Margaret CPA in OH

Well, I just got this message for a single form to rollover from a new client whose data I entered into 2014. Like you, I have never been PRS and my credit card info is up-to-date. So where/how did you re-enter installation codes?

And I love the reminder that cats were once worshipped as gods - and they've never forgotten this.

Like some others, I use Fujitsu ScanSnap and the software that comes with it. My model is S1500 but I think it has been superseded. I love it as it is fast, scans both sides and is compact. Best $400 I spent in my practice. I also have Win 7 Pro, they play very well together for me. I also have Scansoft Paperport which came with my Brother MFC. Works great, too.

Thanks to Lynn! She is one of the best aspects of this great board. So sorry that she is in New Orleans, Mardi Gras central, and working. Let's hope she gets at least a little fun in yet. Lynn, thanks again for your assistance!

I have my first client receiving these benefits but the RRB-1099-R data does not seem to fit into the 1099-R data entry. I have scrolled through the forms available and cannot find anything that fits. I can enter numbers that match up with total distributions, employee contributions and taxable amount, though. Is that the only option?

Oh, Joan, I, too, am so sorry that you've lost this kitty. It is unimaginable to have this happen 3 consecutive years! All of us who have or had have pets know too well the pain in your heart at this time. Several years ago one of our dogs couldn't wait until after busy season but, in a way, having to focus on work helped - a little. How wonderful for you and the kitty that you had each other for whatever length of time was granted.

Yes but not today.

I still have a separate fax line which costs $10 monthly and is connected to a refurbished ($99) very basic computer networked to my main computer. The ringer is set for 1 time and all faxes are saved as pdfs. Like Abby, I print what I need but the vast majority are saved (after selective 'pruning') right into the client file folder on my main computer. Each client has a folder and separate file for each tax year and one for permanent or other documents. I have one real file drawer with an empty folder for each client just in case I get real paper occasionally before I scan and save.

Thanks! This sounds very interesting but I have to be 'invited?' Still it seems worth pursuing when my Verizon contract is up.

Okay, I'll bite. I have no idea what this means but think I am not too old to learn. If it isn't too complicated, would you kind folks explain Project Fi and Nexus 6 in simple language? Maybe I could impress my son by throwing out a couple of relevant comments!

What is the thingy sticking out of the head? Is it a sort of client bs detector, maybe?

Input Tab for Sch K-1 has the analysis of partner's capital account. It won't show unless you choose to have the balance sheet printed, though.

Thanks, Ron and Rita, but I have looked over the entire data entry screen and do not see a place to put in what was actually paid. His 1098-T does not show payments received in Box 1. If I put it into box one, it adds that to Box 2 which is incorrect. Further down scrolling the options are for the amounts NOT paid. I ended up adding the difference to the Fees lower down but that isn't precisely correct. Hah! Abby just showed the answer. I was foolishly trying to input the figures as shown on the form. Wrong! Thanks, all! Sometimes we just have to do whatever it takes to get the right answer.

It's likely I am missing something that is obvious but I am not finding the data entry field for tuition and fees PAID, not just what was billed. My son's form has only Box 2, what was billed. However, he paid a chunk of what was billed in 2014 in January 2015. ATX is carrying only Box 2 amount for paid. For 2014 data entry, one enters the amount actually paid in a blue field. For 2015, it just carries over the amount billed. As part of what he actually paid in 2015 is tuition and fees, I am struggling to find the place to enter this amount. The difference mean about $300. Any help is welcome!

This, too, shall pass though not nearly as fast as one would like. (Head shaking in sympathy...)

You do know, though, that you are still very welcome here. Not all of us use ATX but we all have tax issues and complaints and need the kind of support available here.

Hmmm, I just rolled over a return and preparer info was there as was payer list. I guess our mileage is varying!

And you are tempting us to click on it? Hmm...

Check your Options/Preferences and review all the check boxes to select everything that you mentioned. Go through each list on the left to select your choices. Once you've done that, all should be there.

Hmmm, I'm about to learn something new, I think. I tried a couple of returns in 2014 and 2015 to see about this Tools>Last Year's Comparison you mention. I couldn't find that but am hoping to learn. I've always used the form Planner which lists the current year and allows future planning but it would be nice to see in the current program the figures from the prior year. On all my returns, I include the form Tax Summary 1040. It shows the summary for federal and all states in the return as well as any carryover amounts. When I click on that box in the upper right, it shows federal and state on the summary. But one does have to click on it. An extra keystroke, alas!

Thanks for this tip, Tom. How crazy is this? I always hate to uncheck the Completed button as that usually brings in updated forms, etc. Wouldn't it also work to duplicate the return so the originally filed return remains intact? There may be no actual changes but it still makes me skittish.

I haven't noticed much light colored print alone so much as black backgrounds with white or light print. I simply cannot and will not continue on those and usually submit a comment if easy to do so. I think the black background is a faddish thing appealing to younger folks/eyes. They successfully turn me off as I am clearly unwanted, like a lot of other advertising, not being in the 'desired' marketing age range.

The one from AICPA is just a few lines over a single page, single spaced with 5 paragraphs. I think it's fairly readable and doesn't use big words. As I describe to new clients, it states who is responsible for what. I've never had anyone refuse to sign but, of course, they wouldn't be my clients if they did refuse. My insurance is through AICPA, Aon, and they provide sample letters to use. If used on 'most' engagements, it's worth a 5% premium discount and a lot of support in the event of a conflict. I use them every year. Even I couldn't handle 8 pages, though.

Yes, not using ATX letters is unfortunate but I also use the AICPA letter which is recommended by my insurance. If I was smart enough to do a mail merge, it wouldn't be so bad but I never learned that. So I just change the address and names, print and go on to the next. Then sign each one, too. Then make a copy for the client. Hmmm, time to retire.... But I just got two more clients within the last 2 weeks!

I use only specific organizer pages for the handful of clients that actually use them for their Schedule C or E. It helps to remind them what certain expenses were for the previous year because we know they can/will not look at that return themselves, amiright? I do include the checklist to everyone more as a reminder of what documents are needed and raise questions. I really appreciate the enhanced checklist from Abby. I will possibly incorporate one or more of those next year. The one addition I always have to make under Other is Did you make any internet, mail order, or out of state purchases on which you did not pay sales tax? If yes, what is the total of untaxed purchases made? To efile Ohio one has to answer that question and I won't make up the answer - it has to be on file from the client. Every year I get complaints as to how on earth they would know that and every year I explain, as the year before and the year before that, just how. A handful have finally reconciled themselves and do provide the information early on.