User talk:Natalie
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Revision as of 21:47, 6 April 2009
This page is where you can leave a message for Natalie. Natalie will be notified of messages the next time they access TaxAlmanac.
Please make sure to sign your message by adding four tildes: ~~~~ at the end of your message.
If you are actually Natalie, this is your page. Feel free to edit your discussion page to add or remove anything you'd like.
Hawaii User Group
Natalie:
I'm not sure if you saw it or not, but on the Hawaii User Group page, click on the discussion tab at the top. I created an area where you can chat with others in the group. These don't have to be tax questions, but can just be chit-chat type topics.
- Tim Doyle, TaxAlmanac Moderator 15:33, 21 April 2006 (CDT)
Chit Chat Area
Natalie:
I meant that you could click on the discussion tab on the Hawaii User Group page and see a list of discussions. I have now added this list directly on the page as well so it'll be easier to find.
Thanks!
- Tim Doyle, TaxAlmanac Moderator 10:15, 24 April 2006 (CDT)
Name of Oahu CPA firm
Aloha Natalie, you mentione that you know of a firm on Oahu that was purchasing small practices. Do you know if they are still interested in doing that? Can you provide their name and contact person?
Thanks.
Actionbsns 18:37, 17 May 2006 (CDT)Paula Wilson
Kiosk Fix
Hi Natalie:
Thanks for letting me know about that - it's all fixed now.
Not that you need to know how to do this, but I'll offer it just as an FYI. What I had to do was to go back to the version prior to the last version that you had saved. I clicked on history, clicked on the date and time of the version that I wanted. Once I saw that it was the right version, I clicked edit. That displayed a warning saying that I was editing an older version (which is what I wanted to do). Then I just saved the page, which made that older version the most recent version. I fixed your spelling correction as well.
In any event, no harm done, and please do not let this little hiccup deter you from making more edits on the pages!
- Tim Doyle, TaxAlmanac Moderator 07:38, 19 May 2006 (CDT)
Logging In Issues
Natalie:
That certainly isn't what should be happening - thank you for alerting me! I need to ask a few questions to help me to understand and to diagnose the underlying cause.
- Do you see a "Log out" page displayed, or do you just find that you are no longer logged in?
- Are you by chance pressing Alt-O (which will log you out).
- Do you (or can you) use TaxAlmanac on another computer and even better, from another location? If you told me that this happens on all computer at your office, but not from your home system, that would help me.
- Has this always been the case, or has it just started? Has anything changed?
- Do you have any "cookie cleaning" utilities installed?
- What web browser do you use (Internet Explorer? Firefox? other?)
- Each time you get logged out, look at the very top line. There will be a little 'head & shoulders' picture with a number next to it like "123.42.12.18". Write down that number each time and the date and time. When you get 3 to 5 of these, send me the results.
I'll run this by our system architect tomorrow to see what he can think of.
Thanks!
- Tim Doyle, TaxAlmanac Moderator - Talk to me 18:32, 5 September 2006 (CDT)
Logging In
Natalie:
Are you still having log in problems? If so, have you noticed the number on the top line changing at all each time it happens?
Thanks!
- Tim Doyle, TaxAlmanac Moderator - Talk to me 13:30, 7 September 2006 (CDT)
Loggin in Issues
Excellent to hear. Do you connect via a cable, via wireless?
- Tim Doyle, TaxAlmanac Moderator - Talk to me 14:54, 7 September 2006 (CDT)
Thank you
Thank you Natalie. Have a great weekend!
- Tim Doyle, TaxAlmanac Moderator - Talk to me 14:52, 29 September 2006 (CDT)
Hi Natalie
Hi Natalie:
I saw that you were looking for me -- I asked an accounting question -- you had asked Tim Doyle who "Jeff Chickering" was....well, it's me...."JCCPA."
I got the answer I needed but I wanted to introduce myself, especially since I'm looking forward to using Tax Almanac a lot more.
I was also thinking of starting an "Audit, Review and Comp." Users Group. What are your thoughts on that?
By for now....
Jeff
Follow-Up
Hi Natalie:
I believe I had described creating another User Group to you, not another Forum. Tim specifically created the Accounting Discussion Forum based on my request (and I suspect others as well) to have a separate Forum relating to Accounting, Audit, Review and Comp., etc. I was looking to see if other folks wanted to have a "User Group.." relating to Audits, Reviews and Compilations - a more specific and unique group that easily bounce ideas off of each other.
Kindest regards,
Jeff
Thanks, Natalie for you response.....I'll look into it at some point --- talk to you soon....
Jeff
Dennis' Talk Page
Natalie:
Dennis has repeatedly cleared his talk page after users have left tax-related questions there. I think he prefers to answer in the forums. I'll drop him a message to see if we can't come up with a better solution.
In the meantime, the easy link to add a message on those pages is just that - a shortcut. You can also click the edit link and just add to the page directly, or you can click on the little plus sign next to the edit tab to add a section (very similar to what you're used to).
- Tim Doyle, TaxAlmanac Moderator - Talk to me 07:53, 14 November 2006 (CST)
Links
Here's how to add links on the site:
Links to other pages on TaxAlmanac: [[PageToLinkTo]] or [[Discussion:PageName]]. Basically just grab the title at the top of any page and put it between two square bracket characters.
To link to other web pages not on TaxAlmanac: [http://www.google.com]. Note the single square brackets here.
Hope this helps!
Mainland Audit Problems...
Yeah, Natalie....I'm up early worrying about all the audits I have going on..... !
Have a good day....
Answering Student Questions
Sorry for the delay in responding. Since I'm fairly new here, I need some time to learn how to navigate this board. Regarding answering the accounting student's question - if you recall I opened my response by advising her that this forum was not meant to be a homework substitute. Since she had very honestly and politely described her confusion - and it didn't take much to explain - I felt it didn't hurt to clarify a couple of basic theories. She attempted to think things out by reasoning and just needed a little direction. I doubt whether I would respond to her again. As you can see, she hasn't posted since then.
Need your help
Natalie:
I need your help. I am trying to get people to fill out their user pages. Could you reply to the "Who are you?" discussion and just say that you have added information to your page?
Thanks!
- Tim Doyle, TaxAlmanac Moderator - Talk to me 11:54, 5 December 2006 (CST)
JUST WANT TO SAY THANK YOU.
Picture and Did I leave the thank you
Natalie:
I've added the picture you uploaded to your page - great photo!
No, I was not the person who left you the thank you on your discussion/talk page. To find out who left that for you, go to your talk page (you should be here now if you're reading this), click on the history tab at the top, and you can see each change made with the date and time it was made and the summary. You can see in the summary who left the thank you. Just click on their name and then you'll be on their user page, and you can then leave them a message if you'd like.
- Tim Doyle, TaxAlmanac Moderator - Talk to me 08:22, 12 December 2006 (CST)
Need some Hawaii help if you're able.
Hi Natalie,
I need some help with a Hawaii corporation question. Is it possible for you to either email me or give me a call? I'm on Pacific Standard time. I would greatly appreciate it. preceptorcorp@yahoo.com or 1-800-477-6342 M-W-F from 10-4.
Thanks, Sandy tilt53 15:14, 13 December 2006 (CST)
Links
Hi Natalie!
Here's the problem... you're trying to link to the exact subsection, but TaxAlmanac only lets you like to the section. If you change:
This: [[Sec. 61(a)(12)]]
to this: [[Sec. 61]](a)(12)
the links will work perfectly.
Just click on the edit tab at the top of the page and edit your entry. Let me know if you have any more questions!
- Tim Doyle, TaxAlmanac Moderator - Talk to me 15:06, 11 January 2007 (CST)
Membership Dues and how to report ??
Hi Natalie:
I know you are an expert in this area and I still have questions on whether the dues paid to this one non-profit (501(c)(3)) that I have are considered public support (line 1) or Membership Dues (line 3.) The non-profit is designed to have forums where marketing professionals can network, there are educational seminars offered, best practices, etc. In the past, the prior CPA recorded all of the dues on Line 3 -- I always thought that Line 3 amounts were automatically UBI -- in the past, I did some work on a non-profit and we received a letter from the IRS that we should have been filing the UBI return for amounts related to the membership dues on Line 3. Also, I cannot find an exclusion code for the membership dues.
Can you help me with this one? I would really appreciate it.
Thanks!
Membership Fees
Hi there:
Yes, I am referring to that discussion from November. The membership fees are paid by members only. Sometimes, they open up the forums to the outside and these are booked as program revenues. Yes, there are other benefits provided to the members. They have a career services center as well as a subscription to the magazine of their choice. Would it make a difference if the fees are designated as non-deductible by the organization -- non deductible as a charitable contribution but deductible by the members as a business deduction (similar to my Chamber of Commerce dues)?
Thank you, Chase :)
Editing my message to you
Hey there: I'm trying this out to see if my user name will appear on your message .... hope so because I think it'll make life easier ....
ChaseChase 12:59, 1 February 2007 (CST)
Membership Dues
The magazine subscription is related to the association -- it is a business magazine. The dues run about $205 for the national membership and then around $45 for the Chapter membership. They benefits of the organization once you join are that you gain networking opportunities, speaker forums to learn more about the profession, the complimentary magazine and "secret" access to the website --- areas of the website that only accessible by membership. If you think this is Line 3, isn't that subject to UBI rules -- is there an exclusion code that most people use for this type of thing?
Thank you for helping me ! (and just a couple more minutes of your time - please :)
Yes, the purpose of the organization is educate its members -- I guess I can list these dues in VII, Analysis of Income Producing Activites, in Column E for Related or exempt function income. Does that sound reasonable? What impact is there if membership dues are not deductible for charitable purposes, i.e. may be deductible as a business expense, in the overall scheme of things? Does this fact impact the placement of the dues on the tax return?
THANKS!!! Chase Chase 19:35, 1 February 2007 (CST)
Just wanted to thank you again for walking me through this !!!!
Grrrrr
TC
Not at all Natalie
Thank you for your note to me. I DID write the man a thank you letter for the time I spent with him the other day and gave him an idea that I would contract for $25.00 an hour either remotely from my own office or at his office.
No word back from him; but I saw in the newspaper this morning that he is advertising for an employee to do what he wanted me to do...don't know how far that will go in this small town, but I left things on the table for him and we shall see.
One thing he asked of me also that I was uncomfortable about....he wants copies of the tax returns I do for my own clients as well as a list of my clients in order to contact them about my work for them. I told him that I cannot give out client tax returns as it is private, privileged information. Then to think he wants my client list....I don't know. Maybe I am just being paranoid, but I certainly do not need him to market to my clients....
I am plugging away on the stuff I have right now and trusting God for my needs to be met I suppose. My son is going to run an ad for me on craigslist.org and also place a business size card ad in a couple of newspapers in Vero and then in Orlando where I came from.
Funny thing is...I have about 8 1040's right now for people who do not have the money to pay for them...in my heart I cannot turn them away as I have done their returns in the past when I did not need the money so badly. Makes me feel good to help others; but then and now I need help as well. Perhaps something will come of my son's help with the advertising. He has been so helpful to me as he is an IT administrator and has set me up with an FTP site, remote accessing, and setting up web mail, etc. for me.
The window of opportunity for this year is going to be gone before you know it, but each day is a new day and with friends like you guys here it helps me smile and know that I am not alone in times of stress...
Thank you again Natalie!!
Sandy
Dates & Times
Hi Natalie:
I think the system uses UTC (previously GMT) for the dates. So it must be Sunday already in London. :-)
- Tim Doyle, TaxAlmanac Moderator - Talk to me 18:23, 10 February 2007 (CST)
IE7
Natalie:
You asked to be informed when it was ok to install IE7. With our recent upgrades, TaxAlmanac should work fine with IE7. I can't say if that's the case with all Intuit products though.
- Tim Doyle, TaxAlmanac Moderator - Talk to me 15:25, 19 February 2007 (CST)
Good news Natalie!!
I wanted to touch base with you after my "whining" a few weeks back. The accountant in my town, called me again and told me he would take me at 25.00 an hour (whatever hours I can give him will be fine with him). He asked again if I would show him my personal client returns, I declined again but he said that he would see how I prepare returns for him anyway. Today I worked at his office from 7:00 a.m. until a bit ago.....new system ProFX, new format, he does not want or need workpapers, copies, etc. so it was all new to me, but I worked all day and he was pleased with my work....
We will see where this heads, but at least it will give me a few hours per week that I can depend on income for as I keep building my own client base...thank you again for your well wishes!!
