Randall

Gee, another report saying the tax code is complicated. I wonder if the AICPA has ever influenced Congress. Calling all cognitors.

I don't do it, don't really want to. I will have a pdf of prior year return open but not the return from the program.

File the child return and carry forward the capital loss for future use on child returns. Also track 1099-Div for basis even though brokerages and fund companies are supposed to track that now.

Turns out my update did not update the efilerules file. Tech support was able to get that updated for me.

Thanks.

Yes, even on a stand alone, CCH is backing up in a folder named ATX2013 Server. That is why I couldn't find it at first. I have Drake and ATX this year. Yes, it's a pain trying to learn a different program. I'm using ATX mostly. But I plan to give both a fair evaluation and that's why I paid the extra dollars. It hurt but I knew it would take some time. Maybe not until summer or fall.

Where in Drake is the backup and is there a file with client name attached to identify a specific client backup file? I see the Backup folder but can't identify specific clients. Also, is there an export function as in ATX? All I see related to 'export' has to do with importing/exporting info from QB or brokerage info, etc. Can we export a client file to a flashdrive, import to home computer and vice versa. How do those working at both home and office interchange their files with Drake?

Jack, I know you say forget previous years. Previous years included name of client in the backup file. 2013 doesn't have the name of the client, just a string of numbers/letters. How can we identify a specific backup file with a client? I see if I do an export, I get names listed.

I think it still takes up too much storage space, not as much as before but far more than previous years. Don't know why it requires that much space.

Keywest, I'll try that. Jack, done that. Still reject.

ATX. I keep getting an Indiana IT-40 return rejected because of 'latest form not updated'. I have updated the forms, the program is 13.3 and still get the rejection notice. Not sure what I'm missing. Called support, never got a person, just directed to MyATX which gives me the same rejection notice.

ATX shows CA 540 not ready for paper filing. But it is ok for efiling? I don't get a message when creating an efile.

jshtax: If you're using ATX2013, it wants to do all things on your c drive, backups, etc. See Jack's comments. 250gb sounds like a lot, but the os and other reserved space will gobble up a big chunk of that. I would try to go bigger for the c drive.

My laptop has an SSD. Only 256gb though. Ultrabook, thin. My desktop is 3 years old. Has a smaller SSD for OS (c drive), regular HD (1tb, d drive). But I don't recommend this setup. I thought I could custom install software to regular HD (d drive), but some software (especially with ATX 2013) still wants to put things on c drive. I have enough room but I'll be getting a new system later this year with a larger SSD and only the one HD. Go SSD but go big.

I've noticed the 2013 backup files DO NOT include client names. But the export files DO include client names. I recommend letting the ATX backup do it's thing regularly but I would manually create an export file regularly just like a backup file. That way, you'll have an export file that DOES include client names.

I know it's extra work, but I would install on the laptop and do all the customizing again on the laptop. Since you have it set up on your office computer, it should go quicker than the first time you did it. Then, copy or import returns. I wouldn't just copy the program over.

I agree that usually it would be better to take the AOC first if they qualify for it. But I don't think you can just deduct the credit amount and use the balance to calculate the 529 taxable portion. You have to use the cost amount ($4000) used for the AOC, then the remaining cost balance applied toward the 529 calculation. Room and board won't count for AOC but does for 529.

Have you checked the C drive under ProgramDataCCH etc? If folder is not shown, maybe it is under hidden files. I had this going on, needed to check 'show hidden files'. Can't remember off the top of my head right now how I got there to do that.

Yes, Rich, that was my view too. Just started second guessing myself with the cash method rules.

Just to verify, SEP IRA contributions can be made up to the return filing due date (including extensions). So if contribution is made in 2014 for 2013, a deduction can be taken for 2013. If employer is a corporation on cash basis, is this still true for a contribution made in 2014 for the year 2013?

Thanks Jack. I see that the program did clean it up. The space went from 3.3gb to about 300-400mb.

I spoke too soon earlier when I said I didn't see this problem. Seems that my backup file was hidden. Anyway, I only had about 7 returns and it took 3.3gb. I updated program yesterday. Not sure how it's working now. I'm wondering if I copy existing backup to flashdrive, delete the backup on HD and then redo backup in the new updated program, it will use less space for already existing returns. Just thought I'd ask for comments before trying it.

I've not noticed the problem so far. I recently updated the program and have version 13.2.500.9. Not sure if that fixed the problem but I haven't noticed my HD being eaten alive yet.

I'm not sure how close they are to a fix. I'm no programmer but it seems like there must be some kind of replication loop going on for it to take up that much space. It seems a client backup file would only take about 2000 kb per version with up to 5 versions or so backed up at any time.

I use my 3rd monitor for clients but only some things. It's turned off most of the time. When a client questions something, I'll show the pdf copy of the return or last year's return or some of the client documents I have scanned in as pdf. Easier than thumbing thru original paper docs. Also like Richcpaman, I use the planning tool sometimes live with the client. Most of the time, I just have a printed copy of that for the client. Also, when I have the 3rd monitor on for the client, I move anything on my 1st monitor over to my 2nd monitor (click and drag) that I don't want the client to see. I've also used the 3rd monitor for a quick training session in QB. I really don't use the 3rd monitor much. For most clients, it just isn't necessary. But it is handy at times. And I don't do returns while the client is there. They drop off info and come back for the return. I tell new callers this up front.