Accounting & Bookkeeping & Small Business Forum

[Evangelist Tom Raymond]

I have a question. I see the stuff that they have in Module 7 of the PTP course that we would need to run our own tax office. My problem is, I don't have the money to get stuff like software, file cabinets, and all this stuff at this point in time. Can I still start my own tax office or do I have to wait til I have this stuff? Also, are there any grants I can get. Right now, the only income I have is SSI and some little job on the side, so right now I don't have the money or anything else to get around this little thing. is there anything I can do?

The other question is, can I do the business and run it doing paper returns and so forth until I can get a software program and apply for e-file later on so I can use them? I also have a printer now that I've had for about 3 years, that copies, scans, and prints, but the problem is, it's not a laser printer, and other things I'm working on, but is what I have so far alright til I get the business started and just pay the $36 to the IRS every year for a CD of the forms?

[Steven W. Nye]

Tom, I use an inkjet printer and print all of my tax returns -- I do not e-file. Only a few of my clients ever ask to e-file...all are content to file the "old-fashioned way". :D

[Evangelist Tom Raymond]

Steven W. Nye wrote: Tom, I use an inkjet printer and print all of my tax returns -- I do not e-file. Only a few of my clients ever ask to e-file...all are content to file the "old-fashioned way". :D filli

That's what my printer is too is inkjet. I have an HP PSC 1210 as my printer that i've had for 3 years, but I wasn't sure if that was alright to do that, figuring for me, I could do it more efficiently filling them out on paper than I could a computer, and also for the fact that in order to qualify for e-file, you have to pass all this stuff in order to be able to do it, and if you can't qualify, what's the sense of spending $1500 on software you can't use.

What about file cabinets and all that other stuff. How do you handle that? Can I just put their files in a box and just find a way to lock my bedroom, so their privacy won't be invaded? I was actually thinking of doing that anyway and put a lock on my doors. I have french doors for my bedrooms, and I would have to do it a certain way to lock them, but can be done if need be, but wasn't for sure how you all did it when you all started in the business, so figured if I would ask, it doesn't hurt!

[Steven W. Nye]

Evangelist Tom Raymond wrote: What about file cabinets and all that other stuff. How do you handle that? Can I just put their files in a box and just find a way to lock my bedroom, so their privacy won't be invaded?

That would work, too. File cabinets are for convenience and organization only....certainly not a requirement!

[Evangelist Tom Raymond]

Steven W. Nye wrote: Evangelist Tom Raymond wrote: What about file cabinets and all that other stuff. How do you handle that? Can I just put their files in a box and just find a way to lock my bedroom, so their privacy won't be invaded?

That would work, too. File cabinets are for convenience and organization only....certainly not a requirement!

Thank God. That just clarified everything! Thanks Steven.

[ttagee]

Hi Tom,

I totally understand. I have a very tight budget too.
One of the things I do to save money is visit the local thrift store. Some time I am able to pick up some decent stuff.


Right now if you looking for tax software, shop around. Most of the major players are offering discount and will send you out a copy of their 2006 software for free. Just visit there website and request a copy.

[Evangelist Tom Raymond]

Yeah, I got software from TaxAct with their 2006 software, and I also ordered the software for 2007 for $20 off of the regular price, so right now I am all set.

I'm not going to worry about the file cabinets and all that until after I make money from the business, then do it, then that way, I can drpreciate all of it every year, cuz all it will be used for is business, so I have it all handled. Thank you!