Catherine

Well, I like your response, Julie. This guy's W-2 has one and only one state, MA. He went to design reviews and project meetings in other states, possibly even puttered about in a lab or two for a half-day here and there (most likely just got walked/toured through, though). But I used to be an engineer, and I know those meetings. There's no actual _work_ that gets done and frankly no reason they couldn't be held by conference call except to "get to know" the engineers at the other company. Some of the states I checked have filing limits and he'd be under those. Some don't have limits - but those also happen to be the states where he spent the least time. An entire NM non-resident return for ONE one-day meeting? That strikes me as ridiculous. Especially as I do several NM returns every year, and know that if I go through the exercise, he won't owe one nickel there. Thanks, all Catherine

I got a big box of promo materials but no people. Here's hoping I don't get any visits, either.

Pi cake

Any one want to chime in on the other four states? (My client is under the income limitations on CA-source; he was only there a couple days.)

New one -- Returning client was sent on lots of business trips to various states in 2010. Wants to know if his income while in those states counts as "sourced" in the visited states and if that means he has to file in five additional states. I've looked at the rules, and the states say things like "CA-source income" but there is no definition of "CA source". Anybody have a clue about this one? The specific states in question are CA, CO, MD, NM, and UT. All his income was from his employer here in MA. TIA, Catherine

I have always done as Jack does -- sent the 1040X with the "As Amended" and the "As Originally Filed" 1040's plus _all_ schedules. Never had a question. The one time (just a couple years ago) that I tried with only the "As Amended" the first response we got was "what did you originally file?". For some people, foisting it back onto us may be easier than bothering to look at the computer -- or maybe the computer was down that month. In any event, I'd rather give them NO reason whatsoever to question anything I've sent. Drown 'em in paper in the hopes that keeps them happy and out of our hair! Catherine

To KC & Kea -- Vicks (I remembered before I saw your post, KC) and the old facial steamer I used when the girls were little and got croup helped a lot. Starting to feel more human today and a little air is getting through. Hallelujah!

Have a _terrific_ time on that cruise!!

Thanks, KC. I had echinacea tea with honey this afternoon, and regular (decaf) tea with whiskey this evening. The main problem is lack of oxygen, though, as it can't get past the Quickrete that used to be my sinuses. Tried Afrin and it works but makes me feel weird (not nearly as bad as Sudafed), and I've decided that it's not a weird-but-better, but just a weird-but-different, so I won't bother with it again. _Great_ time of year to come down with this. It's my "reward" for taking off a day and a half last week to visit a college with Gwen. Catherine

That's all in my engagement letter -- and I keep a copy and they get an electronic copy with their pdf's.

Very cute! Now we instead have cars small enough to pick up and put in your back pocket. Then there is _this_ little gem: Reliant Robin

Sounds like an _excellent_ idea -- but we both know that the ones who really need to listen to that are the very ones who will ignore it!

That's the idea; no call today, though. (Just as well; I have a _horrid_ cold and sound like a caricature of someone with a cold - great impression that would make on a stranger.)

I'm working on a guy who hasn't filed since 2001 (health problems, then he never caught up as it was overwhelming). Son is the go-between as dad is up to answering questions or telling son where to look. Every time we turn around, it's something new. Now it turns out that he and his wife have been separated for umpty bazillion years and while she files single now (and has "for a few years") at least for the first few years the status was MFS. So now we need to know if _she_ itemized or used standard deduction, etc. At least she'll understand the issues because she used to work for the IRS!

So, just wait 'til the next time they drop by, I guess. Then you can tell them about their voice mailbox. I had a client call super early this morning (didn't hear the phone so the machine got it), and used up ALL the time on my digital recorder except for 34 seconds. This lady does NOT know when to shut UP. I didn't even bother to _listen_ after the first two or three minutes of message.

Love it!!

(for Rita)

Congratulations on being 2/3 there! I also took the test back in the paper and pencil and NOTHING else days and it was not fun -- but I slogged through it. Inside basis, outside basis, partner capital accounts -- blech. And how much of that have I used in the intervening years -- durned little, and when I do I have to go look it up. It's not the sort of stuff you remember if you don't use it daily and I'm not sure I'd trust my memory anyway. The thing that annoyed me (and maybe they've changed this part) is all the memorization of limits and phase-outs and other nonsense that changes _every_ year.

I had problems yesterday and last night, too. Made the assumption it was them....

Good luck to you, Jack!! I am SURE you will pass all sections, first try. Catherine

You guys are great. Thanks!

I believe the parents told the kids that the money was untouchable until retirement. That ought to stick until they're old enough and mature enough to look into it on their own -- by which time they may be mature enough to not touch!

First thing is to get info from the client on where those checks came from. If it turns out to be owner investment, edit the deposit and instead of an income account as the source, choose the owner equity account.

Client received ONE check from a former employer in 2010 as a payment for a patent award; fortunately when the USPS was still forwarding mail after a move. Employer was for 2009; patent award was late. Never got a W-2; company has been bought & sold - plus they moved across country - and he's left voice messages at several HR offices and no one gets back to him. Total is $3100. We have all the tax data from the paystub and there will be no differences since he didn't work for them that year; no insurance, no 401k, no life insurance, no parking benefit, etc. This is less than 5% of their income for 2010. Can we file as-is, or do we really need to wait for a maybe-never-receivable W-2? Wife got laid off and they could really use their refund. TIA, Catherine

I signed up a couple years ago and had NO takers, so didn't bother. This year I thought to re-try, but every time I try to sign up I get an error from the ATX/CCH site saying that they are having problems; try again. Very weird. So I guess I'm not offering it again this year.