The GSCPA House of Blogs
For the members. By the membersThe Garage
Welcome to the garage. This is an open forum for discussion about anything and everything. Feel free to talk about personal or business to fellow GSCPA members and nonmembers alike.
Express yourself.
205 Comments»
CyndaP wrote @
Does anyone have any luck using confirmations.com? I can’t get the bank to “confirm” anything but the balance.
Randy Whitelock wrote @
+Note: This is not in response to any other Blog that appears this week.
I went to the annual 4 hour CPE offered by my software vendor. About ½ hour into the presentation the woman across the aisle asked me how long I had used the software, size of my firm, satisfaction, etc. So far so good, then she hands me her business card and asks her for mine. Five (5) minutes later she hands me a handwritten note that says she can get me a copy of the software a good bit cheaper but, of course it wouldn’t be registered. I remembered a class I had participated many years ago on “Situational Ethics.” Now I get to use it 40+ years later. I invite you to give a quick answer to these questions.
What would be your reaction to such an offer?
Would the amount of money to be saved affect your decision?
Would you report this solicitation to the software vendor?
Would it have an effect on your decision if she was a CPA?
I’m not sure there is a right or wrong answer to these questions, and I hope that you gave your quick response without thinking about it. Let’s see if those answers would change if I tell that prices were increased this year do the rising cost.
In that “Situational Ethics” class so many years ago the major “take away” was that humans respond based upon their prior experiences and what we have learned from them. Each of us may have different answers to this situation and still be the best considered answer for that individual. Surely those that thought about this before it happened will make better decisions than those who haven’t. As our work load decompresses, I would like to hear other’s ideas on how to handle this situation. Better yet a situation you faced for the first time, It might help us all prepare the coming tax season and the ethical and moral decisions we will be making “on the fly.” I never once considered saying, “Pardon me, can you wait a few moments while I see if there is and ethics opinion published to guide me in this situation.”
Oops, staff on vacation, I must go make my own coffee.
Wanda wrote @
I would have to give more thought as to whether I would have turned her in to the software company or the state board – but I would have told her that her offer amounted to theft and the amount of money would not have mattered in my decision. Stealing is stealing, whether it’s software worth 4 figures or a copy of a $15 CD that someone gives you. Don’t do it.
Randy Whitelock wrote @
Wanda, thanks for your response with whick I agree, this person was not a CPA so the state board had no jurisdiction, and yes the company is handling the mater, thanks for your comment.
Ben Loggins wrote @
“Winston, come into the dining room, it’s time to eat,” Julia yelled to her husband.” In a minute, Honey, it’s a tie score”, he answered. Actually Winston wasn’t very interested in the traditional holiday football game between Detroit and Washington. Ever since the government passed the Civility in Sports Statute of 2017, outlawing tackle football for its “unseemly violence” and the “bad example it sets for the rest of the world”, Winston was far less of a football fan than he used to be.
Two-hand touch wasn’t nearly as exciting.Yet it wasn’t the game that Winston was uninterested in. It was more the thought of eating another Tofu Turkey. Even though it was the best type of VeggieMeat available after the government revised the American Anti-Obesity Act of 2018, adding fowl to the list of federally-forbidden foods, (which already included potatoes, cranberry sauce,
And mincemeat pie), it wasn’t anything like real turkey.
And ever since the government officially changed the name of “Thanksgiving Day” to “A National Day of Atonement” in 2020, to officially acknowledge the Pilgrims’ historically brutal treatment of Native Americans, the holiday had lost a lot of its luster.
Eating in the dining room was also a bit daunting. The unearthly gleam of government-mandated fluorescent light bulbs made the Tofu Turkey look even weirder than it actually was, and the room was always cold.
Ever since Congress passed the Power Conservation Act of 2016, mandating all thermostats – which were monitored and controlled by the electric company – be kept at 68 degrees, every room on the north side of the house was barely tolerable throughout the entire winter.
Still, it was good getting together with family. Or at least most of the family.
Winston missed his mother, who passed on in October, when she had used up her legal allotment of life-saving medical treatment. He had had many heated conversations with the Regional Health Consortium, spawned when the private insurance market finally went bankrupt, and everyone was forced into the government health care program. And though he demanded she be kept on her treatment, it was a futile effort. “The RHC’s resources are limited”, explained the government bureaucrat Winston spoke with on the phone. “Your mother received all the benefits to which she was entitled. I’m sorry for your loss.”
Ed couldn’t make it either. He had forgotten to plug in his electric car last night, the only kind available after the Anti-Fossil Fuel Bill of 2021 outlawed the use of the combustion engines – for everyone but government officials. The fifty mile round trip was about ten miles too far, and Ed didn’t want to spend a frosty night on the road somewhere between here and there.
Thankfully, Winston’s brother, John, and his wife were flying in. Winston made sure that the dining room chairs had extra cushions for the occasion. No one complained more than John about the pain of sitting down so soon after the government-mandated cavity searches at airports, which severely aggravated his hemorrhoids. Ever since a terrorist successfully smuggled a cavity bomb onto a jetliner, the TSA told Americans the added “inconvenience” was an “absolute necessity” in order to stay “one step ahead of the terrorists”.
