Discussion:Does Anyone Out There Do Research?
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Discussion Forum Index --> Tax Questions --> Does Anyone Out There Do Research?
| 17 April 2006 | |
| oops! Sorry Portagee moment here!
I just have to wonder with the questions that appear on this site whether those who are asking some the questions have had any tax classes. My question is why do you try to do a return when you don't have the knowledge necessary or the incentive to do the research before you get on this site and ask the simple questions that any educated tax preparer should be able to answer or at least figure out where to look up the information? The IRS must be pulling their hair out with the returns they are getting these days from Turbo Tax and other programs being used by the general public. Please people if you haven't had at least a basic tax course don't even attempt to do anything more than a 1040EZ with one W-2. | |
JackieHeart (talk|edits) said: | 17 April 2006 |
| How about keep quiet Taxea. We as Tax preparers do research on the information that we question. I think that it's nice that we have this forum to ask questions and get other people's opinions. Do you know everything? Do you question yourself sometimes? Give everyone a break and stop being such a tax bitch. | |
| 17 April 2006 | |
| Ouch to both of you!! But all in all, there are many (enrolled agents, CPA's, attorneys, actuaries and the like) who don't have all the answers and the research is actually confusing them more than their own thoughts are. Not to say that everyone can benefit from formal education and have the title that goes with the above, but we too don't have all the answers. Tax laws vary and change and at this time of year, a question posed to a group may be easier than researching CCH, etc. for days.
I am proud of people who attempt taxes even without tax courses. Now, when they do their taxes and want me to look at them after because they don't trust their returns, then I think it would have been best for them to let me or someone else do them in the first place. Lets just play nice...today is the end of formal tax season..not that many of us won't have extensions until 6 months from now, but today will be a good day :) | |
| 17 April 2006 | |
| I don't agree with people overcritizing others.
One of my teacher - business clasess at FIU - used to tell us: "Ask questions. Don't worry about how stupid they are" I can ask a question, and at the same time, start my research. This forum is based on "free speach" and it is voluntary. I don't understand people setting rules. Last month, I asked a question that someone understood it was stupid and they start to question my credentials. Some people believe that they are the owner of tax code. In a job I found people , also, overcritizing others. Story: I started a new job two years ago. A lot of knowledge was required Corporate gave me 3 month to get training. Instead of give me any training, one week after I started ,the manager start to call to the corporate office telling them that: Martineo is not learning. He gave me a hard time for every single detail, rule or form I have to sign. In a month, I was fired. One week after, he was fired too. - He lost $ 2,000.00 | |
| 17 April 2006 | |
| I always research the best I can before I call NATP or IRS....but the IRS just reads to me the same stuff I have been reading. There aren't many places we can go for answers. I have posted questions on here that I have not researched, and even with the answers I would still try to find written proof. I think this site is wonderful...none of us has expertise in every kind of tax return. Just look at the variety of questions. give us a little credit, i think most of us would also do some research...i appreciate the answers that give a publication to look in. | |
| 17 April 2006 | |
| That is right Tess.