Sandysea
Columns of Data
Hi Natalie:
You're right - there isn't a good way to enter pre-formatted columns of data in the forums. The website is designed for free-flowing text and does a lot to do that for you, which can really get annoying at times! This is on my list to look into and see what I can come up with. Thank you for bringing this to my attention.
- Tim Doyle, TaxAlmanac Moderator - Talk to me 09:31, 7 March 2007 (CST)
Moving Forums
Hi Natalie:
Yes, just edit the topic and look at the top line - a heading line. Just change the name of the forum listed there from Accounting to Tax. There are two versions, one with a space between words and one with an Underscore between words. Just keep the same format and change the name and it'll move to the other forum.
- Tim Doyle, TaxAlmanac Moderator - Talk to me 12:08, 7 March 2007 (CST)
Spam
Natalie:
It's deleted. Thank you so much for bringing this to my attention!
By the way - I'll be in Maui in 2 weeks! :-)
- Tim Doyle, TaxAlmanac Moderator - Talk to me 21:31, 14 June 2007 (CDT)
Schedule O
Natalie I've only done schedule O one time and if you could tell from my post I had problems with it. But I do see that on screen 9, under the Apportionment Amounts, down past regular tax you enter the accumulated earnings credit and AMT expemption and then right below that is the share of penalty for failure to pay estimated tax. That's all I see there. The one I had to do had DPAD and it was a nightmare in my opinion, I had to go back and forth between the two companies to get the figures to put in there, I wish Lacerte could do it for you and link the two together but it looks like you have to do it manually.
Maui Visit
It's all vacation! I've actually been to the islands about 8 times in my life - my grandfather's major accounts were in Honolulu and they had good friends who lived there - now moved to the big island. My parents honeymooned there and went back for their ten year anniversary. With all of those visits, I just had to see it myself. I went twice with my parents as a child, and several other opportunities came up over the years. I've been to Oahu, Kauai, Maui, and Hawaii.
- Tim Doyle, TaxAlmanac Moderator - Talk to me 08:47, 19 June 2007 (CDT)
Capitalizing Rental Fleets
I have a question about depreciating rental fleets. What life and depreciation method would you in the Hertz scenario? Let's say you'll only rent it for a year before putting it into inventory and selling it. Could you use straight-line depreciation over a 3 year life so when you sell it after a year you will still have a 2/3 basis? Or are there stricter guidelines for life and method? I am not familar with the rental industry accounting practices. ~Shawna
Tax software
After having been drained by Lacerte's PPR fees, I'm a happy Drake user. Costs about $1k for everything - all States, all forms, all entities. BethAZ 02:32, 5 August 2007 (CDT)
Drake Tax Software
There are no added fees for anything. Drake has PPR, looks like $285 for 15 returns and $19 per after that. All States. I think that includes corp returns. The website is www.drakesoftware.com. JofA did a survey of tax software and looks as though it's pretty popular. Not as easy or intuitive as Lacerte so proofreading is especially important, but can't beat the price and the customer service is outstanding. Kind and knowledgeble local Humans answer the phone and I've not called often but never been put on eternal hold. My email is aescpa@hotmail.com. BethAZ 16:52, 5 August 2007 (CDT)
And . . .
I got your message. I'm not sure what it means.
Oh! I went back to that thread. Now I get it.
Can you keep a secret? That picture is Nicholas Cage. Some people say I look like him, but I don't see it. I figured I could post his picture instead of mine and maintain some sort of confidentiality.
Notification emails
Hi Natalie:
This could be something on our side, or it could be a simple preferences setting. Let's check your settings to make sure it's not something simple.
Select "preferences" from the very very top line to get to your preferences page.
Select the "Email" tab
Make sure the "Send me an email when a page I have bookmarked is changed." checkbox is checked.
The line above that should read "Your e-mail address was authenticated on..."
If either of those aren't that way, let me know.
Thanks!
- Tim Doyle, TaxAlmanac Moderator - Talk to me 20:20, 6 September 2007 (CDT)
Notifications II
Natalie:
Two more things to try:
1) Make sure your email address in your preferences is still a valid address.
2) Log out, click the link to log in, and then click the send new password link to see if you get that. If you do, just ignore the instructions - your old password should still be valid.
- Tim Doyle, TaxAlmanac Moderator - Talk to me 21:24, 6 September 2007 (CDT)
Natalie:
I just did the Send new password process and got the email right away. Hmmm... Could you send your email address to taxalmanac@intuit.com. Once I get that, I'll try sending an email to you from that account.
Thanks for having patience as we work through this issue.
- Tim Doyle, TaxAlmanac Moderator - Talk to me 09:28, 7 September 2007 (CDT)
Honolulu
Yes, I will be flying in Oct 31 and leaving Nov 4. I will have time the evenings of Nov 1 &2 and most of the day the 3rd and 4th before I fly out. I'd love to go hiking. Kevinh5
JR1 stated that you have worked with ministers
Current thread from me is active.
Minister is fired by church (affair with female church member). Ex-wife (divorce is not final yet) and kids stay in parsonage. Church sends ex-wife money.
1. Is the free rent taxable? I found a rev rul that said that widows don't qualify for housing allowance.
2. The money the ex-wife receives from the church is it taxable income and if so what kind of income?
3. Is it all tax free?
Tax partner here thinks it is all "other income" not subject to S.E. tax. Everyone who has commented here thinks it tax free.
I am concerned about the tainted relationship. Most churches claim to be hiring the minister but many times they are hiring both spouses. This would taint the relationship to the ex-wife. It is almost impossible to give a gift to an employee.
Treasurer of the church use to work for me on weekends. He knew enough to ask various questions. This one, I can't find the answer. I have asked help from a financial officer at a state denomination who gives talks on minister taxation. No answer from her yet.
The ex-wife doen't need a tax suprise in April.
Thanks for your help.
Mark 276-628-1123
Smog 16:22, 7 September 2007 (CDT)
The Night Shift
That is the name I have for those on the extreme left of the map of our country! Sleep well. I am taking a few days off to see our unintended investment in upstate PA.
just kidding
I was concerned that some people thought I was serious when I posted that, so I wanted to save credibility. Then I changed my mind, and thought it would be more interesting to let people freak out and harass me for making such a ridiculous claim.
You are a super sleuth!
We have an incredible sense of humor. It's just that nobody else gets it.
Categorization Forum
Hi Natalie,
I went to the Categorization Forum but was not able to find any catagories lol. Just a couple posts, am I looking in the right place? Thanks for the help.
Will
Catagorization
Ok found it, thanks. Yes it does help, I think coming at it this way will be quicker than sifting through the search-box results. Appreciate it.
Will
Reply to your message
1. 1 I'm curious what your client does.
Natalie,
My client is in the public health profession and specializes in habit cessation programs (drugs, alcohol, tobacco). Apparently, my client has been asked by contacts in EU countries to submit grant proposals for these types of programs. The only way the EU countries will honor their proposals if they are a non-profit organization. My client will set up the non-profit and be Executive Director but will not receive compensation for their work. I will only act in an advisory capacity and be paid by my client from their personal funds. I have no interest in assisting them further as once they go outside the US, I am in over my head.
2. 2 I noticed you list "controllership" as one of your services. Do you use engagement letters? And do you have a hard time renewing your insurance when it comes time to complete the percentage of revenue categories?Natalie 14:51, 12 September 2007 (CDT)Natalie
I don't do much, if any, in the way of controllership. Only if asked do I provide controllership functions. If I am asked, I will use an engagement letter. I tend to stay away from it in most cases. I use engagement letters for all bookkeeping clients and tax clients. I have no issues renewing my insurance. Most of my practice revenues come from tax and tax advisory services.
Not to sound rude, but why do you ask?
Controllership Question
The reason I asked the controllership questions was that I was hoping to be able to bounce some ideas off of you. I provide controllership services to several clients, and every year when I renew my insurance, I have to figure out how to categorize that income. The insurance company has their own ideas of what constitutes controllership service, and it usually means a higher premium. Since I do not make management decisions for my client, however, the risk is lower, and I don't want to include the income in that category. My services do not neatly fit in as bookkeeping, however, because I do much more than that.
The other thing is the engagement letters. They are always a challenge because of the variety of things that I do.Natalie 18:17, 12 September 2007 (CDT)Natalie
Natalie,
Sorry. I'm not having a good day, so I jumped the gun when I saw your question and my response was rude. I apologize.
What categories is the insurance company giving you? If you aren't making management decisions, I would think bookkeeping/write up services fit the category. However, the more I think about it, many of my bookkeeping services lead me into controllership functions as I am helping the client with financial analysis that banks and others use to make decisions about my clients. After doing it for close to 20 years, it became second nature and I didn't realize until now I was doing it. But I really try hard not to make management decisions either. I simply tell the client that the final decision is theirs after giving them all the options available to the client.
But to be honest, I am not going to change how I report it to my insurance carrier because my accounting/writeup/bookkeeping services are only about 10% of the revenues I generate as a whole.
As far as engagement letters, that's a tough one in dealing with the controllership issue. I saw one many years ago that was pretty much about all the things the accounting firm wouldn't do, but they ended up doing them anyway. I can look for a sample one and get back to you within a day or two when and if I find it. Just leave me a note Friday as a reminder. My 6-year old is home from school tomorrow and I won't be doing much work.
I look forward to talking with you in the future.
Tom O'Connor
PS: By the way, how did you get your user page on this forum to look like it does? It's well laid out and easy to follow. I like what you've done. I wish I could do that.
Pointing out IRS mistake, audit
Natalie: Sorry for the long post. I think you can definitely distinguish this matter from preparing the return. TaxSrv really impressed me with his post...Examinations are also adversarial proceedings. To take a stark example: lets say last day of an audit, the examiner picks up a stack of items to substantiate travel expenses. You know these are clean as a whistle. However, you know the M&E records were not kept quite so well, and would likely result in some kind of error being found. Do you have a duty to advise the examiner not to pick up the travel expenses, but rather that he should spend his limited time working on the client's M&E substantiation? No! You don't have to make the examiners case, and this is not unethical. In my opinion, PVV's post was an extension of this further on after the audit had concluded. Now, I would certainly get my client's opinion. Maybe my client would desire me to notify the IRS of the mistake at this point. But, at least for a lawyer in these matters, it can actually be malpractice to make a disclosure that the client is not required to make (unless he consents to it).
Sample Engagement Letter
Natalie,
I didn't get a chance to look for it yet. I spent my morning playing plumber as we had a huge water/sewer backup in our house. I just got done fixing it. I will look over the weekend and get back to you Monday.
Tom O'Connor
Your Question
Not being sarcastic. I thought the Govt has penalties for ALL late filings. I recently learned on this site that S Corp filed late have no penalties (Federal). This has not been a issue here as most clients file timely or owe no tax. Are you helping Doyle weed out inappropriate posts?
Moving threads
Hi Natalie, I was your post. Can you please tell me the secret of how to move threads? - PVVCPA
Spam
Thank you - all gone!
- Tim Doyle, TaxAlmanac Moderator - Talk to me 13:17, 26 September 2007 (CDT)
Lake in Wisconsin
Natalie,
I know vey little about how this site works and just saaw the meassage you left me back in September. My husband and I go to Lake Viola every summer - it's near Siren, WI about 1 1/2 hours from St Paul. My sister-in-law's friend has a cabin there and we go every 4th of July and stay with them. I'm from Indiana originally and really miss the midwest so I love our visits there. Each time we go we look for cabins for sale with the goal of being able to spend our summers there in a few years. Sandy SKPCPA 21:55, 5 October 2007 (CDT)
Flamers
Appreciate your comments on being civil. The instigators should know better than to flame like that. This site has turned into a bad playground, complete with bullies (or one bully with multiple login names). Accountant's World forums appear to be flame-free. BethAZ 11:00, 7 October 2007 (CDT)
Hi Natalie
I fixed the discussion page, so it should work now. Ooops. BethAZ 17:32, 24 October 2007 (CDT)
Hiking on Saturday
YES - I just checked into the Pacific Beach Hotel on Waikiki and needed to check email, and got your message. I am up for hiking - let me know where to be and what time and how to know it's you. My cell phone is 828-280-6975. I will be teaching until 5 PM Thurs and Friday - am hoping to go down and watch the costume parade outside tonight!!! Kevinh5
New Picture
Hi Natalie:
There are instructions for how to upload a picture in the Frequently Asked Questions, whcih is linked from the Tax Questions Discussion Forum. You can also get there by clicking here: How to add picture. Let me know if you have any problems.
