HV Ken

I have a top of the line system and am unable to get more than one return at a time. Always greeted with the system resources pop-up. Frustrated as I could really use this feature. Last year, I would go over to the server at least to open a return if someone called, but with the new install process, can't do that this year.

I really hope they finally support 64-bit next year....

I have sent a fervent e-mail to my connections at ATX asking WTF?

Here is what I know about updating to 13.4:

If you are using on ONE computer, just do the update.

If you are using more than one computer in a network:

1. Update the computer designated as the "server" for ATX. If you have a dedicated server do the update there first.
2. Update each of the other computers ONE AT A TIME!!! We lost an hour when I had 4 different systems doing program updates at the same time. When All systems were updated, I had to shut down all computers, reboot the server and restart the workstations one at a time. At this point, all seems to be working except the "server retry" problem is happening more often.
3. If you are having major issues after updating, follow the procedure I stated in #2 above and do NOT miss any steps or instructions.

More info if I get it from ATX.

I don't get this - there is no ATX on the server this year. The program is just on the clients.

Wow. I think we are not charging enough. New client this year, HRB customer last year. Same return - HRB charged $256 - I cannot get our fee even close to that. I think when people complain about our fees from now on, I am going to hand them their papers and say "why don't you check out HRB and see what they charge."

My new motto: Better service. Better price. More experience. Choose three!

I really don't want online for this man's business. The bookkeeping is complicated. He only asked about Quickbooks because it is well known and he knows that's what I use for his bookkeeping after the fact. He does not want to do all the bookkeeping.

He is still using those carbonless one-write checks from Safeguard. He writes 100-150 checks a month, sometimes more. They are to the same repetitive suppliers, and he currently is writing all by hand and writing the address on each check to show through the window envelopes. Even though this is younger man, he will not go for online anything. He won't like online bill paying. I already know that.

His only goal was to find a solution to set up the vendor names and addresses once and be done with that repetitive task. He wants only to streamline the check writing process. He does have suppliers that allow him to pay the delivery man, so he prefers to do that and take care of the bill when inventory is delivered so that it is less to deal with on the Sat or Sun that he pays the rest of the bills. Don't misunderstand, these people are not on COD. They are very wealthy, father and son both multi-millionaires. They don't want to be bothered with a stack of bills at the end of the week or this bill paying function that is a nuisance to them, and that is why they pay the delivery men when they can, and that is the reason the son want to automate this. They are also very conscious about ongoing charges. They will want to purchase some sort of program to use, will not want online based anything, or anything that will have monthly fees for use or access.

If I understand what you have posted, why not let him get QuickBooks for the Mac (or some other check printing solution). He just basically wants to replace using One-Write, so he would provide you printed check copies rather than hand written check copies as his deliverable to you. Nothing changes on your end, except you don't have to worry about reading his handwriting anymore!

As to the actual tax treatment this year, I would report it on Line 21 [for matching reasons] but then offset it as nontaxable, since you already know that had it been received when it should have been, it would have been non-taxable due to his insolvency, even if not discharged by the Bankruptcy.

Interesting - where would you do the offset?

In a private message, a colleague not on this board wrote to me on this topic:

I let them know that a 1099 should be sent and it is their responsibility to get a tax ID number and prepare a 1099. Nothing else you can do. A lot of people hire workers who are illegal or who don’t file tax returns. It is out of our hands as long as we make it clear that they have a reporting responsibility. Owner should have checks showing that s/he made the payments…so the deduction is good. S/he just didn’t file a 1099 and could be subject to a penalty for not filing. Either way…I make them aware and put a note in my files saying that I advised on their responsibility.

Thoughts? Would you agree this takes care of our responsibility as preparers?

p.s. I never said this was my client. My intent was for a more philosophical discussion on this issue as we do encounter this from time to time and was wondering if we are taking the "right" approach or not, as this discussion came up recently in our office so I wanted to put it out there to the experts!

Curious what people do in this circumstance. Business owner (Sch C or 1120-S) has someone come in to clean the office. They write this person a check. Total for year is $7,000. Time to file the 1099s. Person either does not have, or will not offer, a SSN (or ITIN or EIN). You get the picture.

So, do you put the expense on the return and tell the client about their responsibility to get the W-9, etc.?

Or, do you say no 1099, no expense for you! (Seinfeld Soup Nazi reference)

Or, ...?

Thanks for the info Carol and Mr. Pencil.

