FDNY

Not this year but the last 3 (once each year), I've had the same ocular migraine. My guess is that it was from too much computer screen checking over inputs for too long a period. I notice that Schirallicpa is from NY so could it be from verifying the DL digits on the screen in ATX where they don't let you put the space between each 3 numbers. Running them together gives me a headache, and a PITA. I agree with BHoffman, gone in 30 minutes, but I also take a Motrin and lie down, a good excuse to take a quick nap.

Oh boy, someone is looking forward to that stiff drink on the 18th. Better give one to the front desk person too.

So you'll have a lousy 16th and 17th, but a great 18th as you'll fill one of Elrod's big glasses with free liquor.

Yes, thanks, and with a few days to go that's what I do with the heavier ones that take more time to review. Tomorrow is my deadline to complete any return. I don't chase anyone.

You're welcome, this was a perfect example of camaraderie. You would do the same for us, and without each other, we might just feel like crap.

Proud of you rfasset. I'm trying to tie things up but unfortunately I have a lot of stragglers trying to decide how much to put into an IRA or simple IRA as that is something I always suggest for them to lower their bill. But it amazes me that they will drag it out to the last minute, no consideration for us. Like we are there to serve them. It reminds me of the "Twilight Zone" episode, "To Serve Man," that's what they make me want to do, along the lines of Rita's thinking...our Queen.

I have used it before and it works, unfortunately not for TaxBrewster.

You could try from toolbar clicking on Support, then Customer Service Utilities, then Synchronize E File Info With EFC

I had to go back and look at that. Must be his filing system. I had a mortgage broker client who during busy times would have tons of client file folders all over the floor. I looked at them in amazement and he said to me, don't laugh, they're in alphabetical order!

You mean you thought you were wrong, but were mistaken?

As a one man shop I'm always fearful of missing something so I developed my triple check procedure that works really well. I sort everything and after inputting each item I highlight each one. Then I go back to beginning and check each item and put a check mark next to it. Close it up and go back to it in the morning for final review of each item again that only takes a few minutes depending on size of the return. I also look at the back of each page. I have a situation now that is my fault. My assistant (wife) assembles the return and checks mailing label against address on return. This particular client usually is in Florida for the winter but not this year. I forgot to tell my assistant that she was in NY. Client calls, where's my return? Oh ship, I bet it went to FL, sure enough the NY label was still there. So I explained to client and she was OK with it, I got another package out to her. But now I am worried that the original may not be returned to me and I'm of course worried about ID theft (NY returns have date of birth on them). Because the tenant in the condo in FL is unknown to me, could be a drug addict or something, my mind wandered that I said to myself, hold on, you're not in control right now so why think the worst, could be no problem. I just wish the PO was faster in returning undeliverable mail. They take over a month.

Don't be so hard on yourself Bulldog, it happens to all of us. You fixed it. Pay any added costs. Give him a free return next year, if he's understanding with your explanation he'll stay with you, especially if he knows how good you are. I've been there and have lost sleep, how could I miss that, but the next day I get over it because I addressed the problem immediately. Too bad it wasn't for 2012, you could have blamed ATX.

These stories make me think their parents made things too easy for them growing up. I remember asking my Dad to help me fill out my taxes when I was in college and he said sure, here's my copy of Pub 17, read what applies to you and you're good to go. I liked reading it because there were nice stories of examples that I found interesting. The rest is history.

Over the last few days as we come to the end of tax season, after the following instances happened over the last week, I have realized that sometimes we are unwittingly surrogate parents to some of our younger clients. I called one of my Ivy League graduates whose return I completed nearly 2 months ago asking if she forgot about me, she has a nice refund coming. She said no, but has no checks to pay me and she's too cheap to get new ones and if I would take PayPal. Sorry, no, why don't you use Bill Pay from your bank or brokerage account? She never thought of that. The second happens to be her brother, another Ivy Leaguer going to law school on a scholarship. He emailed to tell me he wasn't filing this year because he learned in law school that he didn't make enough to file. I said good, how much did you make? $8,000 for consulting work with at risk kids. Did you get a 1099Misc? Oh yes, it says I was a non employee. You know the rest of the story. The 3rd one is an actuary, I admire her as it is a profession I once aspired to. I mailed her return last week and a few days ago I get an email from her that she is sorry but forgot to tell me she moved. I said I already mailed it and it would take a month for the PO to forward it. She owes money to one of 4 states she worked in so I sent her an encrypted copy with instructions to beat the deadline, I wanted her to get it in because she is struggling and has a big federal refund. I worry about her. I'm sure many of you have seen these things happen with your younger clients, they do know to call you during the year for guidance, because their real parents told them to when questions arise. Something they can't do with the big box preparers. My being independent lends to being receptive to them and because their parents are longtime clients. They will keep me in business for the rest of my life if I decide to continue working. Each one of these made me smile, I remember being young once, too bad I did my own taxes. I could have used the help. Take care of your kids.

I think this is going to be a big problem next year. Just what we need, more disgruntled clients.

I too run the planner for most clients and usually just highlight the bottom line. I am noticing about 1/3 of my clients as not benefiting, but this is of course non scientific. probably with a wide margin of error.

Wow, I didn't know that. A good bit of CCH/ATX history to know. I'm a long time user (since Saber days) but never used or even knew about the official forum. Thanks Judy, and of course, Eric too!

HA! I amazed myself with this desk, but I think the low volume background music form the 60s might have something to do with my energy level. I do know I like standing at a bar with music playing (or a ballgame) in background with good conversation on each side of me, I never get tired, so maybe it is the same principal. Your painter shouldn't worry, it's all in his head, he gets enough exercise and should have peace of mind knowing his work is top notch using a high quality Purdy brush. You're a nice guy too, like everyone else here, it's the nice guy and gal forum, maybe that's what keeps us up.

Didn't you set up most of the common questions in Master forms?

I find that it is the same 25-30 clients that drag it out for me every year. Since it's only 10% of my clientele I do charge a generous bonus for my work hoping they will leave, but they come back every year, waiting on a few right now.. There's about 5 in the rack now that have been there over a month, I consider that a failure on my part.

Yes, had one recently with fees over 23K and fees of 2K for municipal bond work. With over a million $ in trades, and double that in account value, at end of the year it was up less than the fees. Some bad trades I suspect, in an up market something is not right.

If they don't sit down maybe they will leave sooner. We may be on to something. But I must say, this desk is working out really well, I actually look forward to it each day, I feel like I'm on stage with no audience. My stage fright went away.

You're all going to hate me for this, but since I started using a standup desk this season I never feel tired.....unless I'm asleep standing up like a horse, but how would I know?

I'm also coasting. Got the bulk of my work done, all repeat clients. I don't take on new clients anymore. But still have about 20 of the usual laggards that I plan to do 1 or 2 a day, some extensions, and try to finish the 5 or so that are done, just waiting on an OK for a SEP or IRA as they try to find the funding. I think I'll make an appointment for a massage, I haven't received the masseuse's package yet, maybe my aching back will remind her.

Sorry, I wish I never brought this up. You're probably fine. I'm the one with the headache, my two exposed clients fight me on this every year.