mcb39

I had two clients over the weekend and one today that just received results of their 2019 returns. The one today received a check, no information except 2019 tax refund. This money was supposed to have been applied to 2020. Prior to this, they wanted him to send them money for 2020 and said that he had never filed in 2019. WRONG!! I had proof that he had filed; date of filing; date of acceptance and they are just now getting around to processing it. Now, to straighten out the 2020 mess. I advised him to put the money in the bank and wait for further clarification. Honestly, they are SO broken. I won't even go into the details of the other one because it involves two years as well. Is this madness ever going to end? They send no explanations and I am unable to contact them.......EVER!!!!

I started in the basement; then in a spare bedroom when my son moved out. A few years back, I had an addition 12 x 16 added to the spare bedroom. Still not enough room, but I am not going any larger. I, too, think of myself as the same age as when I started in the basement with returns for relatives and a few friends. I had purchased my first computer and found an awesome program, Parsons Technology, which was later eaten up by Intuit. A lot happens in what seems like a few years which in reality turn into 30 years. I always worked an outside job at the same time until about 5 years ago. We didn't have a TV until I was in High School and the only channel we got was snowflakes. We got a telephone about then too. It sounds corny, but at least I feel that I have done something with my life. I will be married 62 years in a few months. Have no idea where those years went either; but I do have two precious great-Grandchildren. I'm not quitting yet unless it's not by choice.

Absolutely, they must bring copies of their prior returns unless this is a first-time file. We also need proof of ID,, DOBs, Contact info, etc. We do have a first-time client interview sheet.

I am amazed at the turmoil that this post created. It was definitely meant to mean the referral of a new client. As far as sending information goes, we do have a locked drop box outside so there is no personal contact with someone dropping off information for an existing client; which is extremely rare. While I am here, could someone please change the header to read 2022. Thank you!

Yes, I remember for sure. BBQ ribs if I recall correctly. It really has been quite a ride and I don't plan on jumping ship any time soon. I sent you another message in your post regarding moving. Friends forever!!!!

Aren't we all amazing? I am pushing 80 (pushing really hard). Margaret, a few years ago, I added a home office extension to my home. I won't be moving because my husband's business is next door. And, I won't be quitting until he no longer needs me to do his accounting and tax prep. Maybe, not even then. I would never give up my two landlines; one for fax; although fewer and fewer people are using faxes any more. Obviously, I am OLD school. I took on a young assistant as we have a client base of over 200 and growing. I have no advice for you about moving. However, I encourage you to not give up your practice. There are so many people out there who really, REALLY need us and I'm not giving up as long as my brain holds out. At my age, it's not always about money and really never has been. I enjoy my clients and most of them are friends. Once in a while I have to send one down the road just because we conflict. You have my best wishes for whatever you decide to do. Nothing much is impossible if you really want to do it. I would certainly miss you here.

I have used ATX since 1998 when it was Saber. I first saw your post today. I have a direct line to my rep who calls and emails me several times a year. Here is her number, try it and be nice. 678-797-6928

When they say send, they mean refer. My response is generally yes.

I know that I am so fortunate. I just threw it out there on Facebook asking if there was anyone out there who wanted to help out part-time preparing tax returns and she showed up. She will do anything; sweep, shred, clean and prepare tax returns almost flawlessly. It is a perfect fit. If she needs help she asks for it and if she is weak in some area, I am free to tell her about it. I allow her flexibility as to hours and a chance to learn this crazy business the proper way. I have been doing this as a business since 1992. I can't pay her a lot, but we feed her and I am giving her the benefit of my experience and she is a fast learner. Perfect setup so far. Just started second year today.

Clients are beginning to call for appointments in mid February. This is a good thing. Clients are asking, "Can I send my daughter, neighbor, friend?" It is beginning to sound as though taxpayers are totally confused by all the things that they are hearing. Well, we are here to help. Unfortunately, we don't know all of the answers yet; but nobody knows that except us.

One of them is working with me now. And, what a blessing she is. She has amazing work ethics and this is her chance to really learn the ins and outs of this business. She loves it, as do I. Therefore, she is helping me in so many ways and I am teaching her. She is half my age so someday she will probably be sitting in this chair. She is absolutely in awe of how varied and complicated tax preparation can be. I am very thankful. Extra bonus: my clients love her.

The happiest of New Years to all of you. Please may we have an easier and more productive tax season this year before we all throw in the towel. Happy and Blessed 2022!

Let's hope that it is January Something!!!

Also, remember, prior to the sweeping tax change bill, everyone got a $4500 exemption for each dependent. Are we back in the playing field yet? The past three years as a tax preparer have really been a hoot! I am not expecting any better this year. Some of my clients are just now getting their refunds from last year. The phone is ringing already and our hands are tied. Does anyone have any idea when we will be allowed to start filing?

I reposted the information last week. I have had so far 43 likes and 80some shares; so the word is getting out to some.

I put a post on my blog in November and again the other day. My clients are reading it and liking it. I simply said that we cannot prepare their tax returns without it. That gets their attention.

They all assume they are entitled to that anyway!!!!!

Mine is ATX

I have also noticed that they make changes and don't attach an explanation like they used to. They are doing a lot of changing and not telling the client or us why they did it.

I don't think so, but I am satisfied with the deal that I got in May and was then able to put it behind me and worry about other things. Actually, I haven't heard of any newer "offers" and I do talk to my sales rep from time to time. What irritates me the most are all of the changes in Support and the inability to access them easily. I hope that process changes as we move along. Like I said, I have a working program installed and they haven't even been paid yet. I just received an email informing me that payment is due next week. Merry Christmas to me.!

I received and installed it yesterday. Looking good. Odd thing is that they haven't even collected my payment yet.

I have no desire to update to Windows 11. According to the stats, my brand new (last year) computers do not have the components capable of running it. WHAT??? I wasn't planning on updating anyway because of ATX and I am never the first one to jump on the ship. I trust my IT person and even he is floored as he purchased the same computers as I did at the same time. I leave it to him to figure out. Hopefully, by the time we are forced to use Win 11, I will be too old to care. I heard 2025.

Am finished with required cpe as well, but did sign up for a half day FREE seminar on Wisconsin tax in December. Since the program has arrived and is installed, I feel ahead of the game at the moment. I know I will live to eat those words.

That's why I have a locked drop box right outside my home office door. Also in the boonies and mail boxes on a post by the Hiway. My clients get it and use it.

I am still using 2010. I see no reason to update. It does what I want it to do and, yes, I have a disk. I also have a disk for 2017.