joans

I try and it say to install the disc - however, the disc doesn't work or the computer isn't working. So what I did is download the form off of Iowa Dept of Rev and will figure it that way. State partnerships aren't too bad. Follow the Fed pretty easy.

I am doing a 2005 Partnership. Federal is done, but can't download Iowa Partnership form. Is there a trick to it? Have the disc, but not working. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks.

Sara

My husband just got back from Iraq working as a civilian for the military. He worked and talked to many of the military personel over there and he and they are very proud of the work that they are doing over there. Whether we "agree" with the war or not, the simple fact is 9/11 did happen. Our troops, men and women, are over there to make sure that the terrorists are so preoccupied with what the military is doing in their country that they won't have the energy to strike our country again. Sad, to say, but Ft Hood is just a prelude to what will happen in this country if we don't finish what is going on over in Afghanistan and Iraq. Both parties and most Americans have become very "numb" to what has happened in the past and we forget very quickly. This is just my opinion, but I don't like war, but I do want to keep our country and my family safe. We didn't start this, but we do need to finish it or America will look weak and we will be attacked again and again. I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving and remembers what this holiday is really about. To be Thankful for our freedoms, family and those who have given the ultimate to allow us to have our freedoms ie: this forum to voice our opinions.

Congrats:)) Now you are something:))) Thanks for alllll the advice and support the past couple of years. Couldn't have done it without you:)

Sara

I am having the somewhat the same problem. I am trying to restore the backup and ATX isn't recognizing the F: Drive? What to do?

Working on a return from 2000 and don't have the program:( Looking up forms on IRS for 2000 and was looking at 8873 and thought it said "extraterrestrial income exclusion" when it really said "extraterritorial income exclusion". I have finally lost the little thread of sanity that I thought I had left:)) Have a great weekend all:)

Sara

Thanks. It does help quite a bit:) I have started entering the days in and out of country on the 2555 and yes I am having problems with the info carrying over. My husband did receive a w-2 from the company and it is a straight forward W-2. No special codes and he does qualfy for the exclusion with all his wages as he is under the maximum. I have a feeling 2009 might be even more fun trying to figure this out:) I really do appreciate the help:) Your example has made this clear and I have learned a lot researching this subject:) Thank you again.

Sara

My husband works for KBR which was awarded a government contract. He does not work for the government. I am excluding all his wages on the 2555 for 2008 and will have to figure out 2009 when it comes around. This whole thing is so confusing it makes me want to scream. By the way, Thunder Bay, Ontario is gorgeous if anyone wants a nice vacation. Only 1/2 hour over the border, the drive up follows Lake Superior all the way up and the scenery is breathtaking. But watch out for the Moose Crossing signs. Kinda freaks you out:)

Sara

Now I am totally confused. My husband has been working in Iraq since Sept 2008. He should not have to pay taxes on that money as long as he is out of the country for 330 days of 365 days. That was one of the benefits of him working overseas. He is working for a company that was awarded a contract from the government to work on military bases doing construction/maintenance. He has been home for 28 days since Sept 21, 2008. Am I way off base on this or am I explaining myself wrong again?

Yep - that's what we finally got figured out. So off to Canada we go for a week to qualify for the tax exclusion:)) Camping in Thunder Bay:)

Depends on what they consider "Qualified" Always the stipulation. I think it is a good idea for the people who can't/don't have/want kids. Their pets are their kids. Here's hoping:))

I have looked on Dangerzonejob.com and called the IRS and basically, they all say that he has to be physically out of the country for 330 days or all of his wages are taxable:( So it looks like we are going to Canada for a week on "vacation". But I will keep on checking to see if I can find out more information. Thanks for the suggestions.

Sara

Hey, Jainen, Sara is one of us trying to learn about a new-to-her tax situation because it's her husband's/her own now. She is reading and listening and knows she "needs to go see a tax preparer." That's shy she's posting here. She could use some guidance from someone who's familiar with civilian employees for our military in Iraq. (I'm not that person, but someone/some people on this board probably are.) If you could help her focus her reading and if our experts in this situation would jump in, Sara will develop a new area of knowledge helpful not only to her but to her clients as well.

Thanks Lion:

I appreciate the vote of conifidence. This board has helped me on so many different scenarios the past 3 years and I have learned so much. I am doing some digging on this matter and am finding conflicting information. I will call the IRS to get the "official" position and get it in writing if I can to CYA in case it comes back to haunt me:)) Thanks again.

