lsowers

I see that the IRS says people getting SSI are excluded. Does anyone know about the ones that get SSDI (disability)?

If the station/shift the ff is on requires participation in the common mess then it is deductible. Of course they all say it is required but most of them can do their own from home. 2% limit keeps most of the honest now.

My understanding of that case is that it has to be required by the employer. The shift chief is not the employer, the government agency is. If you could, please let me know where it says the shift chief=employer.

I don't mean to get technical, but I would make some FFs happy if they could take these meals since their particular station requires this even though the employer (county) does not.

Thanks

The ATX program must be closed, then go to Start-Programs-ATX2007-Backup/Restore.

While I don't know about a code, there was a court case (Sibla). I believe the outcome was that the mess fund had to be mandated by condition of employment and each firefighter had to contribute to the mess fund whether they showed up for work or not.

Apparently, a preparer in Pasco Co FL (along with the numerous FFs) got caught in the last year or two for allowing this deduction.

This may not be much help, but the mandatory part is what I advise my FFs of and they agree with me in not taking the chance.

The file sizes for returns using the built-in pdf in ATX are 4 to 5 times larger than the same returns using PDF Factory. Pick a return and do it both ways, then compare the file size.

You're right, being new to ATX, I have been using the PDF feature for my paperless office. I just compared using the ATX PDF feature to printing to PDF995. The file size for ATX was 1207KB and PDF995 was 159KB.

Thank you for pointing that out. I don't know why there would be a difference in file size, but there is. Now I will print to my PDF995 and save hard drive space. :)

I too am still having problems. I have 2 940s that came back rejected for a period end date of 12/31/2008 even though the file says 12/31/2007. I have another 940 that was accepted and now says rejected. CS told me that she has been told that the IRS knows about the problem and that ATX customers would not get penalized. I guess we'll find that out soon enough. When this gets straightened out, I will still tell my affected clients to send me any letters they get before they pay any penalties.

I have a question along these lines...

Can the personal representative (no spouse) receive the direct deposited refund of the decedent?

Thanks

They are down here in FL with the statue of liberty. Actually less than a mile from me. I just figure if someone wants to only pay $30 for a tax return, more power to them.

I cannot find this answer in KB or help, so maybe someone here knows.

I automatically have my paid preparer info come into returns. Now I am doing a family member (freebie), how can I get it to get rid of the paid preparer or put in non-paid preparer?

Thanks for your help

Guess what! I come in this morning and hit receive acks. My 941s/940s are still it the same state. I called tech support, actually only held a few minutes. They are looking into it. I told her to make sure she tells the higher ups that they need to be prepared to pay some penalties if the IRS assesses any for late-filed returns.

I really hope they call me back with some good news.

Here I go its 5:00, still have some 940/941s not accepted since 1/29. Can't paper file because direct debits are attached. Called ATX this morning and they assured me everything would be OK, well now I am really getting upset. Last qtr, 941s went smoothly. If things were up and running a couple of weeks ago like they should have, this wouldn't be happening. This is ridiculous.

Now that it seems imminent that the tax rebates Bush has been talking about will be pushed through, has anyone noticed if these will be an Advance (like the prior one) or will this be an actual rebate (not to be repaid through the 2008 tax return)?

Of course I know we are still paying for it (it is not free money like some people think).

Thanks

No special account needed. Expenses get booked as usual.

Does anyone know when the 941s and 940s will be able to be efiled? The ATX rep I talked to said they didn't know.

It took a long time to get my program CD. To all of you who already got your tax program: Did you get the "User's Guide Book" this year as before or just the CD too? I did not get the little book this time. I hope that the 1040 Express answer and 1040 Klein Rock book did not come at this time because they are still in print. I ordered the 1040 Office which include thouse items. If you have any information for me, I will appreciate.

Thank you in advance.

I just called ATX inquiring about the reference materials, I was told they would be shipped this week.

I have small practice, a little more activity than you. CNA has a CPA Value Plan that I think is affordable. CNA is recommended by FICPA. You can go to cpai.com for more info, the people are very helpful.

Good Luck!!

lsowers

For all of those who have a small CPA practice on the side, I need some advice as to where to go for professional liability insurance.

Also, more or less how much does it cost? I don't do audits. I do bookkeeping, a few writeups and about 15 tax returns. My state requires I have at least a minimum $50k liability.

All advice is appreciated. Thanks!

miatax