Just in from IRS

[lydia33]

IRS Plans Jan. 30 Tax Season Opening For 1040 Filers

Following the January tax law changes made by Congress under the American Taxpayer Relief Act (ATRA), the Internal Revenue Service announced today it plans to open the 2013 filing season and begin processing individual income tax returns on Jan. 30.

The IRS will begin accepting tax returns on that date after updating forms and completing programming and testing of its processing systems. This will reflect the bulk of the late tax law changes enacted Jan. 2. The announcement means that the vast majority of tax filers -- more than 120 million households -- should be able to start filing tax returns starting Jan 30.

[Janitor Bob]

This is even later than the Jan 22 I had expected.....I understand, but many of my "gotta have my refund NOW" clients will not.....meaning I will lose some to the chains that offer RALs

[Lion EA]

The 22 January date was before Congress voted 1 January, so I was expecting a later date.

This is a good year to replace your lost clients with more loyal clients, those that value your service and expertise and friendly smile over a quick refund. You'll have more time for clients getting their Forms 1099-B in February! And, more time for clients not getting refunds but needing your planning expertise. Opportunities abound.

[Janitor Bob]

Good point...most of these clients are annoying complainers that "price-jump" to different preparers every year based on who can look the other way and provide the biggest/fastest refund.

[Lion EA]

So, as your loyal clients call in, let them know that you do have time to take on a few new select clients, and ask them to please refer you to their good friends, or teachers/retirees/investors/"insert category here" like you. If you're looking for investors, tell your broker you have room for a few new clients. That kind of thing. Let the price shoppers go.

I just lost a long-time client that took a lot of time. She was sweet, but I kept raising her price as her neediness increased. She called to thank me but she found someone who will prepare her taxes for less money. It does work!

[kcjenkins]

And that is the best way to ease them out, because when they tell you that and you are nice about it, you keep the good feelings.

[Terry O]

Hopefully, it will decrease the number of ammended returns -- -hopefully!!!!

[ILLMAS]

Hopefully this is enough time for ATX to clear up the software glitches :)