Discussion:Why deal with stimulus payment issues
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Discussion Forum Index --> Tax Questions --> Why deal with stimulus payment issues
| 2 July 2008 | |
| Whenever I get a question from a client re the stimulus I refer them to the IRS. This issue has nothing to do with the preparer other than filing a return for those who are eligible for the payment....whether or not they get the money is totally up to the IRS and they should be contacted directly by the taxpayer if any questions arise when the taxpayer doesn't get what they expected or doesn't get anything.
All I can do is research the website or call the IRS...which the taxpayer can do without my assistance or paying me for the additional service. taxea | |
| 2 July 2008 | |
| I take a slightly different approach. Rather than just sending them off to the IRS website and "where's my refund" I open up their tax return and review all the pertinent issues with them ( did you do direct deposit, last 2 digits of social security,do you owe any back taxes etc.) If all responses are positive, I only then go to the IRS web site ans determine the status of their stimulus refund . My clients appreciate this added value service and I can honestly say this whole process has never taken over 10 minutes.There is no charge for this service. | |
| 2 July 2008 | |
| Cotopop...then you are losing money. 10 minutes of my time is valuable and 10 minutes per client adds up quickly. I go over their return with them when it is completed. I don't charge for 1040a if they are done just to qualify for the stimulus payment...but I don't see any reason to do something the client can do and many times I have found it is better for the IRS to explain. The IRS keeps changing the information...I see no reason for me to keep up with this issue. | |
Lmcdon9822 (talk|edits) said: | 2 July 2008 |
| Service, service, service... | |
| 2 July 2008 | |
Lmcdon9822 is right on . Service = many happy clients = $$$$ high profitable practice. I know!
Taxea, You do not charge for simple 1040A froms?? I will let you do all of mine next year and mark it up $100! | |
Actionbsns (talk|edits) said: | 2 July 2008 |
| For some reason, I think we are lucky because we have had only a few questions about the stimulus payments. We don't spend any time at all if someone calls to find out about them and they are not a client. For clients, I'll research what should have gone out and then check to see when it's supposed to go out. The time spent since the end of tax season has been probably less than half an hour. I may have had three phone calls. One client didn't get the payment for his kids and brought in the communication from IRS, we resolved his problem in just a few minutes. | |
| 2 July 2008 | |
| I don't think you would qualify. I only don't charge the elderly who needed to file the 1040A just for the stimulus payment.taxea | |
| July 2, 2008 | |
| Service is one thing. Lunacy is something else. To PRETEND to offer service over which neither you nor the client have absolutely any control, nor solutions, and which will be resolved when the 08's are filed...well, you're confused at best. | |
Death&Taxes (talk|edits) said: | 2 July 2008 |
| I have my tax software open from the minute I boot up; IRS.gov is listed as a favorite. So when these PITA calls come in from paying clients, it takes seconds to open both the client file and the website. Look at the schedule and if the date has passed, click the link below it, enter the 2-3 pieces of information needed, and give the answer. 5 Minutes? Less? Or maybe some valuable non-busy season time to talk about other things.
If the answer is not what they want to hear, then there is the fall back of the 2008 return. So far Vito, Pierre and Harriett have been among the callers (I don't think there have been more than ten). All retired and none connected to the internet. Should I blow them off by not seeming to care, by saying, in effect, I could give a rat's tail about your rebate? IRS and Congress are always pulling PITA stunts like this to make our lives more difficult. Wait until you must split the mileage next year, or do you remember the telephone refund of 2006? So we have this board to air our bitchies!!! | |
| 2 July 2008 | |
| And for the stimulus only filers. Is there a link to check when it is actually sent or is it just the schedule they have on the site?
Other than telling these people that I have no control over the IRS and when it goes out, not much more to do. Unless I am missing something. I give out the IRS number and tell them to give em a shout out, tell them Fred says to say hi. What else is there to do. I tell them I hate the stimulus payment, it is dumb and stupid and should have just been given out with the tax returns and with the SS checks. Should not have made them file. The only reason they have to file is so that some would forget or not file and so the govt saves money. Buncha BS if you ask me. | |
| July 2, 2008 | |
| Actually, there is a link somewhere on irs.gov that will say when the payment was made. It requires that a social security number and other information be entered. Unfortunately I cannot find it now. | |
Death&Taxes (talk|edits) said: | 2 July 2008 |
| Try here, Natalie: http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=181665,00.html | |
| 2 July 2008 | |
| Not cool DT, now I can't with any honesty tell the people they need to call themselves. Damn you DT, Damn you. lol. Actually, it will help with my pizza guy client, his dad has been nagging him. Might get me free wings. | |
Death&Taxes (talk|edits) said: | 3 July 2008 |
| When Vito called, I checked the SS# date and saw early June, then I went to this link and entered SS#, filing status etc. It will be mailed July 4th (right!).....but I printed the page and sent it to him. | |
| July 3, 2008 | |
| Well, I don't think it's 100% accurate. I don't think it shows any amounts deducted for payment of other taxes. | |
| 3 July 2008 | |
| I totally agree. Say no more. well, unless it's "let's have som etequila" | |
Death&Taxes (talk|edits) said: | 3 July 2008 |
| But I am very well aware that Vito owes no money; he used to lend money, not be a debtor. | |
