RitaB

1) Well, of course there are. The law doesn't say, "Get the form signed. Unless you're a CPA. If you're a CPA, do whatever you want." 2) I'm the only professional whose work I know for sure. I wouldn't be able to now send these people to another professional, because I don't really know anyone's else's work. Unless you have real experience with another professional, I'd tell them to ask friends for recommendations.

Shovels.

In honor of capitalism:

Yes, if tax prep were easy, everybody would be doing it. Insert eye roll at commercials that seem to indicate otherwise. I had a new client for 2015, who missed retirement savers credit on 2014. I amended, and she netted $240. Had [another] situation she couldn't handle for 2015, and that's why she came. She asks me, "So, I just need to let them know I contribute to my 401(k)?" All I said was yes.

You're both correct. Conference is not technically employer, so they issued 1099. I'd put the 1500 on Sch C, for sure, to satisfy IRS. Since it's so closely related to ER wages, you could back off on p. 2 of Sch C, saying "EE reimbursement correctly reported on Form 2106, then handle it all there. Seems most appropriate to me. (Or, you could deduct all the expense on Sch C. Seems like too much benefit for a trip to Italy, but that's none of my business. /s) But most of the clergy I see are not paid by anyone other than ER church (or if they are, they don't tell me about those), so those expenses are on Form 2106.

I charge more for aggravation. I don't tell them I'm doing it. My time is precious. I hate giving time away for a chore like opening envelopes, or calling for your 1099, or getting you an extension after your return sat here, finished, for six weeks, and you tell me today to get an extension, because you owe. If I want to waste time chatting with you, that's on me. I usually enjoy that part of the job.

I have done It before, and think it would be far better for them to get two than none.

There are no nut shells with taxes. Nuts, yes. Put them to sleep, it's good for them. Welcome to my world, I would say.

Worst text ever just now: "Hey, I'm sorry I haven't picked up [the return you did six weeks ago], but it's been crazy busy here. Oh, and I got a letter from IRS..." I just stopped reading. My response: "I'll see you before Friday at five, and I will look at your letter next week sometime." I love it when they tell me how busy they are. Making $800 a month at her thrift store. Something's not adding up there. Either she's not crazy busy or it's not $800.

Oh, and my gal who told me her boss provided health insurance, but she really got the PTC thru the "Marketplace" (I hate calling it that), just texted me, "Will that form change the amount I owe?" Again: Uh...Yes, when IRS sends a letter telling you to file a form, there is generally a change of some kind.

My very anxious man for whom I faxed proof of withholdings on SS to IRS said, "Please let me know the minute they respond." Uh... Ok, I'll do that. I honestly think he thought IRS was gonna dial me right up and say, "Hey, Rita, we got your fax, all is well, how's it going?" Hello? If they couldn't dial up SSA, they're not calling ME back. I was reminded of the Esurance commercial where Beatrice has pictures on her wall and friend says, "That's not how it works. That's not how any of this works."

But commas can save a life: 1) Let's eat, Grandpa! 2) Let's eat Grandpa!

I feel that. I really do.

Actually my spidey sense can spot them without seeing the W-2s. Everybody that drops off last week of March - December. Every. One.

Filters.

I took a CE course last year where these tips really stuck with me: 1) Never underestimate your client's intelligence. 2) Always underestimate your client's knowledge. And that has very little to do with this topic, but you know I gotta talk, so... You know what's aggravating the crap outta me today is those who dropped off, were missing stuff, still haven't brought missing stuff, I told them they'd be getting extensions, and they are now reminding me to get them extensions. I guess they are not being condescending, just being careful. You know, since they had three months to get it together and didn't. They are all over it now. Got it covered. Told her to get an extension. Yessssss.

If it helps, just think, they are receiving SS benefits that will be long gone in 30 years when we qualify to sign up and get zippo.

I wise woman told me one time you can't get emotional about tax returns. Just do them correctly. Yes, it is income from self-employment. I would add to that don't volunteer the penalty and interest.

Come here, little printer, let me love you...

That last one is one reason Catherine and I have Smith and Wesson. Just kidding.

Preclude. That's the word. Yes, I have been thinking about it this whole time.

OK, JJ, we can't "like" your post with the last sentence there. I still love your hair, though.

She may be now.

4) My yard sale crap is worth thousands. 5) Tuition is killing me. (Made 3k in excess scholarships. I wish I could get killed like that.)

OK, I missed the part about one child.