joelgilb

I agree that ClickStampOnline was the better of the choices and was very disappointed when PB discontinued it and got me to move to their more expensive and IMHO less capable program Shipstream. Further Shipstream would not even run on my new computer, yet its interface is identical to Endicia. Although I liked ClickStampOnline, Endicia does have some features ClickStampOnline did not though, such as printing actual stamps. Now what is "Desktop Dozen"?

I tend to put programs in a in a different directory, sorry folder (old dos guy here) than the software mfg default folder. This way can avoid some of the network issues with having programs in Windows default "Program Files" folder. I also try to put all data files in a folder under "My Documents" (ok so this Windows hater does like the My Documents folder). This seems to ease backup of all softwares' data files from one easy place. It also maximizes the methods for backup. I can zip, use backup software, easily sync etc. S I find software that keeps its data files in its own folder make it more difficult to backup for both myself and the clients I support. As for avoiding the Registry (hate the registry btw), I find very few programs and Windows rarely let me do this. Wish Windows allowed everyone to have their hooks, dlls etc in their own folders (even if Windows forced a structure here) and not hooked in the systems folders and registry. But it is the way it is. I understand that this would cause duplication of dlls and other system files, but so what! Windows can always control loading of these files to avoid duplication. Then if I need to move a program folder, I just move it, just like the old dos days. As for backing up software, well for the most part it is not as important as backing up the data. Data is more critical and needs to be moved more often ( personally upgrade computers every 2 years) than software. If my PC crashed, I could in the worst case go to my original disks to reinstall software, and often this is really the better answer anyway, as thanks to the lousy structure of Windows, it is still necessary to wipe systems out every year or two just to get rid of the bloating and crap in the Registry and Windows folders.

Your answer was a good one and definately added info for the other years. I trust he will understand us all. Yea Right, like anone can understand us? Hah!

I use Encidia, at $9.95 per month plus postage. Free delivery confirmations on priority or packages, and can print stamps as well as postage. Prints with the Dymo (which I do not have) or your regular printer! Can be used to print labels without postage. Pulls data from Outlook. Verifies addresses and adds 9 digit zip codes. and you can use a USB scale to weigh and have it calculate your postage. Rates are always current as they are updated online. USB Postage Scales can be purchased at around $70.00 (brand new at Amazon) or on ebay even less. I understand the Dymo package is around $250 and includes a special printer and scale, but you have no monthly account fees. Some features differ.

As to wireless networks. I have used ATX on a wired,and 3 different wireless networks. On 802.11B all I can say is ARRRRGGGGHHHHHH On 802.11G is actually not that bad on reasonably quick machines with plenty of memory, although it is slower than the server. On 802.11N I see no noticeable difference from a wired 100 mbps network (have not use a gbps wired network)

Doesn't anybody have any idea how to use ATX to allocate the tax attributes? ATX support is not calling back with any ideas.

Network stations can be a little slower than the server. This is partly a function of the speed of the network server, partly a function of the workstation and partly a function of the software. When I upgraded my machines the workstations did load faster. Not sure if I ever got your slow speeds though.

Filing as a surviving spouse is a joint return, And yes the can file as "Joint as surviving spouse" for 2003 and 2004. As to the other years, this was not a question and there is no information to answer it. We have no idea of age, dependents etc.

Interesting, it had the answer where MTG did not?. I have actually never used the Quickfinder. Guess I should start. Usually, when I do my own research I will go to actual code, regs and cases, but to answer this one I did a quickey in the MTG. (or quickey of another type, Definition of Quickey = 1 hour!)

Never know, you and your hub might like them! Shame I can't have my wife wear them as I am diabetic. HMMMMM wonder if they have Sugar Free candy undies? :wacko: And I have clients all over the country too, but not many businesses outside my State of Practice. And, well, I don't have to look up IL tax laws for this one as I am currently still in IL and have actually had a banquet client in IL. So I guess it was easier for me to answer this one anyway. BUT... MOVE DATE TO LAS VEGAS coming on 7-7-08 YAHOO!!!!!!!!! No more WINTER! YUCK SUPER HOT SUMMERS!

File as a surviving spouse. IRS will accept it.

http://www.ntslink.com Doing pretty much the same thing that TRX is doing for both Orrtax $($299.00) and Taxwise ($699.00)and seriously discounting the software. Doesn't seem to be anyone doing that with ATX though.

Thx Jainen, Good catch. Guess I should have read more than the Master Tax Guide this time.

Unfortunate outcome, but Jainen is right, its your _ss on the line here should you sign that return. I believe you could amend any open returns and add the election to these returns. This will at least increase the basis for the last 3 years. THe code and regs should help here - See IRC Sec 266, Regs Sec 1.266-1.

hmm are candy undies being taxed in IL because they are candy or because they are clothes. Well in IL we tax both,. so maybe it doesn't matter.

Thx for the reminder here. Still need to find a way for ATX to allocate though.

Very nice Tom! And Short, sweet and to the point!

KC, clearly this is an IL banquet Hall as the writer is Illinios Taxman. (surprised you missed that one btw) Now in answer to his question, Banquet Halls in IL are taxed the same way as a restaurants at full rate on the food. Since most banquet halls charge so much per person on the food costs, generally the whole bill will be taxed at the Full Local Sales tax Rate, not the drug and food rate from grocery stores. And in IL there is not sales tax on services, so no tax on the exotic dancer. Of course if she is selling toys or using various items on you during the dance, these will have a sales tax attributed to them (ie candy undies)

To capitalize the "Carrying Charges" on the property he needed to make an election on the initial return in the year he purchased the property. Or in any year that he wanted to start capitalizing these expenses going forward from that year. I usually attach that election each year as a safety net.

Anyone know how to use the K-1 special allocations page to get the tax attributes to flow only to the partners that are entitled to the step-up? Atx's promise of a call back Friday, did not happen. Surprise Surprise, (said Gomer Pyle)

Yes, verbally and not in the letter, its more personal for one and I don't think you would want in writing that your not capable of doing the job. Too permanent a record for my liking.

Funny you should ask. There is space on this tree right over yonder.

In a situation like this (legal advice here), make a full inventory of the documents you are returning and have him sign a receipt when he picks it up. Also, draft a letter firing your client to make it clear. Years ago taught a legal course to CPA's on avoiding Malpractice claims. One of the main things is to keep your clients friends, even when firing them! Make the letter professional, explain verbally that you feel this return is out of your league and you want him to get someone than is better equipped to prepare his work, so he is protected in an era when IRS has become so pervasive. Clients that are friends or like you are far less likely to file claims with the Dept of Prof Reg, or file suit against you, even when you really do something wrong (although clearly this is not the case here). Also, see my post to your other question as a poss alternative.

You could also try asking for a retainer and indicated that due to the nature of the numbers the job became much more than in the past. Then tell him that due to changes in the IRS's position, the number of Audits, Appeals, Tax Court issues etc have drastically increased (and this is very true, I have more representation now than I have seen in most of my career), and that there are now concerns both as to substantial underreporting issues (FRAUD) and preparer liability issues. Tell him that you need to more carefully documenting expenses and demand actual documentation for the expenses and proof of payment for any items of expenses he is giving you. This could do a couple of things, expand the job and make you more money, while also increasing the accuracy of the return and your comfort level. And if he won't do it, well then you can still fire him.

Sounds like some of my clients