Client came in with a 2013 1099-C from a bank for forgiveness of credit card debt from 10 years ago. Client went bankrupt 10 years ago and hasn't has or used a credit card since.

Is this really something they can do? No statute of limitations?

From memory, take the AOC and instead subtract the AOC benefit in the taxable calculation on the 1099-Q distribution. The savings from AOC should be way better than paying a little more tax on the excessive distribution from the 529 plan.

We earn a majority of our income in about 2.5 months. Doctors, dentists, lawyers earn their income in a more uniform matter through the entire 12 months. Thus it is hard to compare ourselves with those professionals. We are willing to work with our clients during our short earning potential period. We do not offer the same hours after 4/15.

I will inquire. For some reason, I seem to be able to get quality answers when I send e-mails to them these days....

If it is a standalone install, I would expect the admin console approach would simply work there as there is no server involved. There have been several program updates since this thread was first started!

Did he say it would work for a standalone?

I didn't ask - my environment is ATX on server and access from client workstations. Using their tool, I moved the files off of C: and on to D: on the server and all seems to be well in the world in my install.

There is indeed a way to accomplish this - I did it with the help of a knowledgable ATX tech as the documentation is not up to date. You do an update on the SERVER - this will download the Admin console, where you can then move the data storage from your C: drive to where you want it.

Can we have a conversation about this after the tax season?

Tom

Hollister, CA

Sure thing Tom!

What is the issue with Fee Collect not being recognized?? Maybe I can connect to your computer and take a look?

As for filing last night, I have read there are issues with Fee Collect. I have told my clients that I am not comfortable filing at the opening bell and would prefer to wait until the dust settles, then offer them the choice if they want to be a guinea pig. All are willing to wait a couple of days until I am confident the bugs have been worked out.

I am leary of any product put out by CCH right now, so iTransact has not been on my radar. Anyone have more info on how that works? I really don't want to be too tied to CCH.

Thanks

Tom

Hollister, CA

iTransact is not part of CCH, just a relationship with CCH. They are their own company and are very good to work with. I have become a trusted advisor with iTransact via this relationship, and can offer merchant services to my business clients, often saving them up to 30% over their current rates. Makes them love me even more!

We have the same kind of reaction here in my hometown when snow is predicted. People flood to the stores. Milk, bread, eggs and all fresh meats are gobbled up on large quantities. In less than 12 hours before a snow, those items are almost totally gone from the stores.

It is a known fact that the #1 comfort food in a snow storm is French Toast. Thus the need to run out and buy milk, eggs, and bread.

Square is fine, but you need to pay attention to your monthly swipe total. Since the cost per swipe is higher with square than with a machine, there is a break even point. My experience is that the break even point is around $1,500 in monthly swipes. If you swipe more than that, you are spending more on Square than on having a machine, thus losing money.

Also note that iTransact, who CCH SFS has partnered with, also has a mobile swiper, and their fees are lower than Square. So if Square is the right choice for you, you may find iTransact is even better. Message me and I can help get you more information if you are interested.

I personally only take credit cards for clients that owe. If they are getting a refund, I use Fee Collect inside of ATX and get my fees taken right out of their refund. Works fantastic.

Overall, I like the improvements for editing the client letter. I am a little confused however. I am not sure where to find the text to modify for e-file vs. paper file, etc. Plus, even though I have include the Where's My Refund text, it does not show up.

Anyone want to enlighten me on this and their experiences modifying their client letters?

Thanks!

It is not necessary to open each return and perform keystrokes to find out the file names. The complete list of all the backup files that includes the client's name can be found in this directory: C:ProgramDataCCH Small Firm ServicesATX2012BackupFormset.

Note that the above is a different path than the following one that only contains the lettered/numbered file name: C:ProgramDataCCH Small Firm ServicesATX2012FormsetsFormset. Other than including the clients' names, the remaining letters and numbers of the file name are the same in both sets of files.

Thanks Judy!!

check your clown email (may need to use a little detective work to figure that out)

Michael, I just sent you a private email with contact info for someone who can help.

I got this from an EA colleague of mine, in regards to the NY law and EAs:

"This is the text of the law change. It refers to those required to be registered under Section 32. EAs are specifically excluded, unless they process RALs." http://www.tax.ny.gov/pdf/rulemaking/aug292013/taxpreparer/text.pdf

Looking forward to meeting you in Kennesaw, Jack!