Tax Prep by Deb

Have either of you e-filed a married filing separate return using the community property worksheet tab on the 1040 e-file worksheet?

If so can you explain to me how to do the return. Do I include all the w-2's and then split everything in half? Do I overide to do that?

I know we are suppose to be able to e-file it but I can't for the life of me figure out what I'm doing wrong.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Deb!

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Was just curious about being able to file electronically. There is a worksheet in the program, but in the past I could not get it to work. I was hoping it was different this year.

Deb!

Up until a year or so ago, you could not e-file it in WI. Also Community Property. Now, you can. I also have a client whose wife refuses to file jointly. Of course, she has all of the deductions and he has none so he gets the short end of the stick; plus they lose the Married Couple Credit in WI. Everyone has their own reasons. Ours is not to wonder why...........

Question?

What do you do about imputing the W-2 info? Do you put both husband and wife on same W-2 worksheet then split the amount on the front of the 1040? Or do you only include the wives and then overide the amount on the 1040 to include 1/2 of the combined?

This might be why I haven't been able to get it to work. Supposedly in California we have been able to electronically file MFS returns, but I have not found the secret of doing so within the 1040 program. (ATX 1040)

Thanks for your response. I agree it's not my place to judge, that's their business.

Deb!

No Problem!

I do agree with you, however there are some extinuating circumstances surrounding the reason why my clients want to do it this way.

I worked it both ways, and your right it comes out the same, however I am able to shift the dependents in such a way that the innocent spouse will receive her due refund. We discussed filing the injured spouse form with the return, but my success in getting IRS to accept this is at best 50/50 even though from what I have researched my client should be entitle to 1/2 of the refund.

The problem is if they file jointly the refund will be offset by some rears child support for a child that my client just found out he had. He has since petitioned the court and won custody of the child, however the mother has skipped town and can't be found, therefore is now wanted by the Law for abduction charges. His fears are that if he and his current wife file jointly the money will somehow find it's way back to her and gives her even more money to travel even further. At least wise that's what they tell me.

My feelings on it are that to receive the money, she is going to have to surface somehow and what better of an opportunity to nab her then! But again, I don't know all the facts, but doing it this way works for the best for them now.

Was just curious about being able to file electronically. There is a worksheet in the program, but in the past I could not get it to work. I was hoping it was different this year.

Deb!

look at pub 525, you take out the sales tax (you could have deducted) from the refund and report the differance as per example in pub 525 page 20 and 21 and 1040 instructions for line 10

Thank you fredazcpa. You explained it the way I was trying to. I can see it clearly in my head but sometimes things get lost in the translation between head and mouth or in this case fingers. What you explained is exactly what I was trying to explain, however you did a much clearer job of it!

Deb!

Also the program calculate the difference between the sales tax deduction and the state refund. The only part of the state refund that is taxable is the amount over what they could have claimed had they taken the sales tax deduction instead.

I was over riding this last year until I looked closely at the instructions and found that I had erred.

Deb!

I orginally posted this on the e-file forum but I had no takers, so I'm posting here!

Does anybody know if we can e-file California returns when the client is filing married filing separate? If so what is the trick? I've tried doing this in the past years but was not successful. Perhaps I'm missing something?

I see the worksheet on the 1040 e-file info sheet, however in the past I filled this out but couldn't get the return to e-file.

Also what do you do about the W-2's?

My clients are married living together as husband and wife but it actually works out best for them to file separately, but I'm just not sure if it can be e-file?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Deb!

Does anybody know if we can e-file California returns when the client is filing married filing separate? If so what is the trick? I've tried doing this in the past years but was not successful. Perhaps I'm missing something?

I see the worksheet on the 1040 e-file info sheet, however in the past I filled this out but couldn't get the return to e-file.

Also what do you do about the W-2's?

My clients are married living together as husband and wife but it actually works out best for them to file separately, but I'm just not sure if it can be e-file?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Deb!

