mcb39

I was pretty much thinking the same thing as for just a little more than twice that much, I can buy a 19" flat screen. My feeling is that all of you who have replied are leaning more toward monitor than CPU.; as I am. I have a few old 15" in the basement; if need be. Pretty hard to regress after 3 years with 19".

For past several months, monitor has been blacking out inrtermittently for just a second. Sometimes does it several times then stabilizes and works fine for weeks. Seems to be worse when system has not been used for a while. I have run CK Disk from both windows and DOS. Have run PC Doctor. Hard drive checks out every time. This past Sunday, after being gone for ten days; monitor went out and stayed out. Could only get it to show "Power Saving Mode" as if it were going into standby. Since restarting the system, everything has been fine. Any ideas as to which direction I should head. Hate to spring for a new monitor if that is not the problem. Any input will be appreciated. <_<

Sorry for the repeat...having a hard time editing prior post. Where is delete when you need it?

I do a complete backup of hard drive on the first of every month with Rev drive and Ghost software. Use alternating disks which are kept in a safe. I also do incremental timed backups daily with the same hardware and software. When it comes to tax returns and bookkeeping accounts; I back up as I work onto Zip disks. Just cannot stress enough how important all of this is. Have never had a hard drive fail; but have had other kinky things happen when I was able to restore files and/or programs from one or the other of the backups. Also never go anywhere between computers (desktop and laptop) without one or more jump drives on hand. May sound like overkill and probably is, but the freedom from worry is wonderful and the trauma of losing your information can be devastating. My safe is fire and waterproof and all recovery disks are kept there as well and offsite. Night all. Hubby came in from fishing and appreciated the fresh homema de bread.

I did think that the original response was a little harsh, but have learned to recognize that different posters have different presentations. However, I, also, learned something new today as a result of the response. Also heartily agree with the itemized deductions discussion. :unsure:

Taxbilly's post containing e-mail from IRS answered ALL of my questions. Thank you so very much. :)

Good for you! A lot of help we were. Of course, we couldn't see your form.

KC is correct; something else is wrong. I have been e-filing the adoption credit for two years now for a family who adopted three special needs children...6 year old twins and an 8 year old boy. No glitches either year. BTW, after 15 years of marriage and right after the adoptions were finalized, this family found out they were going to be welcoming a natural child....the sweetest little girl and adored by all. Born in Dec of 2005, the couple who had no children in prior years; suddenly had four childred to claim. Made the filers nervous, but all went well and this is one of the most heart-warming returns that I have ever done.

Hey, Eli....I just got a letter offering me a franchise for Liberty Tax. I told my husband and son that they could be Miss Liberty and Uncle Sam....alas, they declined. In any event, it is not an option. Apparently they want to move into my territory....There is already one North of the City and I am South...que sera

WI is also mandatory over a certain number; but it matters not. Piggyback and without a hitch. I can also E-file CA; and do, as well as MI, MN, IL....We are now required to E-file auto license and title paperwork.; which is my husband's business. He, who doesn't know and will not learn how to turn on a computer. Lucky for him, he has good staff which would be me and two sons. Requirement is sales of 48 or more per year. Even if you fall below that number; you have to pay an additional $15 to paper file. And...if you don't comply, the fee is $65. Up side is that titles and tags arrive in less than a week. Also, once we got the hang of it, we kinda like it. So, the trend is definitely electronic, whether we like it or not.....

Go to "My Controls" at top of log in page. This will take you to a page with lots of choices. On the left hand side, as you scan down, you will see "Edit my Profile". Click on it and edit away....

KC and I feel exactly the same about Intuit; although I DO like and use Quicken, but purchased the "Quicken for Dummies" book which I use for support. I have also renewed Max for ONE more year. Also, like KC, I have other options in the outfield in case this game becomes too hard to play.......

E-filing is very acceptable. However, you still need to furnish paper to the recipient of the W-2 or 1099. I think that is what we have been referring to in re the uni-forms.

I like all of your answers. However, only Wayne actually said that he accepted both halves of the whole. If you decide to send one "down the road"; how do you decide which one and what reasons do you give? I have handled these types of situations in the past without problems. But, I have one looming on the horizon that could be difficult, even though they are both worthy clients and both feel entitled to my advice and assistance.

:huh: What are the moral and ethical ramifications of preparing tax returns and giving tax advice to both halves of a divorced couple who, as a married couple, have been long-term clients? If there are any, how do you decide which one you owe your loyalty to? I want to think that the privacy issues to which we are committed should be adequate; but can foresee some discomfort arising from this type of situation. Comments?

I also buy enough to last for a while and purchase a few of the window envelopes that are made for them; for the few that I have to mail. And, yes, I also use them for 1099's if they have to be mailed. A little overkill there, but economical enough and they are impressive looking.

I concur with OldJack. Have had no problems with the software and if you order and use their perforated "uni-Forms"; they work well. The software does offer several different printing options. IMO,; a fine module.

Taxbilly, you are doing a GREAT job as designated Bday greeter. I thought you missed Evan; did a "refresh" and there it was. I see that we are still growing in membership. Very commendable for this time of year....

Karen, are you referring to a Group Home or an Assisted Living Facility.? My experience with my Mom was that her doctor said that she could no longer live alone and her moving to assisted living rather than a nursing home was our choice; but it certainly was medically necessary. Aren't long-term care insurance premiums deductible? This issue never came up with us as Mom was not required to file a tax return. However, her care got steadily more extensive to the point of staying in the same facility but entering into hospice care until passing. IMO, if the medically necessary portion is not deductible, it certainly should be. Have no research materials with me; but am certaily interested in what input others may have.

I'm pretty sure that I haven't won anything. Nonetheless, the price of Max is right at or very close to where it was last year. I understand how you feel, as a few years ago the same thing was happening with Saber Pro and Wi Pro and I was forced (price-wise) to navigate to Max which seemed like overkill to me. However, I have not been sorry. The ability to do payroll, unlimited e-file and the occasional odd state (without downloading the forms from each individual state's website); have all been beneficial. And, as more people move around and my practice grows, there are more and more of those other states and part year returns. Unfortunately, we have other issues to address this year, which make decisions more difficult. We will have to decide which is the best route for each of us to take. I urge everyone to put ill feelings aside and make your decisions based on what is best for you and your clients. I would also like to stress again that I am extremely grateful for the birth and life of this Community forum. The membership continues to grow and the feeling here of camaraderie is so much more profound that the old site. I don't believe that I have read one instance of bickering, insulting or intimidation on this forum. Thanks again, erc, you have done an great job of getting us together and I believe we have all learned a few lessons from the demise of the old board.

The suggestions above given by Eric; did work for me. Thanks ERC!

Have very good friends (aka family) in Kyle, San Marcos area. The Blanco is either overflowing the banks or you can walk to the other side because it is so dry. Beautiful area, though, when things are normal; whatever that is...

Eli, is this a relative or someone that you feel obligated to help? If not, I would not get involved as he is obviously working the numbers to his own best advantage. When you say, "at least that's what he said," it indicates that you don't really believe him either. Good Luck, my friend....

Definitely a keeper....thanks for sharing....I did try to do at least ten of those things today....