Jack from Ohio

The price is no different if you do not get the CD.

Call Tech Support.

The firm where I work part time is closed on Fridays from May 30 to Jan 31. We publicize that all extended returns must be in our office by Oct. 1. I had 3 emails at 4:30 today saying they were overnighting their information to us so it would be here Saturday. Imagine their surprise when we open on Monday... I agree with Catherine, I am not paid to baby sit irresponsible apathetic people. 9 months is long enough for ANYONE to collect and gather their tax information. All of our extended clients have been mailed a reminder letter each month for the last 3 months. I have a list of 19 that still have not sent information to us. At least 10 typically owe around $5K. I have lost all sympathy for those folks. Let the penalties roll!!!

Is it time for hugs?

Call tech support.

Do a complete shut down and reboot. It is NOT an internet problem. The program is not connecting to the server program on your computer (if standalone) or your local server, if you have a dedicated server. Also, if you have a plethora of anti-virus, anti-spyware and internet security programs, they will interfere with the connection. You only need ONE security program. Delete all the others.

I agree! I am NOT a babysitter! 9 1/2 months is enough time for ANYONE! I have even resorted to telling people the deadline is still Aug. 15. Guess when they bring me their information??? Intentionally Apathetically Ignorant and Clueless!! I just fired 2 clients this week because I could not complete their just provided documentation completed in one day. I told them where the closest H&R is located. I'll bet they pay their Cable TV, Internet and Cell phone bills on time!!

In addition, the IRS has publicly stated that it will be increasing penalties and enforcement on preparers in order to "increase voluntary compliance... TIGTA analyzed the Master File to determine if the IRS is effectively enforcing paid preparer penalties. It found that the IRS isn't treating this issue as a top priority, so it often goes by the wayside. Without increasing its emphasis on policing tax return preparers, TIGTA says it's unlikely the IRS can change its behavior and increase voluntary compliance... IRS officials agreed with all of TIGTA's recommendations. The IRS says it's putting corrective actions in motion. Tax return preparers should be aware that there's a new sheriff in town. http://www.accountingweb.com/tax/irs/irs-to-crack-down-on-tax-return-preparers

Disagree. Who determines "The Spirit of the Law?" I prefer how the law is written. Unless a court or the legislature makes changes, the regulations are as they are written. I am not willing to gamble that big. The "professional" who prepared the return we are currently assisting with audit WILL be talking to an IRS agent soon. Overstated deductions by $23K on a $6k income Schedule C. Auditor was very adamant.

Your retreading of old statements does NOT CHANGE Circular 230. My position still stands.

So therefore, by citing specific instances we can totally erase the purpose and effects of Circular 230? Just ignore it because "the chances are very slim..." I guess my definition of "Professional" is different than some of the dictionaries in use in this profession. Schedule A today, Schedule C tomorrow, Schedule E after that....

"...know or should have known..." regardless of the existence of receipts. I guess the word "integrity" has changed definitions since I was in High School?

It IS Ordinary Gain. Short term and they are not in the business of rehabbing and selling properties. Short term. Does not belong on Sched D.

You should refresh yourself on what Circular 230 says. "...know or should have known..." is a key phrase. You are responsible for the accuracy of the return you sign. No matter what the taxpayer says or does.

Every audit we have helped with in the last 5 years, including one that started 4 months ago, have required bank statements regardless of what was being audited. It is an audit requirement. I guess my level of gambling is not as high as others...

If, for some reason he gets audited, YOU may be on the hook. Think about it. The first item requested in an audit are bank statements. If you are willing to gamble, submit the return with an incorrect amount on Sch. A. Since you KNOW he gave more, you are in violation of Circular 230 if you report a number you know to be incorrect. The question is: "How lucky do you feel, with a client that has been audited for this in the past?" Your call.

Resist the urge to hug her!!

"I will put your return at the bottom of the stack of 35 other returns that have come in in the last 3 days. I will contact you when your return is complete."

Yes. The 11th Circuit Court of Appeals handed down this judgment.

If anyone has insomnia, reading all 87 pages of the original court case will cure it. My question is not about the tax court ruling being right or wrong. My question is about possible future changes.

They have refused. This fact was included in the tax court procedure. Only box 7.

Tax year 2013. Our client is being audited in relation to a court case specifically http://law.justia.com/cases/federal/appellate-courts/ca11/14-15773/14-15773-2016-05-24.html She is a retired National Sales Director and receiving an annual payment from Mary Kay. These payments will continue for 15 years. Here is our question: The auditor is assessing SE tax on the payments from Mary Kay in compliance with the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals ruling. There is a group of these retired ladies who have enlisted the help of an attorney that thinks he can get it changed. Frankly, we don't think it will be changed unless pushed to the Supreme Court and then it is not likely to ever see the light of day there. But I digress. Client wants to know if, they sign and agree to the audit changes, then later the law gets overturned (see my previous comment) do they have recourse to file an amended return to recover the payments they will make as a result of the audit? Does signing off on the audit report forever bar any options to amend in the future? What about filing an amended return now (Using the IRS position as beginning then amend to remove SE) as a protective claim, since the statute is about to expire on the 2013 return. We do not want to give the client any false hope about the future, but if there is any chance, we don't want to miss that either. This will cost our client approx $13K for each year starting with 2013 and going forward. Any opinions or suggestions are welcomed.

This is all a legal matter, not a tax matter. As tax professionals, we should not be giving out legal advice. The IRS does not care about all the court dramas. Refer her back to her lawyer and file or amend as the documents are presented to you. It IS a legal matter.

Until the education level and common sense level of Americans comes back to the point where most people are not intentionally apathetically ignorant, these scams will continue to work. These scams only work on the gullible.

Why?