Just check my acknowledgments and there was a notice that states that starting Monday they will be able to transmit all of the forms we've been waiting for. They did ask however that we hold the returns until after the 6:00 p.m. drain. If we transmit before then they will be rejected by agency.

They also stated that due to the expected heavy volumes, IRS will be behind on their acknowledgements.

Hope this helps!

Deb!

I am seeing the e-file fee on my credit card. I called and was told that the program I had did not include free e-filing as of in the past. I have the 1040 (Saber) with 3 states. Because of this, I am being charged $3. for federal and $2. for state. I might as well pay the extra $200. because the benefit I get will outweigh the cost that I would pay.

I wish I had known this before, however, it might have been an oversight on my part when I ordered the program.

In all fairness to ATX it was disclosed on all information I received. I however held out and did not renew early and eventualy received an offer for the program less the early renewal discount and I agreed to pay a flat fee of $200.00 for unlimited e-file. In my case that represents approximately $1.00 more per return for e-file instead of the $5.00 that they originally wanted.

It's my understanding however, that as the year came to an end they were not offering deals like mine.

Deb!

I would also suggest you give them a discount coupon FOR NEXT YEAR, as part of your apology. Usually, good clients accept that we are human, and do not hold it against us. But still, it does cost them a loss of time in getting their refund, and I think when we show in a positive way that we understand that, they are more forgiving. And next year, if the thought of that mistake comes up in their mind, it will be in a more positive way if it's combined with a thought that they have that discount.

How much? That depends on the size of the refund, size of the fee, clients need for getting that refund fast, etc. And, of course, how bad you feel. But it really is not the size as much as the recognition that you are trying to make it better, and accepting your responsibility for the error.

KC is absolutely right again!

I have done this in the past and although everyone feels bad at the time the error is discovered, I have always had the client come back the following year. I had one come back from last year were it took several attempts to get the e-file through as I kept transposing a number and couldn't find it. I missed the refund cycle for that week. I apologised and the client was o.k. with it. They came back this year and found out that instead of the refund they were expecting they owed. I thought it would be one of those situations were they would try to blame me, but I explained they needed to check with HR department and see what their withholding status was. Turns out one of them had apperantly changed theirs and thats why they owed.

Feeling for them this year, and remembering the problem I had last year I reduced my fee by $20.00 and told them it was because of what happened last year. They left the office happy! By the way even when you make a mistake, if you treat your clients right they will respect you for it (at least most). This particular client has referred several people to me. So again we are all happy!

Deb!

I'm not so concerened about improvements for next year. I'm more interested in what they intend to improve for this year. If I was them I would start by improving support for the product we use!

Deb!

My question is, are you getting a prompt to change it? I didn't. Just couldn't get in. BTW, I don't ever logout either.

Yes!

In fact I have had to change it twice now.

Deb!

Thanks for the responses.

taxperson

Yes, I filled out the date of death in the filer's information area.

Taxpayer passed last September, so SSA files should be up to date by now.

Jerry

I already filed one who's spouse died the first of December and it went through without any problem. What my clients have told me in the past however is that the refund doesn't always show up on the same schedule as if both spouses were alive. It is sometime delayed!

Deb!

Filed a return last evening for long time client with fairly large refund. His teenage son had W2 income or $1015.00 with $39.00 withholding. I filed him also for th refund. (I don't charge full for returns like this) Anyway here's where I messed up. On the Kid's return I failed to check the box that someone else is claiming him as a dependent. Now this morning when I got my ACKS, the parent's return has been rejected because of this. What can I do to take the exemption off the Child's return so that I can file the parent's return? Or what are my options? Do I need to file an amended return for the kid? If so, can I efile that right away? Should I try to call the IRS and have them take off the child's exemption? (dont think that would work).

Just looking for ideas!!!

Thanks; Ray (is it Friday yet?)

Did that myself last year for a client. Boy did I feel bad! That's when someone suggested that I not file any dependents return until the parents are filed and accepted. I immediately put that into practice and although it's never been an issue since, (I rarely make the same mistake twice) it's still a wonderful safety net.

