Tax Prep by Deb

:scratch_head:Just loaded my new ATX Program, all went well. I have been trying however to set up a password so that when I open the program I have to log on. I'm a one person shop, so I went with admin for the user name (as I couldn't change it), set a password, closed out of the program, opened the program and it didn't have me log on. Am I doing something wrong? Deb!

Yes for the Federal, but in California our returns are still filed legacy so we have to paper file State returns. Your software program determines if the returns is the new system which allows for e-file or if it is still a legacy return. If it is a legacy return you must paper file. (all my 2011 returns were the new system, whereas few of my 2010 are) Deb!

Tom, I've had several clients that have been victims. And while it does take some time everything did get taken care of. In the past (it's been about 3 years since I've had an identity theft client) we sent in police report, social security letters, our own letter, a list of employees worked for, ect.... and it has always been straightened out. My cases have all envolved those dreaded notices with additional income not claimed on my clients return. We simply says yes this is ours, or no way I've never even been in that state, or never worked for that employer. At least IRS is taking a stand on it now. Deb!

I do not believe so. You would normally fill in the form and keep as your record but I don't believe any form gets sent in. When I use to do them by hand I didn't send a form. Deb!

I just finished up my last one, I have a call into a client that I've had done since April however she wanted an extension, which I filed for her but she still has not signed and returned the e-file authorization and she hasn't returned my call. Oh Well! Deb!

It's still there. (that is if you are using ATX). There is a tab on the 540 for credits, select line 1 and bunny jump to worksheet. If you aren't using ATX I haven't a clue! Deb!

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I tried your link Jack, however nothing opens. Were you able to open it? I can open 2012 but not 2011. I was briefly able to open 2010 and 2009 but then they both started with an error message. It's not just affecting me, my friend tried on two of their computers and I've tried on all four of mine. If someone could open the 2011 version would you be willing to e-mail me an attachment? Please send me a personal message. Thanks, Deb!

I've been trying to download a form 8829 for a friend of mine from IRS website and neither she nor myself could get it downloaded. Has anyone else had a problem with this form? Deb!

I have put the responsibility back on them by looking up the address of their closest IRS office and explained to them to go there and ask for the transcript. This has saved me a whole lot of time and frustration and most clients appreciate knowing that they can go to these offices and get what they need right there on the spot. Deb!

This just in this morning, ATX Business E-file and Business States (NY blank rejects resolution) 9/21/2012 Updated 9-21-12 NY blank acks Problem: NY in the past few days has been sending rejected acks with no error codes. NY DOR is aware of the issue of sending back acks with no reject code and we have no estimated time of resolution for those blank acks. We have a solution for you to try now: We have learned that most of the rejects with no error codes are due to a new validation rule activated for the NY CT-3S returns with the form NY CT-34SH present. Download the latest version (version 24) of this ATX form, create a new efile and send. If rejected again, the ack would contain the proper reject wording.

They sent me an e-mail indicating the problem and that they are working on it, also said to try again in an hour. Deb! p.s. this is for all e-files

Doesn't it feel good to have this behind you? Congrats! Deb!

I echo everyone else's comment. I was so nervous when I went to take my test, first several questions in I had serious doubts if I would be able to complete it in time, but went on answering ones I knew for sure then went back and researched. I actually found it a bit easier to find some answers using the instruction for the 1040 verses the publ 17. The questions concerning circular 230 that gave me the hardest time, I just asked my self what seemed the logical answer, what would I do if presented with this issue and I guess I did ok because I got the congratualtion letter when I finished, and the pretty certificate 10 days later. We all will be thinking of you and the rest who are scheduled to take the test! Deb!

That may have been true for 2010 but for 2011 it was no longer a refundable credit. Deb

Good Job! I wonder what the pass/fail is on this test.

Congratulations! Deb!

Congratualtions! Now breath! Mine came within 10 days, but I too still have the provisional status. I'm wondering though if that will change when we renew our PTIN this year.

No, But I would have hated to admit it if I had. When I first began taking the test I had my doubts then finally I calmed down and used common sense and passed. I do agree with what others have said that if you've been preparing taxes for a while you should be able to pass, it's just nerve racking. Deb! P.S. I'm sure glad it's over!

It does, however did you notice the info that was sent with it that if we use the designation in any advertising we have to include the disclosure that IRS does not endorse any particular individual tax return preparer. For more iformation on tax return preparers, go to www.IRS.gov? I had a little note that told me I had to include this disclosure if I advertise using the new title. Deb!

We will never know! I got so stressed out about taking the exam and then stressed while taking it that as soon as I received the congratulation letter I got sick and it took me 10 days to get over it. I agree about the circular 230, however I did go over it pretty well, and in my opinion some of the questions asked were not covered, but I do believe that common sense would come into play. Just my two cents worth! By the way Congratulations! Deb!

I just received my certificate from IRS for passing the exam. I have already completed my continued education for 2012 and when I log on to my PTIN account it states I have nothing pending to do, however my PTIN is still showing as provisional. Anyone else who has received their certificate noticed this? I thought once I passed the provisional would be removed. Thanks, Deb!

I don't know if speacial is the right word to discribe me, but I can say in all honesty I am soooooooooooo relieved! 20 years ago was the last time I had to pass any type of graded test, that's when I became a CTEC registered tax preparer (in California we've had to complete an initial test, and then continued education each year for as long as I've been preparing taxes). The difference between then and now is that then I just came off a class of book learning, now I've had 20 years experience. The most difficult part of the exam in my opinion was trying to over think the questions. Some were extremely easy but some required serious thought, and the harder I thought the worse it got, so I finally took a sensible approach and tried to answer the question by asking my self what seems to be the most reasonable choice, and who knows if I was right or wrong, it really doesn't matter because overall I passed! Deb!

I took the test today and YIPPY! I passed! Deb!

Good hearing from you KC. As usual you bring a smile to my face! Deb!