Lion EA

I use a different color for each year. Last year, several clients requested green for this year. But, I got to only one Staples while their penny sale was going on, so have only 20 green folders so far. I don't use labels except for foil "year" ovals unless preparing multiple returns for the same family. I just have a post-it with the name and date for my purposes until the client picks up and I remove the post-it as I hand them the folder.

Congratulations, Deb! And, I poured the drinks; but none of you showed up. I'll have to drink them all myself... :spaz:

A very :bday:

A very :bday:

Thank you! :spaz:

THAT WAS 1,000 !!! :D

I thought ATX was a spreadsheet based program. Can't you export to Excel? I use ProSystem fx and can import Excel spreadsheets into most places and export to Excel from most places. However, I agree that CS probably provides a conversion program or will convert ATX returns to Ultra Tax. And then, the new owners can do whatever they usually do to export the depreciation schedule or detail from CS to Excel.

A very :bday:

A very :bday:

I'd used ATX at Block and on my own and evaluated Proseries. It depends on what's high on your priority list. Proseries is a stronger program, but ATX has more forms and a lower price. They have different data entry requirements. You'll have to work with the demo to see which is better at the things you need/want most and whether you can live with a shortcoming or two if those are low on your priority list. Try out ATX, and bring us your questions. What may seem like differences or shortcomings at first might just be you going up the learning curve. The people on this board can speed up that process for you by helping you with how things flow, how to navigate the menus and how to do the bunny hop.

I love all this sharing. Great ideas here. Thanks, everyone, for joining in.

I spent some time using the folders with the hidden staples. It worked great for a very specific number of pages, but the paper slid all over for fewer or more pages! I kept thinking it was me and tried different staplers and staple sizes and used paper with less of a sheen. But, it took me so long to put each together and the two-pockets can be found on sale for a penny. I finally gave up and went to the two-pocket folders. I put a sticker with the year on the outside. I don't do any other labels on the outside. I use a post-it with the name and the date of their appointment or drop-off but take that off as I present the folder to them at their final appointment or pick-up. Well, sometimes with multiple returns for one family I might make up labels for the outside.

I do the 1 cent folders at Staples, too. This year it's green. But, instead of a full week, they were on sale only Sunday through Wednesday at 20 per customer. Now, I get my husband and daughter to stand in line, too. But, the second store I went to had NO green. I may have to pay full price! Then I buy metallic oval stickers with the year on from M&C; think I'll use silver dates on green folders since last year was gold on yellow. My clients like the color-coded years. Several requested green for this year, so I'm trying to find more green. I buy a few in the same color but larger plastic/vinyl for my businesses and fatter returns. And, a couple in a complimentary color when I have multiple returns in the same family. All of them have the "cuts" to hold my business card.

The Summer 2009 issue of Taxpro Journal by NATP has an article on The Foreign Earned Income Exclusion and Form 2555 and includes an example with the corresponding filled-in form. It reinforces what Jainen told you. Boldface in the Taxpro article: "Foreign earned income does not include pay the taxpayer receives as an employee of the U.S. Government or an of its agencies."

A very :bday:

A very :bday:

Do tell...

Congratulations :spaz:

A very :bday:

A very :bday:

A very :bday:

Wasn't the 2008 credit only $7,500 with repayment? You should advise them to amend, but they will make the decision. You get to make the decision about taking them on as clients. Is there 2008 return MFJ?

A very :bday:

A very :bday:

Processing Delays for Forms 1040X The IRS is experiencing higher than expected inventory levels of Forms 1040X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Returns. Due to these inventory levels, the processing timeframe is temporarily extended to 12 - 16 weeks (normal processing time is 8 - 12 weeks). Contacting the IRS regarding the status of the return is not necessary and the returns will be processed as soon as possible.