Winston’s own body had grown accustomed to such probing ever since the government expanded their scope to just about anywhere a crowd gathered, via Anti-Profiling Act of 2022. That law made it a crime to single out any group or individual for “unequal scrutiny”, even when probable cause was involved. Thus, cavity searches at malls, train stations, bus depots, etc., etc., had become almost routine. Almost. The Supreme Court is reviewing the statute, but most Americans expect a Court composed of six progressives and three conservatives to leave the law intact. “A living Constitution is extremely flexible”, said the Court’s eldest member, Elena Kagan. “Europe has had laws like this one for years. We should learn from their example”, she added.
Winston’s thoughts turned to his own children. He got along fairly well with his 12-year-old daughter, Brittany, mostly because she ignored him. Winston had long ago surrendered to the idea that she could text anyone at any time, even during Atonement Dinner. Their only real confrontation had occurred when he limited her to 50,000 texts a month, explaining that was all he could afford. She whined for a week, but got over it.
His 16-year-old son, Jason, was another matter altogether. Perhaps it was the constant bombarding he got in public school that global warming, the bird flu, terrorism or any of a number of other calamities was “just around the corner”, but Jason had developed a kind of nihilistic attitude that ranged between simmering surliness and outright hostility. It didn’t help that Jason had reported his father to the police for smoking a cigarette in the house, an act made criminal by the Smoking Control Statute of 2018, which outlawed smoking anywhere within 500 feet of another human being. Winston paid the $5,000 fine, which might have been considered excessive before the American dollar became virtually worthless as a result of QE13.
The latest round of quantitative easing the federal government initiated was, once again, to “spur economic growth.” This time, they promised to push unemployment below its years-long rate of 18%, but Winston was not particularly hopeful.
Yet the family had a lot for which to be thankful, Winston thought, before remembering it was a Day of Atonement.
At least, he had his memories.
He felt a twinge of sadness when he realized his children would never know what life was like in the Good Old Days, long before government promises to make life “fair for everyone” realized their full potential.
Winston, like so many of his fellow Americans, never realized how much things could change when they didn’t happen all at once, but little by little, so people could get used to them. He wondered what might have happened if the public had stood up while there was still time, maybe back around 2011, when all the real nonsense began. “Maybe we wouldn’t be where we are today if we’d just said ‘enough is enough’ when we had the chance,” he thought.
Maybe so, Winston. Maybe so.
Randy Whitelock wrote @
well, the weekend is upon us, eaqding the paper, trying to related the news to my life…as an accountant I’m always drawn to numbers in a side bar. Top of Page 1, AJC Sunday, July 24. University of Ga spending since 2007 +29.6%, Tuition at the University of Ga since 2008 +50%, Student fees at U GA since 2008 +87%…… Looks just like the numbers from my financial statements. I am reminded of a proposal that I asked to submit to the Outreadh to Collegfe Students taskforce /committee a couple of years ago. The proposal was for the Society to sponsor a “college bowl” type contest for Georgia Tax Accounting students. After trying my best to convince the group that this might stimulate interest in Tax accounting, I was met with complete silence. A professor on the committee said sternly, I will demand that this never happen, as an educational professional I don’t that students should compare the offerings of various colleges and Universities, I believe each program is unique and wouldn’t want students attempting to compare them. PURE CAPITALISM! I supose it is not a good time to do a cost/benefit of a college education today. Jo, Please bring me another cup of coffee.
Randy wrote @
On the national news this morning I saw a presentation that was just released saying that of the college grades issued for year 2008-2009 48% were an “A” and 74% were an “A” or a “B.” Kudos to the employers hiring the new graduates with a 3.5 average, your new employers are in the top 74 % of the graduates. I need another cup of coffee. Randy
Randy Whitelock wrote @
I doesn’t mater whether or not we need the money, raise the dues just to see if anyone notices. Not meaning to be rude, but those who operate in secrecy and always are in a rush have a LOT TO HIDE. no news there
Jennifer Y wrote @
Absolutely beautiful! They had planned every detail so carefully, and it was carried out well. This is a facelift for the monarchy.
Lisa wrote @
My niece’s wedding was planned well…she had scripts and to-do lists for each one of us in the wedding party for the days leading up to the wedding as well as on the big day itself. And she didn’t have the Queen to help her! Suprisingly she is not a cpa although her organizational skills would make hr a good one.
Colin wrote @
The final weekend:
“If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs, it’s just possible you haven’t grasped the situation.” ~ Jean Kerr
JJ wrote @
Well,
It is time for some RnR as tax season has wound down. Off to Las Vegas Nevadad to see dear old Dad. He lives there.
Brandy wrote @
Wow! You must have your clients trained well to already be done. I’ll be here until the cows come home this week.
Wayne Nix wrote @
I don’t know where I found the time to actually think about anything but taxes, but I had a thought yesterday. It is normal for businesses to pay bonuses for work well done – why not implement this for Congress? Start by reducing their pay by 20%. Near the end of each term on Congress the American people would vote (first Tuesday in November) whether to award Congress (evveryone or no one) their “bonus” for the last two years, for either serving the country or not. The bonus awarded would be the same for all members and based upon the percentage of the vote. Under 50% no bonus, 50-60% award 20% of their lost pay, etc. We employ them, why can’t we have some input toward their compensation. That would start by saving $17+ million per year unless they effectively serve the country.