- Tim Doyle, TaxAlmanac Moderator - Talk to me 20:57, 31 October 2007 (CDT)
Thanks for your thoughts
on that message. The reason it is mysterious to me is that the only place National Heritage was mentioned was in comments between Beth and myself, not on the thread she posted on her audit. It was Beth's client who made contributions. After she told me who the charity was, I referred her to a link to an article I found on a Google search, but I have never contacted anyone in this regard.
Does this mean that someone is 'trolling' through our messages? I decided the best course was deleting the message and have done so, but now I wonder if I should not have contacted Tim first.
Another oddity is that Beth received no such message, but it is her client that is involved.
Once again, thanks for your thoughts on this cold rainy November day.
Death&Taxes 07:37, 10 November 2007 (CST)
Bob Jennings Stuff
Natalie: Here is the Jennings website. http://www.taxspeaker.com/ He offers some online courses also. He is a super careful type, and yes, some of my clients do not like all of this paperwork. But, what can you do? Let me know if you have any trouble with the website.
Self-study too
Looks like he's got some self-study on there too. Last year, I went to one of his seminars here in Atlanta, and then I also went to a CPE just on Circ. 230, so I was filled to the brim with this stuff. I don't know how much I really understand it, though! Both posts are from me. CrowJD 16:16, 19 November 2007 (CST)
I agree
I agree, it does not seem to be completely resolved. There is only so much CPE the brain can process during a year, besides the fact that the cost adds up pretty quickly! I did really enjoy the Jennings seminar, if one comes to HI, you might want to catch one. The one I attended was called: "Compilation & Review" or something like that, but he included A LOT of stuff on current events in tax in it, a lot of forms, letters etc.. Good value, and great materials to take home. CrowJD 16:31, 19 November 2007 (CST)
Re: User Page
Hi Natalie,
What is "ins"? Well, that sort of crossed my mind. TA is open to the world. You don't need even need to be a member to view the user pages. I just thought that I had to much personal information on it. I condensed it and threw up the picture of Nicolas Cage to keep my groupies away. :)
--PVVCPA 06:11, 20 November 2007 (CST)
Aloha Natalie, when you get the chance, can you send me an e-mail at actionbsns@aol.com. I had an e-mail from Kevin that I thought you would be interested in.
Thanks,
Paula
Home Office w/ S-Corp (clarification please!)
Hi Natalie,
After reading your contribution on home office for S-corps, I'm confused about one aspect.
In a situation where the sole employee rents the home, it seems that rental expenses not reimbursed would be returned anyway as shareholder distributions. In either case, there would be no payroll tax implications, but the income taxes would be the same. If that's correct, what's the point?
You seemed to suggest that this reimbursement does not need to be claimed on Schedule E. If that's correct, then it would make sense to reimburse the employee who rents the home.
Can you offer a clarification? Thanks!
Best, Jeff (jeffrey_ropp@hotmail.com)
I agree
I agree - take a look at my reply and let me know what you think. Thank you for bringing this to my attention!
- Tim Doyle, TaxAlmanac Moderator - Talk to me 10:25, 6 December 2007 (CST)
Master Builder
Hi Natalie,
I have never used Master Builder, but I do know I can find out from the guy I do work for.
Knowing that each different program within the Sage family have similar features, I am pretty positive that you can search for most things.
the main thing would be to know what version of Master Builder they are on. If it's thelatest update, then you should be able to preview any report and then there would be an envelope at the top, this is the export feature, you can then export into excel and use excel's search feature.
You can also use excel's import database feature and then use excel to generate multiple reports like a simplified access database.
You really have no idea the additional funstionality you get when you jump up to these other programs.
My e-mail is FSteinCPA@aol.com
If you shoot me an email, we can communicate that way and I would be more than happy to assist you.
rain rain and more rain!!
It just keeps raining and raining. Haven't seen this kind of rain since we moved from California. And the puddles are spectacular. The windshield wipers on my car have a hard time keeping up. How are you holding up. I just watched the news and it looks like Oahu has some serious flood warnings posted and Maui as well. Stay safe and be careful.
Natalie,
I recently found TA again. I am impressed at your posts.
GrizzlyCPA
Payroll Service Calculation Correct?
Hi Natalie: You are quite knowledgeable in this area and wanted to email you directly. Client needs to add health insurance premiums to the W2 at year end in the amount of roughly $1,000. From that, income tax withholding will be deducted. However, payroll service is telling me that there would be no net check to the shareholder if this addition to the W2 is run as a separate payroll. The tax withholding amount is roughly $200, let's say, so I would expect that the shareholder would receive a net check of $800 -- I am so confused at this point. Or, is this just a book entry for the payroll company?
Thank you for any assistance you might be able provide.
All the best and Happy Holidays!
Chase Chase 21:10, 20 December 2007 (CST)
Thanks, Natalie !!
Happy Holidays to you!
Chase Chase 09:41, 21 December 2007 (CST)
You're Welcome!
You're very welcome Natalie!
- Tim Doyle, TaxAlmanac Moderator - Talk to me 17:46, 26 December 2007 (CST)
HSA
Natalie, I am to embarrassed to display my ignorance by posting a reply to your thread. I do not understand what you meant when you said you have health insurance through your corporation therefore you do not qualify for an HSA. I understand that you cannot do an HSA if you have Section 105 plan or an FSA (neither of which are possible for an S-Corp shareholder). But I have not run across a prohibition to an HSA simply because you have health insurance through a corporation. As long as the health insurance is a qualfying HDHP, then I though it was OK to open up an HSA. Can you please explain what you meant. --PVVCPA 18:20, 29 December 2007 (CST)
Phew! You scared me. I have a HDHP through my S-Corp, and I have an HSA account that I have paid for my daughter's braces through. That would have been very embarrassing for me if it turned out that was not allowable. Thank you for your reply.
$3,000 for Phase 1. I have dental insurance that has ortho coverage up to $1,500. So that paid half. My HSA paid the other half.
Natalie, you are right
You are right, I have to be more careful, I was tired, and being silly. But, yes, I do have car insurance, and have paid for years! CrowJD 07:38, 30 December 2007 (CST)
Hawaii Visit
Thank you for the invite to your paradise. My wife Pam's lifelong dream is to go there, and I think some day we shall. Thank you for the nice comments.
Death&Taxes 18:25, 8 January 2008 (CST)
www.filetaxes.com
Natalie,
Thank you for mentioning this website in one of your posts.....it can't get much better than this, email 1099s and they send the 1099 copy to the recipient!
In the past I would buy Turbotax and print, mail, etc......this is a much better solution.
Thanks,
Mike McKee
Thank You
Natalie,
You are one of a few people that I have encountered on this board that has been polite. Thank you.
I have learned that this board is for "professional practioneers to assist one another." Since I am not in that category, I will bow out and not bother with updating the profile.
I know the old saying about "Give a man a fish and he eats for a day...", so your suggestion to take a class is to the point. Actually I am so busy with the business end of my business that I can hardly find time for anything.
Thanks again.
I was up there: Minutes
Hi, Natalie: I had already posted on the Minutes issue. Before today, I never even gave this matter a thought; and I'm not turning in any of my accountant friends anyway! It seems to me that if the Corporate Secretary "takes it down", and the acccountant just more or less advises as to tax and accounting issues, and types it up.... I know that in my state, they don't get too excited about accountants assisting in corporate legal matters; they look the other way. CrowJD 20:20, 10 January 2008 (CST)
uncompiled
Natatlie,
Yep. That was me. I was re-reading that post (nothing exciting happening on TA today) and I decided to make some minor edits to my prior posts. I guess when you do that, the thread pops back up to the top. --PVVCPA 18:20, 12 January 2008 (CST)
Is it against TA protocol for me to make minor editing changes to my own posts? I wasn't changing content, just cleared up a few things that didn't read well when I looked at it 3 months later. Is that OK?
I agree. That is uncool. It would be preferable if users would be locked out of editing other users posts.
Not working...
Just peeking in as I goof on the computer. Wife works/serves at Church at the crack of stupid, so I give her a head start on sleep on Sat. nights.
So, how about that Packers game! Yikes, after three minutes I was sick! Who would have figured we'd tie by the end of Qtr 1?? Amazing. Now, if the Giants would eliminate the Cowboys I'd feel better. But tonight, we're happy. JeffJR1
Thanks, Natalie.. :)
Props
Noun 1. props - proper respect; "I have to give my props to the governor for the way he handled the problem"
Slang term
Skasselea 15:33, 14 January 2008 (CST)
Message for Steve
Natalie:
I see your message for Steve. If you aren't seeing it, it could be a browser caching issue. This just means that your browser thinks it has the latest version and so it isn't asking for a new one, but it really has an old version. To force it to reload the current page, press Ctrl-F5.
- Tim Doyle, TaxAlmanac Moderator - Talk to me 15:37, 14 January 2008 (CST)
PTD
In IRS parlance, a PTD is a Potentially Dangerous Taxpayer. While I think they probably mean physically, I also have tried to keep IRS people away from clients who will scream or shout in your face....like a baseball manager arguing with an umpire. Death&Taxes 16:02, 14 January 2008 (CST)
I wish
I would love to pay taxes on $10M of capital gain. --PVVCPA 11:58, 15 January 2008 (CST)
replying to your message to me
Natalie, you left me a message that read click on my name and complete my profile, but when I try, there is no option to edit. Brian Thomas Brianzzz
Hey there! I need some advice....
Natalie,
Tom O'Connor here (the infamous taocpa). I am trying to price out services for a client and I am at a crossroads trying to determine where to go.
Client is a $200K retail store. He and the wife will probably write the checks and I will come in do the financials, bank recs, tax compliance reporting (except payroll as wife is a payroll speciallst) etc. It's in the Washington, DC area, where, like Hawaii, things are not cheap.
I figure the amount of time per month will average anywhere from 2-5 hours. I am thinking $100-$125 per hour making it $400-$500 per month. This includes phone calls, research, tax returns, etc. Do you think I am short changing myself?
I ask because I get the feeling I have been short-changing myself in pricing these jobs. My one client (who almost bolted to the other accountant) is only paying me for on average 3 hours per month, yet he chews up around 4-5 (I warned him, he's due for an increase).
By the way, I still owe you the Controller letter. I have been ill for the last few months. I have not shared many of the details, but it's been an ongoing struggle for a while. Finally, an alert client, who is a pharmacist, thought the problem might be an interaction with a medicine she read about. Long story short, I am feeling so much better and I am down 20+ pounds. That's kind of why I was a little strange in September when we originally corresponded. It's kind of why I am taking charge of some of these pain in the neck clients. They are beginning to cost me money.
Thanks for you time.
Tom
Follow up
I did a "Google" search once. Too bad I share my name with about 50 million other Tom O'Connor's. The only picture of me with anyone famous is with President Clinton at the White House when my band played there.
Actually, those suggestions are good. Never thought of them. Usually I give a client a price and their first reaction is to choke. It's because they are cheap. Well, the next time they choke, I will tell them, "Tell you what. I will bill you on an hourly basis with a 1/2 travel charge and see how that works." They might think twice.
I will get that letter shortly. Today, I am busy barbecuing brisket for a dinner tonight at our Knights of Columbus Hall in between doing W-2's. Talk with you soon. And I don't want to hear any complaints about the weather out there, okay? TomTaocpa 12:17, 16 January 2008 (CST)
Deleted Posts
Hi Natalie,
here's why. We have this jerk down in Florida that kept bugging people and talking about this "Asset Segregation Report" and plugging his firm down in Florida. A lot of people, including myself, were pissed off at him, I had even left a message for him in not very nice terms. So I thought the best thing to do to avoid this juvenille behavior was to delete all of his posts that dealt with plugging his business. I did a favor for all involved, and my apologies but if you really wanted to read more of his junk solicitation posts, go for it, but I think the majority of people would welcome the change. Don't be pissed off at me, when you should really be pissed off at the jerk that infiltrated our pages with a bunch of solicitation crap. Thanks, I enjoy reading your posts.
Appeal
I read the question; I don't think I have ever had a penalty issue go to a meeting but delays are so common. Currently, I asked for a Collection Due Process hearing on a first time client I met last February, a woman in her mid-sixties with emphesema and chronic respiratory problems.....a woman whose remaining life cannot be that long. She owes money from 2002, has tapped her house to the maximum, and this past summer could no longer meet her installment obligations because the cost of a new medicine grew to such an extent there was no money in her budget to meet every expense. She was used as an example in a NY Times article about seniors and prescriptions, and her doctor was interviewed too. Her prognosis is very poor.
