Lion EA

Yep, I had a new computer a couple years ago and exported the returns to a flash drive from the old computer and then (after installing the program on the new computer) imported the returns to the new computer. It was so fast, that I decided to install all my prior years programs on the new computer and do the same export/import procedure to get the returns on my new computer and not have to rely on the old computer any more. It was very quick and easy. Just remember: it's NOT backup/restore. It's export/import. Enjoy your new computer. I'm holding out for Windows 7.

And, maybe just an accounting course at your local community college -- one on balance sheets -- would fill in the blanks for you as you get started. Even Accounting for Dummies is a good reference for a non-accountant who rarely works with balance sheets. Two more I have on my bookshelves are Day-To-Day Business Accounting and Step-By-Step Bookkeeping. I have the CCH book 1120S Express Answers and have seen the one on partnerships; they're great, too.

I was in serious withdrawal, now that I'm officially an ATXaholic, and out searching for KC and Eric on other boards! I'm calm now. And, very, very grateful for all Eric does for us. Thank you.

IRS has a free teleforum on Wednesday re preparer penalties. One of the speakers is the lawyer who wrote the regulations. Kyle, also consider NAEA. Good magazine and on-line resources and e@lerts in your e-mail, CPE for taking quiz with mag or on-line, message board; CtSEA (CtSEA used to be CSEA until CA got snippy!) is fantastic for live CPE and networking. If you're looking for a national group, also check that you like its local affiliate.

Your local community college might offer a course. Block has had excellent courses and texts, but have restrictions on students now. Taking a Schedule C that you're already familiar with and following it to an LLC/Partnership would be a good step. Completing the balance sheet -- even if you have difficulties and decide not to print/include it -- is also a good learning experience. I actually think C Corporations are easiest, because they don't have as much of an issue with funds going in and out of the company except as payroll. Then S Corporations. And, Partnerships seem to have a lot of distributions that only come to light after you ask a lot of questions!

Or, like to work less. I've been reading and researching and checking my boards all day and not getting some work done that's sitting here -- like W-2s and 1099s! I'm a horrible procrastinator. But, I do learn a lot here so I still show up at least twice per day even though I don't use ATX anymore but use ProSystem fx. You guys are my virtual officemates.

Deb, do something to make it easier on yourself. Let the answering machine pick up, and along with your hours tell of your father's passing. Or, send out a reminder postcard and mention it. So, you can get it out there; and people will know already when they see you face to face. You get the idea. Whatever will make it easier for you to inform your clients.

We can blackmail Kyle! Caribou is a small town; I'm sure we can track her down if Kyle doesn't pay our demands!

Congratulations!

I think we know why Kyle doesn't have a blonde girlfriend.

I can feel really stupid without even posting a question! But, better to get it answered...

A very :bday:

In NY, I guess CT stands for corporate tax. But, working in CT with many NY commuters, I do find the NY form designations annoying. You'd think sharing a border with CT, that NY would not use the letters CT on any of their official forms.

Very clever, Ann.

You can use me anytime, Kyle.

You tell 'em, Maribeth! :angry:

Thank you, everyone, for posting and responding and prodding and explaining and... Vegas sound perfect.

Thanx, Deb.

Jainen is right, as usual. Especially now when you don't have to wait a whole year to take another part (or retake). If you've been working at tax prep for awhile, you might want to focus your efforts on one or more parts and just take them to see your score. If you pass, you're done. If you don't, hopefully you'll have some idea of your weak areas and know what to study before you make another appointment. I was with Block and took their course at no additional cost since I was always taking lots of Block courses. I had an outstanding instructor and the texts were great. Before Prometrics, the questions came straight from IRS pubs, especially the examples in the pubs. Some more recent test takers can jump in to let us know if that's still the case.

Eight. That's pretty exclusive! I should get a life. But, I'm proud of my achievement and will continue reading and learning and even posting here. So, where are we holding the convention this year?!

500 :read:

DollarsSense.com Enjoy the ride!

Well, that's not the only time, but yes, you do need a signed consent to communicate with banks for bank products. You don't need one to e-file the return, whether directly or via ATX. Unless you outsourced the prep...

I've had people hear about me and then look me up on the web. Since I don't have a storefront or public office (work from home), a potential client can do a "drive by" look at me on my web site. Hopefully, they can get to know me a bit on my site. I've had people lose my contact information and find me on the web, also. I really need to post a picture of me, I guess. I'm also listed on NAEA.org and whatever QB has for finding a QB ProAdvisor and another place or two. I do get calls from them, but often price shopping. However, since it doesn't cost me anything to list when I'm a member, I have nothing to lose.

NAEA.org has the on-line course taught by an instructor; uses Gleim materials. Yes, you can get everything free from the IRS, also. What you won't get is explanations of why an answer was right or wrong. Lots of questions on basis, so read all the IRS pubs re basis, depreciation, disposition of assets, etc. Maybe study with a buddy. Allow time to get a feel for the way the test is given. (Is it still no calculators? I was doing long division on scratch paper!)