Average Cost for Tax Prep

Memphis370Z

@babyzilla - Given that she took the time to provide you with the arrogant and long-winded response you posted, has she provided you with an itemized invoice of the services she performed? I ask because in her message to you, she states, "How the billing is determined is detailed in the engagement letter and is based on the time and complexity involved in the preparation of complete and accurate tax returns." That is, as I like to say, "specifically vague." Meaning it's a way for her to charge whatever she wants without having to be accountable for the actual work she will do before she even does it.

I skimmed over this thread, but haven't read every word, so my apologies if you already mentioned she gave you an invoice. If she did, please post it, if you don't mind sharing.

As far as the "bad debt" that she's "writing off", tell her to kick rocks and get fvcked.

Zoren 370

I tell my self never mess with a banker!

Memphis has spoken! You cant get any better advise than what he said.

Walk out and tear up that engagement letter like Pelosi did in the house of Senate!

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.

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.

JARblue

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

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babyzilla

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