Terry D EA

Wendy is right on this one. I did the same thing thinking that what the heck, I am using a blank form so choose blank forms. When I chose "preprinted" forms, I was able to import 52 employees and I did review each of them and each imported just fine. One other thing I did was manually update the program from the website which might of helped as well. FYI, I am using QB 2006 & 2007. Terry D.

Well, just got off the phone with ATX and now they are going to have a meeting tomorrow and the customer service manager is looking into this problem but they do apologize. This problem is now called a defect. I think the support agent said the developer's or programmers were coming in tomorrow as well. Why in the heck wouldn't there be programmers or developers or whatever they are called, scheduled to come into work daily during the tax season????? Apparently, ATX doesn't want my business next year. I didn't ask but I wonder if the complete satisfaction guaranttee is still available cause it isn't too late in the season to change. Terry D.

I just tried to import 52 W-2's and got garbage. Everything was messed up. ATX called and left a message to update the program again because it apparently didn't take before. Either I or others are just being handed a bunch of crap when it comes to the fixes we are being told. I imported 52 W-2's ATX said it was 114. No names, no company names and now no amounts. If ATX has release another version, they must not be changing the version numbers because mine is still the same after 3 updates. Looks like I'll just print them out of QuickBooks. I wonder if I can get reimbursed for the envelopes and forms I bought to work with this mess. Terry D.

Dan, It appears you are a little confused with some accounting terminology and procedures. As KC said, "Capital Stock" is "Retained Earnings" as a corporation asset. Common stock is either publicy or privately traded. One owner could be a single shareholder. The shareholder's basis comes from his/her investement made either by investing cash or the value of any other fixed assets given to the corporation to conduct operations. You should have a shareholders "Capital Account" and a shareholder's "Drawing Account". The shareholder can only make tax free withdrawls upto the amount he/she has invested which is the shareholder's basis in the corporation. A shareholder cannot take a dividend distribution if the corporation had a loss or if "Retained earnings" are not sufficient. If the corporation is dissolved, all assets are to be distributed back to the shareholders which can be quite cumbersome with calculations when considering depreciation among other things. I hope this may have cleared things a little and not added any additional confusion. Terry D.

Eli, All is going pretty good. If ATX can get the W-2 import problems fixed then I will say all is well and then I will be set to go except for those darned checks I am waiting on from HSBC. Have a great tax season and may God Bless you and your family. Terry D.

I just got off the phone with ATX regarding the QuickBooks W-2 import problems. They had me run trial balance report which is supposed to format the reports in .CSV. However, that didn't work either. They did admit there was a patch launched last week to fix the errors with the import and it didn't work. They are working on a fix still and promised to call me tomorrow hopefully with a fix. Also, I called HSBC and all checks and applications began mailing on Jan 4. Topic was supposed to be W-2 import problems. Sorry I don't know how to change it Terry D.

This is exactly why I am so glad that I don't process alot of bank products. Since I started using HSBC about 4 years ago all was smooth. Check print authorization given directly into ATX software and printed from there. Now, there are extra hoops to jump through. By the way, voice message at HSBC says all checks and applications began shipping on the 4th of January. Terry D.

I have been using Trend Micro for the last four years and no problems reasonable renewal. In my opinion it beats Norton all the way around. You can go to my website www.qptps.com and click on the Trend Micro home page for more information. I just upgraded three machines for 49.95 TOTAL. Terry D.

Jerry, I have the same problem. I did get the employer trade name but not the SS#. To do only a couple a manual import wouldn't be a problem. However, I have a company next week with 75+ and that will be a headache. Terry D.

Jerry, I use this feature every year and will be importing the W-2 information from some of my clients this weekend. I'll let you know how it goes. I hope this isn't a problem either. Terry D.

Nicole, Beth, William and other ATX employees, I would like to extend a warm welcome to all of you as well. It is comforting to know you are here and are ready to help. It does mean alot to me and I am sure I speak for others as well. I agree that somebody at CCH blew it with loosing folks like you. I have been told that William is still there but he is probably so overwhelmed and I know he will try his best to help, that folks like you are a real asset to him as well. Thank you for all you do for us. Sincerely, Terry D.

