Margaret CPA in OH

I find the mismatch of forms downloaded and processed strange, too. Can't imagine the rationale there.

I went to the Forms option and clicked on Customize Master Forms. I selected 1040 than to the signature line at the bottom of page 2. I selected a calligraphy font 9 point and it looks beautiful. I clicked to Save Masters. When I opened my sample blank return, I changed the existing 1040 with the new one and the signature was there. I do know that form updates will wipe this out and the 1040 does have Draft all over it but it surely looks to me as if I customized at least a part of this form. I also can understand that we should not unprotect a cell with certain links as that could create problems with the program working properly and specific data fields being transmitted via efile losing integrity. But I did change the signature line.

GeneInAlabama, I forgot all about that one! I have to amend last year's return now. Thanks!

I tried TonyETS' test although maybe not exactly. 1. 2011 program to open - 2 seconds, longest 3; 2012 program to open - 9 seconds, longest 11 2. just new 1040 in 2011 to open - 2 seconds, longest 2; same in 2012 to open - 4 seconds, longest 5. Yes, 2012 is slower. For me, so far, it is not significant enough to get my shorts in a bunch but I can imagine those with slower machines, it would be a problem. As I mentioned earlier, my computer guru builds mine so no extra stuff at all, Intel i5-3450 CPU @ 3.10GHz, 3.4 Ghz overall; 8GB RAM, Win 7 Pro. I found a little performance rating box for Windows Experience Index, whatever that is. Processor: calculations per second, 7.5; Memory (RAM): Memory operations per second, 7.6; Graphics: Desktop performance for Windows Aero, 3.3; Gaming graphics; 3D business and gaming graphics performance, 5.4; Primary hard disd: Disk data transfer rate, 5.9. For what all that is worth... Again, I am quite happy with this new computer and trust the kinks will be worked out with the software.

I have seen that possibility. What is the cost? For me to deposit checks isn't a huge deal as the bank I use has a counter at the grocery store I use. What equipment is needed, just a typical scanner or something special?

Well, I have never even used it and doubt it would be used much but I would 'eat it.' My fees are high enough to manage the rare occasion that this might come into play. I also don't charge for extra postage when sending out organizers and engagement letters or for printed return copies. It isn't worth it to me. YMMV

Well, back to dummie category! I didn't even think about a practice with no money. Oh well, at least I know it works - well, up to the bank.

Woo Hoo!!! It went through on my credit card account but I don't yet see it in my bank account. Maybe it will be processed overnight. I did order a 3 pack of styli from Amazon. We'll see the next chapter soon! I feel less dummie now.

Okay, I found a plastic credit card and turned the volume all the way up. I keep getting the message that I have to swipe faster but I can't do it any faster. I have tried turning the stripe up and down, swiping left to right and right to left. Nothing works. So I typed it in and got to the signature screen. I have tried to sign with a plastic tipped letter opener as I don't have a stylus but it won't take it. I do have a screen protector on so hope that isn't a problem. Any ideas now? I finally just went to the main screen again. I will check to see what happens on the credit card and bank account. Thanks for helping this dummie with a phone smarter than I am!

Volume? What does that have to do with swiping a credit card? I can't even imagine.

Thanks, Lion, for more details. The Square thingy fit comfortably into my phone and connected. I just kept getting the message that I had to swipe it quickly. Guess I may not be quick enough anyway! I may yet try to type in the info, an option that you noted was a tad bit more costly. It is 3.25% or so and 15 cents. I guess the investment to see if the thing works is worth it. Let's see, $3 transaction so 10 cents fee plus 15 cents - I think I can afford 25 cents. I'll try it later. Yes, options are good these days.

I prefer the top, most of the time but with the ease of changing through preferences, I now see what works with a given return. Sometimes in entering K-1 info, I have to go to tabs left to see enough of the data entry screen to make sense. It's also seems easier to change the size of the viewable form now, too, or maybe I just discovered that. Never too old to learn something - I hope!

I'm sure Medlin and others will chime in too but here is my reply. I have a different PIN for each client, received via the process of efiling the application which you saw in the program. I might technically be an agent but each has their own PIN. I think the program puts 940 with the 941 AND with the W2/W3. I choose to use the 940 with the W2 file as it populates from the W2/W3. I send W2's via BSO/SSA and efile the 940. For SSA you have to change your password every 3 months or it takes a process to get a new one. It isn't as easy as with E-Services. You may have to reregister. Call and see. Entering the preparer info on the form should not be dependent on the PIN. I have one client that refuses to do the PIN thing so I have to print his out and he mails them. Last year for that client, I swear! I am in Ohio so cannot address CA issues, sorry.