Jennifer Yankowsky wrote @
Pay for performance? I love the idea, but I think it would be difficult to achieve in terms of how people define “good performance.”
Doug Huie wrote @
This is a great idea. It seems there is more gridlock that progress in Washington and the politicians have pretty much ignored the will of the people in my opinion. Some of these politicians have served so long, they have forgotten why they are there. Along with the compensation, there should seriously be term limits as to how many consecutive terms a Representative or Senator can serve. That might get their attention but then again, maybe not.
Anonymous CPA wrote @
Anyone having trouble logging into the CCH Research through the Taxation Section?
Don wrote @
It seems to be working fine on our end. Contact me at dcook@gscpa.org or 404-504-2935 if you’re still having issues.
Jennifer Yankowsky wrote @
We continue to hear that Social Security funds will dry up in the future. So I ask, why continue to send me those annual reports showing my earnings? I know it’s also for disability, but at 34, I have lived my whole life never expecting to receive a dime from Social Security for retirement. Why spend money generating and mailing those reports?
Bill wrote @
You won’t get nothing – the projection is at its low point they will have money to pay 74% of the promissed benefit. that is depedent on 2 things – 1) that social security taxes will go to pay social security first (that’s up to congress) and 2) that everyone takes the same haircut and they don’t go to some other appraoch to cut the benefits (which is also up to congress). My advice, don’t include social security in your retirement planning and look upon whatever you get as found money.
The cynic wrote @
I am not as confident as Bill that you and I will get anything from goverment (but like he says if I do I will consider it as found money). The cynical me beleives that they continue sending those fictional reports because of the old adage, “if you tell a lie often enought and loud enough, people will beleive it”.
Shana wrote @
I agree…there isn’t going to be much when we retire. In fact, I wish we could just opt out now and keep our 4.2% to invest however we please. Right now, I’m earning a negative return on that 4.2% and I think I could do better if it were up to me invest….
Bill wrote @
I can’t argue with the negative return – and it gets worse when it returns to 6.2% next year – but the problem is that if they let us bail out of the ponzi scheme it will collapse – it would make Madoff look like he was playing with Monopoly money.
Bob wrote @
My biggest frustration with the Social Security mess is the complete inability of Congress to even have an intelligent conversation about how to solve it. They just keep letting the ponzi scheme get worse each year without addressing it in any fashion.
The cynic wrote @
Bob you wrote “congress” and “intelligent” in the same sentence. Surely that was a typo. They might be intelligent sigally but when they come together to meet there must be a requirement for them to check their IQ at the capital steps.
anonymousCPA wrote @
Anyone had any tricks to uploading the Georgia Department of Revenue’s W-2 template? I have emailed them with no response and tried several different things to no avail.
Shelly wrote @
I have uploaded the file with no problem. It is an excel file. The problem came when I had someone with a social security number that began with 0. When I imported to GA site I got an error. Wed. I called early & was on hold for 1 1/2 hrs. I was supposed to get a call that day. No call as of this morning. Called earlier (8 AM) wait time 30 minutes. They said there are problems with the file & try it Monday.
anonymousCPA wrote @
Initially I was trying to upload a file Quickbooks had created. When that did not work, I thought I would just try the one that the DOR had on their website thinking since it’s their website, it would work. When it didn’t, I emailed the DOR. Meanwhile, I had posted my plight in the Intuit community forums and received a solution to using the Quickbooks file. I eventually got an email from the DOR to send them the file I was using but had solved my problem at that point. Hope you are able to get yours to work soon.
CyndaP wrote @
Don’t get me wrong, I love college football but are the bowl games ever going to end?
Lisa wrote @
I kinda wish they wouldn’t cause that would mean that its busy season (busily in denial).
Bob wrote @
I just read a story in the AJC about a man who beat his girlfriend to death with his bare hands. I also have done some volunteer work at an organization that helps victims of domestic violence. I can tell you that DV is at an epidemic proportion in this city. Guys, if you are so angry that you are beating someone, you need to take a time out, and get some help!
Bob wrote @
Did you see the news item about MARTA shaking down its vendors to get them to pay $5,000 to $10,000 to fund an employee party. And in an interview the MARTA chair says he sees no ethical issue with doing this! And none of the City or Fulton County officials are willing to admit the obvious – this is inappropriate! Shameful.
Gary wrote @
It is an amazing story. Both that they would actually do that and that they (apparently) don’t think it is wrong. it’s a wacky world!
John Hall wrote @
I play tennis with the head of marta at the round robins at Sandy Spring courts. The last time we played he was getting frustrated and complained about my partner not calling the line shots loud enough. She replied that she was just a woman. She proceeded to crank the ball down his throat with her next shot. Nuff said!
CyndaP wrote @
Well, the elections are over. I guess we’ll see who “won” when the Congress reconvenes.
Gary wrote @
I do enjoy baseball…in the summer. Just hoping that the World Series will end before Christmas.
CyndaP wrote @
It’s October and the playoffs are here. I’m not too overly optimistic about the Bravo’s chances, but I’m staying up late to watch every game!
Gary wrote @
I stayed up last night. GREAT game, sad to see the Braves lose, but Lowe pitched SO WELL. Cannot ask for more. That Lyncecom guy is TOO good. Needs a haircut though.
The Shadow wrote @
The governor”s race is still tight and still interesting! I love the TV ad showing the two old guys talking about Roy Barnes. Well done!
