BulldogTom

Is the pet a monkey in a pink tu-tu with a wand and a tiara? That one is for you Kerry!!!!!! Tom Lodi, CA

Have you thought about using this board as a reviewing tool? You could start the return and then ask questions as you get to certain parts. You could use generic numbers so you don't reveal anything about the taxpayer. There are a lot of smart and helpful people on this board. If you already have intimate knowledge of the taxpayer situation, I would think you could manage the return. They are not that hard if you have the books and the balance sheet is clean. Start with the bookkeeping, and if you are comfortable with the books and especially the balance sheet, you should be most of the way there. It is only a tax return. You already have most of the knowledge you need, and for a small home based business, you should be able to figure out the rest (assuming of course that your client load allows you time to research pubs and instructions as you go). Good luck. Tom Lodi, CA

I just got off the phone with the IRS. Form 8582 is "on hold" and not expected to be released until "mid February". No explanation. The rep tried to get an answer for me and could not get through to the section that is in charge of that form. He is supposed to call me back tomorrow when he gets an update. That was probably the most pleasant conversation I have ever had with the IRS. He was courteous, helpful, and did not try to hide the fact that he did not know why the form was not available. We will see if he actually follows up with a phone call tomorrow. At least I feel better after talking to him. Tom Lodi, CA

Just because we are still with ATX now does not mean we are happy. Today is a perfect example. Server issues, forms not ready, bank products defaulting automatically, changes to the defaults on the program... I am sure there are still many of us who are dreaming of the launch of the Pineapple and Coconut Tax Software. Tom Lodi, CA

We just got ours also. Thanks for the heads up. Tom Lodi, CA

I saw that also. I got a message on the bank tab on the software from SBBT about not giving RALs when there was a RRC on the return. It is serious. I guess there are a lot of preparers (or self preparers) who are not doing their due dilligence on the returns. Sucks. More delays and issues. Tom Lodi, CA

No clue. I don't efile W2's or 1099's so I don't even look at those screens. Just print and mail. I am so 1980's that way. Tom Lodi, CA

CA does not have a separate W2 filing requirement. You have the rest correct. DE6 quarterly and DE7 annually. Tom Lodi, cA

What software are you using David? Tom Lodi, CA

I would not put it past them. Our state is so screwed up. Tom Lodi, CA

Yep. That is the new procedure. Answer all the questions first, then see the result. It kinda makes sense, but it takes a little practice to get used to. Tom Lodi, CA

Double GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRr at ATX. Called this morning. A very pleasant young lady named Stephanie let me know that "they have no word on when the CA acks will start being accepted, but I could call the state of CA and ask them myself." Isn't that just helpful. We should call CA and find out why they are not talking to ATX? If it indeed is CA's fault (and it very well could be) they should know this. They just don't know squat at the support center. GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR Tom lodi, CA

Still waiting on CA acks. Return was accepted by Fed on Tues. Not knowing what is happening is the worst part of this. You sit and wait and don't know if you could be doing anything. Whoever said ignorance is bliss was not a tax preparer. Tom Lodi, CA

For KC. The suggestion box gave me a reply. They say the 2008 version of the form has not yet been released by the IRS. Their hands are tied. Anyone from another software have the same issue? I would like to check up on ATX and see if they are blowing smoke or if this is really the case. Tom Lodi, CA

You didn't notice that it is a "P @$$ ive" activity? Jainen, your powers of perception are failing you. Tom Lodi, CA

OK OK alright already. I did it. I sent them a suggestion that they get off their @$$ and get my form so I can make some money off this client! Not really, I politely asked for an update on the status of the form, noting that it did not change from last year. Happy now KC. We will see what comes of this. Tom Lodi, cA

Yes. Ain't life good sometimes? Tom Lodi, CA

Patty called in and I looked it up on the (not)MyATX website. "In Progress" is all it says. Tom Lodi, cA

I would be very cautious about claiming the kid if the spouse has told your client they are revoking the release. I am not sure what the proceedure is to revoke (I think I heard it had to be in writing), but you have been notified that the release is in question. Preparing the return and including the child could lead to negligence penalties if the IRS knew you had knowledge that the release was revoked. Not good for your client. I think he should talk to his counsel. But of course, that will cost him more than the tax value of the child. Tom Lodi, CA

Status = Draft In Progress This client always gets everything to us in a hurry. Wants his refund. Has a bank product. I am sitting on this waiting for the stupid passive activity form. GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRr @ ATX. I can't remember waiting for this form in the past. It is not like it has changed much over the years. Thanks for letting me vent. Tom Lodi, CA

Nice one Maribeth. Your kitty looks angry too! Sic um. Tom Lodi, CA

That transmitter fee is paid to ATX, not SBBT. ATX is pulling your leg that they don't know what is going on. Call and raise some you know what with them. Tell them to pull you out of their fee collect program if they won't fix the problem. Talk to sales and get a supervisor on the line. This is simply larceny on the part of ATX. Tom Lodi, CA

You are lucky it is early in the tax season. Come about April 9-14th, you would get a smart @$$ response about where to send it. But we are all being polite right now. ;o) Tom Lodi, CA

Never mind, I found it. Reg 31.3121( b ) (3) clearly says "father or mother". No other family members count. Oh well. Tom Lodi, CA

I read that PapaJoe. But what is the definition of a parent? Could it be a grandparent also? I might be trying to stretch the code here, but with 529 plans falling just like every other investment, a Roth IRA invested in CD's is what the parent wants to do for the education of his child. It is a good plan, but he needs income. Tom Lodi, CA