Discussion:Do I have any friends here who can help me?
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Discussion Forum Index --> Tax Questions --> Do I have any friends here who can help me?
| 7 March 2008 | |
| Field audit.....got one year filed; talked to the revenue agent and he has now given me 30 days to file the past due returns....I have a garbage bag (literally) for a fisherman's income/expenses. He wants an updated 433A and wants all the returns filed within 30 days.....got one year done but this is brutal!!
Second, I have a client with a very ethical situation (at least for me). These are not things I want to post on an open forum but if anyone is willing to give a gal a break and help me think this through, I would be most appreciative!! Sandy | |
| 7 March 2008 | |
| Sandy, for dealing with the IRS, put a note on the talk page of Mike Wellman (Irsfixer) and/or Steve Kassel (skasselea) -- both have a lot of personal IRS experience and know the ins and outs. (I've known both of them for years in other forums.) If your agent won't be reasonable (after all, it IS tax season), you can go to his supervisor.
As for the ethical problem, I'll be glad to talk with you about it off line, although I'm not sure how much help I can be. Sometimes just kicking something around with someone else can help you see the light. And keep your chin up. We all have days when things seem just insurmountable. You have a lot of friends here who will help you if we can. | |
Bottom Line (talk|edits) said: | 7 March 2008 |
| From this and your other post, sounds like you're overwhelmed today. Understandably so with all you've go going on. Try calling a temp agency to get the pile of garbage done. Expensive but at least it's done. Check your discussion page about the ethical situation. | |
| 7 March 2008 | |
| Sandy,
Check your e-mail as well. Willing to lend an ear on the ethics and other issues. Tom | |
TheTinCook (talk|edits) said: | 7 March 2008 |
| You've got my email too. Bend my ear any time. | |
| March 7, 2008 | |
| It's Friday - gives us all the weekend and a chance to respond to you before taking any drastic actions. We're here for you!!! | |
| 7 March 2008 | |
| Sandy, I'm heading down there now with a case of Stoly, a surfboard, and some blow. We'll get that stuff out in an afternoon. Smile. Of course, you can write me anytime, but you better start with the ones who actually know what they're doing first. | |
| 7 March 2008 | |
| Thank you all.....the weekend is just another day in tax season.
Serious about sale.....take it and I will go wash cars or something. Maybe take a trip to the Islands...maybe just relax and play on the computer...maybe volunteer at a soup line but this is ridiculous!! You guys are the very best and I am glad to know you all. Thank you for the kind words... "do I sense a bit of depression coming on?" hehehehehehe | |
| 7 March 2008 | |
| Sandy, I'm right behind him with a martini glass, some sunscreen, and a straw. | |
Bottom Line (talk|edits) said: | 7 March 2008 |
| Do the simple ones first that will generate some quick cash. That will raise your spirits. (And see, you have lots of friends!) (((HUG))) | |
| 7 March 2008 | |
| I feel the same way about this line of work. I sold my one share of Bershire Hathaway today, and I'm going into plastics. Just got back from Barnes& Noble with the soundrack from The Graduate. | |
| 7 March 2008 | |
| We have all felt overwhelmed. For me, I think I bring it on myself in attempting to accomplish the impossible & satify the unreasonable demands of clients. There is no way it is reasonable to go through a garbage bag of receipts. If He want this done - get him to help organize the junk. If it has been sitting for a while, get a few temp people to do it. Our state CPA society has per-diem accountants listed on the site - maybe yours offers the same service? I would be glad to discuss any ethical questions you might have - just leave me a message & I can call you. Generally, if it brings into question eithics & even wondering if it is ethical, then its not worth doing. Good Luck - take a break. If its nice outside where you are (not pouring rain like here) take a walk. I've though of hanging this up and asking "do you want fries with that", but there are the few really appreciative clients who make it all worthwhile. Think about them, get rid of the rif raf & life will improve. | |
| 7 March 2008 | |
| You can certainly get more than 30 days to file the returns. I would ask for 15 to 30 days per return. Feel free to e-mail me at mw@irsos.com on issues requiring discretion. | |
| 7 March 2008 | |
| Whenever I get a big bag of receipts like that, I just weigh it, and use an estimate. Smile. | |
| 7 March 2008 | |
| If the examiner does not give you an extension of time, as a practical matter you will have eight to ten weeks to get the return to the examiner before incurring any consequences from a proposed assessment. If the examiner decides to go the aministrative summons route - you will have six to eight months to get the returns done before an enforceable summons could be issued. | |
| 7 March 2008 | |
| I've prepared a handy-dandy list that acts like a chart of accounts. I give this list to the "bag o' receipts" clients and tell them they can't afford to pay me $100 per hour to sort through them. They always seem to find some literate sucker to do the job. Otherwise, I don't want them for clients because that is just crazy-making. | |
Death&Taxes (talk|edits) said: | 7 March 2008 |
| As I said in your other post, 30 days or what? Will the Gates of Hell open? Shoot, Snipes is still walking free, playing golf with OJ. Is the agent taking up going thru shoeboxes? | |
| March 8, 2008 | |
| Sandy, don't forget the giant retainer with engagement letter that documents client understanding: you may withdraw if you are unable to complete the engagement due to insufficient records from client, or clients lack of response to your inquiries (and keep fees earned through that date). This will show your client is committed to get the work done, and to compensate you fairly for your services. If he owes a bunch of taxes, you could be last on his list of creditors if you deliver work product before getting paid. Call me if you have a sensitive subject you would like to discuss. | |
