Lynn EA USTCP in Louisiana

The main problem I am having is the intermittent "network update: An application update has been applied to the network. A restart of your application is required to apply thisupdate to your workstation. If you have any unsaved changes you will be prompted to save prior to the application restart. Then a button to click 'ok'." Note that I am not working in a networked environment. My computer is stand-alone. I have downloaded the 12.5 update, from the support website, no less than 3 times. This error will occur when first opening the program, and after 3 restarts it will seem to stay open. Then after rolling over a 1040 this network update issue happened again, no less than 3 times. Somehow my federal client letter has disappeared leaving me with federal estimated tax letter, which is worthless as this client does not require estimated tax payments. When I open the template the body of the combined federal/state letter is there, with the federal showing that it will be e-filed and the state a paper mailed return, though both will be e-filed. I have reported this issue to support. And I have also reported an issue with e-filing 2011 state tax returns - they return rejected with EFC49 - not supported. My state e-file coordinator says they are set up for e-filing prior years; NO ANSWER FROM SUPPORT ON EITHER ISSUE. And NO, I have NOT read the 470 page manual. I am scheduled to watch the webinar tomorrow, though, and will follow through with that. I am hopeful, expectant, that the 2/4 update will clear these issues.

here is the pdf 2012 EIC Worksheet.pdf

see this pdf - it's a place to start- my pdf disappeared - will try again Also see IRS Publication 3524 - EIC checklist

In my limited xperience with unions, that's it, mark the pension box on the w2. Strangely my, now former, client did not want that box marked on the w2s since it was not his company's pension. Hopefully others with more experience than me will chime in here. Lynn

Yes, the estate issues the 1099-MISC to the law firm for the amounts paid within the calendar year 2012. Lynn

I clicked on the link for the webinar and there's no spot to register, or at least none that I can find. There's a link for 'view details', then directs the reader back to the original site. Lynn

Joan, the IRS will mail you a letter with the PIN. Lynn

Another option with Drake is their pay-per-return option. I used Drake as pay-per-return the year my vendor for entity (corporations, partnerships) closed its doors. That was very affordable for me and helped me survive the transition from that software vendor until I found something that suited my needs. Lynn

This subject is also being discussed on another webboard. Sign up fee is reported to be $500. It looks like the business plan is to provide bids for tax prep. The purpose of taking bids, of course, is to drive down the cost to the client. Payments pass through Prosado, & Prosado acts as intermediary in disputes between preparer & client. It's not clear whether the brokering by Prosado is indefinite going forward. I stand by my earlier post - I still take a pass on this one. Lynn

I would never do this - it is not in my best interests to enter into such an agreement. Sight unseen I never quote a firm fee; I might give a fee range, "$xx - $yy, or more depending on circumstances". This might be an option for those just starting out in this business, in an attempt to build their client base, but as a well established tax professional, this type of arrangement would not fit my business model. These days most of my new clients are from direct client referrals. Lynn Jacobs, EA Enrolled Agent Civil Law Notary Public Kenner, LA

That's my take - those who filed before 6/14 received their credit and will not have to repay it.

News Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 20, 2012 FOR MORE INFORMATION: Douglas Baker Director of Communications 225.226.0694 (mobile) [email protected] LDR FACT SHEET: Alternative Fuels Tax Credit § An emergency rule was issued by former Secretary of Revenue Cynthia Bridges on April 30, 2012, that expanded the scope of R.S. 47:6035 to allow Louisiana taxpayers to claim tax credits for the purchase of flex-fuel vehicles; § The emergency rule issued by former Secretary Bridges was not in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act (APA); § Since the emergency rule was not issued in accordance with the APA, the rule was rescinded by the Governor on June 14, 2012; § Louisiana Department of Revenue (LDR) issued a statement on June 19, 2012 that indicated all claims under the Alternative Fuel Tax Credit Program postmarked on or before June 14, 2012, would be honored; § After the governor rescinded the previous emergency rule, LDR initiated the formal rule-making process in full accordance with all APA requirements, and in consultation with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR); § The published rule (effective today - December 20, 2012) clarifies the legislative intent of R.S. 47:6035 and reflects the legislative record of deliberations prior to final passage of the Act; § Between June 14, 2012, and December 17, 2012, all claims received and held by LDR total approximately $11.2M; § Of the $11.2M currently held by LDR, approximately $9M relates directly to flex-fuel vehicles. § No credits will be allowed for any claim related to flex-fuel vehicles received by LDR after June 14, 2012; § Vehicles that operate on both alternative fuel and petroleum based fuel from the same tank will be disallowed for the credit; § Flex-fuel vehicles are not eligible for the tax credit; § Claims that continue to qualify for the tax credit under the new rule (LAC 61:I.913) include: o fueling stations o vehicle conversions o vehicles that operate on an alternative fuel from a separate tank that does not burn petroleum gasoline or petroleum diesel; § Analysis is ongoing regarding a final annual financial estimate to the state as to the number of applications received by LDR after June 14, 2012. Lynn Jacobs, EA Enrolled Agent Civil Law Notary Kenner, LA