Asking a question does not mean that you have no idea about the subject. A lot of people ask question just to doble check. | |
| 17 April 2006 | |
| All:
I know this is the last day of tax season, and everyone is exhausted and ready for this to be over, but publicly criticizing the skill level of others and name calling are not appropriate or welcome here. Overall the TaxAlmanac community has done an excellent job of coming together to help one another and I have to say it's been pretty amazing to watch. The contributions that some of you bring to the table are unbelievable. TaxAlmanac has also turned out to be used by individuals who are not tax preparers, but who are just average people trying to get their tax returns done correctly. I'd like to thank those of you who have taken time out of your busy schedules to assist them. In addition to helping them get their answers, you have also helped countless others who have read along in the discussions, perhaps learning something new along the way. I am aware that the number of discussions in this forum is quite large, and that wading through questions which are not interesting to you can be frustrating. Rather than drive people away, I would like to ask you, the TaxAlmanac community, how we might be able to structure the forum to enable you to get to the content that interests you. Should we create multiple forums based upon skill level? Is there a way that we as a community could leverage the excellent content contained in the 3,000+ discussions to allow users to get answers without repeating questions which have already been answered? I know you're all busy today, but if anyone is interested in discussing ways in which we could address issues like these, please let me know. Thank you! - Tim Doyle, TaxAlmanac Moderator 10:49, 17 April 2006 (CDT) | |
| 17 April 2006 | |
| Hi Tdoyle:
Maybe that it would be great. Forums based on skill levels. Or maybe based on kind of returns: personals returns, parneships and corporations, and so on. | |
Inagpurwala (talk|edits) said: | 17 April 2006 |
| Hello Tim Doyle:
I my opinion it should not be divided in different groups. It will create more confussion. It will be good to catogerized questions. When other person (preparer or not, have lot of skills or just starting) can go to index and look it up. After that if that person still has question or need more clearification then ask more specific question.Inagpurwala 11:37, 17 April 2006 (CDT) | |
| 17 April 2006 | |
| I like Martineo's idea of the forums based on type of return (personal, parternship, corporations, etc). That would be helpful. If you create forums based on skill level I think you would lose the frequency of experienced people helping out others who are just getting started, and I think that is one of the wonderful things about this forum. | |
| 17 April 2006 | |
| I would vote against site segregation either by type or skill. Logging in to five or six sites (or even two) would reduce convenience. Skill seems far too judgemental.
One thing I would like to see, though, is more involvement by the site sponsors. A lot of money and effort has apparently gone in to site development. Let them take it one step farther and at least respond to questions about what the software is doing, or perhaps step in to respond to unresolved questions such as the deductibility of Medicare B as sole proprieotor health insurance or the necessity of job relation to moving expense. | |
Actionbsns (talk|edits) said: | 17 April 2006 |
| TaxEA, pull in your horns a bit!! We'll cut you some slack because it's the last day of the tax season and everyone's a little weary.
Personally I really like this website, it offers me a security blanket and a place to ask a question - good or less than good - and get some thought provoking responses. It doesn't replace the research or having the proper citation in the file. And no offense intended to Albundy, but having the citation in my file "The gospel according to Albundy" would probably not carry much weight in an audit, but Albundy may very well be able to direct me to a resource that I can place in the file and rely on and I find that very helpful and comforting. In addition to the citation, the discussions that follow some of the issues are extremely helpful to think through some of the problems our clients bring to us. JMHO though. | |
Chautauqua (talk|edits) said: | 17 April 2006 |
| I don't think that the site should be segregated. Obviously, some of the questions are posed by individuals, not those in the business, and those questions often are of an elementary nature. All of the questions are good, although often the contributor should spend a little more effort in making sure the question is well-written and comprehensive, including the state in which the taxpayer lives and the dollar amounts involved. I would encourage all those who raise questions to first look at IRS publications, as I find those publications to be well-written overall. | |
| 17 April 2006 | |
| I enjoy all the questions, both the stupid and the smart, and we all have different categories. I've learned far more than I've give this year, foreign stuff, estate stuff...things that I'm not involved in hardly ever. We've all got things to learn. This site should provide CPE's. | |
| 17 April 2006 | |
| I have been doing tax returns for 20+ years. Took the "free" H&R Block tax course several years ago to see what they could teach me -learned a little & graduated "first" in my class. (Not a major accomplishment. It was scary to know that some of my classmates would soon be working in a H&R Office.) I rely a lot on the annual Professional Edition of the JK Lasser book - costs about $70 with shipping. Back that up with reading IRS pubs. However, I really appreciate the willingness of some very smart and experienced people here to share their expertise. Those who have "been there, handled that" are a real time saver in many instances. I also understand that this is not just a "tax pro" site but others doing their own returns also post. Some of the very basic questions might be from them. Thanks very much to all of you. | |
| 17 April 2006 | |
| I'm am really qlad I found this site. It has been very helpful to me. I appreciate everyone who help me out with answers and I hope I helped someone eles out, maybe just a little. I've learned a lot this year just by reading all the discussion. | |
| 17 April 2006 | |
| Amen to all of the above. in researching in various books, etc. it seems so often I can't find the exact answer to my question. In reading some of these querys, they are the same ones I have had or thought about. You couldn't make up half these situations if you tried. or else i remember reading it somewhere, but try and find it again. my internet is dial up so doing much reasearch online is tedious and ties up my only phone line. This site is timesaving for that. i have also discovered that from my researching certain things, i am abit of an expert on that, but ask me some basic things that the computer does for me.....well.....i truly try to do the best and more for each of my clients, just like you all do. it's an addictive job.... | |
| 18 April 2006 | |
| While Taxea may have come across a bit harsh, I understand what s/he is saying. Most of us here are required to possess a minimum level of competence in taxation. I'd think that includes being able to research basic compliance questions for ouselves.