Well, Thanks to all of you who replied. I guess we are all in the same boat. I enrolled (I think) successfully with ATX and HSBC. I have tried numerous times to set fees which I now see is a futile attempt. I did the HSBC training and everything that I have done in previous years and have not received any checks either. Filing season starts in a few days, W-2's, 1099's, year end financials are being prepared and I can't prepare a simple 1040 tax return for an early client who can't wait for his money. I bet the big corporate boys are ready to go and I am sure when I can't prepare the return for reasons beyound my control, I will loose clients once again. I realize that the acquisition by CCH would have meant some learning curves and growing pains but it doesn't appear they are off to a very good start. If it continues, I too will get on board with BullDog Tom (don't want to beat the crap out of them) and make it my final year with ATX. I have been with ATX for eight or nine years as well as alot of others on this board and you would think that would stand for something in the eyes of the big boys at CCH. Terry D.

Does anybody know what the 10.00 transmission fee is? I keep seeing windows that tell me to go online to the enrollment center to change/edit bank fees. I can't seem to find it no matter how I try to get there. Any help is appreciated. Thanks, Terry D.

Here is a letter from the IRS that contains more information IR-2007-209, Dec. 27, 2007 WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service announced today that the upcoming tax season is expected to start on time for everyone except certain taxpayers potentially affected by late enactment of the Alternative Minimum Tax “patch.” Following extensive work in recent weeks, the IRS expects to be able to begin processing returns for the vast majority of taxpayers in mid-January. However, as many as 13.5 million taxpayers using five forms related to the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) legislation will have to wait to file tax returns until the IRS completes the reprogramming of its systems for the new law. The IRS has targeted Feb. 11, as the potential starting date for taxpayers to begin submitting the five AMT-related returns affected by the legislation. The February date allows the IRS enough time to update and test its systems to accommodate the AMT changes without major disruptions to other operations related to the tax season. As the IRS has said previously, it will take approximately seven weeks after the AMT patch was approved to update IRS processing systems completely. Although as many as 13.5 million taxpayers will not be able to file their returns until Feb. 11, the effect of the delay may be lessened by the fact that under previous filing patterns only between 3 million to 4 million taxpayers file returns with the five affected forms during these early weeks in the filing season. “We regret the inconvenience the delay will mean for millions of early tax filers, especially those expecting a refund,” said Linda Stiff, Acting IRS Commissioner. “We’ve taken extraordinary steps to figure out a way that we can start the filing season on time for most taxpayers, including some using AMT-related forms. Our goal has always been to make sure we can accurately process tax returns while getting refunds to taxpayers as quickly as possible.” The February delay caused by the AMT patch will affect taxpayers using any of these five forms: Form 8863, Education Credits. Form 5695, Residential Energy Credits. Form 1040A’s Schedule 2, Child and Dependent Care Expenses for Form 1040A Filers. Form 8396, Mortgage Interest Credit. Form 8859, District of Columbia First-Time Homebuyer Credit. While these five forms require significant additional reprogramming due to the AMT patch, the IRS has been able to reprogram its systems to begin processing seven other AMT-related forms, including Form 6251, Alternative Minimum Tax – Individuals. Taxpayers filing these seven forms should not experience delays in filing, and the IRS expects to begin processing those returns starting on Jan. 14. Electronic returns involving those five forms will not be accepted until systems are updated in February; similarly, paper filers should wait to file as well. All other e-file and paper returns will be accepted starting in January. The IRS urges affected taxpayers to file electronically in order to reduce wait times for their refunds. E-file with direct deposit gets refunds in as little as 10 days, while paper returns take four to six weeks. “E-file is a great option for everyone, especially if they are affected by the AMT,” said Richard Spires, IRS Deputy Commissioner for Operations Support. “Filing electronically will get people their refunds faster, and e-file greatly reduces the chances for making an error on the AMT or other tax issues.” In addition to filing electronically, the IRS urges taxpayers to take simple steps to avoid problems: Taxpayers filing electronically should make sure to update their tax software in order to get the latest AMT updates. Taxpayers with $54,000 or less in Adjusted Gross Income can use Free File to electronically file their returns for free. Free File will only be available by visiting the official IRS web site at IRS.gov. In all, 90 million taxpayers qualify for this free service. Taxpayers who use tax software to print out paper copies of tax forms should make sure they update their software before printing out forms. Taxpayers using paper forms can also visit IRS.gov to get updated copies of AMT forms. The IRS has created a special section on IRS.gov to provide taxpayers with additional information and copies of updated forms affected by the AMT. In recent days, the IRS has posted updated copies of all forms affected by the late enactment of the AMT patch by Congress. The IRS also reminds taxpayers that printed tax packages, which will begin arriving in the mail around New Year’s, went to the printer in November before the AMT changes were enacted. The packages reflect the law in effect at the time of printing. The tax packages include cautionary language to taxpayers that late legislation was pending. The IRS is also working closely with tax professionals and the tax preparation software community to make sure they can help taxpayers with all of the latest developments on the enactment of the AMT patch and other tax changes. “The IRS is going to continue to do everything it can to make this a fully successful filing season for the nation’s taxpayers,” Stiff said. “We will continue to work to keep taxpayers up to date and make this situation as easy as possible for everyone.”

