Yardley CPA

Eric...my 2 cents, for what its worth: The color scheme seems to blend together and, at least for me, it slightly more difficult to distinguish between posters comments. Is there a way to frame the responses to help better distinguish them? Right now there is row of white in-between each post but it seems to blend with the other colors and does not offer an overly noticeable distinction. The color of the box that contains the users information in posts is basically the same color as the right and left boarders on the page. Is it possible to make that box slightly darker? I think that would be a big help. Do we need to reload our profile picture?Thanks again for taking the time to upgrade our community!

Definitely different but not drastically. At least, not after a quick look over. Great job, Eric!

We're adding friends of RitaB to the forum???

Sorry about that...I meant to say 1040 Office. I've been a long time user of 1040 Office and upgraded to Max.

I am a long time Total Tax Office user and this year I upgraded to Max. My total cost was $1,282.91. I asked and received a discount for going from Office to Max. Others may receive a better price but I was happy with what I was offered and look forward to using Max for 2015. Best of luck on what ever package/vendor you choose to go with!

Amazing is right! Our dogs also have learned how to use the toilet...our rugs on occasion.

Eric...thank you. What works best for your schedule is how you should proceed. We'll survive without the Community for a few days while you do your thing!

I also throw in discounts depending on the event such as births, graduations, new home, etc. I agree that clients always like to see a credit on their invoice and as I mentioned, I do believe it generates goodwill.

JJ...obviously every program has their pluses and minuses and I do believe you get what you pay for in most instances. With that said, I'd like to comment on the suggestions that you need a NASA-quality computer to run ATX. I am a long term user of ATX (going back to the days of Parsons) and have not had any issues with performance or speed. I can only speak to my experience working on a 3 year old Dell. Hummed right through tax season with no problems at all. Good luck with your search!

This post coattails on JJStephens post entitled “Tis the Season (aka Here We Go Again). Is anyone willing to provide their approximate fee schedule? Are your fees based solely on forms used or is it based on time spent? I have a day job and prepare returns at night and on weekends for approximately 100 clients. My base fee is anywhere between $125 and $150 (depending on how I feel that day and if I like the client ) for Federal 1040 and one State. That fee covers W2, normal interest and dividends and Schedule A (I guess you could call it a more basic return). If I start adding forms my price will increase accordingly but I do not have a set fee per form. It depends on how much time I spend on it. Prepping a Schedule C may add $25 or significantly more depending on the amount of work that's involved. Stock sales would also increase the fee. If there are only a few sales it would probably stay right inside that $125 to $150 range and not add any additional charges. If there are more sales, my price would go up. I also offer a new client discount. So my invoice states the price of my service: Preparation of Federal and New Jersey Personal Income Tax Return $ 150 New Client Discount $ -25 Total $ 125 In my initial meeting, phone conversation or email exchange (there are many clients I have not met face to face who have been with me for many years) I indicate that my price is dictated by the amount of time and work involved in preparing their return. After looking at the information they provide (including a copy of the prior year return), I give them a general idea on what it should cost. I do not indicate there will be a “New Client Discount”. I think they are pleased to see a small credit on their invoice and it may result in some goodwill and also prepares them for what the fee may be next season. I believe that the majority of my clients value my services greatly. Those who leave due to a price issue are not those who want to establish a long-term relationship. And that's their right but I don't lose sleep over those clients. Ultimately, as a preparer we have to recognize the significant amount of knowledge and value we bring to the table and our returns should be priced accordingly.

I've been a 1040 Office client for many years. It's treated me well in that I only have the need for 3 or 4 business returns throughout the year and I normally purchase them separately through PPR. Now that 1040 Office is limiting free efiles to 175 and PPR rates are going up over $50 per return, I'm highly considering Max. Not sure the price completely justifies the purchase for me but at least I'll have access to both personal and business with unlimited efiles.

Jack...with 485 extensions, how many returns were filed by the 15th at your firm?

Yup...I just sent my small token to Eric and I appreciate all that he does and his ability to keep this forum running smoothly, efficiently and with a very "current" feel!

Another Tax Day has come and I am finished with what needed to be done for today. Extensions await me but that can be handled over the next month or two. Thanks to everyone on this forum for their support and sage advice. It's very much appreciated! My best to each of you for an "off season" filled with nothing but good health and good cheer!

Thank you.

Are there any options if the T/P has over 100 Box E stock sales and the brokerage firm does not have any type of electronic or excel formatted summary? Can you scan a copy of the statement and attach it to the return or must each sale be input on 8949 (all different stocks and sale dates.) Thank you!

Had one last year and it was waived with no problems. Had another this year that I completed the 5329 and included it in the eiled return. Fingers crossed.

Agreed! I will be renewing shortly after the 15th!

Well said! I agree completely. I very much appreciate all of you and extend my sincere thanks for all of your support!

Just got off the phone with my rep at ATX. According to her, the current renewal prices that are being quoted are the lowest prices of the year as they include the 10% discount. The price will not go lower and there will actually be a price increase in December. I recognize some have indicated that they were able to negotiate better pricing than what was quoted and that may continue to be the case. I'm simply relaying what I was told. In addition, PPR pricing will increase to $54 from the current $25 for personal and $35 for business returns. I'm leaning toward renewing with Max from my current 1040 Office Package.

People like to use the term "basic"...It's not very involved, it's basic. Why did you charge me what you charged me for a "basic" return?

KC...thanks for posting this.

Philip...that's good to know. I have a few PPR business returns I purchase each year so I'll probably move to Max. Appreciate you posting that.

Thanks, Judy.

I received my quote for renewing my 2015 1040 Office Package today with a price of just under $1,000 (compared to 2014's price of just under $900). So an increase of about $100. The main difference between the two years was that the current package allows for unlimited efiles. The renewal includes 175 "free" efiles and any subsequent efile over 175 (for federal/state combo returns) will cost $5 per combo.. I need to call my rep and discuss this further but wanted you to know what the quote reflected.