But I also agree this site is a great place to pose questions and get reasonable feedback from others -- even if some of our questions seem very basic. Sometimes it's great just to confirm what you already believe, and check what others would do in the same situation. | |
| 18 April 2006 | |
| I have been using internet tax bulletin boards for about 6 years now, and I find them to be an excellent tool not only to learn but to keep sharp during the off season. I have to admit though, that I have been troubled not by some of the questions which have appeared in this forum, but rather by who was asking them. There is absolutely nothing wrong with taxpayers not knowing some of the very basics; it is a different story when someone who does not know the basics is a paid tax preparer. I have found that taking a tax course or getting a professional certificate is not enough, you have to keep studying and that includes going back to the basics sometimes. Internet bulletin boards are great tools, but one has to be careful not to use them as a crutch. Like any other kind of professionals, we all owe it to our clients to become as proficient in our field as possible. | |
| 18 April 2006 | |
| I agree with Taxref. We have to keep sharp and learn. We owe that to our clients, and to ourselves.
But for those of us that decide to work for ourselves we want to double check at least the more important stuff. Anyway, I am very happy that this site is available for anyone in need of tax help. Thank you to those of you that have been so generous donating your time and expertise. I have learn a lot just reading other postings, and I have had help everytime I needed. THANK YOU! | |
| 18 April 2006 | |
| Sorry, I didn't mean to ruffle your tax professional feathers and if you really read what I wrote it was not posed to any of you who have even just the basic knowledge. I don't know it all nor do I profess to which is why I spend time here. And thank you Bengoshi for realizing what I was really saying. | |
| 18 April 2006 | |
| Boy, did I stumble upon an interesting one. I am new to this site and I appreciate the opportunity to ask questions both stupid and smart and people really answer them. When I was in college, I was told "hey you paid your dues, no question is a stupid one to ask" Remember we all started from somewhere-back in the days the ones who have heard your stupid questions was you, yourself and yours.
Having said that, are there any accounting forums where one can be free to ask questions and not feel diminished by the expertise of the experts? | |
| 18 April 2006 | |
| Hi Bigboy- Don't woory about critics. Read what Tim, the moderator wrote. In other site,
I read someone critizing for the same reazon...And, telling "this site is for taxes.Don't ask question about bookeeping" neither acconting. | |
| 18 April 2006 | |
| Three cheers to Tim for an excellent job at moderating this one.
