Wednesday, February 20, 2013

READ MY LIPS!


During the tax season I am constantly receiving questions from readers who want free specific tax advice for their specific tax situation – via email, comments to posts, and now via my MainStreet.com column and articles.

Read my lips - I do not provide free specific tax advice to non-clients anytime during the year.  And I am not looking for any new 1040 clients.  I certainly do not have the time to waste on these questions during the tax season – I barely have time to relieve myself!

I do not have time for a “quick answer” or to answer an “easy question”.  To be honest, when it comes to income taxes there ain’t any such things.

I do respond to appropriate comments on my posts, columns, and articles that pose general tax questions related to, or comment on, the post, column, or article – but not during the tax season.

I like the statement that fellow tax pro blogger Jason Dinesen has in the right margin of his blog –

NOTE: Before contacting me with questions about how a blog post relates to your situation, please be aware that I cannot and do not give free tax advice to non-clients by e-mail or by phone.”

I expect that this note applies to all tax professionals who blog.

So PLEASE do not waste your time, and more importantly mine, by asking me to give you free advice for your specific tax situation.  It ain’t going to happen!

TTFN

Monday, February 18, 2013

A NEW WHERE THE FAKAWI!

Back from my week-end in the Garden State.
 
I picked up 19 returns! And 7 were waiting for me in my PO box on Sunday night.--
 
I now have 39 separate returns in the "to be done" box and 5 "red files" (need more information).
 
Since I only completed 1 return in 3 days (finished one Friday morning before getting on the road) I need to lock myself behind closed doors - and work undisturbed - today (Monday), Tuesday, AND Wednesday this week to sort of catch up.
 
While I will be checking emails sort of regularly to look for answers to questions, I will NOT be answering the phone (although I may have the machine on - on silent mode - so as not to miss any important messages).
 
So - "talk" to you on Thursday!
 
TTFN

Friday, February 15, 2013

WHERE THE FAKAWI – TAX SEASON UPDATE – FEBRUARY 15th


The first two weeks of the tax season have come and gone!

Despite my move to Northeast Pennsylvania, nothing seems to be different so far. 

As of this writing I have either done, received, or made arrangements with 30% of my client mailing list.  And I have 32 returns “under my belt” (and 5 “red files” – returns that need more information).  

Don’t forget that each and every Wednesday of the season I am locked BEHIND CLOSED DOORS. I am unavailable and inaccessible – so don’t call (the phone will be turned off).

I will be “on the road” in NJ all this week-end – including my annual trip to Freehold. 

The floodgates have now officially opened and the deluge has begun.  No longer will I be able to get returns done and out as they are received.  The turn around time will now be at least a week.
 
My tax tips and articles  continue to appear at the Tax Center of www.MainStreet.com, and in the Personal Finance section of www.TheStreet.com.  Check them out. 

TTFN

Saturday, February 2, 2013

JUST ONE MORE THING, HE SAID COLUMBO-LIKE


Before I begin my tax season hiatus, if I may be permitted, let me remind you of the various products offered by Taxes and Accountants, Inc to provide guidance and assistance in preparing your 2012 tax return.

2012 GUIDE TO SCHEDULE A – a comprehensive special report that discusses just about everything that is, and is not, deductible on the Schedule A.  The cost is $6.95.

This report will be sent to you as a “pdf” email attachment.

As a special incentive, those who order this report during the month of February will also receive a non-year specific compilation of Schedule A forms, schedules and worksheets send as a word document email attachment, so you can customize the forms for 2013 and beyond.

THE SCHEDULE C NOTEBOOK - a special report of advice, information and resources for Schedule C filers.  It is a great resource for someone thinking about starting a sideline business as well as the veteran small businessperson.  The cost is also $6.95.

This repost will be sent to you as a “pdf” email attachment.

As a special incentive, those who order this report during the month of February will also receive my compilation of Schedule C forms, schedules and worksheets send as a word document email attachment, so you can customize the forms for your own business.  This compilation package is usually sold separately for $3.00.

MY BEST TAX ADVICE – a special report is “chock-a-block” with the best tax advice I have accumulated from over 40 years of preparing 1040s for individuals in all walks of life.  The cost is $4.95.

This report will be sent to you as a “pdf” email attachment.

As a special incentive, if you order MY BEST TAX ADVICE and either the Schedule A or Schedule C reports during the month of February, the cost of MY BEST TAX ADVICE will be only $3.45.

To order send your check or money order payable to TAXES AND ACCOUNTING, INC and your email address to –

TAX SEASON OFFER
TAXES AND ACCOUNTING, INC
POST OFFICE BOX A
HAWLEY PA 18428

Friday, February 1, 2013

THE TWELVE DAYS OF TAX SEASON

Now it is time for what you have been waiting a year for - the February 1st tradition here at THE WANDERING TAX PRO of posting “The Twelve Days of Tax Season” -
 
On the first day of tax season my client gave to me a Closing Statement for the purchase of a home.

On the second day of tax season my client gave to me 2 W-2 forms.

On the third day of tax season my client gave to me 3 mortgage statements.

On the fourth day of tax season my client gave to me 4 Salvation Army receipts.


On the fifth day of tax season my client gave to me 5 Form K-1s.


On the sixth day of tax season my client gave to me 6 1099s for dividends.


On the seventh day of tax season my client gave to me 7 cancelled checks.


On the eighth day of tax season my client gave to me 8 useless items.


On the ninth day of tax season my client gave to me 9 medical bills.


On the tenth day of tax season my client gave to me 10 stock sale confirms.


On the eleventh day of tax season my client gave to me 11 employee business expenses.


On the twelfth day of tax season my client got from me a finished tax return, 11 employee business expenses, 10 stock sale confirms, 9 medical bills, 8 useless items, 7 cancelled checks, 6 1099s for dividends, 5 Form K-1s, 4 Salvation Army receipts, 3 mortgage statements, 2 W-2 forms, and a Closing Statement for the purchase of a home.


And, of course, on the thirteenth day of tax season the client gave to me a corrected Consolidated 1099 from Wells Fargo Advisors!
 
TTFAW