Jack from Ohio

I installed ours at the firm on Wednesday, all 3 codes worked fine for installation. Haven't rolled over any returns yet, but setting up all the parameters, preparer info, etc went smooth.

My suggestion... Buy REAL tax software. Just my opinion...

I wonder if she is adopting....

Much better defensive strategy: How about teaching your kids and grandkids... "THERE AIN'T NO FREE LUNCH!" or "Nothing is FREE!" (especially on the internet)

Just like most urban myths, there is a tiny bit of truth, and a lot of embelishment.

It has been my personal experience that NO "Do It Yourself" tax software handles ANY business (Sole Proprietorship to C-Corp and all in between) correctly, UNLESS the person using the software is an experienced tax professional. That being said, since Turbo-Tax and Quickbooks are both Intuit products, the transfer should be seamless. During the setup of his Quickbook accounting, each piece of information that needs to flow to the tax return must be identified as to exactly which form and which line it is to be sent to. I believe this must be done BEFORE any data is entered for the current year, (but that may have changed) in order for Quickbooks to create the export file that will be imported by TurboTax. Even after importing the information, careful checking of all the information imported as to proper placement and proper handling by the software is essential. This is where "Do It Yourself" software falls on its face. I have copied the following statement from someone else, but it has become my advice to people who choose "Do It Yourself" software: "Tax software does NOT equal tax knowledge."

Starting with Tax Year 2008 the IRS no longer mails the acceptance letters. E-Services is the only way to get the information.

I AM THANKFUL: For the wife who says it's hot dogs tonight. Because she is home with me, and not out with someone else. For the teenager who is complaining about doing dishes. Because it means she is at home, not on the streets. For the taxes I pay. Because it means I am employed. For the mess to clean after a party. Because it means I have been surrounded by friends. For the clothes that fit a little too snug. Because it means I have enough to eat. For my shadow that watches me work. Because it means I am out in the sunshine. For a lawn that needs mowing, windows that need cleaning, and gutters that need fixing. Because it means I have a home. For all the complaining I hear about the government. Because it means we have freedom of speech. For the parking spot I find at the far end of the parking lot. Because it means I am capable of walking and I have been blessed with transportation. For my huge heating bill. Because it means I am warm. For the lady behind me in church who sings off key. Because it means I can hear. For the pile of laundry and ironing. Because it means I have clothes to wear. For weariness and aching muscles at the end of the day. Because it means I have been capable of working hard. For the alarm that goes off in the early morning hours. Because it means I am alive. And finally, for too much e-mail. Because it means I have friends who are thinking of me.

I received exactly the same information as kc did, including a phone call to verify the same. The call came from CCH and I made sure of what he was saying.

Generally... Real Estate taxes are deductible in the year they are paid (using the cash basis as Jainen mentioned) regardless of when the taxes were assessed. Only the TAX and not service charges, late fees, etc.

Mail your client the depreciation information and Publication 17. Do NOT get in front of an auditor with or for him. If the situation is not grave enough for the client to make time for the IRS, then he must certainly be earning enough money for the assessment. Then FIRE HIM!!!! You have clients that respect your knowledge and professionalism. He does NOT. He obviously is not telling you all. Give your client all the information and do NOT take any more phone calls from him. If the IRS has a problem with you and your work, you will hear from then directly. Nothing a client tells me that an IRS agent says has any value. Only what is on paper has any weight. FIRE HIM!!!

For crying out loud!! It is almost 2010. Those who say they don't trust electronic transmission of data to be safe are the same ones that believed Y2K and believe in man-made global warming! Lets not forget the black helicopters with blue helmeted troops inside them either! If they TRULY believe in NO electronic transmissions of data, then they must ONLY USE CASH for all money transactions, and NOT USE a checking account, or a debit or credit card, and can only take cash for their paychecks each week! They could only use a savings account located at the main headquarters of a bank. It is my opinion that folks that present those outdated and futile reasons, are just trying to be "different" so they can brag about not conforming! It IS almost 2010!

You don't need a new version of Adobe. You need a newer scanner! The software with the scanner should allow you to name the file, and indicate where to store it. I have a $39 CanoScan LIDE 70 that does all of the above, and even lets me choose the amount of compression in the .pdf. Best of all, it has only one cable. USB powered from the computer. 10X12X1.5 inches. Check other scanner options!!

Our copier has a scan function that will scan at about 60PPM. The copier scans to a .pdf file, then puts it on our server (We networked it when instlled.) We make a filename of client SS#+year. 3 5-drawer full deptht file cabinets are now permanently archived on the server. Setting resolution at 150dpi and using maximum compression, three file cabinets took up about 20GB of space. A 1TB external drive can be purchased for less than $100, and provides secure permanent storage in the safe or safety deposit box. Two problems solved. With more and more State, School and local tax agencies investigating back to the Jurrasic period, this has been a lifesaver. The .pdf format is almost universally readable. Of course we charge to "Open the archives and retrieve the data" when our clients request it. This is a task performed during the off season when work is very slow anyway.

In the return manager, under preferences. You can have both installed as default.

I think this change will increase my revenue. I see lots of situations where additional letters of explanation will be needed after filing this new version. Job security!

I knew the folks on the board were the most experienced a knowledgable preparers anywhere!

She will need an EFIN number that is address specific to her work location. We tried this, and ATX would not allow the creation of E-files on the remote office machine without the second EFIN. Plenty of time to get it before season.

Old news. I have been wiping and restoring hard drives for this kind of Trojan for over a year. Despite my multiple attempts to teach the people at my office to contact me before they click on ANYTHING that pops up, they still fall for the box that says "Alert!" I am also the I.T. tech and server guru for my company with 13 workstations. I guess people who continue to not listen or pay attention is my job security! I hate that it costs the owner of the business so much time an productivity.

We did a BAD thing at the firm where I work. We do many out of state returns, and we told everyone that filed an extension that the last day the IRS would accept e-files was October 14, and after that they would have to paper file. I know... DEVIOUS!!! But it WORKED!! Then on Thursday, we could tie up any loose ends, overnight faxes and e-mails of 8879s, and be a HERO for anyone who was truly last minute (after we added an expediting fee!). We had 5 office appointments on Thursday! Last e-file was transmitted at 1:15 PM.

WELL DONE!!! :D

SANITY IS OVERRATED! There are three things I have never been accused of being... Average Ordinary Normal

I guess it shows just how intimidating that punishment for breaking IRS rules can be!! :dunno:

I just had a question hit me... Jainen, do you lock the doors of your car, business and home when you are away and at night? I'm just sayin....

<<<Mind boggling?>>> No, just change you can believe in!