Taxea brings up a valid point. People ask questions without having done research. Without reseach, how do you know if you're asking the right question? The solution to this problem lies within all of us (By us I mean those that know alot as well as those that know nothing) . That's the beauty of the wiki system. If you don't like it - improve it. While I don't believe in segregation, maybe we can expand and improve Tax tips area. We can discuss research links and publications (or Riley's crystal ball). We can discuss education (CE, Degree programs, Exams, Etc.). We can discuss preparation software and sites. The list is endless, we just have to want to do it. Somebody else's turn on the soapbox... | |
| 18 April 2006 | |
| I disagree with HPTAX- Just my point of view- No hard feelings-
If you don't like the question, don't anwers it- I saw people able to do complex return- corporations, estates, partnerships- asking silly questions a personal return. I agree with Bengoshi and Tess. Research is boring, and time consuming, If some of you know the answer are are willing to help me with something that I don't know, or I forgot, I will appreciate that. I'm trying to do the same . Sometimes, I opened my Lasser's just to help someone. Then, please, if I'm asking a stupid question that bother you, ignored me, please | |
| 18 April 2006 | |
| I think that if the questions were separated by cathegories, maybe 1031, schedule C, depreciation...it would be easier for us to review all the questions already posted and that way we wouldn't ask it again. | |
| 18 April 2006 | |
| The best of both worlds? For, again, I like to read things that I'm not good at or interested in, just to learn a bit. But if every post could have a category attached to it perhaps...then you could search out the 1031, S-corp, PR, etc. issues while they're all on the same board. That would be the coolest. | |
| 18 April 2006 | |
| JR1 is getting close to what we are currently considering. Imagine this remaining as one board - you can still view all items like you do now, but also imagine a way in which any of you could quickly and easily mark each discussion as being Individual, Partnership, Corporate, etc.; Federal, State, or Foreign; Income, deductions, credits, etc., and perhaps a complexity level such as basic, intermediate, advanced. Then imagine that you could customize your view to only look at the items you were interested in, and have the ability to fine-tune your view at any time. Can't find a specific question? Fine-tune your view. Want to see everything? Fine-tune your view. This is what I am talking about, not splitting the forum up into multiple forums that you have to jump between.
Another idea... After a while, we're going to start to see the same questions being asked over and over. Sure, the details might be a little bit different, but basically it's the same scenario. How are we going to handle that? Do you want to answer the same question each time it comes up? Is there a better way to leverage the knowledge that is already contained in this forum so users can get the answers they need quicker? Should we ask users for their topic before they post the question, and give them a list of related discussions that they can (optionally) look through before posting? If we categorize the discussions, can we use that to decide which discussions to display? Is there a need or desire for us as a community to do some foundation work to perhaps extract basic knowledge from these discussions into 'articles' on the main wiki site? That way, we could just point people to those pages when they asked basic questions. These are just a few of the things we have been thinking about. I'd love to get your feedback on these ideas, and to hear what you think would work best. To some degree, you - the TaxAlmanac community can determine which direction we go. If you have ideas - speak up! In my opinion, we have a lot of opportunity for building a better resource here, and being a tax expert and answering complex questions in the discussion forum is just one way that people can help to contribute. Thank you! - Tim Doyle, TaxAlmanac Moderator 13:32, 18 April 2006 (CDT) | |
| 18 April 2006 | |
| HPTax mentioned discussing other issues such as education, software, etc. If we as a community feel there's a need for a new forum area, I can set that up very quickly.
- Tim Doyle, TaxAlmanac Moderator 13:42, 18 April 2006 (CDT) | |
| 18 April 2006 | |
| Intuit needs to determine whether this is to be a general discussion forum for any and all levels of questions, or to try to evolve a knowledge base that has authoritative answers. You cannot mix everything together in a big stew and get both. | |
| 18 April 2006 | |
| I like the fine tune idea. Maybe just add education, and others as categories. That way it can all be on one board.