I’m surprised that the recent financial problems have not hurt Deal too badly; he is still ahead in the pols. But after reading much about the situation I don’t think the problem is Deal. I think the Son-in -law is the problem. He is the equivlanet of Billy Carter and Bill Clinton’s wayward brother. it seems every politician has a strange family member they would like to hide.
Review Office Tools Pro Time and Billing – BEWARE!
We lost $5,000 dealing with Office Tools Pro OTP, and I am very disappointed in their corporate attitude and their very weak support team.
We were assured that their program could create a very specific report. It was too complicated to test during their trial period and even took them two weeks after our purchase to realize that they could not do as they told us! As soon as that happened, we immediately asked to cancel the program and get a refund. Their terms of purchase did say No Refunds, but we expected them to deliver a product that was fit for our needs. The president of the company personally refused our request for a refund. Every other reputable company allows for a money back guarantee. For instance Thomson Reuters/Creative Solutions allows for a refund within 60 days. [Theirs seems like a much more sound product and more/better support personnel for about the same price!]
It took about 2 weeks to uncover the problem because it appears that OTP’s support team – although very pleasant – is not only very short staffed but under qualified. Rather than support turnaround time measured in minutes, there were numerous times when I was told that I had to wait 2 days for the “right person” to be available! OTP offered to try some special programming to help with my problem, but I had lost confidence in their product and their personnel by that time….
anonymous cpa wrote @
(Stage left, screaming) I am so absolutely frustrated with the Georgia Department of Revenue!!!! The people in the regional offices are as helpful as they can be but they are limited in their ability to help. However, the people downtown are some of the most unhelpful people I have ever had to deal with!!! Absolutely frustrating!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I just advised our intern (who is from Vietnam) not to settle here in the State of Georgia for this very reason.
(Exit stage right)
stevieb wrote @
Not sure how one could think Nathan Deal had “no idea” the debt issue would arise. Financial disclosure is required of candidates for state office. The issue may not be as much helping a child and her husband as a failure to have an adequate business plan, to measure the strength of competition already out there, or to be adequately capitalized. A state governor must show good financial judgment. Since it turns out the son-in-law had already declared bankruptcy once (in 2001) it’s not clear how much good judgment was exercised in funding the recent failed business.
randy ellison cpa wrote @
i’m voting for deal anyway. i don’t his tax return is public information,glad he is keeping his own confidentially.
he is not the first person to sink trying to help his kids!
Bob Prator wrote @
My iPhone is great for everything but making phone calls. Perhaps it should be called an iGadget.
Observer wrote @
Too bad Nathan Deal had NO IDEA this whole huge, personal debt issue was coming. He had no idea, no clue. If he did, he would not have run for Governor. Right?
Bill wrote @
The real reason the iPhone 4 has an antenna issue – Steve Jobs was alarmed by the decline in etiquette and designed the iPhone 4 to force you to hold your pinky out (like they used to when drinking back in the 19th century. He wants to train everyone to drink that way again!
anonymous cpa wrote @
Am I the only one totally frustrated with the 990 Schedule K Part II questions?!?!?!!?
Observer wrote @
I see we recently approved $500 million dollars to be sent to Pakistan for aide. Too bad we can’t send that amount to our schools for our children’s education. I guess it’s just too expensive. I do wish Pakistan well in speinding our money.
Shannon Cannon wrote @
It definitely didn’t live up to the thrill, excitement and drama of a lot of the other games I watched throughout the tournament, but a winner was crowned and those of us who are soccer fans will anxiously await World Cup 2014 in Brazil!
Jeff Froehle wrote @
Not necessarily agree – soccer, as WE call it, is just like any other sport. Can be very exciting or can be very boring. It was, however, great to see such interest here in the U.S.
Gary wrote @
Cynda: It is so. I am retireing and will at least begin that time in Geezerville. The mountains are calling, but not until the end of May of 2011. I do plan to continue to blog and will keep everyone posted on where the blog will be. Thanks for being a Geezervillel fan!
Colin wrote @
The US just dodged a bullet this morning and then a very bad call cost them the victory. The games are really exciting. I coached for 11 years and still get nervous every time I watch. I would rather be playing. GO USA!
i am enjoying vacation. Great timing to see some very good soccer.
Coliln
Bill Schneider` wrote @
When the wole world is saying bad call you know its not just home team bias. As a ref I know were not perfect, but I miss calls becasue I don’t see them, not becuase I imagine things.
The Shadow wrote @
it appears that BP, from the beginning, has been “open for suggestions” on how to fix this catastrophe and never had contingency plans in place, “just in case.” Nice.
Nikelle wrote @
Rachel Maddow did an interesting piece a week or two ago that showed the parallels between this event and a similar one in 1973… it appeared that the same failed solutions were tried at the same intervals. Perhaps we need to look at how countries like Canada drill. Sure, it costs more up front (like putting two lines down so that if one ruptures/spills/breaks the other is already there to relieve the pressure), but in the long run, it could save money, the environment, etc.
Lisa wrote @
ya know….I have a contigency plan at home….if a fire breaks out I have a fire extignuisher where everyone knows it locations and everyone can reach it. My family has a prearranged meeting place.
….I have an emergency kit for hurricanes with water, canned food, flashlights, sterno and candles.
