Catherine

I use the "estimated" flag widely on ANY item I want to double-check or where I am waiting for further info (missing bank interest is a common one). On one return I cannot get those "estimate" flags to clear no matter what!! I have noted this year that you must go to the original source field to clear an estimate; clearing the input page if you flagged it on the detail sheet doesn't work (used to in past years, but not any more!). Annoying but minor. Sometimes it is needful to "restore" the field completely and re-enter whatever was there (or is now suuposed to be there). But on this one return (so far), I can un-check the "estimate" flag on detail or input pages, and "restore" the field on both pages. Error check still shows them flagged as estimates and I will not be able to e-file this return until this clears. Anyone have any work-arounds -- or do I just delete the interest worksheet, re-add it, adn enter from scratch? TIA, Catherine

KC -- just fabulous news; I am so very happy for you!!

Followed MAS's recommendation and had the client call vendor (or manufacturer) and not eligible. Two strong "plus"es for me: I didn't have to make the call myself, and client can't blame me for the bad news. Woo-hoo!

Excellent idea!! Thanks, MAS

Client brings a receipt for something called an "Aquasmart" -- company info blurb reads, "The Beckett AquaSmart is a universal boiler control designed for use on residential and light commercial boiler systems." The thing guarantees to cut energy use by 10%. It was eligible for a state rebate program but for whatever reason they did NOT take the state rebate. Instead, they want to take the federal energy credit. I cannot see that this thing is eligible. F5695 talks about entire boilers, not small units attached to existing boilers. Tax Book likewise talks about entire new systems. Company info also says nada about federal credits: http://www.beckettcorp.com/Product2/productdetail.asp?detailid=35 Anyone know about these widgets or where I could get more definitive info? TIA, Catherine

I solved the interrupting phone calls problem for this year: I outsourced phones to Ruby Receptionist. Couple hundred a month - I forward my phone, they take messages, have secure voice mail -- AND can patch an emergency call through to my other number (cell phone) for that new client who has gotten lost on the way here and needs directions. Got through some gnarly RSU basis calculations the other morning with NO call interruptions -- and the phone rang a half-dozen times or more! People think the phone is being answered by someone at my office. Highly recommended. Three-week free trial, too. Let 'em know I sent you and the free trial gets upped to 3 weeks from the advertised. 2. http://www.callruby.com/

Thank you once again for ALL that you do for us!!

Thank you, Rita!! What a hoot.

Rita -- in another thread (that I now can't find, doggone it) you mentioned a topic of "things that are slower than ATX" at the other forum and you said it was hysterically funny. I could use a laugh; do you recall it's title or poster? I've looked and can't find it. Thanks!

If the withdrawal of excess is NOT made by 4/15, there are nasty penalties. The closer to 4/15, the busier the custodians get and the more likely they miss the deadline (they're also processing last-minute IRA contrib's at that time). Tell you client NOT to dawdle on submitting the withdrawal forms.

Also keep in mind the 5-year holding period. Tax Book has details. Pretty much if first contribution is 5 or more years ago your client should be all set.

Real-world applications -- yesterday I tried to help my daughter with a statistics problem -- but the equation as given in her problem book did NOT have parentheses at all. Following standard mathematical operations rules gave us a ridiculous answer, and a couple of attempts on our part to figure the right paren combos got gnarly, fast. We eventually gave up on that one and worked on problems where correct equations were given to work with. My opinion (as well as hers) of prof and book plummeted as a result. You can't teach people to use tools properly when the tools given are fundamentally flawed. To the question as-asked: 50.

KC -- such WONDERFUL news!! Keep smiling, and soon laughing will once again be a joy. More prayers for a full and quick recovery are headed your way.

I use Adobe Acrobat; version 9 or 10 depending on which computer I'm using. Bought 9 new-and-registerable on ebay for small money after 10 had come out; 10 came with my new scanner. I can move pages, edit them, delete, etc. Mainly, though, I get most of what I want in roughly the right order. Print cover pages and letters single sided, then fed and state returns, all separately, double-sided. Except for some state worksheets that come in mixed together at the end when there are multiple states - those I again print single-sided and tuck behind each matching state return. Put 'em in a folder and use post-it flags so I (and my clients) can find the wanted return quickly. Wonkier indeed!! And yes, that did make me laugh. Thanks - we can all use a good chuckle these days while we thrash about with recalcitrant, uncooperative, and obstreperous software.

I always print to pdf and from _there_ I do my duplex printing. FAR easier to have forms that make sense, as I can "tweak" my pdf before printing and choose my start/stop spots -- instead of printing things duplex out-of-order which would drive me wonky.

You are right; they _are_ confusing -- it looks upon reading that if any ONE of the conditions apply, the kid is SOL. Thank you.

Have a client (grown daughter of long-time clients) -- age 23, living on her own, supporting herself working nights/weekends while a full-time student. Parents do NOT claim her as a dependent and have not for several years. F8863 instructions seem to say that she is NOT eligible for the refundable portion of the American Opportunity Credit because she supports herself. Huh? Am I reading that right? She does _not_ get the refundable portion because she is fully self-supporting and living on a shoestring? TIA, Catherine

Sounds like the first step would be to have him call whoever was in charge and tell them the penalties per partner and see if he can get anything moving that way. Is there any provision under state law regarding involuntary dissolutions?

I'm with you, Janitor Bob -- still running 12.5.126.3 myself. Have downloaded Rev 9 but afraid to install it. Couple of returns need the 4562 BUT they are corporations and we don't have the Mass e-file forms yet anyway, so I'm holding off 'til the bitter end. Right now I ahve something limited but functional....

$15 per, includes direct mailing of recipient copies, e-file, and client copies.

Drake is usually $1495 but they are giving $100 off to ATX refugees. Just fyi.

We will be thinking of you next Wednesday -- hope everything goes extremely smoothly and that you have a VERY fast recovery!

What I have my clients do is put their pdf's on the secure file portal on my web site. You can also use DropBox, or email password-protected files. Pick someone (anyone, or limit to those of us who have posted on this thread) from the forum near you -- or pick several and use "eeny meeny miney moe" if you don't want to "pick" -- and any of us would be very glad to help you. I'll also give access to a folder on my file portal to you and anyone you pick (if you "eeny meeny" someone else) and want to use that method to send doc's back and forth securely.

We got through fine. Just exhausted from four + hours of shoveling and snow blowing.

I called Drake to get info as I have been having some problems. The rep told me they have had 400+ people jump ship from ATX to Drake in the last two weeks. Plus more from TaxWise and whatever other program is also having issues. One would think that, with those kinds of numbers, they don't need to actively solicit.