Don't beat yourself up on this, it happens. My clients were very understanding and was just glad that I could get it straightend out!

Deb!

Yesterday afternoon after 35 minutes on hold during which I was drafting an angry email about this, I finally got in and they told me I had to follow document ID 14660 during installation. This requires that I use "Custom Install" when installing on a network server. I uninstalled the Max software on the server and uninstalled the netsetup on the workstation and then reinstalled everything in accordance with Document ID 14660.

The effect was that the problem became even worse in that the workstation can't even open a tax file. It has to be done from the server. So I'm back on hold again with tech support. The girl I was talking to seemed flustered. It appears that not only don't they have enough tech support, the people are not really familiar with the program. I had previously searched the knowledgebase for this problem and there is no mention of anything like it.

Don

I feel your pain!

Even when I did get to tech support with this issue, it's was obvious after 4 hours the person I was speaking to had no clue about the ATX program so I asked if there was anyone in that department familiar with ATX and I was told NO! He did state that they were suppose to be getting a couple, but that they were in training for TAXWISE! Thus my whole frustrations over this program this year!

No Support!

Deb!

I've been intrigued and puzzled by all the problems so many have been having with MyATX. I finally figured out why I have not experienced any of this.

On my "Favorites" list in IE, I have ATX KB. I do check there first whenever I have a problem to avoid the dreaded tech support phone marathon. And I check the other tabs about efiling and forms, etc. Well, I realized today that I never logged out after making it a favorite. It seems since I am always logged in, I have somehow bypassed the 45 day new password requirement and who knows what other issues.

Now, don't tell anyone at the gates of ATX or I am screwed! But this just might be something that could help someone else. And please don't tell me if I am violating every rule about the principle of logins, etc. This works for me!

I hate to bust your bubble, but I never log out either, yet every 45 days I have to resign in and that's when I'm hit you must change your password.

So that fact that you have never had to doesn't seem right, but then again there is a lot of things about the software and ATX that doesn't seem right this year!

Deb!

dO i FILE A FORM 8889?

There is a 1099-SA worksheet just like you were entering 1099MISC. Start there, but you will also use the form 8889 to show whether the distribution is taxable or not. If the distribution was used to pay for unre-imbursed medical expenses put that amount on the form so that it does not generate the additional tax.

Hope this helps!

Deb!

It does have to do with the permissions at least my lock up problems seem to be solved because of that. I sent an email sunday and got a reply yestr which only gave me an incident # that got me to a 2nd level tech this am after a 20 min hold. we tried all sorts of stuff but I hadn't turned off the "allow simple file sharing" and cn=onsequently couldn't get to the area to check to box to allow full control of the program file by the work stations. I still had a problem accessing a return from a workstation that had a form that had just been updated today. Had to open it from the server first. Also Rollovers seem to take longer from the workstations but at least they seem to be working. Time for bed. Good luck to all. I was impressed with the tech support I received once I got to the 2nd level. Maybe an email first to get an incident # will get you bumped up sooner.

I had an incident number the first time I called in. I did get a call back the next day only to tell me that he hadn't had a chance to work on my problem, and that he would call me back on Monday. That was three weeks ago!

As to the check box to turn off simple file sharing, I had already checked this. My network is set up exactly the way they had me set it up last year. It's just that somewhere there is a bug! If I could find it I would squash it!

As for e-mail questions, I tried that on another issue and was told by their automated reponse that I could expect a reply in 24 to 48 hours, again that was at least a week ago. But that problem was resolved when they finally started sending and receiving CA e-files.

Other than that things have been fairly smooth!

Deb!

I'm still having the problem. Last year it was a permission issue and tech walked me through it. This year however I think it's just a fluke. My problem, although annoying, hasn't caused me not to be able to use the workstation. It's just that if I open a return on the workstation that contains a form that has not been opened on the server I run into a problem.

As to the computers on the workstations locking up, I've never experienced that in particular, however I did have issues of slow opening and slowing the workstation computer down. I did have problems with the program not opening at all because it was having to work to hard to locate it on the server, and again tech support helped that problem by having me move where I had 'ATX installed on the server.