…I have a spare tire in my car with a jack and directions written in (sort of) english.
….I have an emergency kit in my car with jumper cables, a blanket, flares.
…we have a disaster plan at work with emergency contacts and off site file storage.
AND BP DIDN’T HAVE A CONTINGENCY PLAN!!!!!
Lisa wrote @
Has anyone noticed Venus William’s latest tennis clothes at the French Open? Ummmm whaaaa?
Jeff Moore wrote @
Free Roundtable Discussion: “Practical Tips for Serving Financially-Troubled Clients” (Friday, 6/11/10, 7:30 AM to 9:00 AM)
Help us get the recently-formed Bankruptcy & Troubled Businesses Division kicked-off by attending this informal session, to be held at the GSCPA offices. In addition to sharing insights and practical tips involving severely-distressed clients, we’ll refine the Division’s objectives and plan upcoming knowledge-sharing and networking events to suit your needs and interests.
Please send your RSVP and/or any questions to jeff.moore@jemoore.com.
Greg DeFoor CPA CFE wrote @
If you have clients concerned about the potential for fraud, have them implement a fraud prevention program.
The Shadow wrote @
Is the fact that the City of Los Angeles is now boycotting Arizona a bad thing for Arizona?
Perhaps the world should boycott Los Angeles just for being Los Angeles.
Boses wrote @
I like Los Angeles: the people I’ve met are awesome!; lots of interesting cuisine and cultures.
EESH wrote @
Maybe GA can do something sufficiently outrageus to get the left coast to boycott us. Hey, maybe New York too! Yea, there are fine people in both places. I’ll bet they’d rather be in Arizona.
Gary wrote @
cannot believe they scored 8 runs last night. That’s more than they scored in the last two weeks! Maybe they are going to start hitting now. Let’s hope so!
Go figure wrote @
Don’t you love it when clients are in such a hurry to get their refunds AFTER April 15th,,,, Where were they back in Feb? Sorry if you drop info off right before 4/15 deadline … we need to rest and regain brain cells from pre 4/15 client returns.
Greg DeFoor wrote @
Want to animalize corporate estimated taxes? Check this out. If you go to http://www.irs.gov and click forms and publications, under downloads click topical index, under topical index click C and then Corporations, you’ll find the following tax form reference: 8842 Election to Use Different Animalization Periods for Corporation Estimated Tax (pdf)”. Pretty funny!!! Do you think someone at the IRS needs to learn what “Annualization” means? What is the definition of “Animalization Periods”? How many different animals can you choose from? I just emailed them so they can correct it. Check it out soon if you want to see it.
Pam T. wrote @
First year of efiling, can’t decide if it was a blessing or a curse, what are your thoughts?? Are we required to efile all returns next year?
Colin wrote @
If you prepare more than 10 returns next year you will be required to e-file all returns that qualify. It is a mixed “blessing.” There is a greater possibility that the information you want on the return will be entered into the system correctly (less chance of input error). It will provide you immediate confirmation that the return has been accepted by the IRS and the state. It will expedite the client’s refund and if you choose direct deposit the funds will be there in 14 days or less (on average). The downside is that it will make is easier and faster for the IRS to identify returns that need to be audited. It reduces the burden on the IRS and they will use the funds to hire more tax examiners, etc.
DAN IEZZI wrote @
The IRS has been steadily increasing its examiners as a result of the budget benefit associated with efiling. For example, this allows for the hiring of more personnel without increasing the budget. I have been efiling since 1995. This allows me to correct some issues right away.
Lisa wrote @
Everytime I read this comment I think it says…”first year of elfing…” Not sure what elfing is, but it sounds fun.
I guess my brain won’t let me contemplate e-filing. Don’t know if that’s funny or sad.
Colin Blalock wrote @
One more to go– Mine. I may need to find a new CPA, I owe more taxes. Hey, wait a minute, that is the way it is suppose to be.
I am happy to pay taxes, but I would be just as Happy to pay 1/2 as much tax. Happy April 15th.
Colin
Gary wrote @
THE DAY has arrived! We are there! Welcome back to reality to all of the Taxers out there! We’ve missed you.
Randy Whitelock wrote @
sorry I missed the discussion of the new heath care bill. Beware- the people that are explaining that bill to use are the same folks who were explaining derivitives a couple of years ago. Seems to me that I heard that although the bill does penalize for non compliance, it does prohibit enforcement. Oops, I was just reading something about geysers, where was that?
Gary wrote @
Geezer is mainly a state of mind. Geezerville accomodates all age Geezers in a peaceful way.
Lisa wrote @
Some things I’ve learned about geezers …
Not every gray haired guy is a geezer.
Age is not a requirement to be a geezer.
Women can be geezers.
Not all geezers plan golf, but most think they do.
Colin wrote @
LIsa:
I agree.
AS FOR OLD AGE:
Men are like wine:
some turn to vinegar,
but the best improve with age.
Author: Pope John XXIII
AS FOR WISDOM:
Not by age but by capacity is wisdom acquired.
Authot: Titus Maccius Plautus (whoever that is), but it makes a lot of sense.
Colin
The Shadow wrote @
Let’s charge everyone for carry-on luggage and no charge for checked bags. No one wants to check luggage anymore becuse it cost. Boarding and getting off the airplanes is a chaotic mess these days. And it is crazy what people wil try and get into those overhead bins.