I asked for the due process hearing in August or September; it was finally scheduled for January 8th, a day I had a seminar, so the Appeals officer postponded it until the 17th at 11am. I sat and waited for her call until 12:30 when I had to go out to pick up papers. When I returned home later, I found the appeals officer's message on the machine, apologizing for being late in calling. So on we go again. I only want to ask her to Code 53 the woman, and that there is enough equity in her house to collect the tax upon her death, which might come this year.
My point is that IRS sometimes is like going to a hospital for tests.....you know, you go in, getting handed a clipboard with questions to fill out, go to another station and sign in and are handed more papers.....hurry up and wait, or I think I put it better here: http://www.writing.com/main/view_item/item_id/318255
The only thing I would worry about if I were you is the length of the current freeze. One other thing for certain; they are sure to bring up the matter on about April 5th!
Good luck
Death&Taxes 08:52, 21 January 2008 (CST)
Advice needed
Natalie, I found this site and you searching for a problem I have. On Aug/06 you answered to a person who his/her employer didn't withheld SS and Medicare taxes. Well, I have just the same problem. I arrived to USA in 2000 with a J visa (except for SS & Medicare taxes), by 2002 my employer filed for an L visa and by 2005 for an H. I'm in the last step to get my Green Card. My employer is doing all the paperwork; now being so close to get my Green Card, I started looking for my rights and benefits and started reading about Social Security... then I noticed I haven't paid anything to it and I should have since I got the L visa. This take me to 6 years without payment. I informed my office and I will start paying this year. The accountant of my office advised not doing anything until a government agency says something. I’m not feeling comfortable with this solution, because I will be scrutinized for the Green Card and later when applying for citizenship and because I’m thinking that, even if nobody notice it, I’m loosing benefits for 6 years or if I get disabled now, I don’t have any benefit at all. In the conversation we had, they just said that if we decided to pay now, I would have to pay all the amount I owe (7.5% I guess). I used to have a great relationship with my office, but lately it’s been changing, I’m even thinking of leaving once I get my GC… and now I got this problem… As per your response in August 3, 2006 to this person: “I guess I should revise what I said above about the responsibility of paying FICA and medicare. According to IRS Regulations Sec. 601.401, Employment taxes, "Employee tax must be deducted and withheld by employers from 'wages' or 'compensation' . . . paid to employees, and the employer is liable for the employee tax whether or not it is so deducted." This section then refers to Rev. Proc. 81-48 for an explanation of how to calculate the gross up of wages when the employer pays the FICA tax. Based on that information, it would appear that the employer is legally required to pay the FICA.” And reviewing the mentioned section (which I guess is still valid), I just want to confirm with you if I could (if required) fight my employer. I have to talk to them this week, I will try to negotiate, but as our conversation, they hinted that I would have to pay a big amount of money. I sincerely believe I shall have my benefits and I could pay something, but not the entire amount since my understanding is that they are liable of this and at the end of the road the problem is bigger for them. But I really need to know if I’m not mistaken. Any idea or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you very much for taking this time to read. Regards Jorge jfd55@yahoo.com
Jfd55 16:13, 21 January 2008 (CST)
Minutes
Here is the link: Discussion:Preparing_minutes_for_clients
Tax Forum.
Natalie, Thank you for your quick response. I do not mind posting the question in the forum. If you can just point address of the forum I will appreciate. In the past 4 days I've been researching deeply all this problem. I found in the IRS page that J visas are allowed to get rid of SS and Medicare but L and H must pay them. I read there is no way to opt out of those taxes either. I just want to know my alternatives and the repercussion. Thank you very much. Jorge Jfd55 21:27, 21 January 2008 (CST)
you tube link
Oh, after he called me a Tax Donkey I was just laughing for the next half hour. I really didn't want to come off as as much a jerk as he obviously is, so I was trying to find some humor that wouldn't TOTALLY offend everyone. But it is fitting, isn't it? Kevinh5
FU's posts
I see you deleted one, I had already deleted another and had edited that one to be less offensive, will you please report him to Tim? Thanks Kevinh5
Thank you
Thank you for stepping in. I have now blocked this user and removed the posts.
- Tim Doyle, TaxAlmanac Moderator - Talk to me 15:00, 23 January 2008 (CST)
Blocking
Natalie:
For this time, I just blocked the account. Of course this means that someone could simply create a new account and start again, but hopefully knowing that someone is watching will deter this. There are additional blocks that I could do if needed.
- Tim Doyle, TaxAlmanac Moderator - Talk to me 15:09, 23 January 2008 (CST)
More Info
Natalie:
Just an FYI... if you ever see a problem like this, please do let me know. One other thing that you can do it to remove the top line from the discussion - the one that reads {{ForumThreadHeading|Tax_Questions|Tax Questions}}, or in some cases there are two lines like this at the top. Once those are removed, they will no longer show in the discussion index. Still not deleted pages, but away from public view until I can get to them.
- Tim Doyle, TaxAlmanac Moderator - Talk to me 15:25, 23 January 2008 (CST)
our friend is back
just posted again asking where to put W-2 wages on a 1040 Kevinh5
Limiting access in Enterprise Solutions
No way to limit access to only one bank account that I know of. You may try a work around where the other bank accounts are on another QB file and you merge the two financial statements via Excel so you can get reports.
Got an idea
Maybe you could change the account type of the other bank accounts to "Other Current Asset" (or vice versa). Access is limited via account types so changing the account type should limit access. You would still be able to reconcile the account.
Banned User
I've already taken the next steps. Because the last one didn't seem to work, please let me know if you see him posting again.
- Tim Doyle, TaxAlmanac Moderator - Talk to me 15:11, 28 January 2008 (CST)
Smiley
Thanks Natalie! Just having a little fun!
Now go back to staring at the big blue ocean!
Tom Taocpa 14:33, 30 January 2008 (CST)
That is awesome
Natalie -
Great article. Even though that picture is small, your kids look cute as buttons. Keep up the good work!
Tom Taocpa 15:14, 30 January 2008 (CST)
MNCPA
Thanks a ton Natalie. I am still learning how to effectively (and efficiently) use this site!
Check out the Chat page
Natalie -
I hope you check out the chat when you have a chance.
Tom Taocpa 12:01, 31 January 2008 (CST)
Earlier Message
Thanks Natalie for the kind words. It was a shock when it happened. She was on a retreat when she had the first symptoms. She couldn't see out of her left eye. It was scary That's why she has to be careful about any trauma to the eye. Tom Taocpa 19:20, 31 January 2008 (CST)
Be sure to check out the Burrrrr cold discussion
You'll know it when you see it! Tom Taocpa 15:18, 1 February 2008 (CST)
Your musicians
Maybe I should give you some of my work. It looks like you have lots of time on your hands!! 
Natalie 18:07, 1 February 2008 (CST)Natalie
I was on a conference call and bored out of my mind. When I saw your post about the heater, I just knew the orchestra was begging to be posted, so I just made one up! Tom Taocpa 21:58, 1 February 2008 (CST)
Profile
I just discovered about an hour ago that it was gone. Had no idea what happened to it. Was going to check the status of some others before I retyped it. (Didn't know if maybe it was a computer glitch.) I don't remember recognizing the name "Danjames".
Thanks a bunch!!! I responded to a thread he had started and I guess when he looked at my profile, he accidently deleted it. Oh well!! Fixed now.
Feelings
I feel much better thank you very much.
It's quite warm here. 40 + degrees. will be switching to shorts later.
Master Builder
I noticed in one post that SouthParkCPa has two clients that use Masterbuilder. He or his clients might be a good resource.
Fred
AWWW thank you Natalie
I am so thankful for your note to me. Yeah, you can change it if you like but this retirement stuff every year has me confused with people have so many differing opinions. I am trying to work it out so that he can get his taxes lowered in 07 and then since in 08 he will be retiring and is over 59 1/2 he can then take distributions from the 401K and his IRA after being held for a couple of years.
Trouble is how to do it with the differing opinions?
Thank you very much my friend
Sandysea
Mis-read 990
Hi Natalie, No problem, I'm frequently guilty of misreading a post. I learn a great deal from reading your thoughtful responses to questions and I'm happy if I'm able to shed light on issues in the compliance arena of nonprofits. CPAdavid 08:44, 8 February 2008 (CST)
No
No, Vilex IS real. I just wanted to work a little humor into the post, and try to give her a suggested answer without blowing her off there. So, I assumed the role of the poor Russian accountant trying to give her advice, and teach her some RAAP. CrowJD 21:34, 8 February 2008 (CST)
Vilexka is a Russian dimunuative for a girl or woman (adding the "ka"), like a nickname. But I don't even know if the OP is a man or a woman! No harm was done, she still got the point to hit the books!CrowJD 21:34, 8 February 2008 (CST)
There was
Well, there WAS a real Russian on there earlier in the day. I can tell by the way he writes. So, I have to admit, it set my creative juices afire, and I could not resist becoming a Russian for a day. So, I played the Russian friend & comrade, and then the poor Russian accountant. lol. You have to understand, us attorneys are crazy at heart. Don't worry, JDCrowya is taking a break (at least until he sneaks out again). P.S. I do have to go back and help Taocpa out on the term thing, hold on. CrowJD 22:02, 8 February 2008 (CST)
Question
Guy calls me today. Absolute cold call from a DIY'er. Wants me to "review his return." I tell him that I really don't do that. I will have to prepare the return myself since I am obligated to sign the return as a preparer even if I review it. When he tells me he is being hit with the AMT, I know darn well he can afford me and he's going to start fee shopping. Of course, he doesn't like the answer I give him about my fee because of the AMT calculation. Now it's been 20+ years since I took the ethics exam, but I seem to recall that ethically, I do have to sign as preparer even if I review the return. Do you recall that? I went through the SSTR's and the AICPA Code of Ethics and I believe it falls under non-attestation services. Just double checking. Thanks, Tom Taocpa 16:07, 9 February 2008 (CST)
i erased the discussion...
Hi Natalie,
I did erase my discussion about the whole llc in my name issue because: 1) I made a decision to close the LLC (will most likely cost me loosing a friend), For some reason I agreed to it (just to help) but then I felt uneasy about it yet tried to stifle it, then i was to the point that i couldn't bear it anymore and made a resolution to dissolve it. 2) I didn't believe topic was very relevant to the general tone of this forum, and that is why I removed it. However, I do appreciate the advice i received and it just all strengthened my decision. Thank you for your replies and care
Kozandr
Smiley face
Natalie:
Here's the page it's on:
http://www.getsmileyface.com/happy-smileys4.html
TomTaocpa 19:23, 12 February 2008 (CST)
Smileys
No, not a test. That's just the page it's on. 3rd column, 3rd one down. It's a favorite so I already know where it is. TomTaocpa 05:16, 13 February 2008 (CST)
Smileys and other stuff
No problem Natalie. By the way, ice storm just missed us. Thanks goodness. Also, I figured out my little issue with reviewing self-prepared returns. I think you saw my posts. TomTaocpa 13:54, 13 February 2008 (CST)
DIF
DIF is short for DIF score: best explanation I know comes from here: http://www.irs-audit.net/DIF_score.html
Essentially it reveals how a taxpayer compares to the norm.
Bookmark List
Natalie:
I'm not sure what's going on with your bookmarks pages. I can tell you that no hardware or software changes have been made to the site in some time, and certainly not in the time frame that you say you've noticed a change in the behavior. There is a default time period for this list, but I'm not sure exactly what it is without some digging , but I wouldn't be surprised if it was 12 hours. As far as I am aware, this is not a value that can be changed with your profile settings, and I don't think the default can be changed without changing the wiki code itself, and this is not something that we have done.
Here's something you can try. Go to your bookmarks page, select the number of days that you'd like to see, and then bookmark that page URL. When you select to go back to that bookmark again, you should see the time period you're interested in. Let me know if this is of any value to you.
Thanks,
- Tim Doyle, TaxAlmanac Moderator - Talk to me 14:59, 13 February 2008 (CST)
IE7
Hi Natalie,
You wanted me to get back with you if I installed IE7 because of potential problems with Intuit programs .... no problems with prior year QB or Lacerte programs so far! I like IE7 because of the multiple tabs feature that lets you open up a bunch of pages and have them on a tab on top until you get to them.
