Margaret CPA in OH

On page 1 when you click on the arrow for line 6a, fill in the information on line 1c of the worksheet. The tax withheld carries to the total tax withheld.

Just know you are not alone, Donna. So far I am fine with out of town (and country) clients and Sch. C's are few and easy. I am in a bit of a bind now, though, as my computer guy decided I was to take over from his retiring accountant. After gnashing of teeth and tearing of some hair, I decided to prepare the return (2 S-corps and 1040) ONCE because I don't want to alienate him. I have emailed multiple times that it has been many years since I've done corps and the engagement letter will be pointed but looking at 2019, they were fairly simple. We shall see but ONCE only. My license expires Dec. 2022. I doubt I will even contemplate renewing for another 3 years but it depends. I have no EIC or really any lower income folks. But I really don't want to keep learning more new stuff! And it's getting so hard to do anything online with 2fa and codes and changing passwords and and and. I do want to keep the little gray cells active but maybe there is a better way.

Oh my, NECPA, this is such a load for you to carry! Just know that any time you need to vent, you will find support here. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and family.

I was hoping to utilize this method as the client is in Germany indefinitely so it seemed easy. I finally (2 hours 4 minutes) reached the number on the letter and the agent agreed that it was likely that the return just had not been processed along with the check. She agreed with just following the instructions and explain same. This morning I reached e-services (an hour and 12 minutes) and was told that I needed to log into IRS, etc. every time and not use a favorite or quick link. I do use IE 11 ONLY for e-services but confess through a link on my desktop. So much for that. I did have to change, again, my password but at least the agent stayed with me until it worked. And she had no idea about uploading 2848/8821 online so there's that! Not sure about next steps.

But what was the problem? And how was it solved? There may be another on this forum who encounters the same issue. Please share.

Curses, I just tried to log onto E-services and my site image is different so it says do not continue. Grrr, I just checked this in December and changed the password so this has happened since then. And, of course, calls to the help desk go nowhere. I guess this is one of those things where it may have been hacked or somehow compromised. The phrase was correct but not the image. Trying to be mellow, not succeeding, think I need to go for a walk in the sun. It's only 45 but warmer than it has been and is sunny!

I will follow up on this but this is from https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/submit-forms-2848-and-8821-online-faqs Can I use my Secure Access account for e-Services/TDS/SOR to log in to the TDC platform? Yes. If you already registered for a Secure Access account for IRS tools such as e-Services, Get Transcript or Get an IP PIN, you may use the same account to log in to the TDC platform. If you don’t have an account, register now for Secure Access if you want to use the TDC platform beginning in January 2021. The link above lists the identity authentication components needed. The link you provided is just to the forms but it also says January 2021. Just wondering if anyone has done this yet. I will have to upload the form into Verifyle for her to access and sign. Thanks, Lion. I will keep pursuing. It just seems a bit silly but pretty obvious, I think, that the check was cashed but return not processed yet. Sigh....

Has anyone used this feature presumably available now? I have a client currently in Germany who filed an amended 2016 form and included payment due of $698. She received a LTR 1687C stating that the payment was received and credited to 201612 tax The next sentence states that we 'need to know how to credit the balance of $698.' I am thinking that the return itself has not yet been processed but she is supposed to attach a clear copy of both sides of the canceled check in the envelope enclosed within 30 days but doesn't give the reason. The letter does ask for an explanation of why the payment was sent and where to apply the balance. Of course she didn't receive this until yesterday as a friend forwarded her mail to Germany. I call the number listed but don't have POA on file (I know, should have done that long ago) but think it's now possible through the e-signatures now allowed. I do have e-services access (last checked Dec. 1). Anyone else process this or other forms like this yet?

Ooh, I like the discount for completed document! I would do that for the questionnaire, not just the organizer. I actually provide the organizer for the Sch. C and E clients so they can see last year numbers but for others, I want to see the original (or copies) documents. Do you custom address the engagement letters or just Dear Client? The letters are what take me so much time. The questionnaire just has a line for them to put the name (I blank out the SSN) and there are only a few organizers and only on request.

Lynn, your option worked. However, although the client is there, is cannot be highlighted to rollover. I guess because I didn't actually e-file that one, just printed for mailing. So at least I have the program opened now and can just re-enter data. Judy, thanks for the KB. I have just never had this issue in all these many years but think it may be due to the above observation or other gremlins. Pacun, I never roll over automatically. The problem was that I was not even able to access the program as I couldn't get past the select your server screen. When I tried to find something, there was not any option at all. All good now, thanks to all for saving me a tech call! And we're off to the races

But I don't have a server so I can't point to one. How is it possible to install on a non-existent server? And why would there be a prompt for either a stand- alone OR a server? This is the umpteenth year I've had this software and never before had this issue and I've never before had a server, always a stand-alone.

I just downloaded, twice, the payroll program, following both times all the prompts. I chose stand-alone, it's confirmed then when I try to check for rollovers it prompts me to find the server. So I uninstall and do it again, just in case. Same thing. Is it just me? I hate to call support but may have to do so. Ugh!

Yes, kind of irritating, aren't they? Options/Preferences/Open Return then unclick Display Tax Research Tool Tips.

