Kea

I'm sure TRX couldn't work with CCH at all after they offered ATX and talked about it here. When ATX pulled the plug, I'm sure that affected TaxWise, too. They are both owned by CCH.

OK, even though I could find the spot for the identity theft PIN in TaxExact doesn't mean I can find it in TaxWise. Client mentioned earlier is coming over this afternoon. I"m still working out some kinks in the TaxWise software. We'll see how this one goes. Any TaxWise users find where to put this magic PIN? Edit -- OK found it after searching forever and then posting! Main Info page - next section below 8879 PIN info (taxpayer, spouse, I agree to let blah, blah, blah).

In 2008 TRX sold Taxwise. Yes, I noticed hints of TaxWise and TaxWorks (and probably others) in TaxExact.

We already have a Drake forum that is seldom used. But with so many using new software this year, I think a forum for each would be useful. At least during the growing pains. Looks like the most popular choices are: TaxWise, TaxSlayer & TaxAct. Plus the Drake we already have. I'll check out the new updates tomorrow. I got .22 this afternoon before my client came in. VERY simple return (1 W2, 1 dependent, nothing else). Wasn't even e-filed since she was going straight to IRS with new 2011 and 2012 returns in hand to set up payment plan. Couldn't find the 8948 for paper file explanation so downloaded from IRS. OK, I didn't look very hard.

In a similar vein, do you know of any good .pdf "printers"? I have a free one (doPDF) on my PC and the default one on the Mac. I looked for one for my iPhone (I upgraded from the iPod in December), but can't find any free ones. I don't really mind paying for an app, but I want to make sure it's a good one first. Thanks

You can do it through iTunes and syncing. Don't remember the specifics, but I copied several .PDFs to my iPod touch last summer. Easier way is to e-mail it to yourself and then save the attachment.

I do very few state returns or business returns. None of these clients have come in yet. I do not wish to get into any confrontations with anyone. I merely listed that using extensions as a possibliity. I also listed using a pay per return program as an option. I am very honest and upfront with my clients about what I do and why I do it. If I client doesn't like any decision I may make they are welcome to go elsewhere. I honestly don't know what I'm going to do yet, as stated above.

I haven't jumped ship .... yet. I've completed 2 returns and they have been accepted. Both were very simple returns. I may have to look at a pay per return for the returns I can't do in TaxExact, but those end up costing almost as much as TaxAct. I'm also considering putting more complex returns on extension and filing them after 4/15 when I can demo other software for free. My practice is small enough that price really is my driving factor. So far I've only looked at prices for alternatives and have not yet demoed anything. But, like everyone else, I'll do what I have to do.

I efiled a simple return today and it was accepted. I'm in TX and do very few state returns (so I haven't had to deal with that yet). I did still have an overrided in the locality part of the sales tax, but the ack did show the correct refund. I didn't e-file it yesterday because I never e-file the first day. I like to wait and see how IRS does with the inital onslaught. Good luck everyone!

I just discovered turtle flavored Chex Mix. Maybe a little sticky, but I can keep napkins handy.

When you click "yes" you want to update your software (when it first opens and tells you they are available), it takes you to your browser window for downloading. That page lists all the changes. I hope my description makes sense.

I'm downloading for the first time today and it went straight to version 18. Only took a few minutes, but I didn't time it. I'm about to install. Fingers crossed!

When I opened the program about 1/2 hour ago (?) it asked if I wanted the new update. I clicked "Yes" and got version 16. Installed it. Opened return again and said new update available. I thought maybe I downloaded and forgot to install (I got distracted reading this board). Anyway, when I clicked "Yes" it was to ver. 15. Thanks Terry. I'll check on it later tonight. At this point I only have one "real" return. But I have an appointment for tomorrow night and someone faxing me info tomorrow afternoon.

Terry D - I was just about to post the same thing. I installed 16 and recalculated. Wanted to see if locality sales tax was now working. I lost my 2nd W2 and it's not filling in when I enter EIN. Maybe I should follow the software's suggestion and go back to 15?

I just need a standard RTRP privacy statement. I'll probably just print off some extra ones from last year until it's in the program.

Doug - you beat me by a few secods!

If 3 and 5 differ from 1 due to 401(k) etc, then enter that amount in box 12. Then 3 and 5 will automatcially calculate. If there is no adjustment shown in box 12, then you will have to override 3 & 5. 4 & 6 will then update.

So very true!

Good idea. Perhaps a nice Pan Galactic Gargle Blaster for the end of the day?

Did you have your towel with you?

Just got this e-mail from Doug (yes, he still answers my e-mails as well - once around 3AM and once just after midnight): -------- The highlights do not include the Sch A Line 5 even though it is fixed on the form, but on the worksheet it does not allow the Tax Payer the option to choose it will be in tomorrow release. Highlights for update 4.0.0.15 Corrected issue which caused EIC/CTC to be granted to dependents who do not qualify for both credits. Password is no longer saved to login screen, user must now enter it. Corrected issue with custom letter choosing the wrong place to paper file return. Corrected bug on form 5329 allowing IRA income to be taxed even though TP was older than 59. Fixed bug on form 8880. Fixed bug on form W2 related to code G on box 12. Removed “DEMO” watermark from Form Peek. Fixed printing bug for Schedule C Corrected AEC message regarding SSN and ITIN being out of allowable range. Fixed printing bug for Form 8283. Updated year showing on Line 29 Worksheet for form 1040. Fixed bug on form 2106.

Found it! I had looked at the "Form CustomLetter" at the bottom of the forms tree and only saw the blank form. I didn't see the "Print common filing instruction letter" and its checkbox previously.

Terry, I did see a custom letter, but I thought it was blank for us to fill in. The sample I saw just said it was a test. I'll look again when I get on my work computer.

Terry, thanks for checking on the sales tax. Crank, I'll check to see if I can delete the SSN. I'd prefer it not show up on anythig. It's not needed since we have PTINs.

Crank - I agree that it seems kinda long. That just shows how spoiled we've gotten with computers. How long would it take you to manually recalculate that many forms? There are some simple 1040 EZ type returns that I think I could do faster by hand than on computer. But other than that I'll wait for a computer to recalculate!