"Ric Smith" <menawach[at]msn.com> wrote:

- quote -

We've been about 95% paperless for the last few years and it
works pretty well. One of the biggest things we did to help
with this was to install dual monitor cards in the computers
and hook up a second monitor. This way, we can "look" at
last year's return AND this year all at the same time -works
great and makes the transition to paperless easier.

FYI - we keep a PDF copy of the client returns AND we keep a
PDF copy of everything note worthy that the client gives us,
including W-2s, 1099s, 1098s, the organizers - EVERYTHING
that isn't clearly junk. This does require that you have at
least one scanner and the software to make it work, but it
isn't that bad. We have HP multifunction machines on each
desk and reception/in-coming has a Fujitsu 4120-C scanner
(25 PPM). Having e-copies of client paperwork has worked
well for us. When a client insists that they gave us
something, we can go to the PDF file and confirm what we
have. It's settled a lot of confrontations with clients by
shifting the issue to them.

Good luck,
Gene E. Utterback, EA

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"Ric Smith" <menawach[at]msn.com> wrote:

- quote -

I PDF my copy of the return and DO NOT retain any copies of
client documentation (except what is required for e-filing)
that is their responsibility.

--
Regards,

Mark Rigotti

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Ric Smith wrote:

- quote -

Go for it, Ric. In fact now that I have a 140 gig hard
drive, I might do the same thing.

Although it is nice to have at least a printed copy of the
1040 in the file for easy reference.

I suppose also I could scan the W2 and 1099's clients bring
me and which I must retain for Efiling.

ChEAr$,
Harlan Lunsford, EA n LA
Sat, 13 Nov 2004 18:52:54

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- quote -

We PDF everything, no paper.
Helen, EA in PA

Director, NAEA; Immediate Past President, PSEA; Tax Expert, AOL
Enrolled Agents - THE Tax Professionals

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For their part in a paperless society, the software company
that I use will let me save the returns in PDF format for my
copy. I read Circular 230 and can't find any reference to a
preparer having to keep copies of the backup documents from
which the return was prepared. That responsibility falls
upon the taxpayer. It also states that in the engagement
letter that I have the taxpayer sign. Comments please. It
sure will save a lot of storage space.

Ricardo Smith, EA
Dunlap TN

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