Form 3975 & Pub. 17

[Black Bart]

I got my form 3975-"Tax Professionals Annual Mailing List Application" in the mail two or three weeks ago, filled it out, and sent it back, but there really wasn't any point in it since they've done away with Package X. I think I read that they're dropping the mailing list entirely just because of that. I wasn't upset--everybody already knew about X, but it still irks me that IRS wants to sell the P-17 books to us, while giving them away to everybody else. IRS is always asking us for "assistance, cooperation, and input" while steadily working against us, e.g., Freefile, VITA, 8867 EIC checklist, C-230, increased audits, strict limitations for unenrolled POAs, etc.

Anyway, I called 800-829-3676 (IRS forms number). The rep asks if I'm a tax practitioner (an "untouchable"), saying that, if I was, I'd have to send $44 (each) to the Soup Doc to get copies. "No, I'm not," I lied rather smoothly, and asked "How much are they?" She replied, "Since you're not a practitioner; they're free" (is this discrimination or what? who needs them more? us or Joe Blow?).

I tell her we manufacture carbolic frammelscreens for Caterpillar bulldozers and to please send two copies to Black Bart Widgets. Unphased, she requests that I "spell that last word, please." I swear that, one of these days, I'm driving to Dogpatch (around Russellville) and, if there's still a post office there, I'm renting a box. Then I'm calling IRS to order something, give them the Dogpatch, Arkansas address, and see if i get a rise out of anybody with that one.

Yeah, I know it can be downloaded from the web, but 320 pages ('04 total)? As John Stossel would say; give me a break!

[Gene V]

Pub 17

I agree with you Black Bart, lots of us taxpreparer here in Portland go down to the Federal Building early in January and pick-up Pub. 17 and all the other Pubs we like, they are all on display for easy picking.

[KBTS]

Pub. 17

The whole thing is ridiculous. I am lucky if our local post office or library even has 1040 instruction books, so I have to download everything else from the internet. It’s a good thing I have a friend that works at HRB, so I am able to get a printed copy of Pub 17 from her. Sometimes it is nice to have the printed version of something in front of you instead of staring at the computer screen.

[jainen]

I disagree

because it's Wednesday. The only thing I use Pub 17 for is the simple wording to explain things to clients. I have never found it to be comprehensive or even particularly accurate. A quick reference like The Tax Book is much faster, easier, and all-round better. Now that Pub 17 is a pdf file that can be instantly searched and cut-and-pasted, we have the best of both.

[Jesse]

Even if practitioners have to pay -

every taxpayer is entitled to a free copy of the pub 17. You can order pubs online as well, (one for you and one for your spouse) but my guess is you had fun working with the wonderful IRS rep!

[Black Bart]

Jesse

every taxpayer is entitled to a free copy of the pub 17. You can order pubs online as well, (one for you and one for your spouse) but my guess is you had fun working with the wonderful IRS rep!

You've got a good point there. I never thought of it like that. Although I do sort of enjoy the unintentional humor I get at IRS, it's to the point where it's just not worth it. But, as you said, I'm a taxpayer and so I should get a free copy. I can just imagine the kind of argument this would bring forth if I told the IRS rep that I'm both taxpayer and practitioner.

Since I'm both, I wonder if she'd give me one free, charge me half-price, or charge full price?

[Black Bart]

Pub. 17

Sometimes it is nice to have the printed version of something in front of you instead of staring at the computer screen.

Yeah, it is nice, isn't it?