Bye Brad (BEGooding)
Sorry to have offended you Natalie-
No reason to ban me...I will not be posting anything on TA any longer...
Thanks for all your help in the past couple of years Natalie and Happy V day!!
Sandysea
Oh Crud
Let me see what you've been saying...and try to intervene....
Sandy
I shot her a note...hoping she'll not lose her sense of humor...I don't get her reply to you. Kind of out of bounds for her. Jeff
Deleting
Natalie - thank you for that info - I did not know that. It would be a shame if as others have suggested that this post could come back and hurt Sandy. None of us would ever want that to happen.
which comment
sometimes I have second thoughts about my comments because some people might take me too seriously or not seriously enough - it's hard for others to tell when I'm ragging on somebody or just having fun. Kevinh5
DZ and my page
First, Aloha. How goes it? Secondly, what the heck was that post about from DZ? Third, check out my page when you get a chance. I updated it. TomTaocpa 15:28, 25 February 2008 (CST)
AVON woman
I just saw you message to this confused or dumm poster. You are very nice to her but it will not make any difference. She won't get it. It'd be best to delete her useless post. Where is Tim Doyle??? Murrsg07 20:21, 25 February 2008 (CST)
thanks for the tip about watch lists and hello!
Hi Natalie and Mahalo,
Thanks for your help. I have been a personal tax preparer for over 20 years but always did it on a shoestring. I always managed to get by with Turbo Tax and squeeze out a few S Corp or Partnership returns on my employers software. This year I decided to go with Intuit's ProSeries, but got caught sleeping on the EFIN registration process.
Hope your tax season is going well. I am jealous of your location. I hope to spend some months each year in Hawaii in the not to distant future. Love Oahu, Maui and Kauaii. Much more that I haven't seen.
Sorry, didn't sign the message. Still getting used to this board.
Hi Natalie and Mahalo,
Thanks for your help. I have been a personal tax preparer for over 20 years but always did it on a shoestring. I always managed to get by with Turbo Tax and squeeze out a few S Corp or Partnership returns on my employers software. This year I decided to go with Intuit's ProSeries, but got caught sleeping on the EFIN registration process.
Hope your tax season is going well. I am jealous of your location. I hope to spend some months each year in Hawaii in the not to distant future. Love Oahu, Maui and Kauaii. Much more that I haven't seen.Griffinkjsr 22:19, 26 February 2008 (CST)
hurt feelings
my skin is a lot thicker than that, I wrote it tounge-in-cheek. I really don't care what DIYers think about us or me, but they sure are starting to bother me with their demanding attitudes. Kevinh5
Not too bright on this kind of thing, so I hope this is appropriate. Did you leave me a message?
Woo-hoo! If so are you a possible Cyber-Friend?
Thanks for the Waldorf school thing. Is this a private school?
Amazes me sometimes that my children are not carbon copies of me. I loved math and it came easy to me. My daughter struggles with it, and it's hard for me to help her, because I don't quite "get" how it can be difficult.
pierce
Sounds like a great school Pierce 06:43, 1 March 2008 (CST)
Lobbying and 501c3 orgs
Natalie wrote:
"Have you worked much with the lobbying election for 501(c)(3) orgs. or lobbying in general? I have a client that is trying to get a bill passed for state revenue bonds (part of capital improvement project). I know a de minimus amount of lobbying is allowed, but today I came across a statement in my library materials about direct lobbying not being allowed by charitable orgs. Unfortunately I don't have a whole lot of time to research this in depth.
What I am specifically wondering is if the org. is allowed to inform certain members of the public that there is a bill before the legislature that affects the org and that they (the affected public) should submit testimony regarding the bill.Natalie 03:32, 3 March 2008 (CST)Natalie "
Hi Natalie, I've had a small amount of experience with the 501(h) election and lobbying expenditures. I've found that the most difficult part of the reporting process is determining exactly which activities of an organization are actually lobbying, and which are not.
With respect to what you found in your library materials about direct lobbying not being allowed, I'm not aware of any such limitation. Lobbying is ok as long as it does not constitute a substantial part of the organization's activities, and as long as the organization's main or primary objectives are not such that they can only be achieved by lobbying. Attempting to influence an election, however, is STRICTLY prohibited.
With regard to your specific question, it sounds as though the actions that you are referring to MAY constitute grassroots lobbying. This is not a problem as long as the expenditures are within the allowed limits.
A grassroots lobbying communication is an attempt to influence legislation by trying to affect the opinions of a portion of the general public and:
1. refers to specific legislation, 2, reflects a view on such legislation, and 3. encourages the recipient of the communication to take action with respect to the legislation.
Encouraging the recipient to take action means the communication: 1 states that the recipient should contact a legislator or employee of a legislative body; 2. provides contact info of legislator / legislative body; 3. provides a petition or reply card to communicate with legislator 4. specifically identifies one or more legislators who are involved with passing/defeating the legislation.
If one of the three enumerated elements above is not present in the communication, it is not lobbying.
If the organization has elected under 501(h) they should be able to calculate how much they can spend on lobbying in a particular year.
I hope this is helpful.
I had trouble submitting this the first time (fortunately I copied everything to the clipboard before clicking "save page") so I'm sending it again. Sorry if it posts twice.
David CPAdavid 08:31, 3 March 2008 (CST)
I think I've been had....
Natalie - Did you see this? Discussion:Working Capital built into loan proceeds? I think I was had. I could I have been so stupid? TomTaocpa 17:27, 3 March 2008 (CST)
Re: I think I've been had
Hey Natalie - That's why I answered it. When I saw the JR1, post, it looked legit. I am trying to be helpful, instead of always playing class clown or whatever I do. I even left a private message to this individual to e-mail me offline as to not clog up the board space if this were a legit business transaction. When I didn't hear back, I smelled a rat. I then dropped them another message with an even more harsher tone. I wouldn't mind helping these students if they were not being lazy or deceitful. TomTaocpa 00:48, 4 March 2008 (CST)
Up late
I can't sleep. I worked on two returns today. My stomach is in knots for some reason. What time is it out there? TomTaocpa 00:54, 4 March 2008 (CST)
Okay, I will. Heading off now. Talk with you tomorrow sometime. TomTaocpa 01:07, 4 March 2008 (CST)
Thanks
Thanks for the feedback. Funny, I was thinking how fortunate you are to live in such a beautiful area. Pierce 07:02, 6 March 2008 (CST)
W-2's for prior years
Did you need those? If yes, how many and your address. Belle 15:04, 6 March 2008 (CST)
Delinq W-2's
If they are laser printed, I'd try it. I have never seen one of those $ 50 penalties that are so often discussed actually assessed. And if it's only a couple of W-2's, let the client bear the penalty cost if it ever comes up after filing. I'm guessing there are more penalties to worry about anyway, right?
The one's I have are from Office Depot, and you'd have to make sure the alignment worked with your version of QuickBooks....JUST what you need on March 6th! Good luck. Belle 15:32, 6 March 2008 (CST)
Millenial Child website
Natalie, you are a wealth of information! Saved this website and will check it out in more detail after tax season. My son has some special needs regarding the traditional school setting, and I am always looking for ways to help him. Our school, fortunately, is small enough that the teachers really care about the individual students and are open to incorporating new methods into the classroom. Pierce 06:29, 7 March 2008 (CST)
thanks
I am surprized you say you have seen my postings twice on several occasions. This is the first I have noticed it. Clearly I do not know my way around this forum as well as you. I have had trouble with various things - I cannot get the "CPA" group to appear on my page and indeed I had my page & groups set up last year & poof - I didn't use the site for almost 6 months & my user page info was gone. Thanks for your guidance. ~~szptax
Thanks
And Thanks again. I searched for the page instructions & gave up. Its nice to have it correct. Looked pretty goofy the other way! ~~szptax
So, how did it go?
How did it go today? It was today, right? TomTaocpa 17:34, 9 March 2008 (CDT)
If you get a chance....
Introduce yourself to a new kid on the block. Tdinter1 is her user name, her real name is Tara. I accidentally gave her heck last week. Turns out she's a good kid just earning her stripes. She's been e-mailing me privately since I told her to and I worked things out with her. I told her you were a good person to know on the board since you are smarter than most (especially me). She needs some hand holding. I feel bad about what happened, but I am also a sucker for women since I have two in my house and I have 3 sisters. Anyway, I just wanted her to make some more friends. TomTaocpa 18:35, 11 March 2008 (CDT)
Missing Discussion
Natalie:
Unless you've overlooked it from your contributions list, the only thing that I can think of is that the discussion was deleted. The good news is that things aren't really deleted, but just marked as deactivated. From the left-hand column, select "Special pages", and on the list presented, select "Logs". Then select "Deletion Log" from the first pull-down and click the Go button. If you see the discussion, let me know the name and I can attempt to restore it.
- Tim Doyle, TaxAlmanac Moderator - Talk to me 20:26, 11 March 2008 (CDT)
Mystery
Good to know. Glad to hear that it was still out there. Keep in mind that someone could have renamed it from your original title. You can check the "Move" log in the same place as the delete log that I told you about to see.
- Tim Doyle, TaxAlmanac Moderator - Talk to me 09:49, 13 March 2008 (CDT)
How goes it?
Hey Natalie - saw your post. Some people are simply brain dead. I added a post of my own which I know you will enjoy. I had to condense it a bit because the whole thing took over two weeks, trading phone calls, meetings, etc. but the actual meetings and confrontation did happen in the bar of the club (it's similar to an "Elks" club). I left out the part where the president put his hand on my shoulder and told me I was wrong because I almost put him on the ground and I don't want people to think I am a violent person which I am not. At 5'5", I can't knock over a Bozo Bop Bag. Anyway, last thing, did you see this post in the Accounting Forum:Discussion:Contingency Reserve Fund for strata organizations? Seems strange. I've never used "strata" to describe an organization before, which is why I thought and still think it's homework. By the way, I made salmon the other night. I do make other things than steak and pizza! Have a great day!!!! TomTaocpa 06:53, 15 March 2008 (CDT)
LLC Q
Hi Natalie, Thank you for the response. A couple of follow-up questions. 1. The member's guaranteed payments is an expense, correct? and 2. Since it is a commission and is based on the member's sales, how can I guarantee a certain amount. If the member does not sell anything, he will only receive his part of the profit.
Best regards,
Greg
The commissions get reported to each member as guaranteed payments. As such, they are deducted on the 1065. The net profit then is split according to the percentages you listed. LLC's do not issue 1099s to members for services rendered. I hope this helps.Natalie 14:16, 18 March 2008 (CDT)Natalie
Pierce
Natalie,
Thank you so much for your encouragement. My people are all wonderful, and I love them, but they seem to come in waves. Two weeks ago was a wave, then got my head above water, then this week is another wave. Had to file an extension on a corp that was finished, because couldn't work out a time to have him get his return.
Went to town today. One appointment, then the lawyer on an easement issue, then Easter shopping. Ran into an elderly client who asked if I had his taxes done yet. Thought twice, then again, then had to say "Well, Richie, I don't believe I have your stuff yet." (Son-in-law brings in his stuff, and has an appointment on Mon.)
So funny. Have spent the last three years saying NO to any new obligations. Just sent in my petition to become a school board trustee. Maybe because I finally felt I had time to spring clean the house?
So glad to see you working on the safety issue. Have spent most of my life avoiding any situations where I would have to publicly speak, or get into controversy.
Have no idea if this in any way addressed your comment, but thanks again. Pierce 10:42, 21 March 2008 (CDT)
Pierce
You are a great Mom!Pierce 10:39, 21 March 2008 (CDT)
When to acknowledge quid pro quo
Hi Natalie,
According to the code:
Sec. 6115. Disclosure related to quid pro quo contributions
(a) Disclosure requirement
If an organization described in section 170(c) (other than
paragraph (1) thereof) receives a quid pro quo contribution in
excess of $75, the organization shall, in connection with the
solicitation or receipt of the contribution, provide a written
statement which -
(1) informs the donor that the amount of the contribution that
is deductible for Federal income tax purposes is limited to the
excess of the amount of any money and the value of any property
other than money contributed by the donor over the value of the
goods or services provided by the organization, and
(2) provides the donor with a good faith estimate of the value
of such goods or services.
PPC 990 deskbook interpretation: "...[the organization] must provide a written notice to the donor with either the solicitation or receipt of the ticket proceeds."