I sent out engagement letters and questionnaires Monday. I sent actual organizers only to those who request them as they have been typically a waste of paper for my folks. The questionnaire serves as a reminder of what documents are needed and, of course, I ask questions later on as needed. This has worked for my small practice for many years. They know me, I know them.

I just paid mine through AICPA. I opt for $100K/$250K with NetProtect or Cyber insurance. I also have a million general liability through other insurance but this is not specifically malpractice. I've never had a claim in 25+ years (whew!) and benefit from Engagement letter credit of 5%, CNA longevity credit of 10% and Claim Free Credit of 5%. Yes, the rates have increased somewhat but the $190 NetProtect is the ugly part, I think. But I would not go without it these days.

I'm happy that you figured this out. I was getting confused between 'red' and 'read' but now realize that you were overriding the calculated amount from the input box. You probably now know that anytime you have to override and get a red (in my case, pink) box, that means you might be wise to click on the arrow link to see how that calculation may be done in the system rather than your direct input. I'm glad you brought this up, though, as it's always good to learn what new things the programmers have done for us. I had not clicked on the box until you mentioned this so good on you!

Answer: This must be special for you as mine does not. Aren't we all a bit tax nerdy? I mean, this is New Year's Eve about dinner time and here we are looking at tax software, finishing up (my) bookkeeping, and keeping in touch on this forum. Let's take a breather. Husband is bringing home from Carrabba's Salmon Saporito with lump crab on the salmon. I'll go set the table and put this computer to sleep - after one more peek at the Giant Panda baby. Happy New Year! We surely need it, right?

I did roll over a client file and nothing was there. This happens to me every year. Guess I'm not so lucky! It isn't a big deal but might be if I had several preparers. Perhaps there is a box to check to roll over this info and I've missed it. Since It's just me, I manage but grumble - a little!

Hmm, I just rolled over my own return and assets were there. I downloaded the program as soon as I received the email but did update forms before trying the rollover. Good thing I did as I forgot one must re-enter (grumble, grumble) all the preparer, firm and e-file info as it doesn't carry over. I hope your trick works!

Tom, I am in line with Catherine's last thought, that this turn of events might well be the best thing to happen. About 20 years ago I thought I was in the perfect place working full time tax season and part-time the remainder of the year with a small firm. That firm decided to buy a new building and realized that I was unaffordable with that. So rather than being an employee, they offered contract help during tax season only. I (respectfully and other emotions) declined and went out on my own. BEST DECISION EVER! It wasn't easy in the beginning but am so happy that happened. We all here, your virtual support system, are rooting for you and a great future ahead. 2021 could be the best professional year for you - make it so!

Abby, if it was a contemporary type service, I can understand. Some of us still appreciate 'old school' services and organ music and bells over praise bands. Different types of worship appeal to different folks. I could not get used to overhead screens with hymn words printed and no music, but that's me. I've attended a couple of those type services with friends but find it hard to be contemplative and worshipful. Main line Presbyterian here, still liking the 'traditional' service. So grateful that there are options and not a mandated religion or church! So we digress and will probably be chastised soon. Back to taxes, right?

Oh Tom, I am so sorry to read this but, as Gail said, it may back fire on the employer. I hope things work out better for you and your business. Let's hope 2021 will be better.

Great minds can think alike! Our director also began Zoom choir about 3 months ago. It was so rewarding seeing so many folks including one who had to go back to another state when the university closed for classes. As she could teach online, she chose to be with her husband who teaches at a west coast school. Depending on when the numbers decrease and the weather increases, I am hoping to rejoin the outdoor vocal group. I think he's planning for bells again about February or March in the large Social Hall which has separate ventilation and lots of space. The College Conservatory of Music at University of Cincinnati has been using the space for rehearsals so installed the HEPA filters and upgraded the space. They do all the extra cleaning even though only they, so far, are the only users. But it is singing and even with masks a bit risky. Oh, this can't be over soon enough! On the other hand, having Bible study and prayer group online now has brought in many more folks who would not have otherwise participated due to driving distances and/or at night. So a few pros, not 100% cons.

I love reading about this ringing and singing as I miss it soooo much! I'm in the choir and my husband and I are both ringers, for about 27 years now. But, like you folks, not since months ago. Only one can ring four in hand and it isn't me, alas. We are hoping to try again for Easter if weather permits. Several choir folks were brave enough to sing outdoors even into the 30's to be recorded for the virtual services. I wasn't one of them, too many negative factors. For sure missing the choir practices has been the hardest thing. Choir is a 'family' all its own, at least at our church, now 152 years old. This chat just warms me so much! Hoping you all stay well and healthy!

That cite is a good reference. Importantly, you need to confirm whether Form 4361 was filed by the priest. My guess is that is was long ago. So the OASDI and MC withholdings were wrong. I'm not sure whether the priest wanted state withheld, too. As a church treasurer for 7 + years and still involved, every minister here has wanted federal and state tax withheld and the local tax was required. What to do now? I seriously doubt that you can get it refunded but suggest that your church try to make the priest whole and, of course, check to see what has happened the rest of the year. Check the Paychex to see if they have any solutions. Is it possible to 'reassign' these erroneous withholdings to a lay employee before W-2's are prepared and the last pays are made? It's hard to imagine that Paychex was not apprised of the clergy status here. A few years ago we began using Paycor and they have been great with all the quirks involved.