As far as the question duplication, I'd leave it be. The laws change (i.e. hybrid deduction 2005, Credit 2006). With the fine tune feature, we'll have better search capabilities anyhow. Martineo - I appreciate your input. I have no hard feelings whatsoever. I was looking for a way to help those without any working knowledge. I believe there are no stupid questions and try to help where I can. | |
| 18 April 2006 | |
| Here's the problem. In 48 states, there is no law requiring licensing of tax preparers. That means a huge number of tax "professionals" are anything but professional. Frankly, it's outrageous. Some groups like the NAEA and I believe the ABA and the AICPA have been pushing for Federal legislation requiring national licensing of tax professionals. When you read some of the questions posted on this board and on other sites, you can come away concerned that some tax preparers don't know what they're doing. However, even among licensed tax pros including EA's, there are some really bad ones. My strong assumption is that TaxEA is frustrated that the questions posted show a basic lack of knowledge and that means some really bad returns are being prepared. | |
| 18 April 2006 | |
| Skasselea...thank you for hitting the nail on the head! And I never said the questions were stupid just coming from tax ignorance which leads me to believe that person shouldn't be taking on that particular task. We all need others points of view or experience and certainly do appreciate having this forum to go to, but when the question is clearly answered in the 1040 instructions, it is scary to think the taxpayer is relying on the person that is asking the question to prepare the return.
PS I knew this post would be a doozie... | |
| 18 April 2006 | |
| I have found this site extremely useful and plan to read a number of the posts now that tax season is over. Knowledge is power and we can all learn from one another. It is impossible to retain everything and yes, research is necessary, this forum allows us input from others who's experience and level of expertise is very helpful. I've posted a couple of questions, like the client who did a 1031 exchange 1 for 3, these are the curve balls that don't happen every year. I'm a licensed preparer and take continuing education courses every year. I'd like to become an Enrolled Agent, there was a posting that gave the name of a site for studying. If someone has that kind of information that they are willing to share, it helps me. Postings regarding payment for services, etc., for those preparers just starting out, can give them useful advice as well. I like this site and my only suggestion would be to have one site for tax professionals and another for self-preparers. Having questions divided by type of return might also be helpful, I read Tdoyle's response and seems they are headed in this direction. | |
| 19 April 2006 | |
| I don't know about separating the forum for pros and non-pros. The problem that presents is that non-pros may not get their questions answered if the professional preparers don't go to that forum. But it sure would be helpful to know the status of the person asking the question. I found myself responding to a few questions that I assumed came from self-preparers, since they seemed so basic. Other times I could tell the questions were coming from new professional preparers, since the one asking the question sometimes admitted to not having experience in certain areas. | |
| 19 April 2006 | |
| This forum has inspired decisive and to-the-point research for me. Some of the code and regs are not easily decyphered without some external insight....blah blah blah...you all know | |
| 19 April 2006 | |
| Like Jokadah said, this site is great when you need help or when you are not sure about something even after doing the research.
In one occasion Riley2 directed me to the code section that I wouldn't have found otherwise... | |
| 19 April 2006 | |
| Probably not, but it does allow you go back and edit! I find that helpful for all the times I'm wrong... | |
| 19 April 2006 | |
| I just got the frustration here. I recently did a 1065 for my client, and found that TurboTax messed the depreciation and amortizaton on the return. If you are like me, you worry about the fact that Intuit is usurping our positions a professionals. PLEASE let your clients know that Turbotax sucks. And I present this in the best of intentions (to us).
This is what we have to deal with, and my spelling!!! | |
| 19 April 2006 | |
| JR, I love this forum, but you are the 'tax bitch',,,,LOl Mike | |
JackieHeart (talk|edits) said: | 21 April 2006 |
| Taxea,
I am sorry for calling you a "tax bitch". I thought it was funny. JH | |
| April 21, 2006 | |
| You know, I thought "LOL" meant "lots of luck." Now I get the "laugh out loud." LOL (Can I use that for a small chuckle, too?) | |
| 22 April 2006 | |
| No offense taken from any of you. Some got my point some didn't...I rather like my new name....took it as a term of affection | |
Chautauqua (talk|edits) said: | 24 April 2006 |
| Don't drive a tricycle in the Indianapolis 500. Don't use TurboTax for serious tax preparation. | |
| 23 June 2007 | |
| wow, I didn't realize this discussion had occurred a year ago, as we had almost the same discussion this tax season. | |
