Lion EA

Yeah, that's what I like about CCH's eSign: free license, pay a small fee per signature, pay a not as small fee per verified signature (8879s), no minimums. I think it all happens automatically if I choose to check a box when I complete the return, return for review and signature pages to client. Figured if I need it a couple of times, it's worth the few dollars/signature.

Does your website or tax prep software have a "portal"? CCH has eSign. If your client is mailing his returns, he can sign it and mail it himself; you don't need a signed copy when your client mails paper returns.

CT's moving it's deadlines up to 31 January!

Is it a partnership? Guaranteed Payment. Corporation? I guess he could explore licensing his business name and family recipes to the corporation with a good attorney. Or, franchising.

I'm hearing from the businesses earlier as well as questions, FAFSA, some ES recalculations earlier this month, and more questions.

I don't have time, expertise, or the inclination to help clients with insurance issues, not to mention that CT has some tough laws as many insurance companies are headquartered here. I suggest they find an insurance agent they are comfortable with who will search both private policies and the marketplace for them. I also tell them there are trained Navigators to help them search the marketplace.

Yes, and without verification, you could use for your engagement letters, mileage logs, due diligence for ACA, etc. I have the free license and hope to try it out this season. My clients are slow to try new things, though!

Anybody have any luck at Staples this year? One client bought a pack of Forms 1099-MISC and they included software and 50 forms when we need only a few. He's very frugal, and that's the best he saw in stores in two different towns. I went online and was able to find the same pack that says it's compatible with Adams (?) software but without the disk but still the smallest was 50 and they were NOT compatible with a different client's QB for Mac. Her QB was about three years old, so I convinced her to upgrade to the latest QB, and it still was not compatible with the Staples forms. I used to buy the Staples forms/have my clients buy the Staples forms as cheaper than the QB forms, but this year Staples is not working for everyone and when it does it's very pricey with the software included which we don't need and the larger packs. I guess I have to start earlier next year and order from QB.

Any recommendations for my client with two household employees and a Mac? (He'd been doing it all by hand until the red forms for his ICs became harder to get free from the IRS, as well as the blank W-2s.)

Have a client that asked if Medlin works on a Mac...

I use ProSystem fx and pay a fraction of your $18K price. Each year my salesperson works with me on the best option for the returns I do, what to buy unlimited and what pay-per-return. Very easy to use.

Except in CT where they now want everything to them by Monday 1 February!

QuickBooks or whatever bookkeeping software you have your records in anyway.

The parent is not required to claim a dependent. If the parent does not but was qualified to claim the dependent, then the dependent can not claim himself. Dependent also can not claim any refundable AOC. But, he can claim education credits.

Thank you. I have given out your web site to clients.

We tax preparers have trouble with the current year. I'm still prepping 2014 returns, not to mention other prior years. 2015s are being dropped off, and I have to click on 2015 for tax prep program and research questions and.... The Tax Book says 2015, but J.K. Lasser says 2016. And, I have to write 2016 for today's date on checks/correspondence/etc. I'm more concerned that I did NOT get one of those letters. The IRS rejected my return for my SSN being used; I filled out out the forms and mailed proof. Aren't they supposed to send me a new number each year? Do I go online to get my own. What do I do now?

Groan!

And yet the IRS makes it harder to get free paper forms. No longer available in libraries, POs, and other places. Have to wait for your order to be mailed to you. Does your software deal with all states? CT?

Just found one I used for a client years ago: https://www.fileyourtaxes.com/index.html where they claim to file your first two forms FREE.

Thank you, everyone. I'm passing these along.

I tried searching on things like e-filing W-2s and just W-2 and other phrases. Know this has been discussed. Just received an email from a biz client's husband who pays two household employees. He needs a couple of forms. I efile via QB so print on plain paper. (I do have 1099 forms.) I know some of you have recommended online services that file a few W-2s inexpensively. All leads greatly appreciated. (Second largest biz client of mine, set me up to speak with another potential biz tomorrow in fact, and her hubby is a nice guy; so even though I don't prepare their personal return, I'd like to help him.)

My most common label is Loyal Client Discount. I also use Family Discount for kids of clients if easy. (Some of the college kids work in three states and have a 1099 for some work and a K-1 from the trust grandma set up, so some pay full price or don't get much of a discount.) If I quote a new client a price and miss it by only a little, I'll use New Client Discount; but if it's a lot different than what they told me or they bring in new documents after starting, I call them with the new price before I continue. I also give a Referral Discount to continuing clients who send a new, paid client (so the discount might end up on the following year's return prep). I sometimes use something specific to a client, such as the one I beg to go on extension for my benefit: Extension Discount. Had a couple who got their documents more organized, but don't remember what I called that; I think I'd added a Bookkeeping Fee in prior years so removed it when their records improved.

I think his ears are smaller.

Now I like Medtronic!

Well, he is a dear and lot better looking than his photo!