Catherine

On another board, a couple of years ago, one tax pro wrote in with his story: He'd always heard the "double their fee every year until you like them OR they go away" and decided to try it in his main PITA client. Bookkeeping, tax, tons of long-winded questions, the same mistakes every month - we all know the type. Was charging him $1,250/year. Doubled it to $2,500/year and they STILL drove him nuts. Doubled the next year to $5,000 and he still could not stand them. Doubled it *again* to $10,000 - and they are now some of his favorite clients! They pay on time, make the same mistakes and call with the same long-winded questions -- but now that he is getting compensated fairly, (as my older daughter says) "it's all shiny!" One key is the "paying on time" part. I doubt they would be his favorite clients if he had to hound them to pay his bills. Maybe, Sara, it's time to double their fee.

It would take a WEEK to brush out one of those big dogs - at which point it's time to go back to the beginning and start over! Job security?

Regarding that 1098-T, KC.... yes, you will want to see it. Just don't believe anything ON it! I have seen SO many frimping mistakes on those things they really do resemble fairy tales more than cash flow statements. There's a hint of truth in there somewhere - if you can find it.

Tempting.... I usually charge $15 per 1099, which includes paper copies to recipients and for records, and e-filing of originals. The year I got his stuff in frimping *November* I charged the $15, plus a $45 late fee for each. So he paid quadruple my normal rate. The next year, I got stuff in *August*; so I only charged him a $30 late fee per form. He is definitely one of the "war stories" clients we all have!

I am also glad to hear your good update - and thank you for the reminder!

I might have to fire one of mine, as well. I have *never* received 1099-MISC information from him earlier than August - and once as late as November. He is a chronic late filer, regularly missing the October filing deadline. I don't want to deal with him if/when he gets hit with these penalties.

I NEVER, EVER click on links.

Thanks to you both... my take was that it was soliciting referrals to them.

That's the way Canada does it. Every person files by themselves. NO status issues, ever. One of the things they definitely get right.

Just got this, and don't know what to make of it: Hello, My clients are new in town and are seeking an EA & CPA in your State as they have just recently moved from New Jersey, got your contact from EA & CPA listings. Please kindly reach me back via email or text on phone as I would be attending series of meetings today and tomorrow and might not be able to receive calls. Get back to me so I can make a formal introduction and if you have any referrals kindly forward please . (name of), PA(address)(supposed principal), MBA, CPAPhone Number: ()(email) I googled the person's name, and it seems to be an accounting firm that specializes in out-sourcing the accounting for medical practices. They do everything BUT insurance billing. Anyone have an opinion on whether or not I should respond at all - even if all I would say is, "not interested, thanks"?

I have had NO problems with Drake depreciation -- but neither do I have clients with dozens upon dozens of assets (any more). The one issue I had was how to properly account for an item abandoned mid-year. One three-minute call to Drake resolved how to properly enter it.

emolument: a salary, fee, or profit from employment or office emollient: a preparation that softens/moisturizes the skin

I never thought I would say this -- but this tiny octopus is adorable. A pokemon/manga/octopus cross-breed. Octopus Adorabilis

I would rather use pencil and paper (and erasers) - or an abacus - than software from the 70's. Unless it was DOS. I *liked* DOS and could make it dance in circles.

Shocking, irresponsible, incompetent. Not surprising, though.

The Russians have a saying: "I am over-cuted!" It applies to that video.

I would have seen it, except I never stayed up that late!

A comedic classic, well worth your two minutes of amusement and amazement! Copper Clapper Caper - Johnny Carson & Jack Webb

I don't see why not. One can have a home office that is used overwhelmingly for business BUT does not meet the "solely and exclusively" test for home office deduction. Facts and circumstances: would the taxpayer have purchased the furniture and equipment if they did not do office work at home? If not - then it is business use.

With a prescription, on Sch A. I had a guy who wanted to take his chiropractor visits off on his Sch C (carpenter).

Mom was fully expecting to pay tax on the gain - and she is in a better position to pay it, as well. (New grandbaby so daughter is home for a while, and mom has a good job). I was just over-thinking things and wanted to make sure I was reporting correctly. I think so. Thanks to all for your responses!

Residents were daughter and son in law of owner. They paid all carrying costs directly; NO money sent to mom. She had deed and mortgage in her name because they could not qualify for a loan at the time.

Sale of home. NOT primary residence of the client. Rather, she bought it because her daughter and son in law could not get a loan (they paid the carrying costs while they lived there, though). The house has now been sold for a bit of gain. Obviously this lady does not qualify for Section 121 exclusion -- but neither was this an investment property. Report on Schedule D with no exclusion --> or Form 4797? Your thoughts, please.

​I like to say, "your tax dollars at play" because most of the time it sure doesn't seem like they are *working*!

They keep taking my money for employment taxes - so I guess that is what they are really interested in.