JohnH

I'd ignore the email, or else just reply that we will let him know when the return is ready. I wouldn't even acknowledge the reference to the lender. If he asks about it later, I'd just tell him he is my client, not the lender, and that I don't have conversations with lenders. There is some sort of worksheet the client can look at. It's called the tax return. The client does have the option to review the return before you e-fling it. But if he comes up with any "adjustments" I'd tell him there will be an additional charge for the changes (that is, assuming the "adjustments" are valid). If there were any questions in my mind about the adjustments, I'd do what jasdlm did.

Also see The Tax Book, Page 13-9. (I'm sure QuickFinder has a similar page reference)

Yes, she can open/establish the traditional IRA and contribute to it in the current year and deduct on the 2013 return, provided she does it by Apr 15.

Surely the state has a way for the client to obtain the username and reset the password. Maybe you should consider getting paid up front before doing anything to help him, though.

When people have to pay more tax because their investments performed well, I always tell them they should be happy. Every now and then it actually works.

Thanks, but this has nothing to do with suspension of the charter and reinstatement, or anything to do with the state. I'm asking about IRS rules. A testamentary trust can only remain a shareholder in an S-corp for 2 years. I'm just trying to figure out when the 2-years actually ends, since the trust did not dispose of the shares to eligible shareholders within the allotted time. I'd like to use a clean calendar year end just to save some extra work, but I think they are stuck with two part-year returns.

I don't call them "Dear John" letters. Just sayin'...

Taxpayer died on July 8, 2011 and all of taxpayer's assets went into a testamentary trust. Among the assets was some stock in an "S" Corporation. Heirs failed to get the stock out of the "S" Corporation, so now the election is terminated. Not really a big deal since the corp is small, marginally profitable, and has not assets or BIG to speak of. So here is the question: Does the S-corp election terminate on Jan 1, 2013 or July 9, 2013, or Dec 31, 2013? I think the date is July 9, 2013, which will necessitate the filing of two tax returns for the year. But I'd like to hear if anyone has a different opinion.

If any client tries to choke me, they're getting a "goodbye" letter from me next tax season.

Yes, xtranormal discontinued their service. Some of their videos are still on you tube but I haven't been able to find the ones I want. I'm glad you like " I'm billing time". If is my favorite as well. The bar and grill singers also have some other ones that are pretty good.

Yes, that's it Rita. ...xtranormal videos... I can't find the ones I was most interested in, but these are also pretty entertaining. You live up to the name...

So, JB. Are you practicing what you're going to say to her if he bolts after the IRS gets hot on his trail?

Child age 16 at EOY. This is one of those situations where an email to the client is a very good idea. I usually just tell them that if the exact same return were filed the next year, their refund would be $1,000 lower. Then if they forget my warning and start complaining next year, I show them the email (or re-send them a copy).

There may be plenty of reasons why she wouldn't want to file MFJ with him, irrespective of what he wishes to do. . If there are W-2's or 1099's floating around with his SocSec#, then there may also be SFR's out there. Maybe the system hasn't been able to catch up with him due to address changes, non-filing etc. So when a return goes in with his SocSec#, the computer is going to pounce. If it's a MFJ return, then the refund will be seized or reduced If it's a MFS return, the system will now have a current address for him and maybe some ugly notices will follow. But not to worry - love conquers all.

I file lots of extensions, but only once or twice have I filed one without first speaking with the client and obtaining info on any taxes withheld. An all-zero extension is invalid because it obviously isn't based on having made a reasonable estimate of the tax liability, which is the one reason IRS can retroactively deny the extension. It will fly if there is no audit, so it's better than nothing. But I would not represent it to a client as a valid extension. Some of my regular extenders forget how this works, and they will call, text, or email me and say "I want to just file an extension" . I always tell them I will need their w-2's, 1099-R's, SSA-1099, and anything else which might show any significant withholding tax before I can complete the extension. In over 30 years, I have only seen one extension invalidated. The extension showed all zeros, the return was filed prior to Oct 15, the return was audited a couple of years later, and the auditor assessed a 25% FTF penalty because the extension was not based on a reasonable estimate. (I was not involved in the original extension, return, or audit - I was just asked to review the results)

The 1099-R should have an account number at the bottom. If an account number is also showing on the check transmittals, that should close the loop for you.

If the K1 reports UBTI, and if the amount for all K-1's happens to exceed $1,000, then the IRA might have some Form 990 reporting to do.

Also, we didn't ask the truly relevant question. Were any of your client's contributions over $250? If not, and if the contributions were made by check or credit card, then the statement from the church isn't even necessary. Nice to have it, but it isn't necessary. And it isn't required to have a signature, facsimile or otherwise.

I agree, the wording leave a lot to be desired, especially with the grammatical error. But I think it does meet the requirements, even though I would make changes to it if I were the church administrator or treasurer.

I'm trying to find a link to a series of animated interviews with tax clients which someone posted here a year or so ago. So far I haven't been able to find them using any search terms I can think of. One talked about how they have such a simple return, and when you went to the link, there were several others in the group. Anyone remember this or have a link to it?

Kea: Thanks for the info on Open Office. But I already paid the full price. I had to get Excel up & running, and seamlessly switchable between the Mac and PC via a flash drive. And I needed it immediately. It does work great, but I sure detest all the nonsense at the top of the screen. There's enough stuff up there to write a tax program... When I get a minute, I'm going to look into the "Ribbon" that Carolbeck mentioned. I think it may be what I was hoping to find. That may help me cull the herd a little.

OK, I feel better. You really didn't act on my advice - I just happened to remind you of something you already knew. Now I can rest well tonight.

I had to buy Excel 2011 for my Mac, and I don't care for Excel 2011. I use it when creating a new spreadsheet on the Mac, but when I'm on the PC I'm back to Excel 97. I'll eventually get used to the later version, but right now it really just plasters a lot of extra fluff at the top of the screen that I have to navigate through to do some vary simple tasks. If I can find a way to streamline the icons, I'll eventually modify it to look something like 97 in order to make it truly useful.

Hey, it works! And it's easier to use than any of the later versions if you aren't doing pivot tables and fancy formatting. All the functions are exactly the same, and a formula in a cell does its job the same way no matter what version you're using. It's a SPREADSHEET for goodness sakes - looking at the current versions you'd think Microsoft is trying to design an overly fancy tax program or something else with too many bells & whistles.

Can't issued dates be manufactured as well?