Bill Schneider wrote @
That would make perfect sense (like a Bank charging for using a human teller and not charging for an ATM because it is so much cheaper for them to do transactions cia an ATM), but these are airlines. They are going to charge you for checked bags AND for carry-on bags. I feel a great opportunity for an enterprising business person – ship luggage for half the cost the airlines are charging. I wonder if there is money to made?
Nikelle H wrote @
I was speaking with someone recently who worked for an airline. He was saying that charging people for checked baggage was to reduce the amount of luggage and to recoup fuel costs. He was saying the plan was faulty, because it just moved the weight of the luggage into the cabin.
I love your idea for shipping of luggage… if the other airlines follow in Spirit’s footsteps, I think the shipping venture would be an overnight success!
Deborah wrote @
I hate the “luggage dance” we have to go through to board a plane these days. It ratchets up the stress level about ten notches; already enough stress in flying!
I think the size of the cabin carry-ons should be smaller than the rollerboards currently allowed and strictly enforced. That should make it easier and faster to board.
And there should be a limit on the weight of luggage allowed for checked baggage for each passenger. That should cover the issue of reducing fuel costs. We need to conserve fuel where we can in this country.
Too bad if passengers complain – they don’t have to fly! They can drive!
There’s got to be a better way!
Bill Schneider wrote @
Just read that Spirit Airlines is going to charge you for carry-on luggage. It won;t be long before the others follow suit. What’s next, having to put a quarter in a slot to turn on the overhead light so you can read your book?
Denise Grove wrote @
Does the rest of the world have April 15th deadlines? Or, is this just the American way to get CPAs to work when it is beautiful outside? I have spring fever and want to be outside….
Colin wrote @
Denise:
That is the price you pay for not working the balance of the year. Everyone knows that CPAs don’t work after April 15th. CPA stands for “Constantly Plays Away” because we are never in the office after the 15th. It hurts now, but back in January when it was cold, rainy, and dark early I did not have a problem working late. I cannot wait to be outside when it is still daylight. Hang in there. There is light at the end of the tunnel and it is not a TRAIN.
Bill Schneider wrote @
This is my favorite part of the new health care bill – employers with over 50 employee must provide health insurance or pay a penalty of $750 per employee, ok simple enough. Now, even if a business does provide health insurance, the business must pay a penalty if the government determines that an employee got health insurance through one of the state exchanges and received a tax credit instead of buying the insurance through the employer – the amount of that penaly – $3,000, but wait, it gets better. Employers are required to inform employees about the exhanges, the possibility that the employee might get a tax credit on the exchange and that it might be better financially for them to buy insurance through the exchange. But wait, it gets even better – if the employer conrtibutes toward the health insurance coverage, that contribution MUST be made available to the employee in the form of a voucher if the contributions are between 8% and 9.8% of the employees income and the household income is less than 400% of the federal proverty guideline. That’s complicated so let me simplfy for you. If an employer contributes $4,000 toward health insurance for an employee making $50,000, and that employee is the main breadwinner for a family of 4 making less that $85,0000 a year, the employer must provide the employee a voucher – give them cash – so they can go get insurance on their own through that state exchange and then, since the employee gets a tax credit by using the exchange the employer must pay a penalty of $3,000 to the federal government. So here I am an employer of a large group of middle-class Americans making good money at $50,000 a year and providing $4,000 support towards their health insurance. I can either offer no isurance and pay the government $3,750 in penalites, or I can keep offering the insurance I was offering which included paying $4,000 toward my employees coverage and now pay $7,000 for each employee – the $4,000 I was paying now in the form of a voucher to the emplyee and the $3,000 fine to the government. Which should I do? Factual source for the act provisions for this comment is a publication from Deloitte called “Prescription for Change ‘Filled” Tax provisions in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.
br549 wrote @
I think that it is time for the states (34 required) to call a constitutional convenion under Article V of the US Constitution and reaffirm the limits on Congressional powers expressed in Article I Section 8 and Amendment X. Congressional term limits and unfunded federal mandates could also be included under the same process. Once proposed, it becomes law by ratification by a total of 38 states and Congress cannot override it.
The Shadow wrote @
The Health Care bill has passed and is now law.
I cannot tell if it is good, bad, or both. I will need to dedicate one year of my life reading and understanding it to know. I wonder how many in Congress actually read it.
One thing for certain: we’ll spend Trillions implementing it and billions fighting it in courts.
We need a loan.
Nikelle H wrote @
Are you sure it will only be billions? People are angry. In this country, when people are angry, they get litigious. Lawsuits are already being filed.
We need more than a loan.
LIsa wrote @
Gosh what a terrible, stressful and sad week this has been! I only hope next week is better.
Ken Kurtz wrote @
GA POLITICIANS ARE ATTEMPTING TO SNEAK THROUGH A REDUCTION IN OUR REQUIRED ANNUAL CPE HRS AS WE’RE IN THE MIDDLE OF TAX SEASON. WE NEED TO HUNT THIS DOWN ASAP AND MAKE SURE THIS DOES NOT OCCUR. WE CLEARLY DON’T WANT OUR HOURS REDUCED ALLOWING “LESS DESIRABLE” QUALITY AND KNOWLEDGE TO BE AMONG OUR PROFESSION. WE OUR TRUSTWORTHY AND ELITE FOR A REASON. THIS CHANGE MUST BE STOPPED. IF ANYONE HAS ANY ABILITY, TIME, OR INSIGHT TO THIS ISSUE PLEASE PURSUE ASAP!!