IRS website guidance agrees: [[1]]
Per IRS booklet sent to charities with determination letter, page 28:
"A public charity should provide the written disclosure statement in advance of any event, determine the fair market value of any benefit received, and state this information in fundraising materials such as solicitations, tickets, and receipts. The disclosure statement should be made, at the latest, at the time payment is received. Subject to certain exceptions, the disclosure responsibility applies to any fundraising circumstance where each complete payment, including the contribution portion, exceeds $75."
That should be convincing.
CPAdavid 08:42, 25 March 2008 (CDT)
Perhaps I misunderstood your question Natalie. You indicated it was a quid pro quo contribution, that is, a contribution where there is donative intent, but where the donor received something of value as well. Code section 6115 clearly applies to public charities. The booklet that the IRS sends to new charities that I quoted from above is also clear on the point that acknowledgments for quid pro quo contributions must be made no later than when the money is received, not after the event. The fact that one of my references was to a page that applies to private foundations does not negate section 6115. I think it is clear that it applies to public charities AND private foundations.
If the transaction is merely a ticket sale, with no donative intent, it is not quid pro quo and is not subject to any acknowledgement requirements. CPAdavid 14:16, 26 March 2008 (CDT)
It has always been my experience that accounting for and acknowledging quid pro quo contributions is a neglected area with charities. Rarely do they provide detailed info to the 990 preparer or to the donor with regard to the value of items received by the donor in exchange for the contribution. Remember that the charity only has to provide a "good faith estimate" of the value of meals and other items given to the donors. So the valuation shouldn't get too complicated in the interest of precision. CPAdavid 16:18, 26 March 2008 (CDT)
I see no difference between the IRS website guidance on quid pro quo contribution acknowledgments for public charities [charities] and for [private foundations]. I'm not an expert on private foundations, but it is my understanding that a private foundation is subject to the same rules as a public charity PLUS additional rules that apply to private foundations (mainly covering transactions between the foundation and the managers/disqualified persons). And of course the private foundations are not subject to the public support requirements. CPAdavid 16:18, 26 March 2008 (CDT)
Natalie, I can't find anything on page 4 of pub 526 that mentions educational organizations or suggests that they are an exception. Can you quote from the publication so I can see exactly what you are referring to? Regarding why you are the only one who seems to communicate with me via the discussion feature of this forum, I have no idea except that it is a rather clunky interface, and only the more experienced users seem to be comfortable with it. I find it insufferably awkward. Most people just email me with questions. I'm not sure where to leave this edit. Here, appended to the original discussion, or at the bottom of the page where it is easier to find? CPAdavid 07:52, 25 March 2009 (CDT)
LLC taxed as S Corp in Hawaii
Aloha Natalie, I'm just wondering if you can help me answer a question. I need to have a SMLLC client change their to status to S Corporation. I can do so Federally easily, but I'm just wondering if I need to do anything special with the State of Hawaii? Thanks for your time.
Paula Wilson actionbsns@aol.com
Night Owling
Yup, born and raised in Los Angeles. Though I bet Hawaii is nicer. Treasury Decision 9312 is keeping me up tonight, but it's a crappy date. Sleep is for April 16...and the weak...and the elderly infirm...and me shortly. On the plus side, I get to have L&L BBQ for lunch tomorrow!
Dang, your profile is slick! TheTinCook 04:51, 4 April 2008 (CDT)
Dar
Thank you for your reply Natalie. Yeah, it did kinda bother me but I do see where you were coming from now. I guess we all are tired and having to deal with clients who don't know beans about keeping paperwork straight on their end and make them happy at the same time. Haven't had been active much this season on the TA but really do enjoy reading and learning from this forum.
Dar
appreciation
Natalie, Thank you for your promply response. This site seems is for tax professionals not for tax dummy like me. I am despiratly seeking help; I don't mind you change the title of my message at all. May I know your charge for simple tax return preparation(1040NR)? I have filled out most of information on 1043nr forms.
Lost Message
Natalie:
It looks as though you found your message that you were looking for. Discussion:Tax withheld on interest - foreigner
- Tim Doyle, TaxAlmanac Moderator - Talk to me 22:10, 8 April 2008 (CDT)
VOG and SO2
It could possibly be drifting your way. Our weather here yesterday was awful. At first it looked stormy, then just yucky. I'm not sure how much is from the volcano and how much from just bad weather. I don't notice an odor, buy my eyes bother me a lot. I could just be used to any odor that comes with it though. Best to stay inside if it's too bad.
Excuse me young lady....
But shouldn't you be in bed by now? What the heck time is it out there? It's 9:20am here! TomTaocpa 08:20, 12 April 2008 (CDT)
but of course
have your way with me/it. lol.
go to town you.
response coming tomorrow
Slang
It's old Southern slang! To "take a cotton to" means to like, and not to cotton to, or not to take a cotton to, means to dislike. I guess cotton was seen as a good thing before the boll weivel came along. I hardly ever see cotton even planted down here now. CrowJD 22:17, 12 April 2008 (CDT)
Multi Tasking
Morning - my comment about 'reading & driving' was mainly tongue in cheek...you said you were reading a book concerning "there aren't any accidents, or something like that..." I was teasing you about reading and driving :-).
Mainly because I remember when I was a lot younger and not quite as smart (!), there was a novel I was reading and I just couldn't put it down(I'm a very compulsive reader and don't DARE to start anything during tax season).
So back in my college days, with a long commute, I would read that novel while driving. At least it was a two lane road, and hopefully I would have only crashed off to the side rather than head-on into someone. D*mn lucky, very stupid.
I asked a policeman client, and technically it isn't illegal - that's pretty crazy.
The whole driving thing, especially on the freeways, is scary and fascinating. I'm a NASCAR fan; racing and just regular driving is SO dependent on everyone doing exactly what they are supposed to when they are supposed to.....and the results when it doesn't happen that way....then the major accidents occur. I get the white knucle sydrome when on the freeways; fortunately I don't have to do so very often as I live in a small mountain community. Still lots of accidents, and potential for them (especially when it snows) but at least they are usually at slower speeds.
Then throw in bicylist/pedestrians with little to no protection....it's a wonder there aren't more deaths.
Hope you survived yesterday in style and now get some time to rest/recuperate!
Natalie
I'm not trying to be a wiseguy. Just here to have some fun and share in the comraderie comedy. Thanks for the note and your interest. ImBillingTime 23:13, 16 April 2008 (CDT)
Party Pooper...
Hard to tell. I think he was in such a hurry for his trip, he just wanted to be on his way. I also think he was a bit "hurt" at the "double standard" that I made jokes that you ladies would beat him up over. Notice he calls me "Teflon Tom" now. Personally, he just loves the attention he's getting and I think and it's all an act. If you guys were writing this about me, I would love it. TomTaocpa 06:11, 19 April 2008 (CDT)
Thanks for the welcome/How do I create a user group?
Thanks for the welcome. How did you like my picture?
Since you have a Hawaii user group, how would I go about creating a user group for farm taxation?
Question
Natalie,
I noticed this morning in that in the "Recent Changes" section either you or someone loaded a photo you underneath the user name "Malax3" created this morning. Just wondering if that was you and if that was okay. TomTaocpa 06:08, 28 April 2008 (CDT)
Hey there...
Hi Natalie - Maybe they changed it before you saw it. It was a photo of you and your kids at the Honolulu Century ride. If you go all the way back to the upload log at 3:45 and 3:48 it's still there. I only stumbled onto it when I saw it was linked to an administrator for TaxAlmanac. Otherwise, I could have cared less. I don't recall seeing the listing for an administrator before (especially someone who registered today) and when I saw the photo come up, it surprised me. So I alerted you when I saw it was your photo. Like I said, it must have changed since then, but I am still seeing it. TomTaocpa 17:41, 28 April 2008 (CDT)
Partnerships & SEPS
Hey Natalie, I see you're still here. Listen, I hope I understood your question regarding SEP's, or perhaps you already have the answer by now.
My understanding is that with MMLLC's/Partnerships, there is one SEP plan, and it's held by the partnership. The "partners" cannot treat themselves as self-employed for this purpose. If this was not your exact question, let me know. Talk to you soon. CrowJD 02:25, 29 April 2008 (CDT)
The 64,000 question
You asked the $64,000.00 question, as they used to say. How is this done as a practical matter with the SEP? I had a professional practice LLC about two years ago, they were going to go with a Keogh or SEP, but ended up going with a 401(k).
One thing I know for sure, it definitely has to be under the partnership somehow, and not as a personally held plan. Let me know how this turns out, if you think about it. CrowJD 02:42, 29 April 2008 (CDT)
The photo...
Hey Natalie - I wish I had noted the time stamp in my earlier message. Sorry for the "wild goose chase" but I'm glad you saw it at least and deleted it. It just surprised me as I said. I wonder who this guy is anyway? TomTaocpa 05:19, 29 April 2008 (CDT)
test
check time posting - Hawaii time
Deleting
Thanks, I had sent a message asking Tim if OK to do so, as the thread didn't make sense once he deleted the spam.....Just wanted to make sure was 'proper'
Hi
Natalie, can you Email me? I lost all my Email addys due to a glitch.CrowJD 00:15, 30 May 2008 (CDT)
My favirite place
Your question:
- I just saw your favorite place on TA. I never saw that before, and it's not listed under "discussion forums" on the bottom left. How did you get that?
This is how I got it to be listed on my page:
- A favorite place on TaxAlmanac is Discussion Forum - Lacerte.
There's a link to Discussion Forums under the TA logo on the TA home page. -- Larry Hess, CPA | Albuquerque, NM | Talk to me
Regarding your message to me
Hi Natalie,
Just got your message from April. I'm a little new on reading messages on here.
No problem, I understand...I have done the same thing before and not realized it.
No hard feelings and thank you.
Glenda SunnyCA
Quick on the Draw
Natalie, it's been a month, and I haven't sued anyone, so I'm a little sue happy. Sorry about that. CrowJD 17:19, 2 July 2008 (CDT)
Whew! I was overpowered by the urge to sue!
Ok, Natalie, I had to take some oxygen and calm down. I edited it again, please check as I think I finally got it cleaned up! CrowJD 17:42, 2 July 2008 (CDT)
Not a
Hi Natalie: this is not a CPA that is doing this. I'm sure the vast, vast majority of CPA's know pretty much where the line is drawn. I've never turned anyone in for this before. I did notice that it appears our State Bar is issuing more letters. We'll see. Have a great 4th! CrowJD 15:10, 4 July 2008 (CDT)
Campaign
Well Nat, I did notice that you were out doing a campaign. I did not comment on that fact because:
1. It was posted in the Fred "R" and I did not want to get outside stuff in there. 2. Heck, that was/is a personal thing and I did not want to get invovled in two campagins.
Kind of weak in retrospect. Anyway, the very best of luck, as if you need luck to accomplish your goals.
RoyDaleOne 07:25, 8 July 2008 (CDT)
That's true!
I think I got carried away with the Chinese speaking English Setters! However, I felt I should do something in honor of the games. CrowJD 02:49, 12 August 2008 (CDT)
I better
I better stop while I'm ahead today. lol. I've been pretty bad this week, and I'm thinking I might need to run down to Church for an emergency confession! CrowJD 15:31, 19 August 2008 (CDT)
I've gone over this time
Well, I can't help it, I'm here, and I've got to report it as I see it! CrowJD 17:13, 25 August 2008 (CDT)
The convention is wearing me out.
Wow, I'm plumb tired, but I promised to keep on trucking to the very end. Hillary speaks tonight. You know, she always seems to put too much conditioner in her hair, or she doesn't rinse it out well. Oh well, she won't listen to anyone.
You finally caught on about the Almanac, huh? About time!CrowJD 15:54, 26 August 2008 (CDT)
You're right
Natalie, I plead guilty! You know what amazes me is all these people springing out of the woodwork claiming they know Feng Shui. I only go to an Asian person. I am going to be really busy in September. I have two contested estate matters, both of which may get to trial this month, ugh. Nothing to do with taxes though. CrowJD 19:30, 30 August 2008 (CDT)
Search idea
Natalie:
I agree, there should be a lot more constraints possible in the search engine. I also wish the search results would display the date of the last post – even though I know to go to the bottom of the search results to see the newest posts, I’d prefer to see the actual date in the list.
But to your specific search problem: have you tried two of the hints I put in that article? Namely – include both Natalie and 2008 in your search terms.
