Average Cost for Tax Prep

Memphis370Z · 05-31-2020, 11:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by babyzilla

Just posted it as an attachment in a previous response! Totally agree with your comment regarding the contract is her way to charge whatever she wants. I'm truly curious who her client base is. There's no way she's charging rates like this to everyone and getting away with it and I'm the only f***er complaining.

Thanks for posting the attachment. She was nickel-and-diming you, in my opinion. That said, you did get the bill down, so that's a win. I'd imagine you shouldn't have any trouble finding a CPA to prepare your returns next year for a lot less.

One other thing - I'm big in to relationships and always suggest that my clients interview three or four (or more) CPAs to find just the right one. It's worth investing your time to do this and, if a CPA isn't willing to have a 30-60 minute conversation during their off season, they're the wrong one anyway and you can easily weed them out. The goal is to find a CPA whom you trust, enjoy their personality, has a great support staff, and that actually asks YOU questions. You don't want an order taker. Think of your CPA as a member of your household's Board of Directors, which also includes a good attorney, a good financial adviser, and even a good doctor. All of these should be experts, add value to your life, and be there to shepherd you and your family when making some of life's biggest decisions.

Lastly, a good CPA shows their real value for any work they do for you other than preparing and filing your returns. That, quite frankly, is the easiest part of their job.

Sorry for my ramblings, but thanks for reading.

JARblue · 06-01-2020, 07:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Memphis370Z

Thanks for posting the attachment. She was nickel-and-diming you, in my opinion. That said, you did get the bill down, so that's a win. I'd imagine you shouldn't have any trouble finding a CPA to prepare your returns next year for a lot less.

One other thing - I'm big in to relationships and always suggest that my clients interview three or four (or more) CPAs to find just the right one. It's worth investing your time to do this and, if a CPA isn't willing to have a 30-60 minute conversation during their off season, they're the wrong one anyway and you can easily weed them out. The goal is to find a CPA whom you trust, enjoy their personality, has a great support staff, and that actually asks YOU questions. You don't want an order taker. Think of your CPA as a member of your household's Board of Directors, which also includes a good attorney, a good financial adviser, and even a good doctor. All of these should be experts, add value to your life, and be there to shepherd you and your family when making some of life's biggest decisions.

Lastly, a good CPA shows their real value for any work they do for you other than preparing and filing your returns. That, quite frankly, is the easiest part of their job.

Sorry for my ramblings, but thanks for reading.

That is no rambling. I'm not sure you could have put it any better

babyzilla · 06-01-2020, 09:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JARblue

That is no rambling. I'm not sure you could have put it any better

Might have been the best and most usable advice on this forum lol

Zyonara91 · 06-02-2020, 04:41 PM

As a CPA in training I can give you some insight.

Every CPA has a hourly rate in which they charge, always ask what that rate is. Some have previously worked for the Big 4 and will charge a massive rate because of that.

Secondly it depends on what they are filing. Is it a personal return? Where you have one source of income? Multiple sources of income such as investments, rental properties? Is it for you and a partner?

You need to leave this leech of a CPA. Go around, ask different CPAs for their quotes and get a feel for them, it is more than a numbers game, trust me.

Regardless the amount you were charged is absurd, leave and find someone else.

06-02-2020, 04:41 PM	#4 (permalink)
Zyonara91 Enthusiast Member Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: GTA Posts: 368 Drives: 2010-Red-6spd-S/T Rep Power: 15757	As a CPA in training I can give you some insight. Every CPA has a hourly rate in which they charge, always ask what that rate is. Some have previously worked for the Big 4 and will charge a massive rate because of that. Secondly it depends on what they are filing. Is it a personal return? Where you have one source of income? Multiple sources of income such as investments, rental properties? Is it for you and a partner? You need to leave this leech of a CPA. Go around, ask different CPAs for their quotes and get a feel for them, it is more than a numbers game, trust me. Regardless the amount you were charged is absurd, leave and find someone else. Rusty, Memphis370Z and babyzilla like this. __________________ 2FT3PDLZ

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