Catherine

I've been keeping pdf's -and- paper copies of client returns, plus pdf's of original doc's (3 years of paper in active file cabinet). This year so far I've just been keeping pdf's. I may print out the 1040 only; still thinking. The thing about paper is that if a client calls next September with a question, it's a lot faster to pull out those paper files (especially multiple years) than to wait until the computer boots and/or Adobe Reader loads. (Funny how they always seem to call when the computer is -off-.) But I could sure use the extra file space of no paper copies. Plus MA is now instituting absolutely ridiculous rules about client data; some of the one-size-fits-none types that apply equally to huge companies like TJX, and out-of-my-house sole prop's like me. You're not supposed to leave ONE piece of paper out, unlocked, if you go to the bathroom! Or have -any- client file out except the one you are actively working on right that very second. Yeah, right. KC has mentioned the list of info we absolutely need to keep -- maybe I'll eventually dig that list out and print just those bits.

Piles upon piles of tax documents notwithstanding, tonight I am playing hookie and going contra dancing with Gwen. So there. :lol:

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2010/02/23/traficant-will-launch-independent-congressional-bid/?fbid=oWrqywEpzxg Former Democratic Representative James Traficant, now out of prison, will run for Congress as an independent.

They are -beautiful- !!! Enjoy them; it goes by SO fast!

Cuba?

I just got acks today on some filed 2/18 -- so yours should show up soon.

Love it!!

I have a program called DiskKeeper (maybe it's one "k") that defrags constantly in the background. It seems to take almost no CPU or memory but I never have a fragmented disk. But maybe going from 1GB up to 2GB RAM (after 4/15!!) might be a good idea for me. My daughter's machine still has a half-gig of RAM and the thing is incredibly slow -- she's first on the memory upgrade list! And Elfling -- I love the Douglas Adams quote in your sig.

I want to hold meetings at -his- office!!

I'm having all -kinds- of trouble this year with the program. I've given up on the "Client Copy" watermark as it shows up all over creation and use the watermarking on my printer settings. But the prior-year comparison wants to print in landscape mode from the Print Manager -- I've only been able to get it correctly from the "print page" in the return. The Federal return cover does NOT line up with the ATX-compatible covers I have (although it lined up perfectly with those exact same covers last year -- I"m working off the same batch). And the state return cover comes out TOO BIG and overspills onto a second page. Anyone else had these problems? And, preferably, fixed them? Or am I fated to spend an entire morning on the phone with tech support sometime in the very near future?

I've got three where Schedule A is more than standard and it's -not- going to the 6251. Grrr!

Bumping this up the queue. HAS anyone else seen this problem? The Schedule A taxes paid on lines 5, 6, and 8 are NOT flowing to the Form 6251 Line 3. To get them there I have to over-ride on -every- return. I have updated forms and the problem remains. Catherine

GREAT one!!!

I love the dark chocolate Brandy Beans. You can only buy them in the winter (mail order), and frequently the vendors sell out around Christmas time. I've got two brand new boxes stashed in the freezer.

You should be able to e-file -- you'll need MA Form 1NR/PY, not Form 1. Yes part year residents qualify for commuting credits but only over $150 per person (same as full year residents). Don't forget the rental credit, and the MA Form HC for proof of health insurance coverage! Also if there are capital losses, MA treats carryovers very differently. Feel free to message me directly if you have specific questions as you go forward. Catherine

The recession, which has a specific definition, may be over, but the economy is still bad. How bad is it? The economy is so bad that I got a pre-declined credit card in the mail. The economy is so bad I ordered a burger at McDonald's and the kid behind the counter asked, "Can you afford fries with that?" The economy is so bad that CEOs are now playing miniature golf. The economy is so bad if the bank returns your check marked "Insufficient Funds," you call them and ask if they meant you or them. The economy is so bad Hot Wheels and Matchbox stocks are trading higher than GM. The economy is so bad McDonald's is selling the quarter ouncer. The economy is so bad parents in Beverly Hills fired their nannies and have had to learn their children's names. The economy is so bad a truckload of Americans was caught sneaking into Mexico. The economy is so bad Motel Six won't leave the light on for you anymore. and... The economy is so bad Exxon-Mobil was forced to lay off 25 Congressmen.

Hope you have a VERY :bday:

I have a friend who loathes and detests sodas made with corn syrup; I'll be sure to tell him. I did note that 100% cane sugar blurb on the home page. I'd also like to hear what folks have to say about flavors, especially the less-usual ones like Peach.

Oh, that sounds good. You mix 'em up and I'll be right over. How long does it take to drive from MA to AR?

Wow -- so many flavors!! And you can mail order from the site. I'll have to give it a try sometime. Thanks, KC.

Tom -- You are right that the bureaucracy now wants to rule and not serve. And I agree that a Constitutional Convention would end up with a fractured, Balkanized America. However, there is one other remedy -- not particularly fast (but slow and steady wins this race) -- elections. We must throw out ALL the scum and replace them with people who actually understand the Constitution and support it (not those who wish to undermine and overturn it). There are so many good folks running for Congressional races this year (in both parties; this isn't partisan but "Constitution-san"), against well-entrenched incumbents. There is, here in MA, even a serious contender against sleazeball Barney Frank in his ultra-gerrymandered district. Doug Hoffman, who almost won NY-23, is running again. And that's just the tip of the iceberg. There may not be anyone in your specific district -- but there will be people nearby. After 4/15, make calls, stuff envelopes, distribute lawn signs. We CAN still take our country back. But dismantling the entrenched rot will take time -- after all, it's taken about a hundred years to degenerate this far. Read Constitutional scholar/professor R.J. Pestritto's works on American Progressivism -- or for a quickie course, there's info at http://a12iggymom.vox.com/library/post/american-progressivism-rj-pestritto.html Teddy Roosevelt, Wilson, FDR, were all part of the Progressive movement that advocated big government to solve (=control) all "problems". The rot is in both parties and encouraged by special interest groups that WANT us to fight false Dem/Rep battles as it leaves them free to take over behind the scenes. The Founders were right when they wanted to limit government. Trace back every law that was intended to accomplish some societal "good" -- and you'll find that, eventually, almost all those laws have the exact opposite effect from what was intended.

To rearrange columns, just drag the column header to its' new location.

If you want the IRS to share data with states, you must have your client sign Form 6847 and fax it to IRS/Martinsburg -before- you transmit the e-file (preferably a couple of days before). 1-877-477-0572 was the fax number I was told to use.

Oh, yikes, it's lunch time. That explains why my tummy is rumbling -- thought the client I was just on the phone with was going to be able to hear it! Food. What food do I have available? No bananas. So much for the next item on my to-do list; it's gonna havta wait! What's Faygo?

So there is no specific documentation due to the shareholders from the corporation?