Randall

I agree regarding Excel. I don't think QB is all that expensive and I tell clients they don't have to upgrade every year although I would like them to do so every 3rd year at least. If it's too expensive and they are very small, go with the Excel suggestion. Set them up with a Receipts and Disbursements Journal.

I've used Norton for years and although I know it slows things down, I've not had a problem. I was thinking of switching when I buy a new computer later this year. But now I see Symantec (Norton's owner) is buying PGP, which is my encryption software company. So I'll probably stay with Symantec (Norton) with the new computer.

Also to carry the loss forward.

Some retirement accounts issue the 1099R at the same time as the distribution. If a person takes several distributions during the year, there may be several 1099Rs issued instead of one for the total at the end of the year. A few years ago, a client brought in one 1099R but also included their year end statment showing total withdrawals for the year. I noticed the total withdrawals were quite a bit higher then the 1099R amount. After inquiring, the client had several 1099Rs issued.

If importing to Sch D in ATX does't work, rearrange the spreadsheet into the Sch D format the best you can and mail as an 8453 attachment.

What about claiming parent as dependent. Parent is living with client. Parent is still married. Parent's spouse filed as married filing separately. Client can claim parent as dependent but can client claim HOH too. Client provides over half support (spouse none) except for parent's soc sec.

And it's much easier to review the return for individual numbers. You may have multiple lines for each entity, but easier to trace indidividual numbers on the K-1 to the return.

Thanks. I was wondering if it was an IRS or ATX problem.

ATX is not letting me create an efile with clergy worksheets. Message says to paper file the return. 2009 Form 8453 does not have a line item for the clergy worksheets. 2008 Form 8453 did have this line item. Is IRS no longer requiring the worksheets? Or is it just ATX that is preventing an efile creation with the worksheets in the return?

Yes, I would complete for all copies. I wouldn't want to give the client a copy that wasn't the same as the original filed.

Congratulations on retirement. I agree, let the shredding begin. Enjoy your retirement.

I did just that. It took time and it was a slow process. You probably have more volume than I had. But I too like to keep those worksheets. All the more beneficial to just access that with a couple of clicks. When a client calls, I can be clicking while he's still asking his question. Many times, I can be looking at what I need to see almost by the time he's finished asking his questions. I would start with the current year and avoid adding to the paper pile. Then gradually work on the back years. It's a little scary at first to not have that crutch of paper in the file or boxes.

Kleinrock Practical Tax Expert under Tax Rates, Tables and Charts

no

If taxpayer's wife is deceased and he is receiving her state teachers pension, is he eligible for the $250 credit. It seems she would be if still living but I wasn't sure about him.

Yes, this is my problem within the ATX program. My computer is a little over 4 years old (getting a new one this year). But my boot time is not that long and my opening of ATX is not that long. Some one said 25 minutes for boot (Are you kidding me?) Some one said with his brand new computer 30 seconds for ATX to come up. That's about my time with my old computer. My printer prints fairly fast when I hit print after making the selections. But hitting the print button in ATX and waiting for the print menu is what takes a longer time than I expect. Once I have the print menu and select what I want printed, everything goes fairly fast.

I'm in a similar situation. My computer is probably being slowed by 'stuff' (Norton), etc. But I'm going to wait until later in the year. Definitely W7 64 bit and 64 bit hardware too. I'm also waiting for Office 2010 which is due out this year.

I started with 2005 keeping only pdf copies of returns, client info, etc. Like you, I had full files, boxes at the office and boxes at home. I began scanning them in a little at at time. I did it myself, took a lot of time, but saved money. Got all the boxes done, still had the filing cabinets full. In November, downsized office space, began scanning the remaining files in the cabinets. Couldn't get it all done by busy season, still have some boxes left. Smaller office, more efficient, saving rent money too. For backup, cross your fingers. Just kidding. Have two internal HDs, two external HDs, rotating office and home offsite. Encrypted.

I can tell. It's written all over your face.

Thanks for the tips on cleanup and defragging more often. My computer is getting old, XP, plenty of HD space, upgraded to 4gb RAM a year ago. Will be getting a new system later in the year, with all the latest, W7 64 bit, etc.

Yes, did that type of thing before tax season began. Thanks.

My print menu is slow to come up. Very slow. I don't know if my system is just old or it's the ATX program. I know ATX is a spreadsheet type program but it just seems extra slow. Especially the bigger the return.

Is this just for 1040s? I've been efiling most of my 1040s for several years now, but the 1120S and 1065s, I've held up on because KY has come on board with the piggyback system (or at least ATX) yet.

To think of it another way, the $400 on line 63 doesn't affect the tax on line 60 (total tax). But rather, it makes up for the lesser amount on line 61 (lesser withholding throughout the year).

I hate it when they borrow from their 401s. But it's usually too late by the time they see me.