Jack from Ohio

Pub 1345A has a picture of each form with the field sequence numbers marked. I keep a copy of all the common ones right beside my computer for easy reference. (1040, W-2, 1099R) The occurrence number indicates which form (if there are multiples like W-2, 1099, etc). The sequence number will show exactly which field is causing the reject. Also, be sure to check all the errors. I often miss that one and end up with a second reject.

Here is a link to all the information about the disaster area. http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p4492b.pdf

I agree with OldJack. I have a similar situation with my daytime job and my private practice. We have an agreement that if I have a new client that has ever been their client, or been contacted by them, I will decline to do their return. In turn, they do not focus their advertising and promotions in my area. (40 miles away) This has worked well for over 6 years with no conflicts. I value my relationship with my employer too much to violate this agreement. You can rest assured that if you do not discuss it with the per diem firm, some one will. Better you than the grapevine.

The Mason Dixon line is the division of North & South. Any TRUE Southerner would know this!! (From a guy born in Tennessee and lived in Ohio for the last 35 years.)

The error code will have: Occurence #X Field X The occurence will tell you which W-2 it is in the order in which you have them in the program. The field # will identify exactly which field is incorrect. Here is the pub that has EVERY code, and a picture of EVERY for with fields identified. http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p1345a.pdf I have printed copies of the most used forms beside my computer for easy reference. This allow you to determine exactly which form, or more commonly, which child has been claimed on another return. Huge resource.

I have been doing the manual version for 2 1/2 years. It guarantees that I get ALL updates.

Normal step: 1) First thing every morning do a manual update, download all, and they will install. Now that the "version is not the latest" plague has started.... 2) Before sending any e-file created BEFORE 2-19-09, open file, re-create e-file, then repeat as necessary for all e-files to be sent. 3) Be sure to keep your comments while doing this in a quiet voice, lest you offend a client in the office. 4) After spending an hour doing e-files that should take 15 minutes, treat yourself to a Krispy Kreme doughnut and a cup of hot chocolate.

Client's son, age 17 in 2008, incarcerated since July 1, 2008. Can parent claim the child? Opinions appreciated.

Back Again!! This preparer (remaining nameless) has created a phone message and attached it to an e-mail with the information I posted earlier. The e-mail names the preparer and the name of the firm. This is spreading through many of our clients and is causing much uproar, and dissent when we disagree with her contentions base on the IRS regulations and printed information. In the audio message, the preparer claims that a person from her business (a tax preparation business) won this position in two different audits. Therefore, (according to the message) this means, as long as the consultants pay for the professionally done hair and nails through their business accounts, it is an ACCEPTABLE business expense. I am asking opinions... Is this something that should be reported? Or am I just being too strict about sticking to the regs. Any opinions would be appreciated.

DItto!!! Those people are a slap in the face for those of us who paid our child support (and always spent more on the kids when needed) on time for 10 years. My kids, My responsibility.

I wonder if Ohio will be far behind... :read:

Client for several years. This year his business has a $40K net operating loss. I have verified that the NOL is legitimate. (he had a really bad year) My question is procedural. Should I include an explanation with the return when I file it, or will the IRS even pay attention to the note. This business has consistently shown profit (some years more than others) for the last 6 years. Maybe I am being paranoid, but I would rather send an explanation now, than sit across from an auditor and explain it.

I have 5 working e-mail addresses. Fortunately, I have not needed e-mail support so far this year.

You are COMPLETELY CORRECT. Also, anyone with a PO BOX will also have their street address tagged in the PO system to send mail to the PO BOX instead. Therefore, unless the Post Office makes an error (Never Happens???) any mail sent to their street address would be sent to the PO BOX instead. Source: First Hand Experience with this very situation.

Hello all you experienced members of this board, I have a client that is a cosmetics salesperson. She asked about deducting these costs as business expense. My response to her was to direct her to this page on the IRS website... http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/industries/article/0,,id=100676,00.html This very clearly states that: No deduction is allowed for wardrobe, general make-up, or hair styles for auditions, job interviews, or "to maintain an image". This has been my position on this matter since day one. She still thinks I am wrong. Here is what she sent me. (names removed to protect the guilty) <<<Report from a director on a previous intelliverse voice message last week. On Intelliverse this morning CPA Xxxxxxxxxx who does thousands of (name of company) returns recorded an awesome message! As a result of 2 Sept. Audits, the IRS has states in AU1 the following: In our business, Paid Professional Care for hair and nails is deductible in 2009 with the following conditions met: You must pay by check from your Business Checking Account. You must get a receipt for the professional services. Note that this deduction does NOT apply for any products purchased over the counter . This is for Paid Professional Care only!>>>!>>> Before I decide to tell this client to go to this person to let her do her return, does anyone else have information to confirm or deny this? And just what is an "AU1?" I cannot find this information on the IRS site at all. I just want to make sure I have not missed something.

1234 Their Street PO BOX 999 Theirtown, ST, 99999 PO will deliver to the last address listed i.e. the PO BOX. I have used it this way for years.

1) Try rebooting the workstation computer. 2) Do netsetup on the workstation again. Sometimes Windows just gets confused. 3) Be sure to map the folder on the server, as a drive on the workstation. At my day job, we have a server and 13 workstations. Keeping them up and running is part of my job. So far this year, no problems more than 15 minutes. Been using ATX for 5 years now. I think I have seen just about every networking problem that existed!!

It only takes a single character to make it go through. I do not know if this is ATX or the IRS. We put the words "Home Office" in. A single "." works too. So far, no rejects.

It was exactly the same way last year. I have the MyAtx page on my links list. I have to go there often. There is always MORE info there than in the tax return. It is a TaxWise glitch that ATX software cannot get around.

I just tried again. Got information for 2 customers. Put in number for third customer, and "BAM!!!!" the little spanish guy kicked me again. The site was up for a total of 2 minutes. :angry:

I started wearing my old football cup while doing taxes. I just laughed the last time the little Spanish guy kicked me!! My clients loved the free show as well!! :blush:

Try right now and see... My clients are in my office during regular business hours. Waiting till late night or early morning is not an option when they are sitting across from me. I have been seeing more down time than up time. The IRS must have known when tax season started??? And they should have known how much server space and bandwith would be needed for peak season?? Just more venting...

"We are sorry, our Where's my Stimulus Payment Status feature is currently not available. Please try again later." It was the same all last weekend. How are we supposed to use this tool when it is offline so much? I am certain that I am the only preparer whos clients cannot remember, nor did not bring the letter....?? Just venting... IRS is requiring the info to be accurate or refunds are delayed. Yet the tool to verify the amount is offline????

When clients ask, I refer to the chart, and then add.. "These dates are only good if the IRS follow through with the process as they say."

Me too!! Great minds think alike. I never thought of the word cycle... I guess I think too logically... :scratch_head: