my drop box today.  I don't know if their return fits the description of "simple?"

Maybe they moved away and just moved back in 2015?  

On 2/20/2016 at 0:03 PM, Terry D said:

Isn't there some ethical requirement to file an accurate return?? I want to be careful here as I really trust and appreciate your comments and judgment and have done so for years. I agree the return would probably go thru but I don't feel right doing so.

I agree, Terry, please don't read it as me advising her filing single.   Was really just commenting on how screwed up 'the system' is.  The grandmother in this mess is clearly the one supporting everyone else, so it's a shame the bum confused the issue by marrying her, really.  I'm wondering though, if their marriage license paperwork has both their SSNs?  That's something she can get a copy of, if he took it with him.  And would simplify the MFS filing.

Yes, Judy has it right.  

Agree on the grandmother claiming granddaughter and great grandchild.   Granddaughter should file MFS although if she did file as single on that tiny income it would undoubtedly go through just fine.  

21 hours ago, MsTabbyKats said:

I was thinking of "retiring" for a few years.  Instead, I fired clients, outsourced clients, only accepted a few new clients.  As soon as I had to repeat the mammogram I told DH "if it's anything...I'm finished with taxes".

I obviously don't know my health future, but right now I feel great.....and I want to take advantage of that.

Great decision.  Time to put your life first, and make good memories, and enjoy your husband.  We never know how long we have but I know that it's the things we put off that we most regret when we run out of time.  

Hey, can't blame a guy for trying, right?  LOL   Think about him this way.  Just be glad you got that out of the way up front.  Much nicer than when they wait till you've done all the work, then start 'bargaining' over the fee.  That's the kind that make you wish you could just shoot them.

4 minutes ago, BulldogTom said:

There is a blurb in Pub 517 about traveling ministers and their housing.  From what I read, the donor organizations possibly could designate a portion of their contribution to him as housing allowance provided they did it before the beginning of the tax year. 

Exactly !   If they do that, in advance, he can take it.  If they don't, he can't.  

https://www.facebook.com/171371406296691/videos/738072522959907/

THE CAT TRAP WORKED.

I hope that was over the phone, so you were able to resist the need to hit him?   

Yes.

Amen.

3 hours ago, RitaB said:

I'd just copy the SSA-1099s and attach to my copy of the return.  I would put two on a page, and the other one with the note about "the last preparer wouldn't let me deduct my church contributions" on another page.  That way I also know to always do Schedule A and skip the explanation of why shy can't itemize.

Glad to hear that I'm not the only one to do that.  I never felt bad about charging for it if it made the client happy.  

Tom, is he doing this for a specific denomination?  And if so, what group sends him out?   If there is some religious organization that arranges his travels, that organization may be able to designate an amount, but otherwise, no.  

From Pub 517

Designation requirement. The church or organization
that employs you must officially designate
the payment as a housing allowance before
it makes the payment. It must designate a
definite amount. It can't determine the amount
of the housing allowance at a later date. If the
church or organization doesn't officially designate
a definite amount as a housing allowance,
you must include your total salary in your income.
If you are employed and paid by a local congregation,
a resolution by a national church
agency of your denomination doesn't effectively
designate a housing allowance for you. The local
congregation must officially designate the
part of your salary that is a housing allowance.
However, a resolution of a national church
agency can designate your housing allowance if
you are directly employed by the national
agency.

I agree.  The fact is, the economics of solar vary, depending mainly on location, but it's a decision that should not be based on taxes. 

On 2/19/2016 at 4:09 PM, Randall said:

Court hearing for adoption finalization occurred in 2015.  But still waiting on paperwork from State.  Can the adoption be considered final in 2015 or do we have to wait until 2016 when paperwork is received.  I'm assuming the court made a ruling and things would be dated as of the 2015 date.

Have the client ask the lawyer for confirmation that it was finalized.  That is CYA for both of you.

    It's time to tell them you are trimming back, and next year they need to find someone else. They are clearly too selfish to consider anyone else but their own wishes.  probably also, if he did fall, he'd sue you.  

On 2/16/2016 at 8:53 PM, Dan said:

Thanks KC & MAMalody  (I like your ideas)

I found the following link on line:  https://www.huduser.gov/portal/datasets/fmr.html

What do you think of it?  

 

It's an interesting site, but VERY generalized.  Based on averages with the only variance being the county, when in reality rents vary widely depending on the type of neighborhood, schools, etc.  I looked at my old county, for example, and the weird thing was that it listed $884 for a 3BR and $887 for a 4BR ?  Anyone here believe that?  Go from three bedrooms to 4 bedrooms for an extra $3 a month?  And I know the numbers vary a huge amount between various neighborhoods.  

7 hours ago, David Ristau CPA said:

Moving to Maui changed the approach to appointments. "Maui time" means anytime within 4 or so hours of the agreed upon time. Unless of course the whales are jumping or surf's real good, then it's within 6 hours. I'm with Rita: drop your stuff off and  keep on going. I'll call with questions.... Mahalo!

Hey, David, where the heck have you been hiding?  It's like a blast from the past to see your name again!  Welcome back, old friend. 

If the amount is significant, better be safe than sorry.  You could email the form to the client, he prints it, signs it, takes it to the appraiser and then mails it back to you.  You make a copy for your file.

Yes, each IRA belongs to the individual, so if either has positive earned income that one can contribute to an IRA.