Thanks, Catherine, for again sharing your knowledge. I have had a Paypal account for several years but hardly ever use it. I just thought the Square thing was cute even though I couldn't use it. Now I can't use it either because it won't scan my card. Hmm, back to my nonused Paypal account and, of course, those checks that clients have been using for year. In fact, I have never even received cash. And no check has ever bounced. Of course, there were those #$$%^&& clients that refused to pay me. Good riddance though to bad clients.

Curses! I thought I had it all set up and tried my credit card. It kept saying to swipe faster but I think it is because it isn't all plastic. It's very heavy and doesn't work on a handful of other machines. Guess I'll have to find plastic somewhere.

Start the program, click on Support then About. It will say right near the top the Program Version. I have 12.3.112.1.

Oh, phone download! I guess I need to do that now. Time to get back to the website to review what I have and how to use it. At least I found the little thingy. Where does it connect to the phone? Funny, send you my credit card. Right.

I upgraded in October to Win 7 Pro, 8 GB RAM and i5 processor. I have zero complaints with speed - see comments above. The hard drive is 931 GB, your basic terrabyte, I think. I have my computers built by the local major geek. He actually hosts radio program called Geek Talk. He has built my last 4 computers. This one costs $1515. I like that he knows every single part inside and all the software and how it is connected to my periferals, etc.

I got this several months ago but didn't realize I needed a smart phone. At that time I had only a dumb phone but went to the dark side over Christmas with a great deal. And my minutes plan is grandmothered in so I could go back to 1000 minutes without data if I choose to do so. Anyway, your message reminded me and I found it! No idea how to use it and don't know where the instructions are but can probably get that online. For some reason I decided it might be useful although no client has ever asked me about paying any other way than check. It will be good to see if others use it.

It has been interesting and a bit disheartening reading the above tales of woe. I had earlier rolled over only my own with slowness admittedly but then just stopped doing anything with the program except updating the program and forms every few days when I knew it wasn't feasible to do any productive work as yet. Mine is a more complicated return involving depreciation, etc. Today I decided to do the latest update. I then opened my return. It took 1 minute 10 seconds to get to the point where it listed all the forms not available then another 10 seconds to complete. I closed it and tried again. The updated return opened in 8 seconds to the forms list and 10 seconds after that. I am not going to complain about under 20 seconds to open this return. I then rolled over my son's return which is much simpler. I took about 4 seconds. I must be the luckiest ATX user on the board and I hope it continues and spreads to all of you!

And that, of course, is a principal reason for the existence of this board. How fortunate we are for those who created it (thanks, Eric and any other folks with input) and monitor it (thanks, KC, and any others with input) and use it with grace, knowledge, humor and intelligence (not necessarily in that order). What sorts of mayhem have you, JB, and JRS been creating? The speaking truth offerings or what? I don't imagine that either of you gentlemen has been rude. Perhaps the sensibilities of those monitors is more delicate than should be.

Jainen is, as usual, correct. I have 2 clients that have been in assisted living arrangements. One had a buy-in and the other was a simple monthly payment. In each case, I asked for and received from the respective facilities their allocation of the percentage or dollar amount of the monthly fee that was applicable to the assisted part. For the buyin client, the facility provided the statement that went sort of "Actuaries, LLC has developed the amount of the respective fees that may be allocated to the cost of providing health care. This amount was developed by calculating the present value of contractual revenues and liabilities at the time of entry, and classifying expenses as medical and non-medical. Residents of XXX should apply this percentage to their monthly fees paid in 20xx. There is then a table for Life Care Residents. This place has 90% refundable contract arrangement, too. That entrance fee deduction is a one time thing, though. 20xx deductibility of: Single Couple Entrance Fees $20,077 $40,154 Monthly Services Fees $191 $382 For the monthly pay client, the facility has done the calculation showing the total amount paid and the percentage (in this case, 11.32%) that can be deducted For Assisted Living Residents and the amount that can be counted as deductible. This monthly pay facility is part of a multiple facility chain and wasn't familiar with this when I requested it the first year. They had never before been asked - go figure!

Good one! I know how he feels.

I find it interesting to think that those making, say, $375,000 are considered middle class. Until this, I never considered my self poor but am clearly now in the very lower middle class or upper poverty class. I must reorient my mindset.

Indeed, Merry Christmas to all and a most joyful and blessed New Year! How lucky we are to have each other here and we will surely need it this coming season. Thanks to each of you for all the gifts of your time and talents and expertise that you so generously share.