As I start to close in on the last chapters it has gotten really tempting to try to pick up the pace and get it done. I’ve completed nearly all of the review questions and am now circling back through to complete the learning activities. So far going back has been a good refresher of […]
Displaying: October 2013
Printing Copies of Required Forms: $2.00, Not Having to Fill Out Multiple Forms on My Computer: Priceless
After this weekend, I’ve decided that filling out forms and schedules line by line on my computer is extremely unpleasant. I forgot to get 1040s and other schedules printed this weekend and instead tried to do my learning activities entirely on the computer, which would probably be pretty convenient if I had more than one […]
Details, Details, Details
Even though this course isn’t actual tax preparation, I feel like I’ve been doing a pretty good job of treating like it is. At least I thought I was until this past weekend. As much as I try not to act on it, when I get to the learning activities I usually have a pretty […]
What You Need to Know About the 2014 Tax Filing Season Delay
Due to the sixteen-day federal government shutdown, the IRS has announced a 1-2 week delay of the 2014 tax filing season. This means the IRS will not be accepting and processing returns before January 28th at the earliest and February 4th at the latest. What’s worse about the delay is that they are not […]
Loving v. IRS: What to Know
UPDATE TO THIS ARTICLE: A federal court ruled that the IRS does in fact have the authority to provide tax credits to individuals purchasing health insurance on the health insurance exchange. Get the full story on Accounting Today here. ———— While the discussion of whether tax preparers should be regulated and tested continues, the decision […]
Tax Direction Instead of Tax Advice
Outside of a professional appointment giving tax advice is not a good idea. While I am careful not to give advice on topics I’m less familiar with and always add a small disclaimer to anything I do say. I’ve noticed that the refresher this course has given me has made it a lot easier for […]
IRS PTIN Renewals Status
The IRS has recently updated their website with information on PTIN renewals. The following item was posted to IRS.gov : Q: What is the status of renewing Preparer Tax Identification Numbers (PTIN) for 2014? A: Due to the lapse in government funding, the 2014 PTIN renewal season is delayed. An email or letter will […]
Back on Track and a 3 Day Weekend
I love 3 day weekends. Normally I enjoy them since it’s an extra day at home with the family, but as an added bonus this weekend I also get to get some more work done on the Comprehensive Course. Even though my eyes glaze over on some of the more dry topics, I really enjoy […]
A Bad Week
October has been very stressful. A family friend passed away last week and compared to that everything else seemed to be fairly low on my list of priorities. I did not get much done last weekend because my normal level of focus wasn’t there. A lack of time surprisingly wasn’t the issue, just a lack […]
Five Best Practices for Starting Your Own Tax Business
Becoming a business owner is a big step, but can be extremely fulfilling. Many tax professionals (including myself) have made the leap and you can too with the right tools and advice. If you’re ready to start your own tax business, here are five best practices employed by many of the national tax firms out […]