joanmcq

I'm not thinking of the returns I prepare, but the ones out there that will suddenly be getting more 1099s, and have to report the income since it is documented. I see a lot of self-prepared returns because of doing audits. I will have a lot more education to do for my small biz clients.

What it does is keep people from being able to deduct cash transactions, unless reported, and not as easily hide cash income. This stuff isn't for Microsoft & Dell; its to try to slow the cash economy. Hey, you can still pay cash for stuff...but either you don't deduct it or you issue a 1099. Yeah, its Big Brother watching over us. But since I pay all my taxes, and see the percentage of people who don't, my feelings are mixed. Like the new preparer requirements. I'd like to see the unlicensed with whom I compete have to at least get some kind of education and be required to exhibit some kind of competency before they get to hang up their shingle. Do I like more fees and paperwork for me? No. Is there still going to be a cash & underground economy? Sure there will. But it'll be harder to hide, and all those folks that believe you don't have to pay taxes on money you don't get a 1099 for will pay a bit more of their share of the deficit.

I already charge darn near all my business stuff just because I know what a pain it is to get 'proof of payment' if you are audited. Keeping it all on a biz credit card is simple and easy. And makes it easy to do my bookkeeping; I staple all the individual reciepts behind every monthly statement. Do this for gas purchases too. The only time I pay cash for biz stuff is if I'm running into Office Depot for something that is under $5 and I just happen to have cash. The same goes for my rentals; charge card or debit card. I suggest methods like this for my clients too.

Unlock codes for 2002 & 2003 worked, but the programs wouldn't load properly. They hang up. Sigh. So I get to 2004, and find that Form 5471, which is the big issue for these returns, isn't available in the 1040 program. So I may be screwed even on my laptop, since it won't be on there either. I just hope my pay-per-return is still up and running. I seem to remember an issue with that when I transferred returns to the laptop way back when. WTF? This form is not a corporate form, its being filed with a 1040. Glad I've just bought Max the last few years.

Well, I just got an email response from ATX with a 'generic' unlock code. I think that is what they give for really old programs. Lets see if it works.... Unfortunately I am at work and can't try til tonight. Sigh.

Crap, my download code from 2003 is coming up invalid. I didn't have any problems with the earlier years. WTF? this is the third computer I've loaded the programs on. I'm getting the codes from the ATX website.

I'm keeping my laptop regardless...its fully depreciated so dropping below 100% biz use is ok. lol. I also have my iTunes on there; but since iTunes not only syncs my tunes, but also my biz calendar, contacts, etc, I wish I could put it on my biz use desktop as well. I'm going to try loading the old programs now. cross your fingers!

Not if you want to deduct your expenses! The fines for not filing are going up too.

Argh. I did the backwards method since there was rumors the older programs would not work. So I tried 'em until one wouldn't work. I have ATX programs back to 1997. Should I just install 'em all? Has anyone gone back that far? I was't in business until 2003, but had back filing issues so I got the older programs. The really old ones only have one or two returns associated with them.

Lets hear it for charge cards!

I have Windows 7 Professional 64 bit too. I never had this problem (files disappearing) before with XP which is what I have on the laptop. When I got the new computer, I started loading the programs & data files working backwards from 2009. I didn't get a problem until 2005 when the program loaded, but not the files. I could work on a return, but it wasn't there if I closed out the program & went back in. Neither were the files I tried to import. Since I'm filing 6 years of back taxes for a new client, I'd like to get it working better!

Gene, the CP2000 notice is easy to respond to then. All returns, electronically filed or paper filed, show up the same on the IRS transcripts that the agents and eservices for that matter, can see, as well as the computers that generate the notices. This is one reason most full audits (not CP notices) ask for paper copies of the returns. they're easier to read than a transcript and contain more info. However, paper filed returns can be pulled up from the archives if necessary. and there is all that info that is not on the efile. Whether audits go to multiple years or focus only on one depends a. on the level of the audit. Is it a 'check-a-box' done by a low level examiner (very low chance of multiple years), or an R.A. (multiple years a given if b. the initial return is flawed. how crappy is the initial return being audited? Big changes or a no-change? R.A.s will usually look at all open years, especially if the returns look bad. TCOs will open additional years if the returns look bad.

Are you running 2005 & 2006 in compatibility mode? I had the same problems with returns disappearing in the 2005 program. I have 6 years of back returns to file for someone, and would rather not use my old computer. Of course, the old laptop means I can work on 'em in my bedroom, or one with AC....

I rent a room and report the income. No expenses (roommate pays part of utilities). The fraction of mortgage interest & taxes isn't worth the hassle of figuring it out.

Message to cat: quit pooping in the bathtub. I really don't need any more of that crap! Thanks, John, needed a smile.

I read the rejection report: some space or character somewhere they didn't like. didn't have time before work to really decipher the reject codes & fields affected. didn't kick anything, but did yell at my cat. Really don't need any more of this crap. sigh.

I dont' want to hear from anyone that says "this is why I don't do this". I have fairly senile old lady that I got the account info from her at 7pm last night. no late open post offices that I know of, and she doesn't drive herself anyways. file extension with e-pay, can't get acks all night. this morning I finally figure out how to get back on ATX's website and check status. rejected. Anyone know what the hell I can do???

I have to go to work and damned if I can remember or have time to look up my frikkin' password to their site. Can someone post here whatever news they have so that I can keep informed as to what the heck is happening as far as transmittals go? If I have to spend all weekend chasing down efiles....... :spaz:

Any one get any acks lately?

i'm here/ trying to get acks. will be checking back all night it seems. blech.

yeah, last year all my stuff (extensions or returns) were filed early and I was sitting back and relaxing. this year...well I already mentioned. I also had and still have a pinched nerve which is screwing with my typing and has required doctors visits, heavy drugs and massage appointments which cut into my work time. I may be breaking out in hives as we speak. and I am at my JOB (which a lot of you don't have and requires me to be there at certain hours including 9-6 april 15.) and I still have outstanding acks. Oh and really bad cramps. And I don't drink. And I quit smoking. still have some heavy drugs left though.

I filed a few more extensions. they are in transmitted status, like all the others. no acks, and since I had to do an electronic payment with one extension, I am really hoping there are no problems.

none here

Every other year since I set a deadline of March 31, I've had all my returns & extensions filed by about the 8th or 9th. Last year I even finished up an extension that I figured, by the time I got all the info entered to determine if they owe, it was just as easy to run the darn thing. And since they are retired and live about 2 blocks away, could come in on a monday afternoon to pick up and sign. Not now. I still have one extension to do. She owes, don't have her bank info for a direct debit, elderly with no cell phone and is away or busy or something on family business. Will have to file tonight, since I gotta get to my job. and I'm so tired & hormonal & frazzled (the other almost 50 year old ladies on this board can appreciate that one) that I can barely think straight. I'm bursting into tears at the drop of a hat. My own return? I gave up on even finishing the bookkeeping months ago. extension filed a long time ago.

Ok, return just transmitted, but still no acks. no error message either. But I have to frikking to to my damn job which means I can't then get anything off or check efiles until after 6 or 7 pm. I don't like waiting that long.