I thought many of you would like to know the information below regarding the filing season delay. Looks like we will be ready for individuals earlier than the projections. Enjoy!! Terry D. ATTN: Software Developers, Return Transmitters and Authorized IRS e-file Providers/EROs EROs can submit most returns when the e-file system opens on January 11 but there are a few forms the IRS will be unable to process due to processing changes required by the "AMT patch." As a result, the following forms should not be transmitted for PATS testing and cannot be e-filed until further notice. *Form 5695, Residential Energy Credits *Form 8396, Mortgage Interest Credit *Form 8859, District of Columbia First-Time Homebuyer Credit *Form 8863, Education Credits *Schedule 2 (Form 1040A), Child and Dependent Care Expenses However, you may continue to test your software without these forms and pass PATS testing. You may test the above forms at a later date when the changes to these forms have been implemented. EROs may prepare and hold tax returns containing one or more of these forms until the IRS can accept them. EROs must advise taxpayers that the returns will not be e-filed until the IRS can accept the five forms mentioned above. The stockpiling rule does not apply in this situation. The IRS e-file specifications reflecting the legislative changes are available to software developers and transmitters for download on IRS.gov and the Electronic Filing Bulletin Board System. In addition, Form 8886, Reportable Transaction Disclosure Statement, will be unavailable for PATS testing and for submitting through live e-file production until further notice. More details will be shared as they become available regarding the date IRS will accept returns containing one or more of the forms described above. The IRS issued news release IR-2007-209 announcing guidance to help tax filers in 2008 affected by late enactment of the AMT patch. The news release is available on IRS.gov. :rolleyes:

KC, As usual, you are right on top of things. Thank you for giving me the link t o Tax-Aid. To my embarrassment, I receive their catalog yearly and failed to take time to look at it. There prices are much better and I will be ordering from them. Thanks again!! Terry D.

I agree with Cliff on moving forward. I have no excuses for ATX either. I have been using ATX Max and their products since 1998 and am disappointed with the service received this year. I too waited for the unlock code and paid with a credit card. i told the representative that they had immediate approval but I had no usable product and that we were not off to a good start. I called to get information on the merchant services and to order envelopes for w-2's, 1099's and uniform envelopes. The representative referred me to the website told me to place my order there. Apparently he was not interested in helping me at all. I am going to wait to see what type of support we get from them this year. With the late patch and last minute IRS changes I am sure there is going to be some issues. If their support follows the pattern of the sales service, then I will definitely be evaluating other software this summer. I did notice the price on the envelopes and related blank forms has increased significantly. By the way, if anyone here attended the update webinar, did you receive the ppt used in the webinar as promised? I have not and was really put back when the speaker said they didn't see any delay with the start of the filing season. Just curious. Terry D.

Has anyone signed up for the merchant services? Seems like an okay deal. I have only had one client over the last ten years ask if I take credit cards and was wondering if anyone has seen an increase in business from being able to take them. Thnanks for your input. Terry D.

