Tax Prep by Deb

Just be sure to read and follow the installation instructions for your setup carefully. Do not try to change the installation path, and do not after it is installed try to move any of the installation folders. I have had zero problems thus far, using a stand alone setup.

Jack, I just checked my backups to external drive and they are not backing up automatically as you stated. The files I have there are the ones I originally backed up (copied backup) back on January 12. Since then I have opened and saved many returns. So I don't think it's an automatic thing. I think you will have to do it manually. Deb!

Try this first. Close the program. Right click on program shortcut. Choose run as administrator. Once opened try to update. I don't know why, but it works for me.

I bet a lot of people miss the notification button. It's a direct jump to ATX's blog where they have done a good job posting solutions and recommendations. It's funny how many people on the Official ATX site don't even bother reading the BLOG. Most of the problems and complaints mentioned over there (over and over again) are addressed on the blog. It's at least a good way to keep informed of issues and solutions. I must say, that at least so far I have not had any real problems, but then again I'm only working with a couple of very simple returns. I have a more complicated one coming in on Saturday. Let the fun begin! Deb!

Nicely explained! Deb!

I looked at the worksheet 5-1 and read the surrounding info, but I think my situation is more like frazzled commented on. This seems to apply if my client also used the rooms she rented out for her own use. These rooms are exclusively rented to the tenant. My client does not enter or access these two rooms during the year, and they were rented at FMV for 365 days in 2013. I don't know if this changes anything, but that worksheet is more geared towards her using those rooms also. The example Frazzled referenced from the same publication fits my situation, but doesn't address deducting any losses. The heading directly following her reference deals with not for profit and it specifically states no losses allowed, nor no loss carryovers. Thanks, Deb!

Yes, I had already read that and was pretty sure I was on the right path. If this does generate a loss however, is she allowed to take it the same way as if she was renting the entire house? Deb!

Not a hijack, but right on point! I couldn't have said it better. I was brought up that if you can't say something nice, you shouldn't say anything at all. People are going to have different opinions about everything, but what was really getting annoying was when one would say it's white and the other would say it's black. Expressing ones opinion is quite different than arguing ones opinion! Just my two cents worth! Deb!

I have a client coming in Saturday who purchased a home in 2012. In January of 2013 she began renting out two of the bedrooms. The kitchen, family room, guest bath are all common shared rooms. Am I correct that she deducts rental expenses on just the square foot of the rooms she is renting, not taking anything into consideration of the common areas? I am having her get me the total square footage of the home and then the square footage of each of the two bedrooms. Am I on the right track here? Also if this turns out to be a loss, (If any it will be very little) is she allowed to claim the loss like other rental property subject to the rules? Thanks in advance! Deb! ps. Let the fun begin!

They said on the other forum to simple ask for acks and if you can connect to their server your fine. (just tried it on mine and everything was fine. As long as you don't see red you should be good to go!)

I also agree!

I love caller ID

He has offered to help over and over again. It's nice to see him getting some recognition instead of attacks!

I have had absolutely noooooo!!!!! problems with ATX this year. I really wish you guys would stop the bashing and get busy doing other things. Yes, some are still having troubles, but absolutely not to the same degree we saw last year. I installed the most recent update, didn't rush the program, let it do it's on thing while I went about other business, finished install in less than 5 minutes, didn't rush the re-open waited, when I opened I had not problem, rolled over a return with assets, assets, flowed, no problem. I do believe that the ones that are having problems, are not installing per instructed. ATX did a wonderful job this year on the install instructions, and have been quick to respond if an issue arises. Jack is very good to help if you will PM him like he has asked. I monitor the other ATX site, and believe me the difference from this year and last year is totally different. I feel for the ones that are having issues, but again, they seem to be much smaller this year. Deb!

Double Ditto! Deb!

Truth is, I didn't see the delete button until just now. I was having a senior moment!

Forget it! Turns out that instead of putting it on my credit card (which I always do), this year I paid for it thru my checking account. (Now I feel real stupid!)

I renewed my PTIN the first part of November. I received via e-mail and to my in-box at IRS my welcome letter, stating that my application had been accepted. When I check on my status it shows I'm good thru 2014. Problem is my credit card has not yet been charged for this transaction. I didn't have any problems processing anything, but I have checked every card I use and I can not find this transaction. Should I be concerned? Deb!

Looks like although it calculates on the data sheet, it's not flowing from there. I just looked at two and all my assets are there showing current depreciation, but no depreciation showing on the other forms, or worksheets.

Same here! I would be the first to say I'm blind in one eye and can't see out of the other, but it looked totally different to me. Deb!

Has anyone else noticed, or is it just me, that the font seems much smaller? Everything about the board looks small. I've been away from my main computer for a few days, just got back to it today, and logged on, but everything seems way smaller. I don't notice it anywhere else I look on the Internet, just here. Is there anyway to make it larger? I have changed nothing on my computer, all my settings are the same as when I left. Deb!

I agree. I did give Drake a try, but had problems installing. I tried a couple of returns, but didn't like the worksheet entry, much prefer looking at forms, and although you can do it somewhat that way with Drake,, I couldn't remember how so it slowed me way down. So far ATX 2013 is behaving but I do agree with what Jack says, follow instructions carefully, do not think of this as old type ATX and do not alter any directories. Let it install where it wants and do not move backup or data filees. Deb!

Agreed. I haven't messed with anything and ao far everything is just fine. I never changed my backup location in previous years, I simply make a second backup to a separate drive. I'm assuming this can still be done? Deb

Jack, I do agree with your recommendations, but Atx instructions indicate that the backup location van be changed. This is why so many people are doing it and why there is so many problems. Atx needs to either fix this or change there instructions. Deb

I guess some of us got the 13.1 update on our disk. When I installed mine I checked and that was the version. Each day I do a program up-date and it says I'm current. I have had absolutely no problems so far. Easy to install, easy to roll over (I only rolled over one small return) I haven't checked anything with depreciation yet. Deb!