Ooh – I just thought of something. This seems to work. Copy the following and paste it into the search box as one of your search terms (including the quotes and the funky bar/divider thingy in the middle):
"ForumNewPost|UserID=Natalie"
That seems to limit the search results to discussions you started (whereas using Natalie as a search term gets anything you posted to or were mentioned in). Add 2008, and an actual content search term or two, and you should be good to go.
Let me know if it works for you, and if it does, I’ll add that little tip to the article.
Packers
Still flying the flag? Starting against the ViQueens this week...wondering if your heart still hurts, too. Jeff
Political articles
You've got a lot better feel for this site and its users than I do. The thing about yesterday's discussion was that while the question itself wasn't political per se, the nature of a couple of the posts seemed like things might be heading toward a trading of talking points (R vs D). Not that any of the posts so far could necessarily be characterized that way, but there was a tone...
Do you think I was wrong to move it? I'm happy to move it back.
Today's discussion, again, no big deal if it stays non-political. Unlike the Snipes and other articles we've discussed before, though, this one has political undertones from the get-go (not our posts; the article itself may very well have been politically motivated). I might just be a little oversensitive to this, having worked places before where heated and argumentative political discussions were far too common, which (I felt) led to an uncomfortable work environment. To the extent that this is our work environment (or an extension thereof)...
I'm also thinking about the section of the TA policies (on the TA:About page) that says TA isn't meant as "a threaded discussion for rhetorical debates" - although it seems to me that friendly chats about political positions are probably fine, especially over on the chat page where infrequent users are less likely to run into them and either (a) escalate the political nature, or (b) be offended that their trip to do tax reseearch includes political discussions as well. I'd just as soon not have too many on the Tax Forum itself.
Again - the Rangle discussion, as yet, hasn't turned overtly "political" or become a "rhetorical" discussion. But, you mentioned consistency, and that was actually what I was trying to work toward, as well. Between now and the elections, there'll be a tendency for all of us within TA to be focusing on political issues, and at the same time there'll be people outside TA (media, campaigns, etc.) trying to dig up dirt to help one side or the other, and some of that dirt will involve taxes. I sort of wanted to set the stage to keep all of those potentially political discussions off of the Tax Forum.
Like I said, you know Tax Almanac and its users extremely well - I'd be very interested in your feedback to this POV.
Thanks,
Thanks
Yeah, see, I'm cool with "non-tax" discussions being on the tax forum, for the most part, and I really enjoy it when things go off-topic and/or snarky when people get punchy. So I'd hate to start a referendum that encompasses that.
And you're right, who would make the call about when a discussion crosses the line? I, too, thought Election Tax Plans was fine on the Tax Forum, at first, although I did think it was possible (notwithstanding the claims otherwise) that Osutaxman might be trying to "start" something - so I thought D&T was wise to point to factcheck.org, since those types of sites give a dispassionate analysis of what they've all really said. The rest of us are just guessing, when it comes to what they'll do when it comes down to it. But then the discussion took on that ideological tone... like 'Nole said, a can of worms. Anyway, I kind of thought that having one person actually say (write) that they thought the discussion had become inappropriate, and a second person agree, wasn't a bad cut-off point.
Maybe the key is to use that same kind of measurement, but rather than moving the discussion over to the Chat Forum once two people agree it's become political, we'd just add a (Political?) label to the discussion title. That way, it's easily bypassed by those who want to skip political discussions (I want to skip them before I've gotten drawn in and/or fired up by the posts, not after, like with the Rangle one), but it still gets the wider exposure of being on the main forum.
I think I might write up something, asking for opinions. But would that belong on the tax forum? (Grinning.)
Good suggestion, and thanks for your input. I am beginning to think I'm probably overreacting, so if you don't see a question about this from me over the weekend, I've probably decided to let it drop...
SFAS 106 etc
Natalie, thanks for the kind words. I try to be helpful when possible. Nonprofit tax law is not familiar to most.
With regard to the continuing payments of compensation to a former employee, I have no idea what the proper treatment under GAAP would be. I try to leave the application of GAAP to the auditors and stick to what I know best, which is nonprofit tax law. Nor do I know anything about the payroll tax issues involved.
I would definitely want to see the employee's employment agreement to see if the nature of the payments is defined in the agreement.
Wish I could offer some help, but it's just too far out of my area of knowledge.
CPAdavid 08:51, 6 September 2008 (CDT)
'tis the season, indeed!
Natalie – thanks for starting that discussion. I hope it stays focused on the actual questions you raised... for a while people seemed to think you were inviting additional political discussions, and now the last two posts are political themselves! What an irony, if we have to move/rename/ignore (whatever the eventual consensus may be) the very discussion about what to do with political discussions!!
I struggled a lot with my second post to the Rangle discussion – I was trying to concede the point, but my ongoing ambivalence kept showing through. I hope you didn’t take it as an escalation; your response and your subsequent post to my talk page seemed kind of curt. It got late, and I never really did come up with a good phrasing. Sorry if I offended.
Hi Natalie,
I wanted to tell you on your post today that I would like to participate in a political discussion if you would like to start one in the chat page. Politics is so interesting, but very personal and can be a bit volatile! I have some shaky friendships now because of this.
Anyway, let me know. I am new to the board and don't really know my way around or how to "chat", but do my best to learn.
John SJohn S 00:11, 7 September 2008 (CDT)
♫ Dennis
I just tagged two this monring
Doh! You mean you can read those edits.... I had to run two Gen. Y's off the road this morning. Out getting some exercise on their bikes, covered with tatoos and sporting goatees. The nerve to get in the way of important drivers of automobiles!!! Hehe. Seriously, if I do have to "nudge" a bicylist off the road, I make sure to do it in a spot so they can fall on some soft grass. I have a heart. Just kidding.CrowJD 09:23, 10 September 2008 (CDT)
Wow
Wow, I think Dale was a little rough on me there with Tomn's question! Naww, Dale's a great guy. But, it's the very reason I don't do QuickBooks work for clients. I refer them to a freelancer for bookkeeping. Some accountants and preparers don't have that option, and it can get very touchy, and Dale surely knows that. CrowJD 18:29, 12 September 2008 (CDT)
S-Corp engagement letter
Morning, I have a generic one from CFS/Small Business Tools that I've used on occasion. I don't use them for all S-Corps; but I'm thinking it's time to start. I'll share mine with you if you'll share yours :-). Give me your email address. Belle 11:20, 16 September 2008 (CDT)
my e mail
E mail me at matt@mgjcpa.com
Link to Non-profit - one employee and health insurance
Natalie - I can't find the post for Nonprofit - one employee and health insurance. Can you post the link?
Thanks, ArgylechurchArgylechurch 12:22, 18 September 2008 (CDT)
THANKS!
Thanks so much for finding the thread on Nonprofits for me so quickly - it was a great help!Argylechurch 07:49, 19 September 2008 (CDT)
Listening and eating
Yes, I love to put my Jake Shimabukuro CD on, and eat my fish. By the way, have you ever heard Jake play that Harrison song "While my Guitar Gently Weeps"? He's on You-tube.CrowJD 09:44, 22 September 2008 (CDT)
bjwattelet partnership termination
Natalie, I am new to this forum and have noticed your responses to be very percise. I am dealing with a situation where a partnerhsip with 6 partners. Parnters 1&2 redeem there 51% and 11.25% and leave partners 3,4,5,6 with 30,30,30,10% interest in the company. Partner #1 got 651,320 for his 51% and #2 got $170,000 for his share. #1 was paid for by the remaining partners signing a recourse loan for the total amount, #2 was paid for with the proceeds of the business. Two tax years later partners 3 & 4 got out selling their shares outright for $75,000 ea. How do I figure the tax basis for partner 3&4. I gave them ea 30% of 1&2's total buyout price and at termination added back the release of liability at the time of termination (which was less than they borrowed to begin with). Is this correct? 3&4 got less than the FMV can they take that on Sch D? To make things worse when partner #1 got out his total value $651,320 was added to Goodwill and not spread across all assets and now on the fair market value consideration the remaining partners CPA wants the Goodwill to be of zero value. I don't agree. Furthermore, the 651,320 recourse loan balance is 300,000, does this give 3&4 there % of the difference as basis?
It's a tough one but I knew you were up for the task. Also, what about stepup for the remaining partners?
Help needed in Michigan
email address bjwattelet
Natalie, My email address is bjwattelet@yahoo.com if that helps you to respond. As I stated I'm new to this forum and having a little trouble navigating. Big Thanks to you. Bonnie Wattelet
Hey Natalie-another tax year gone, another tax year nearly upon us and we still haven't gotten together. You would think that Wahiawa and Hawaii Kai were oceans apart. My fault, I know. I have, as we all do, many obligations during the off-season. So sorry...send me your personal email and a phone number. I will do my best to get together with you before the next season starts. taxea@hawaii.rr.com
Nonprofit "horse rental"
Natalie, this is a great question. Before I throw in my two cents, I'd like to know:
1. Is the organization incorporated? 2. Has the organization applied for recognition of exempt status with the IRS? If not, what sort of children does it provide "therapy" for? Disabled children? Abused children? Cancer patients? Any kid that wants to go for a horse ride? 3. What is the source of the organization's income? (ie, user fees, donations, private/gov't grants). If donations, do they come from the general public, or do they mostly come from the organizers?
CPAdavid 08:51, 12 October 2008 (CDT)
I suppose the first thing I'd want to look at is whether the client gets the benefit of not-for-profit activity related expenses on Sch A sufficient to offset the income from renting the horses. If not, then the client could, as you suggest, sell the horses to the nonprofit in a well-documented arms-length transaction. Were I the organizer, I'd be inclined to make sure the sales price was weighted in favor of the charity. Then any personal use of the horses by the organizers would have to be paid for at FMV (not $5), which should also be well-documented.
The horses could, of course, be donated to the charity, but personal use thereafter would still have to be paid for at FMV.
I'm not sure if it would be possible to make a fractional gift of the horses to the charity where the organizers retain the right to use the horses for personal purposes for the number of days during the year that corresponds to their fractional interest. The law has been back and forth on fractional interests gifts and I don't keep up with those rules, since I don't typically get involved in that area. I leave it up to the lawyers. If there is sufficient interest on your client's part, they might want to discuss this with an attorney with experience in charitable gift planning.
I don't know how many horses are involved, but from a personal perspective, I'd look at selling all the horses to the charity except a couple of my favorite ones. Then the charity would have the horses, I'd have a couple to ride when I want to, and the money received from the sale could help offset the costs of caring for my remaining horses. I would still have the option of paying FMV to ride the horses owned by the charity if I wanted to.
CPAdavid 08:44, 13 October 2008 (CDT)
I would imagine that determining the FMV of riding the horse for personal purposes would be a matter of checking with other ranches in the area that offer horse riding to the public to see what they charge per hour or day or whatever. Get prices from several ranches and document in the board meeting minutes how FMV of the personal use was determined based on the comparables. CPAdavid 16:30, 13 October 2008 (CDT)
Sometimes it's tough to be generous without being penalized because so many people try to game the system. The IRS has a fairly limited view on what you can take a charitable deduction for. Generally, when you donate the "use" of property to a charity, you don't get a charitable deduction for it, since no ownership interest has been gifted. So it would seem to me that trying to take a deduction for expenses that the taxpayer incurred (horse care and feeding) for horses that the taxpayer owned, but allowed the charity to use, would not be allowed. It would be like donating the use of a room in your office building to the Boy Scouts for one day per week and trying to deduct a prorated portion of mortgage interest and utilities as a charitable contribution. No can do. I do think it is worth exploring the possibility that a partial ownership interest in the horses could be donated to the charity, in which case the charity would kick in their share of expenses for the upkeep, but you'd want to consult an attorney on that one. CPAdavid 07:32, 14 October 2008 (CDT)
Lance Wallach spam
Yes, that was one of his recent posts, which I have already deleted as spam. If you go to his edits, you will see that I have deleted all but two which are not spam. You can click on them and then see the history to see what they are. Kevinh5
Hi
Natalie: I used to file bankruptcy for people prior to them changing the law in 2005. It was not a large part of my practice. Then, the new law came in, and it was so complicated, I said who needs it. Anyway, I've been boning up to start taking them again. The demand appears to be there for sure.CrowJD 20:00, 22 October 2008 (CDT)
Check out someone's user page....
I was a little miffed at a response in the EITC discussion, so I went to Jbcpa's discussion page and dropped him a line. You may want to checked it out.
By the way, how are things out in cold, freezing, tropical Hawaii?