Sara

I have printed pub 3, pub 516. They are somewhat conflicting. If in a "warzone" some of the wages are prorated to be exempt. I realize that I have only been preparing taxes for 3 years and really new at this, but I was hoping some that have been preparing taxes for 20+ years have done 2555 and would have some advice on the matter.

I have a question. My husband is working in Iraq, not in the military, but for the military on a marine base. He left on Sept 21, 2008 and has been home 2x totally 28 days so far. He is coming home again on 9/8 which will put him over his 35 days allowed to be "in country" for tax purposes. Question is: Would total income be taxable or just the days that he is over on allowable days. I have to read pub 514, I believe that is the one. Also, is there special circumstances if it is classified a "warzone" Any advice would be appreciated as I have never done one of these and want to make sure I do it right especially considering it is ours:)

Sara

PS. We are close enough to go to Canada if need be to be out of the country to qualify for the Foreign Tax Exclusion.

I agree with the getting rid of the Washington problems - maybe not the way described, but vote them all out so they have to go out into the "real" world and get real jobs.

Thank you for all the replys, but you guys are going to hate me:( I guess client included his wife in the partnership. So this is all moot. But I do appreciate all the help. Now I will know how to advise a client if this situation does happen. Maybe this wasn't a bad thing. I sure learned how to handle this. Thank you again for all the advice and help.

Sara

The partners are no longer with the company. Problem with a schedule C, this is a gas station/Convenience store with sales of over 3M. Way to large for Sched C, I feel. I was thinking that way too, but I think a 1120S would make more sense with the volume of sales.

Sara

Another question. Would filing a 2553 for the year 2008 and filing a 1120S with the same Federal ID and paperfiling this return be a remedy for this dilemma? Whatcha think anyone?

This is a confusing one. Will try to explain as best I can:) Filed LLC with 3 partners in 2007. No problem there. In 2008 two parnters left, leaving sole owner. Now comes the confusing question. Working on 1065 for 2008. Thinking is should be 1120S instead because one owner. However, no change was made to change to 1120S ownership. I need help on how to handle this. If I file 1120S, is IRS going to question because no legal steps were taken by TP to change to 1120S or can I file a 1065 with one person:( Also, if changes to 1120S, is this going to change the Fed ID #. Very confusing, so if questions, please let me know. I am in a little bit over my head on this one. Thanks.

Sara

2 minutes & I figured it out by myself:))) I so proud of myself. Had to look at it awhile.

They did file a joint return even last year because they were legally married as of 12/31/08. Even though her name isn't on the mortgage or on the property taxes and he bought the house before they even were together? She still wouldn't qualify? She personally never purchased a house. There are so many weird scenarios with this credit that it is very frustrating. Thanks. I will see if I can find more information or a scenario like this.

Sara

My friend took her maiden name back already, so she should be fine for the credit. Thanks and don't work too hard. Have a great weekend. I am going to finally put my garden in:)

Sara

Wow, Jainen, that is some heavy stuff coming from you. Sara (from Joan's) hasn't been around long enough to have learned to read between your lines. Because I know her personally, I know that she would never do anything to compromise herself or her client. I think she should take the credit.

Sorry to hear you had medical issues. I had some myself on May 21; when I had anaphlaxic shock from black fly bites and got to have a 40 mile ambulance ride, sirens all the way. Since that close call, I have really come to realize how relative things are and how important it is to make the most of every day. Nor am I going to live in fear, but am going on with life as usual; just taking precautions.

Marilyn,

Thanks for the vote of confidence:) I appreciate it. I hope you are doing better. Let me know if you need help with anything. You have been a great help to me this past tax season and I can't thank you enough for all the advice and everything you walked me through. It is very much appreciated. You will have to get one of those full body nettings so you don't get bit again. My mother-in-law has the same reaction to bug bites. She swells up really bad and has to take antibiotics when she get bit by a horse fly. Take care of yourself, cuz I need to pick your brain a lot more:)

Sara

Thanks for all the feedback everyone and I did advise my friend to take the credit. This board really helps me with a lot of issues since I haven't been "doing" taxes for very long. I have learned alot from everyone. Even on items I am not working on. I read alot of the topics just to get more of an education on tax preparation. I am really glad that this board is here and I have the people with the experience to help me through some of the tougher issues. Thanks again all and have a wonderful summer.

Sara