Gary wrote @
There is no move to lower CPE for the profession in Georgia. There is a Senate bill that applies only to those that are employed full-time by the State of Georgia. It is a temporary measure that would lower their minimum CPE requirements to 20 hours per year; again it is only a temporary measure and only for those that work full-time for the state of Georgia. The Senator that is offering the bill is making efforts to save money where possible during this buget crisis in Georgia. Certianly there was no effort to “sneak” anything through by a state legislator.
I am happy that you and other readers believe in the need and the value of continuing professional Education for CPAs in Georgia. It is indeed a needed requirement.
Don C. wrote @
There is something gratifying about the first couple days of the year when you don’t need to worry about wearing a jacket. Bring on the warm weather and pollen!
Colin wrote @
Some days I think positively, other days I am not positive that I am thinking. Right now every day is a Monday.
Dan Iezzi wrote @
One must always wonder these days that when one looks at the big picture is the pretty picture really painted with the wrong colors.
Ben Loggins wrote @
I am sure most of you will be happy to know that the Gov. thinks you job is not complex –See below
Federal pay ahead of private industry
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2010-03-04-federal-pay_N.htm
Federal employees earn higher average salaries than private-sector workers in more than eight out of 10 occupations, a USA TODAY analysis of federal data finds.
…These salary figures do not include the value of health, pension and other benefits, which averaged $40,785 per federal employee in 2008 vs. $9,882 per private worker, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis.
…But National Treasury Employees Union President Colleen Kelley says the comparison is faulty because it “compares apples and oranges.” Federal accountants, for example, perform work that has more complexity and requires more skill than accounting work in the private sector, she says.
________________________________________
The Shadow wrote @
Paul Hewitt complaining? how bout your team plaing better basketball and then the fans will stop being so mean. Complaining will not help Paul.
gt90cpa wrote @
It appears that Paul is wearing out his welcome at the North Ave Trade School. He did the same thing last year when they tanked. I guess he can’t handle the “Other Paul” being so successful in only two years of being the head coach of the football team.
Go Jackets!
The Shadow wrote @
Breaking one is a bad idea and breaking the other is a prelude to meeting your new roomie at the Big House.
Anonymous wrote @
Who says communicating these days via text, chat and email is impersonal? Whoever it was obviously has never SEEN an emotion before!
The Shadow wrote @
Tiger: haven’t we seen his apology before posted on his website? Now he is going to read his apology and TAKE NO QUESTIONS? why have a press conference. Tiger is apparently above being questioned, but not above reaping billions from his public persona. Ahh…Tiger…your next Billion may be slow to arrive.
Perfectionistic wrote @
why should he be questioned at all????? People are quick to judge and point fingers as if they never did a misdeed in life. “He who is without sin, cast the first stone”
The Cynic wrote @
So…Tiger has summoned the world to his knee. Let’s all drop what we’re doing and tune in.
Anonymous wrote @
He slept with 17 women while he was married – I don’t care what he has to say and will NOT be tuning in!
Gary wrote @
Well, Monday morning is the largest storm that never was. Being a weatherperson is a great job: you get to be on TV and you can be way wrong most of the time and no problem.
The Shadow wrote @
Heads up People! It might SNOW tomorrow. Let’s drive slower and cautiously and not wreck our cars into each other. We CAN DO THIS! Drive carefully!
The Shadow wrote @
Federal Government and Congress shut down due to snow. No work No legislative hearings.
Stock market goes up. Coincidence?
Loveless wrote @
I think Valentine’s Day is highly overrated! Just another retail driven holiday to get people to spend money they should be saving!
The Cynic wrote @
There comes a point in one’s career where what you know means very little and who you know means everything.
Gary wrote @
Questioln: with all of the talk about reform in Helath Care and a cappingof cost, expenses, and a close look at insurance premiums, how did dental care escape unscathed? It’s not like it’s optional, and if you need serious work, you are looking at $600-$1500 per hour, including materials. How is that not devastating to families? The Dental industry has done a great job of staying below the radar in this national health care debate; good for them, bad for us.
Who cares wrote @
4 hours in a dentist’s chair = $800
4 hours in the hospital = $20,000
Because they are often not insured, and copays are usually 50%, the prices are competitive. Dental prices have not increased anywhere near the magnitude of other health care costs.
Randy Whitelocdk wrote @
Maybe some of the lawyers in the group, or want-to-be-lawyers can help me cipher this. The supreme court has decided that copuporations should be allowed spend money to influence politics under the “freedom of speech” ammendment, as I uderstand it. As I understood it, the bill of rights were enacted to protect citizens of this country. Corporations have been considered separate entities for tax and other leagal purposes as long as I can remember. Don’t forget that “artificial intelligence” in computers is on the horizion! If you think out legal system is backed up now, just wait until the first computer files a lawsuit to protect it’s rights. I’m glad I’ll be on the sideline watching what happens. Have a nice day !
