Our Taxing Times

Amending Returns

The IRS did a major revision on the 1040X in 2009. This has led to a confusion on which form to use for amending returns for tax years prior to 2008 the new 1040X or the old form which was the form in effect during that year. The answer I just heard is either. The Service is planning to accept either form through 2011.

This Is So Wrong!

I don't know which is worse, the man who rammed a small plane into an IRS office building or all the smart remarks I heard (and will continue to hear) making light of the tragedy because of the victims. Yes, I do! It's all the people making light of the incident. Joseph Stack had tax problems and from a quick read of his writings, he had other issues. He chose to deal with them by attacking his "bad guy" and killing himself too. It happens too often. People shooting up their place of employment, family's home or whoever has made them the maddest on the day they crack. On the day he cracked, Stack attacked the IRS.

But the people he targeted were not responsible for his problems, they were victims. Most of the IRS people I have dealt with, from phone support to agents to stakeholder liaisons, have been fair good people. They have a job I would never want. They have to administer the mess of Tax Code Congress has created and do it as fairly as possible. The latest report I have seen show that Stark injured several and there is a possibility of one dead. And don't forget the people working in the area who will have to emotionally deal what happened today. They are victims and they don't deserve to have their tragedy minimized by smart alecks using old stereotypes.

Interesting Season Gets More So

Modernized e-file starts today. That makes an interesting season get even more interesting. I won't know until tomorrow which, if any, of my returns will get picked up by the new system. But I am looking forward to being able to e-file amended returns and some back years once MeF gets fully functional in a couple of years. My post explaining MeF is here.

I'm half through tax season. Not by days but returns. My business is front heavy. I do more returns in the first month than I do in the next 2 months. But the returns are more time consuming requiring more after hours time. So, hopefully, I will be able to slip in more short posts over the next few months between clients.

Reap What You Sow

Choosing a tax preparer is a big topic this time of the year. The IRS has a great list and most tax bloggers have their lists. (My list was a little different and covered what a taxpayer should expect from a good preparer.) But I am finishing up a very busy week and next week looks to be almost as crazy and I thought I would share a few suggestions on how to develop a good working relationship with the preparer you choose. And why you want to create a good relationship.

 

• Find out the policy about appointments and drop-off returns and follow the policy. I prefer appointments. I’ll work someone in if I can, but I give the appointment priority. Other preparers don’t take appointments or don’t take them until after mid-February. A client may be able to bully their way in to see me, but it may hurt them in the long run. They can always leave the return for me to prepare and call them if I have any questions as long as they understand that it will take time for me to get to the return. Drop off are great but calling a few hours later or the next day and expecting the return to be done is wasted energy on your part.
• And don’t skirt around the receptionist. If she says there is not an appointment for 3 days, calling back to talk to me won’t get you in any faster.
• Along the same lines, make sure you understand the preparation procedure. Some preparers do it all in front of you, some will just review the materials and prepare the return later. And there are all kinds on variations between the extremes. For me, a lot depends on the return and the client’s needs.
• Don’t talk the whole time. I need to ask questions and I need to concentrate to do the data entry and research. Where I run into problems is when I get distracted from the return and don’t get back to exactly what I was doing before. I will get to all your questions but many will need to wait until I have a basic return done anyway. Besides a distraction, your talking may give me too much information and disqualify you from credits or force me to add income. I can’t count how many times a client has answered a question and in giving me their life story have contradicted their answer.
• Don’t use this time to catch up on your phoning. This is even more distracting than just talking and if I have a question, I have to interrupt you and wait until you can answer. Text all you want but save the calls until later.
• Leave the kids at home. If you must bring them, bring something for them to do. And take responsibility for keeping them in line.
• Be on time. If you are going to be more that a couple minutes late, call and let them know. And if you are going to be considerably late, call and see if you need to reschedule. And if you can't make the appointment, call and cancel so someone else can use the time.
• Be prepared for the interview. Make sure you have the W-2s, 1099s you need. See if the preparer needs your Social Security cards and IDs before you come in for the appointment. Don’t hold up every one while you run home to get them.
• Don’t put the preparer in the middle of a family fight. The same can be said about putting down another person or group.

 

This can be a stressful job this time of the year. There is a lot of tax information to keep track of on top of running a business and seeing clients. You have to be willing politely deal with rants, lies and rude behavior. But you remember the problems clients. No matter how I personally feel about the client, I will provide an accurate return and I stand behind that return. But, I would dishonest if I said how a client treats me doesn’t effect my behavior. I’m much less likely to hold a check for a client who has been on their phone for the interview or brought out-of-control kids. I’m less likely to work someone in to see me or expedite finishing the return if they have been rude or a bully. And if the client’s behavior is consistently a problem, I might decide I don’t need their business.You've taken the time to find a professional, show them a little respect and you could  have someone who will go the extra mile.