This is different than what I experienced before. Altough it seemed at the time extremely important to get this fixed, my Dad's health, who uses the workstation, isn't allowing him to work much this year so I'm pretty much down to just needing the one computer.

This is going to be a very looooooooong tax season.

I do hope you get some where with support, I'm still waiting for a call back that was suppose to happen about three weeks ago.

Deb!

Check also to see if one of your extension phones has the conference or hold button engaged. Mine does this ever so often and it takes forever to chase down and find which phone caused the problem. I know the lines engaged because my phones all have a call indicator, usually if I go to all of them and disengage that button, (in my case my phones hold button is also my intercome button and also my conference call button) I can get it to hang up.

Hope it helps!

Deb!

>>The rest are basis adjustments.<<

It really requires a more detailed analysis to do it properly. for example, the underwriting and processing fees are non-deductible costs of financing; they have nothing to do with the property basis. Other costs like the appraisal and flood certification are also lender requirements, although they may in some cases be an appropriate basis adjustment. The prepaid interest is deductible, but since it is already included on Form 1098 it should not be separately claimed. Hazard insurance is a non-deductible personal expense whether paid directly or into an escrow account. County taxes are deductible when paid directly, but could be a debit or credit depending on when the sale takes place.

Extremely well done and easy to understand!

I really do like straight forward, yet logical answers!

Deb!

Deb, I think the reason he did not get you the results we had come to expect from him is that he is no longer in a position to do what he used to do. He's now in Rome GA, and trying to train the people there, but he does not have the position that made it possible for him to cut red tape for us like he used to do. Not his fault.

I agree KC. I hope my comment was not taken as a slap against William. It was never intended too!. I felt all along that the reason I wasn't getting the help wasn't his fault. Although he did e-mail me I could since in it's tone that none of this was his doing.

I have always respected William, and quite frankly was one of the main reasons I chose to renew this year. I felt (I guess I was dreaming) that as long as William was around, support would be o.k. Like many I was caught way off guard when the support we all came to know and respect was no longer there. Therefore for myself, there is absolutely nothing keeping me with ATX. In fact I feel that as soon as I can cut the ties I can move on.

I sincerely hope that we can find a product that delivers at least some of what ATX delivered in the past, but with the emphasize on support. This is always a stressing time for all of us, but if you can't rely on help being given in a timely fashion, I can't help but wonder if I wouldn't be better off doing them by hand? (not really, but the point is when we call for support it's usually beause we have exhausted all possible means of fixing the problem ourself. At leat that's the case with me. So when I call it's because I really need help!)

Again I'm sorry if I implied anything negative about William, it was actually directed at that company that's trying to murder our program!

Deb!

That really comes as no big suprise to me. In the past if I had a problem that wasn't getting resolved I could e-mail William per his invitation and he always took great, no even better than great, care of me and solved whatever the problem was.

I have e-mailed him I believe three times this year regarding the same issue, and he finally did respond with a promise to send my problem to management. I have never received a call back nor did I get a promised call back from support regarding my issue.

I wish I could say that this last news is what caused me to abonded ATX, but it isn't. I already made that decesion before reading this post, but it only confirms that I made the right decesion. I'm not like some who is going to switch right now, as I do not have time to learn a new program. But ATX I PROMISE YOU THIS: When April 15th comes along I will be shopping. And even if I have to settle for a less than ideal program for tax year 2008 IT WILL NOT BE YOUR PRODUCT! ANY OF THEM!

Deb!

I'll be sending some more in as well. This is absolutely the best investment I can make for my small office!

Deb!

catax,

Yes you can file a part year arizona tax return and from what I could come up with on their States site is that acceptance into the Federal e-file system is acceptance into theirs as well. Remember that in the past with California anyone who wanted to transmit returns had to go through the application process? Well this year they have also decided that if your accepted into Federal E-file that's good enough for them.

This sure makes our job a lot easier!

Deb!