With the engagement letter open, I'm looking for that box 'review/edit' with the engagement letter open and don't see that 'review/edit' box. I see the toggle switch for 'edit' vs 'preview' and the only LIVE option is 'edit'. When I click on 'view' the only option is 'edit'. Nothing happens when I try to change to 'preview' in the view box. I've updated the program daily since downloading.

Jack, one thing I want to know is about the engagement letter. They put out an email that it's available in the 2012 program - I can access it but only in 'Edit' mode, and not in preview. And I haven't been able to print it, unless I export it to my documents as an .rtf document and print from there. Thanks, Lynn Jacobs, EA kenner, LA

Did you notice that the 2012 program has stripped the Payroll related section into a separate download with a separate desktop icon? Can't wait til next year when they want to charge extra for that. Lynn

My ATX is up to date. I am able to add the short organizer to a client's record. Even though the comprehensive organizer says it is installed the system will not add the comprehensive organizer. Anyone else have this issue? Thanks, Lynn Jacobs, EA Kenner, LA

Well, when the reply posted the chart lost all its formatting. Here's a link to the page on the IRS website with that info: http://www.irs.gov/Tax-Professionals/Overview-of-Tax-Return-Preparer-Requirements Lynn

Actually CPA's may NOT go to Tax Court if they have not passed the Tax Court Exam. An RTRP have limited representation rights and may represent clients only for tax returns they have prepared, and only with exams and not collections or appeals. EA's, CPA's and Tax Attorneys have unlimited representation rights. Below is a chart from the IRS website with a comparison. Overview of Tax Return Preparer Requirements The chart below provides an overview of the various categories of individuals who may prepare federal tax returns for compensation. Category PTIN Tax Compliance Check Background Check IRS Test Continuing Education Practice Rights Enrolled Agents* Yes Yes Proposals Pending Yes ( Special Enrollment Exam) 72 hours every 3 years Unlimited Registered Tax Return Preparers** Yes Yes Proposals Pending Yes ( RTRP Test) 15 hours per Year Limited CPAs*** Yes Yes Proposals Pending No Varies Unlimited Attorneys*** Yes Yes Proposals Pending No Varies Unlimited Supervised Preparers† Yes Yes Proposals Pending No No Limited Non-1040 Preparers‡ Yes Yes Proposals Pending No No Limited *Enrolled Agents have passed a three-part, comprehensive IRS exam covering individual and business returns. They must adhere to ethical standards and complete 72 hours of continuing education courses every three years. EAs have unlimited practice rights before the IRS, which means they can represent clients for any tax matter. **RTRPs have passed an IRS test establishing minimal competency. The test covers only individual income tax returns (Form 1040). They must adhere to ethical standards. They must also complete 15 hours of continuing education each year. RTRPs have limited practice rights before the IRS, which means they can represent clients in only certain circumstances. ***CPAs and Attorneys have unlimited practice rights before the IRS. †To determine if you are a supervised preparer, view the fact sheet ‡ If you only prepare Forms 1040-PR and 1040-SS, you are considered a non-1040 preparer Lynn Jacobs, EA, FNTPI Enrolled Agent Civil Law Notary Public Kenner, LA

Request one via e-services. have to have a POA. Or call PPS and ask them to fax it to you. Lynn Jacobs, EA Kenner, LA

I think this is the form that I used several years ago - limits the time to 18 months. Lynn

Lion, I think those who do not subscribe to Intelliconnect will not be able to access the pdf. Lynn

How old are these taxpayers. If both are age 65, or older, they will not qualify for EIC. Nor will they qualify if they have interest or dividends above a certain amount. Lynn Jacobs, EA Cicil Law Notary Public Kenner, LA

Cathy, do you know if this will also repeal the credit for hybrid vehicles, such as the Toyota Prius hybrid? Thanks, Lynn

http://www.rev.state.la.us/forms/lawspolicies/RIB%2012-026.pdf Dates corrected to January 1, 2009

Kathy, what was their rationale for this change in position? Did he say if this position also extends to hybrids, gasoline electric vehicles such as the Toyota Prius? Thanks,, Lynn