Gregory Douds wrote @
Is anyone familiar with SB 131? If enacted, and so far it looks like it’s on the way there, it will completely revamp Georgia trust law. Among other things, it will give tort, tax, criminal restitution, and child support creditors access to spendthrift trusts. I’m curious to know why this bill was introduced, but haven’t figured it out yet.
Steve Bancroft wrote @
So sorry to read about our the mother of our former president, Ruth Bartlett, perishing in a fire in Dunwoody. It was totally preventable had the Dekalb Fire Department personnel involved followed their own procedures correctly. Our prayers are with the family.
Gary wrote @
this is sad indeed. firefighters not getting out of their trucks to actually see if there is a fire? Amazing that they could simply drive away and not consider the devastating situation that they were casually leaving behind.
The Shadow wrote @
I am a little nervous about these proposed new gun laws. why of why would we need guns in restaruants where alcohol is served? Guns/alcohol is a very bad combination. I thought we all knew that.
And guns in the airport? are we going to shoot terroist? can’t do that before checking if they are on the “list.” And they might be out of range by that time.
The Shadow wrote @
I watched the President last night. Wow..I didn’t know we are in such good shape.
Then I listend to the Right Wing commentary…wow, I didn’t know we are in such dire straits..
Let’s all just meet in the middle and do good things for the country.
The Shadow wrote @
Why oh why can I not get all of my information to arrive so I can do my taxes? frustrating. Every year. Frustrating.
Anita G wrote @
Yay for the Shadow, he/she is getting a refund, or he/she would not be so anxious to get his taxes done! 
South GA CPA wrote @
Don’t know about the Shadow, but whether I am getting a refund or not I am always anxious to get my taxes done as soon as possible (even if I don’t file them immediately) so 1-I know what the outcome is and 2-when I’m up to my elbows in alligators (other tax returns) I don’t have to worry about my own.
Jamie E. wrote @
If anyone finds the month of January, let me know. I seem to have misplaced it along the way. Is February really next week?!
South GA CPA wrote @
If anyone finds the month of February, let me know. I seem to have misplaced it along with my sanity. Wake me on April the 16th.
Don C. wrote @
I just read an article on the future surging of accounting jobs. It was a very positive article – nice for a change. See below link – might have to copy and paste the entire link into your browser.
http://www.cpa2biz.com/Content/media/PRODUCER_CONTENT/Newsletters/Articles_2010/Career/JobSurge.jsp
The Shadow wrote @
As Gracie Slick said on Saturday morning at Woodstock: “Good morning people, it’s a new day!” The people have spoken in Massachusetts.
Calvin W. wrote @
okay… people need to learn how to drive.
Scene: GA400 this morning.
Out of the house by 6:30.
3 car injury accident = 3 right lanes closed.
2 hours wasted sitting in traffic.
Oh, this happened yesterday too!
1 stalled car = 2 lanes closed.
Anita G wrote @
My thoughts EXACTLY! I live in Cumming and work in Sandy Springs! I cannot believe the people I see swerving and texting on GA 400……..
Lori Hallock wrote @
Sorry, can’t relate. I moved from Gwinnett County 10 years ago. My commute on a bad day is 10 minutes!
Nikelle wrote @
Lori – You might not make many friends saying that… but it is just because we are all jealous!
AnonymousCPA wrote @
Still on hold with the Georgia Dept of Revenue for over an hour! Seriously! This is ridiculous!!!!!! I’m not sure what the solution is but come on, it’s busy season!!!!!
Gary Julian wrote @
Avatar! Really? Seems like Star Wars had better special effects and a better story and a smaller budget. Years ago. Avatar over-rated. And how does it compare to the Trilogy? Not at all. Not even close.
HBrooks wrote @
Avatar is an expensive political statement (military is made up of murders and morons; corporations are evil; man is destroying mother earth, etc..). The blue creatures deity is a tree (Ewya) which they kneel and pray before, and there is even a scene where a blue creature throws a spear through the windshield of a hightech helicopter killing the pilot while yelling “Ewya”, but it sure sounds like “Allah”. When my wife and I got home the 1939 version of the Wizard of Oz was on TBS and it was far more entertaining!
Jamie Etzbach wrote @
It’s time to learn when to appropriately use an apostrophe in the abbreviation CPAs. Read the blog post to see how!
Diana wrote @
How can a person become an auditor when all the companies hiring want experience? There has to be a good starting place. Any suggestions? This is frustrating!
Anonomous cpa wrote @
We hire new grads all the time and train them. Have to have good grades, good references, some experience is helpful.
If you are not a new grad but want to get out of the tax team (dark side ) and into auditing you might have to take less pay until your billing rate can catch up with your auditing skill level but its been done before.
Diana wrote @
I graduated in May 2009 and have 15 years experience but most is in A/P. I can’t seem to get away from it and I’m not concerned with pay. I just want to get started in the field and see where I go…CIA is what I am hoping for. Thanks for replying!
Gary Julian wrote @
The new Speaker of the House in Georgia will be a breath of fresh air at the Golden Dome. Let’s hope our legislators can now focus on the work to be done and not on politics as the previousl Speaker was so inclined to do.
Ken Kurtz wrote @
Thought I saw an ad running for a Tax Accountant at Siemens if anyone is interested.
FalconsFan wrote @
I can’t believe that the JETS and the COWBOYS are still in the playoffs! We’ll see this coming week!
I need a study buddy for the CPA exam to study with. Anyone interested?