Tom18:41, 23 October 2008 (CDT)
It's good to be back
Hey you Ms. Nats,
It is good to slow down and allow my addiction to take over again. How's life in paradise? Keeping my room clean?
Rental in Corporation
I thought Riley's point was under "(D) The rental of such property is treated as incidental to a nonrental activity of the taxpayer under paragraph (e)(3)(vi) of this section;" in the temporary regulation he cited.
To me it sounds like he is only swapping checks (assuming all is in the same corporation), and I do think that rather than this, the expenses be allocated. Is it possible that some should be allocated to inventory under 263?
OOOPS
Like the writer who left "Not" out of the Ten Commandments, I left the letter "A" off the end of 263.....I only meant would any of the costs have to be allocated to inventory? This is not my area, since I have perhaps one client with an inventory, so maybe I am talking through my hat. So sorry for any confusion.
I would but it is too cold to take them for bike ride! Unfortunately, summer is over. We had a great time this summer riding for ice cream. Our round trips were about 6 miles. I would pull the 4 year old in a cart and the others would ride. The 4 year old would tell her mother : "You cann't go!"
Leaving out her responses
Hi, Natalie!
On the current discussion, yes – what she had done there was edit out most of her own posts bit by bit, and then in a separate edit at 14:21, she went back in and deleted all of the remaining data (the category label, and posts by anybody who had responded). As a result, there was a version (the one at 14:05) where her own posts were, for the most part, gone, but everybody else’s posts were there. That’s the one I ultimately selected to revert to.
But on the other discussions she edited, she had deleted all of the posts at once. I had to choose between “reverting” – where I need to pick a prior version to return to – or manually editing all of the other posts back in while leaving hers out. Reverting is just one step, so it’s cleaner and obviously much easier to accomplish. It also feels a lot less like editing other people’s posts, since you’re simply reversing an inappropriate edit, rather than messing with individual posts. Unfortunately, it did put all of her posts back in to those discussions, as well.
Therefore, I put a note on her Talk Page that explained what I was doing, and said that if she wanted to return and edit her own posts only, that would be allowed under the code of conduct. She did, in fact, come back later in the afternoon and delete two of her own posts from the other related discussion from a month ago.
There’s no good solution to situations like this, so I hope what I did was the right balance between the needs of the community (e.g., that users follow the code of conduct) and her desire to make it all go away.
Pinky
LOL..no prob. It's nice to be around folks that can take the pocket protector out of the pocket once in awhile..
This is very embarrassing however I am not able to open a new topic in the discussion forum, would you be so kind to prompt me on how to open a new topic.
QB problems
Its ok...I'm just gonna put all employees in first company and filter reports by employee name and end up with payroll info report that I save for comp 1 and comp 2. Company 2 can give check monthly to company 1 for gross payroll and payroll taxes incurred. Only way I can think to do. thanks for your input...:) Pink Pearl 14:19, 3 December 2008 (CST)
AntiChurning
I think what he means is that under ACRS and MACRS you couldn't convert to a faster life under those conventions if the asset was bought before 1981. One example: I had a cellist with a instrument bought in 1978 which had a 10 year life or something like that. She sold it to her boyfriend for the fair market value in 1983 or so and bought it back [cellos go way up in value] and wanted to depreciate it and take investment credit on the 'new cello.' I refused....she was churning it; in your case it would be had they elected 30 year life, taken it out of service and then began again under ACRS 15.....I think that is what he means.
Death&Taxes 16:49, 18 December 2008 (CST)
Engagement letter
Hi,
It was in the "Cranky Client" thread started by Actionbsns.
My wording isn't complex...."I will bill you at my standard billing rates if additional services are required".
Hope that helps - Happy Holidays Belle 20:40, 18 December 2008 (CST)
Nonprofit Policy Docs
Hi Natalie, Merry Christmas! I do the same thing you do. I send sample policies or documents that I've found on the internet. Anytime I prepare a Form 1023, I insist that the organization adopt a conflict of interest policy either by incorporating it into the bylaws, or by board resolution.
I always tell them that they should be working with an attorney, but that it is better to have a standard policy in place than to have none at all, as long as they modify it to remove anything that does not pertain to their organization.
Just as I advise them when they use a state's articles of incorporation template, I also advise them regarding conflicts of interest policies, etc: I say that using the template or sample MAY not be sufficient to protect the organization in ALL circumstances, and that an attorney who is familiar with their type of organization MAY be able to customize the document to provide much better protection and avoid traps and pitfalls.
I work with a lot of really small organizations, most of which do not pay compensation and don't have the money to hire an attorney. Even a conflict of interest policy seems like overkill, but I still make them do it. As I recall, the sample conflict policy in the 1023 instructions does not include an annual gift disclosure or annual conflict disclosure form to be signed by all the directors each year. If you want to send me an email at cpa [at] form990help.com, I'll be glad to send you a copy of the conflict of interest policy I give to my clients. I downloaded it from the internet, but I don't remember exactly where.
CPAdavid 19:09, 23 December 2008 (CST)
Merry Christmas
Natalie, you have a great and safe Christmas. There does not seem to be much holiday cheer on the board this December. Ahh well, I just make the best of it! CrowJD 18:34, 24 December 2008 (CST)
Health Insurance for S-Corp Shareholders
Hi Natalie -
I understand that health insurance for the shareholder needs to be included in Box 1 of the W-1 and in Box 2 of the 941 - my question to you is, are you manually adjusting both the 941 and the W-2?
I have already run payroll for 2008 for all my clients in Quickbooks. So when I run the 941 and the W-2 it does not include health insurance - the only solutions I see is the manually adjust it even though the paychecks will not necessarily reflect it. What are your thoughts?
Thank you in advance for your help - I really appreciate it!
Feel free to email me if that is more convenient - yani@accountingsolutionspc.com
Thanks again!
Health Insurance for S-Corp Shareholders
Opps - I forgot to leave my ID - Sorry I'm fairly new to this site!
BearAcct 16:36, 14 January 2009 (CST)BearAcct
tax prep software
natalie, i see in your profile that you only have approx 20 tax clients, wondering which software you use???? i also have a small number of tax clients and cost of software is beyond what i would make back??? thanks for any input jeanne 19:27, 15 January 2009 (CST)jeannec
Health Insurance for S- Corp
Natalie - Thanks for your previous response. I hope you don't mind another question.
On the W-2 I'v increased Box 1 and the state wages by the health insurance. Are you also including in Box 14 what the health insurance is? In the instructions it states to include health insurance DEDUCTED, but we are actually increasing Box 1 and state wages by this amount.
Thanks again in advance - you have helped me out a bunch. BearAcct 09:58, 19 January 2009 (CST)BearAcct
Tag-Team clean up
Natalie, I've nominated you to Tim as someone who also might ought to be given some authority, since you have very much expressed an interest in keeping the site clean and free from spam and cursing. If you are interested in being a co-administrator, maybe you could offer to Tim? You wouldn't have to spend as much time here as I do, although I think you do already. You already can edit and delete, but administrative authority also allows you to block and unblock users and make some other behind the scenes changes (like maybe you noticed that I changed the disclaimer to read: From TaxAlmanac, A Free Online Resource for Tax Professionals). Kevinh5
Consumer Reports article
I can see where my comment might have been taken wrong. I went back and edited it to show that the article wasn't flattering to CPAs. That has nothing to do with me. Kevinh5
Natalie,
When I input shareholders' distribution figure from QB Balance Sheet to schedule L, line 25 of Proseries, it caused the balance on schedule L of Proseries to be out of balance. What should I do?
Thank you,
Jan
No worries
Natalie, thanks for the message, i didn't read into your message in an insincere way, so please understand this from me: I don't do good message and my spwelling is really bad and nobody understand's that I have to talk and type at the same time to hear myself think.
TexCPA 00:21, 29 January 2009 (CST)
Thanks for removing those spam posts this AM (or last night for you)
If you see any more, once they're deleted, could you tell me about them? I can block the user from further posts.
Also, on a happy subject, I was videoing a speach for practice earlier this week, and on my camera's hard drive were some shots of your sons and you on that hike a year and a half ago. It was fun to see it. Thanks again!!!
Kevinh5
take a look at your user page
or profile, something is wrong. Kevinh5
I tried to clean it up
but for some reason the start boxes command isn't working right. Kevinh5
Smoking
One of the reasons that I try to cut down during the winter months, and especially tax season, is that I become acutely aware of the smell of smoke. If you’re a non-smoker – you know that smell. As a smoker, I never notice it until the winter or when I cut back. I think it has something to do with the cold weather. ‘Smell molecules’ seem to cling to clothing. Although I don’t smoke in the house, I can still smell that awful smell while I’m stilling at my desk. That’s why I try to cut down to a few a day during the week and I really resist the urge to indulge on the weekends – that’s when I have a majority of my clients in the office. During the season, I can also smell a smoker when they walk into my office. Forget the health and longevity reasons for quitting – mine has always been that I don’t want to stink. Oh, and to answer your question – I have kids (grown adults) and grandkids. I know what you’re thinking – I posted here that I was just complaining about turning 43ish a few weeks ago. My wife has a few years on me, and her kids became my kids when we were married. Sorry for such a long message. I just soooo glad to be doing anything but taxes today.
Rgtaxservice 23:08, 6 February 2009 (CST)rgtaxservice
Hawaii State Tax Resourses
HAWAII TAXPAYER SERVICES Annette M Yamanuha (808) 581-3267 Annette.M.Yamanuha@hawaii.gov
HAWAII TAX OFC INVESTIGATOR Steve Hironaka (808) 587-1795 Stephen.T.Hironaka@hawaii.gov
HAWAII-TAX PRO HOTLINE Alan Rego (808) 587-1684 Alan.Rego@hawaii.gov
Laura
Aloha Natalie
I'm sorry to take so long to tell you I was really glad to meet with you and enjoyed having dinner. Ever since that Friday night I've been having problems with shingles. It's the most painful thing I've experienced since childbirth. My back was bothering me that evening and it got progressively worse all weekend. I went to the doctor on Monday and by then a rash started developing, she took one looke, said you have shingles and I said that's great but what about my back!! I had heard that shingles was painful but thought it was because of the rash causing sores or skin pain. I had no idea it causes nerve damage. I've had two acupuncture treatments on my back that have helped a great deal, but while the pain is lessened, it's still substantial in my right shoulder and chest area. It's improved so I can work without focussing on the pain now and I suppose in another 10 days or so it should be gone. Then I'm getting a vaccination for it. Hope your tax season is developing well, so far mine is going well, we haven't even had the standard, annual argument with someone about 1099's, everyone who has been asked to provide information is just doing so. It makes things so much easier. Take care, and if you are on the Big Island again please call. Paula Actionbsns 14:42, 8 February 2009 (CST)
Entertaining
LOL, I think I meant Trillium, but you were on my mind. Anyways, I didn't mean to sign you up for anything you don't want. Just forward them to me or Trillium if you want. I'll go back and edit that post. Kevinh5
Stars
You know all, Natalie!!! Actually, I noticed this evening that Michaelstar "awarded" a star to Roy, and he pointed out in his note to Roy that it's always been a user-awardable thing, which I hadn't realized. So in that case, I should give it more credence, I guess. And that also means we shouldn't need to handle recommendations and decide who should get one, either. Whew!
Hey Natalie,
Not a member of ACFE, I could throw a rock out my window to their organization, I can't believe it's been 20 years since they started, I was solicited to be part of the effort, but I was too conservative, (who are these guys and will they be around), apparently they are very well accredited. If my memory serves, you are going for your certificate and I wish you the best of luck!
TexCPA 20:24, 19 February 2009 (CST)
Hi Natalie
I'm moving a lot of discussions to the Business Growth forum (fees, EA, CPA exam stuff, etc). I'm afraid if I post to them it will bump them all and they don't deserve a bump up, just to be in the correct forum. There was the suggestion that the tax forum didn't need to have the 'I passed' or 'what do I need to study' questions. Kevinh5
Deleted JSABB's book advertising discussion
And in doing so, I deleted your response to him (where you asked if he was affiliated with the service/product he was advertising), so I thought I should let you know what I'd done. I left him a note on his talk page with links to the advertising policies, in the event that it was an unintentional mistake on his part.
Trillium 01:25, 28 March 2009 (CDT)
discosure and use forms
Natalie, give me your email address again and I'll send you my forms. no charge. :)
deleted posts
I was just scanning through old history and couldn't remember what I'd contribued to that discussion. Clicked the thread, and it wasn't much. So I deleted it.
