Lion EA

Most of my clients request extensions. Often by telephone or by an email that I used to delete after e-filing extensions. Now, I'm starting to save those emails. If a client left a voice mail, I'm not taking the time to get back to them (but maybe I'll start). But, if I take a call, I've started asking them to email me their request. (I do have some clients that will not work via email, though.) I have not taken the time to contact clients that haven't showed up yet and probably need extensions. (Yeah, if I had an assistant, I could have her do that for me.) But, like Mr. Davis, I'd rather e-file an extension just in case than have a client come in later to file and not have an extension. Every once in a while (maybe twice in all my years preparing taxes), I've had an extension reject because the client already filed their return or an extension, on their own or with a new preparer. But, very often, clients contact me after tax season saying, "You filed extensions for me, right?"

I eat chocolate too fast for it to have time to melt. Besides, it's still cold here in CT, so melting is not a problem. Gaining weight since March is the problem.

OK, Rita, you're making me a bit nervous about going on this mission trip to TN in July!

Did you find the GIrl Scout yet?!

A signed copy mailed to Ogden or where ever on its own and a copy with the return. They get two. If the one with the return slips off, well wait for them to ask for it. Keep it in your files. They still have one. Don't worry. Be happy.

Yep, she can always itemize. The 3115 gets mailed to Ogden (or DC?) by itself as well as being e-filed with the return. So, if one didn't get attached to the return, I think I'd just keep it in my file in case the IRS requests it. But, why should they since they have the other one?

If one spouse files separately and itemizes, then the other spouse's standard deduction is $0 (unless HOH). So, if your client wants to itemize, she can itemize no matter what. If your client wants to use standard deduction, she can if the other never filed or used standard or one of them is HOH.

But, I need another month to get the cranky ones off my back!

I always use and give the year-to-year comparison and the MFJ vs. MFS comparison. I'd been putting them after the summary, because the summary makes a nice start after the cover sheet, looks prettier or whatever. I'm starting to put the year-to-year first. Maybe I'll have the MFJ/MFS second.

Price increase for clients returning after a gap. And, charge for the amendment for the year you did not prepare. I have one on extension like that.

I'm sorry, Marilyn. Prayers for your husband, you, his whole medical team, and your whole support team. Keep us posted. Just had a new client announce they're leaving on vacation Sunday. The came in really early in the season, referred by another client who's always on extension, and announced they do NOT file late. They did NOT leave me their info or prior returns at that time. Then all those retroactive memos from IRS, ERISA, Dept. of Labor, ending 20 February. When they finally brought me their materials (still has only one pay stub/no W-2 from NJ S-corp and no K-1), I was really backlogged but thought I'd complete by 15 April. After repeating and repeating how surprised she is that they can't review their returns before Sunday, she offered to extend, but only for a week or two. (Is surprised the new euphemism for disappointed?) So, even after 15 April, I still have deadlines hanging over my head. We haven't plotted our usual getaway. I think we'll go to my son's Inn in PA around Memorial Day. That way I can get payroll reports and some of my crankiest extensions out of the way. Still going to catch up on laundry and get a haircut and a mani/pedi and get back to the gym more regularly and stop going to bed at 6 a.m. and.... Oh, gosh, I think the above client has a college daughter. Better check their package to see if I need a return for daughter now.

Rita, you now have officially turned into your mother!

Laundry. I think it's supposed to be colder than normal.

First of all, the kid does get $1,000 of investment income not taxed and the next $1,000 taxed at his own rate; so the parents' rate/Kiddie Tax doesn't kick in until over $2,000. Second, Kiddie Tax applies unless the child provided more than half of his or her support with earned income and is 18. (TTB 12-1, 9-11) Look in the instructions for Form 8615, IRS Pub. 929, IRC section 1(g). I guess both the parents could die to eliminate Kiddie Tax, but that seems a little drastic.

And, I'm so tempted to dig down deeper to get a nice, organized client. But, maybe I should save her for later in case I have to beg a few more to go on extensions.

I have a cheap stamp that says Copy that I use to fill up the signature line when I don't want the client signing. (My elderly lady who forgets we filed her return and tries to take apart her folder to mail the returns.)

You go, girl !!

I say starting at $500, partly to get rid of the whining price shoppers and partly 'cause this is pricey Fairfield County and partly 'cause I'd like to stop taking new clients. I have lots and lots and lots below that price, but they've been with me a long time. Oh, and I almost always put new clients on extension so I have time to review their prior returns, ask them lots of questions, answer their questions, etc. Abuse right from the beginning.

No to the e-filing via tax prep software, mine at least for individuals. You can e-file extensions on the CT website without having an e-account. Working from memory here (going to file extensions this weekend) but I think if they will not owe CT and file a Federal extension, all is well.

I was just about to tell you tea and lemon and honey and whiskey. Take a long nap.

You also mail a signed 3115 to either Odgen or DC, I think. Instructions should give you mailing info.

I only have two: one mother I've know since the day after she was born in 1981, have been in their home with mother and children, gotten all the gossip via grandmother, know the mother's siblings also; other mother lives in my town, attends the only school and music and sports activities, been clients for longer than the son has been alive, came recommended from an even longer-term client. I have them answer the questions and sign.

Make sure YOUR paycheck gets paid by him!

I have this from time to time and report NO sourced income in the state where no services were performed. I include a statement. Usually, it goes smoothly with my client getting all his w/h back from that state. But, sometimes it takes many telephone calls. I'm still trying to get the rest of a MA refund for one client and RI for another from 2013. The RI spanned two tax years (he was on a ship in international waters and didn't see payroll detail until he got home) with the first year sending his 2012 refund immediately and the second year sending a tiny 2013 refund with me still calling about the rest. Depending on the relative tax rates, you could let the other state have their money and take the credit on his resident state. (MA and RI didn't work out favorably for that method for my clients.)

I think you need to go out on a date!