Kea

I hate PTPs! My first year with PTPs was my last year with ATX (2009). But if memory serves me, I believe ATX also made you enter it as 2 K1s if there were values in both box 1 & 2 (or 3?). Not sure if they still do. At that time, there were instrutions on the input screen. Good luck!

Thanks so much. So I can put it directly on the 1041 even though the SSN and EIN won't match? Should I / How would I put a note on the 1040 or 1041 to show why it's reported with a different EIN?

Congrats!

Congrats!

Here are the areas they test: http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-utl/rtrptestspecifications.pdf While it is "open book" that only refers to Pub 17, the Form 1040 and the 1040 instructions. It doesn't refer to Circular 230. And there were several questions on that. (I took the test 4 months ago & don't remember the specific questions.) Also their versions of the Pub 17, etc. is in a different format than the one you can download from IRS. Same info, just different navigation. Not terribly exciting, but here's a link to a sample Prometric test - to get a feel for how the computer test works. It doesn't actually help with tax prep questions. http://www.prometric.com/clientfiles/irs/irsrp/index.htm I took the NATP test prep class and used their online sample tests for practice. I'm guessing those are only available to people who take the class, but I'm not sure about that. I found taking the sample tests to be very helpful in getting my brain back in a test taking mode. Good luck.

I'm working on 2 more decedent returns. Both of these received 1098s in name / SSN of decedent. In the first case it was a simple matter of the client passing away while still paying a mortgage. I know the interest paid after DOD goes to Form 1041. My question is: how do I show moving it to 1041 on the 1040 Sch A? 2nd case is a reverse mortgage. Even though all interest was paid when the house was sold by the estate, the 1098 is reported in name / SSN of decedent. House was sold within a few months by the estate (no one else lived in the house after DOD). Can the revese mortgage interest also be moved to the 1041? Or, do I not show them at all on the 1040? Just enter directly on the 1041 with lender name and decedent name as nominee? Thanks

Congrats!!!

I'm catching up on doctor and vet appointments as well as various other errands that have been neglected. If all goes as planned, we'll head to a nice sunny beach next week.

And to think that was right here in my own neck of the woods! But I've never even gone to SXSW - I tend to avoid crowds. That would have been interesting, though!

Thanks! I think I might go for all 3! Disassemble 1st, then some pieces for target practice & some pieces for the sledge hammer (just a different tool for practicing).

A few weeks ago, the drive I was using for my tax backups stopped "lighting up" - not sure if the problem has an easy fix or if it's completely toast. Drives aren't very expensive so I got a replacement. What to do with the old one? It has confidential info on it if anyone can get it working. Is the best option a good hammer? It won't fit in the shredder (LOL)! My husband suggested target practice. Obviously, I am open to creative suggestions after this last tax season! But legit solutions are also welcome. I don't want anyone to be able to get to this data.

Would you add me to the list - if you haven't run out yet?

Actually, you have until 12/31/13 to pass the test. But the CPE requirement does start this year. I'm pretty sure I'll renew with TRX also. Like mentioned above, it's all about the price. I did get an ad today for OLTPro for $399. It talks about being an online program but also says you can order a free demo CD. I might look at their website before I make my final decision.

My federal extension was accepted even though the 1040 was accepted weeks ago. Hope that keeps PA happy!

@Gene - Your situation makes sense. The message is saying it can't print because the application is busy & it really is busy. Maybe I'll try to give my computer a good thorough "cleaning" this week (or next ... or next month ... whenever!)

My screw-up today was a bit bigger. Everything was done - just waiting on signature & payment method (US & NC returns / not extensions). Got e-mail around noon giving checking account and signed 8879. Went into file & fixed signature date & sent e-file. Right after US acked and I let them know, I noticed I hadn't entered the EFW info. GRRR. NC was still at filing center & I stopped it. Went into software and saw that EFW wasn't a choice - only direct deposit. Not sure if it's a NC thing or a software thing or what. Sent e-file and notified client that they had to mail 2 checks. By the time they got my e-mail and voice mail, they weren't sure if they could find an open post office (around 5:30 their time). I'll reduce my fee & pay any interest that US & NC decide to charge. Gotta just love the season-end problems.

>>I belive it wasnt there.<< So I'm not as sleep deprived as I thought I was? I've had some strange quirks, too. I do sometimes reboot the program and / or computer. Advance System Care is always going in the background, but I very seldom force it to do it's full scan. Lazy? Forgetful? Just plain ol' not thinking about it? All of the above? Good suggestion, though. Have you had the problem of printing to .pdf in Review & it tells you it can't do it because the application is busy? Then you hit the button again, and poof it works? (Just 2 seconds later - no rebooting required.)

I agree with everything said above. It is fabulous to have a place to ask tax questions when you work at home -- especially when this isn't your first career and don't know any "local" professions to discuss with. Thanks for all your help this year (and previous years). I hope my questions weren't too stupid.

@Janitor Bob, I'm going to follow your lead on this one. I have a part-year PA to extend. Federal already filed. PA says they take an automatic federal extension. But to file a PA extension, you have to state a valid reason (and not tax preparer needs more time). Also there is a list of who can file the extension and tax preparer is not one of them (unless EA or CPA). So I'm going with the federal extension and see what happens.

True. But a SWAG is a SWAG is a SWAG.

Turns out the client was reading the info off of the 1099S rather than the IRS issue form. Gave me the EIN for the FILER and they had the name as Estate of Mary J Smith Jones. I was going to use JONE for name code. When she got the proper document in her hand, I got the correct EIN, with the name Mary J Smith Jones Estate and name code of SMIT. I've resent. Let's see if it accepts this time.

I had one friend (former co-worker) that used to always come in on the last day at around 8:00. Simple return 1 W2, interest, mortgage, RE tax. Could do it in my sleep (and I think I did). Then we would visit for a bit. And I knew I was done. It was a good wind-down. Now making an appointment for a new client and having to explain what's needed on a Sch C? Not gonna happen!

Only need the 8878 for extensions with electronic funds transfer. Since she's already completed the federal, there should be no balance due. Should only need to e-file 4868.

But with self-employed people that figure can change dramatically from year to year. And if you don't have 2010 (or anything prior), it's a total WAG (not even scientific enough to get the SWAG label).

Wow! I always knew we were supposed to make a good estimate, but I never had heard of one actually being voided for a bad estimate! Can it also be voided if the estimate is OK, but they decided not to pay the balance with the extension? I know it adds interest, but can it also void the extension? I do try to always get as much info as I can to file an extension. Sometimes that means basing on the previous year. But sometimes you just don't have the info. In this case, I only have partial 2010 info. I guess I'll see if he sends anything later today.