Here is some information from the NATP newsletter regarding the AMT Patch. * * Congress Approves AMT Patch * * Yesterday, the House approved the previously passed Senate version of the Tax Increase Prevention Act of 2007 (H.R. 3996). The president is expected to sign the bill. The Act provides for a one-year patch of the AMT for 2007 but does not offset the revenue cost with revenue raising provisions. The AMT exemption amounts before phase-out for 2007 for individuals are: - $66,250 for married individuals filing jointly and surviving spouses; - $44,350 for unmarried individuals; and - $33,125 for married individuals filing separately. This is a temporary fix only. Without future Congressional action, the AMT exemption amounts for individuals in 2008 will revert to 2000 levels. In addition, personal nonrefundable credits may offset AMT and regular tax. For tax years beginning in 2007, the combined total of the following credits is limited to the sum of: (1) regular tax liability reduced by the foreign tax credit, and (2) the AMT: - Dependent care credit; - Credit for the elderly and permanently and totally disabled; - Mortgage credit; - Child tax credit; - Hope and Lifetime Learning credits; - Adoption credit; - Saver's credit; - Nonbusiness energy property credit for energy-efficient improvements to a principal residence; - Residential energy efficient property credit for photovoltaic, solar hot water, and fuel cell property added to a residence; and - First-time D.C. homebuyer credit. Again, absent future Congressional action, personal nonrefundable credits, with the exception of the child tax credit, adoption credit, and the saver's credit, can't exceed the excess of regular tax liability over tentative minimum tax in 2008. The IRS has not commented on when they intend to begin processing tax returns. NATP has been told that the IRS will need seven weeks to program their systems to accept returns once the AMT patch is signed into law. This pushes back the start of filing season, and the IRS's readiness to accept returns, to early to mid-February. The IRS has indicated that they will post revised copies of the twelve tax forms impacted by the AMT legislation to www.irs.gov within 72 hours after the AMT patch is signed into law.

Deb, My phone company calls it a distinctive ring pattern. I have had this for five or more years and works fine. One line two numbers and double rings when a fax is coming in. Cost 3.00 per month. Terry D.

Oaky, I'll chime in here. ATX did not care if we shared the programs in the past. Again, I like the other posters, don't know CCH's position with this. However, ATX owned the software and not CCH at the time. Anyway, I have copies of the years you requested that have been updated by ATX to work with XP Pro. The only year I had any difficulty with was 2007. I ran that on a machine that had win2k and it worked fine. So, I'll go out on a limb here, e-mail me with your address and I'll send you copies of the disks. Terry D.

The statement below comes right from the instructions for form 1040X. When did you amend the prior years? The last year to amend by 4/15/2007 was for tax year 2003 if that was the original date of the return. Remember, the clock doesn't start ticking until the date the original return was filed. The IRS is correct in their statement. They do not have to accept any claims for refunds or credits that fall outside the statute of limitations. You can amend a return any time you want but you cannot request a refund or credit after the 3 years. By your statement below, you appear to understand this but by your post I am not sure what you are asking. >>>>I have always understood that you could amend a return within 3 years after filed or after due date whichever is later. These amendments did not create a refund, only a reduction in tax due. The 1040X instructions also include the later of above or 2 years after tax was paid. Only the $7K from the 2006 refund has been paid toward the over $50K assessed<<<<< File Form 1040X only after you have filed your original return. Generally, for a credit or refund, Form 1040X must be filed within 3 years after the date you filed the original return or within 2 years after the date you paid the tax, whichever is later. A return filed early is considered filed on the due date. Terry D.

I have copies of ATX back to 1994. As Jainen had stated, there were compatability issues in some of the previous years. Some years the operating system is a problem as well. 1997 ATX was a problem and for me to use it, I had to load it on a 566 (Ithink) machine to get it to work. Send me an e-mail ([email protected]) with your phone number and we can discuss how to get the previous years to you. Don EA in upstate NY helped me with these but they had to be compatable with WinXP which I had to purchase from ATX anyway. Let me know Terry D.

I believe Bill is correct with his reponse. The only other advice I could give is to complete the 1120S-1 input worksheet. If you enter the figures from the K-1 the S-Corp gave you on the 1120SK-1 input worksheet, they will flow to the 8903. There aren't any pro-rated amounts to enter here. The S-Corp should have figured the deduction amounts. Terry D.

I agree interesting reading. This is exactly why I am taking the EA exams. The taxpayer advocate in the Greensboro, NC office told me "you might as well take the exams and get it overwith", which leads me to believe that licensing tax preparers will become law soon. I also have a neighbor who is an IRS agent that has advised me to do the same. So, bone-up on the tax laws. Has anyone taken any of the computer based exams through Thompson-Prometric? I am taking the individual exam tomorrow and was wondering. Any one interested should visit the IRS site for EA's to see the new rules, testing criteria, and scoring. As I read the FAQ's it appears we will be taking the test based on 2006 tax rules. I am still brushing-up on 2005 as well. Terry D.