Lion EA

Good idea, Lynn.

I definitely want them all together in a binder or folder. I started this year with alphabetical, but thought I'd better ask before my folder gets any thicker. Thanx!

I worked for Block for many years; we filed Forms 8879 with the W-2s attached, etc., by DCN number. When I started my own business, I followed that filing procedure. Now with MeF, there are no DCN or other identifying numbers on Forms 8879. Do you file them alphabetically? Chronologically? By submission number (which is different for Federal and CT)? And, I have two EIC clients this year. Where do you keep those forms? In their own folder for the year? With Forms 8879? I don't believe I should store them in client folders, because these forms are not actually my company's or clients'. They really belong to the IRS who requires me to store them on their behalf for specific amounts of time.

Gramlich? Or Arneson? Or both?!

I probably wouldve told her to come back when she receives a W-2 from her employer in hopes that she would move on to another preparer!

As long as she signed Form 8332 for each year, her ex could claim the dependency. In my state, her child was no longer a minor at 18, so she can no longer release the dependency to her ex. Child support did not enter into her tax situation unless both parents together did not provide over half the child's support.

I just thought there was a chance that an ATX user already had FileShare. (I think I remember Catherine mentioning using it.) So, if a preparer already has a possible solution in his arsenal of tools, he should check it out before spending any more money to duplicate. If he does not already have a web site with FileShare, it would be a costly way to begin.

If you have a CCH web site (Site Builder or the older Execusite) you have free FileShare, a simple portal.

Open up a portal or FileShare for them to upload their documents to you.

Maybe because I'm an EA...

My clients tend to come in later after they've received their 1099-Bs and K-1s, but I do e-file CT, NY, PA, NC, VA, IL, and a few other states. So far CT has filed fine from the beginning. None of my NY commuters have come in yet, but I understand that the state of NY was rejecting in error and had to fix their glitch. ProSystem fx then resent NY e-files. I love ProSystem fx. It's worth every penny I spend.

Nobody asked for MY fingerprints. I got my EFIN in 2007, I think, when I went out on my own.

I've seen mileage in court cases. But, usually 50 miles, 80 miles.

Thank you for sharing that resource, Joan. I will keep it for future reference.

Lynn: Sean T. Donelon Sales Representative, Tax Software. CCH Tax & Accounting North America Wolters Kluwer Tax & Accounting Phone /Fax 1-888-866-1118 [email protected] www.CCHGroup.com

And, look at past returns to see how many times she has claimed Hope &/or AOC.

If the IRS is not receiving that form, it won't process it in a paper return either. Is it an IRS issue or ATX?

http://www.cchgroup.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_ProSystem-fx&reg-Tax_10151_-1_10053_TEMP0197 Yes, ProSystem fx has a DIY conversion program that you use on your own computer. There are product demos online, don't think the above is the right starting point for demos but check it out.

Back in 2006 when I was shopping, unlimited everything ProSystem fx was $10,000. They offered me $5,000 locked in for three years. After my first year when I knew what returns I was preparing, my sales rep and I recalculated and decided that pay-per-return would come in a bit cheaper, between $4,000 and $5,000 with e-filing. If I remember correctly, you usually need at least 200 returns to do better with unlimited pricing. During 2011, I spent $6,200 with CCH, but that included my web site Site Builder, online research IntelliConnect, and the CCH User Conference in San Antonio (great CE). I'll see if my rep knows who covers your area and nudge them a bit.

I take all major credit cards but don't use a bank service like FeeCollect. I charge enough that I swallow the fees as one of my many costs of doing business. (I'm out in the boonies, so it's faster than driving to the bank with a check.)

ProSystem fx has a worksheet view and an interview view, as well as being able to keep government forms open alongside worksheet view. You can toggle back and forth between views. As long as you have at least two monitors, you can keep government forms open as well. And, different preparers in your firm can use whichever view they prefer; you can switch to your preference when you review their work. Very flexible. Pro fx also has a conversion program you use on your own computer, no waiting to receive your files back.

One Schedule C like Gail said.

It's the time value of money. How early are you willing to tie up your money?

No. Cash basis tax payer repaid the money in 2012.

If taxable income from a scholarship, goes on STUDENT'S return. Don't use Box 1 or Box 2. Use what your client actually spent on qualified educational expenses during 2012. But, if a scholarship covered all qualified expenses, then there's little else to use for a credit or deduction.