Tax season.....

[Acownt4it]

SueBaby

My sentiments exactly. Thanks for making me chuckle just when I think I am all alone in my little tax world.
The guys and gals on this board are the BEST!
Thanks to all for sharing your knowledge and stories. It really helps me cope.
15 MORE DAYS!!!!!
Everyone hang in there.

[veritas]

I quit looking at the number of clients and started looking at my bank balance. Bank balance is bigger than last year.

[Gene V]

This year 52.4% of my clients came by the end of February compare to 40% last year.

I found this year to be one of my easiest years in doing taxes. Reason stated below.

1. I’ve been using the same tax program (Lacerte) for years, this makes knowing were to input the information much faster. Switching programs every two to three years to save money is just not worth it.

2. Reading this board every day, this is like taking a daily refresher course.

3. Rarely taking in new clients, been doing the same clients for years (20+)

4. Pick and choosing your clients is one of the benefits you get after years of doing tax returns, I remember at one of the seminars I attended, the instructor said when you begin the tax business, you seem to want to do everyone's tax return, but as the business grows, you get to pick and choose the returns you do.

5. Etc. Etc.

Only got half dozen returns left to do, the next two weeks should be a breeze.

[Unregistered]

doubled this year

this is our second year in a new market and we have already doubled over last year, to 150 returns. average fee also went up this year, to about $150, excluding business returns. if we can double again next year to 250 or 300 i will definately have to hire someone to help my wife and I (both of do returns). it will also allow me to slow down on trying to market so much, as I spend the other 8 months pushing our business to try and help grow.

is this normal growth when starting up or are we just really blessed. i think it's more of the latter than the former.

oh well, as long as we meet our goals for next year I'll be really happy!

by the way, keep sending the Yankees down, because they have more complex returns and don't balk at our fees!

JoshInNC

[Black Bart]

Postscript

Can you take standard miles on vehicles used in an LLC used by a member or is actual the only way?

You took all that money, jumped out of a plane, and opened a tax prep office?

[Brian EA]

Tax Season

I can't believe that in approx 2 weeks this tax season will come to an end.. I am just beginning to warm up. Oh how I wish it could be another 3 months.

With all those great advice and ideas on the board how could one not wish for the continuation.

I hope every one is enjoying what is left of the season and that you all have a wonderful year.

I could not have done it with out your contribution

Good Luck & Peace Out

[veritas]

I gotta Fever And the only prescription is more tax returns.

[geekgirldany]

So far I've done 87 returns. My last year count was 130. I need to run a report and see who hasn't come by yet. I know a couple that won't come back. I had several of the s-corps also shut down either last year or this year.

I've also started looking at the bank account balance and not the number of returns. I do many s-corporations. I increased the fees on it $50 bucks. But I am still above a couple hundred in comparsion to last year. I also got my regular bookkeeping customers that will be bringing in money through the year. Added two new ones.

My business has grown pretty good. I know my cut off point is 250 returns if I ever get to that. I don't want the headache of hiring someone. Might try to pull my mom in next season to get the returns together. But other than that I don't want employees. My mom suggested maybe getting my sister in law involved as a partner if I ever go over 250. Told her no. Can't get along with her now how am I suppose to work with her.

Oh I've also got two new website design customers. And a programming job coming up after the tax season. I'm blessed to have such a good business I tell ya.

Take care all

[Black Bart]

You know what they say:

I don't want the headache of hiring someone. Might try to pull my mom in next season to get the returns together. But other than that I don't want employees. My mom suggested maybe getting my sister in law involved as a partner if I ever go over 250. Told her no. Can't get along with her now how am I suppose to work with her.

If you want something done well; do it yourself.

[JG EA]

Agree.

I totally agree. I've been weeding out the pains-in-necks, the disorganized (that aren't nice), the let's take three or four appointments and not expect to pay any more than if we've taken one.

I'm on a crusade - to totally eliminate all the time-consuming clients (who aren't nice) and keep all my happy-for-the-help clients. You know, the appreciative ones who give tips, and Starbucks coupons, gifts, and flowers.

This is after all our performance, our rock star appearance for the year; let's make it a little fun.

[Unregistered]

August 28th

I can't believe that in approx 2 weeks this tax season will come to an end.. I am just beginning to warm up. Oh how I wish it could be another 3 months.

Move to Louisiana, this years tax season will not end till August 28.

[Black Bart]

Gene

I’ve been using the same tax program (Lacerte) for years, this makes knowing were to input the information much faster. Switching programs every two to three years to save money is just not worth it.

What's the cost for Lacerte now? I had them, but when the price hit $2,000 I switched to ATX (last season--still there now). I still miss it, however. It really is a great program--you can even be absent-minded and it'll take care of any careless blunders.

[Black Bart]

ggd - website design

Oh I've also got two new website design customers.

If it's not being too nosy, can you give an estimate of about how much it costs to set up a website? I don't know anything about them, but if you'd rather not say, then never mind.

I'm not looking for a firm quote or anything, but just a general idea of the cost--like whether it's $100 - $500 - $1,000 - or more. Also, does the client have to come to your office or can it be done by e-mail? Thanks.

[geekgirldany]

I don't mind you asking Bart. I'll PM you my design company's url.

I ususally charge $500. I call this my small biz package. It includes four pages and limited photos. Includes domain name, and hosting for one year. AFter a year I renew for $150 per year. I found that most people are willing to pay this for a nicely designed site. I think it would go for more around $1000 at a business that does website design only. It starts going up when people add things like photo gallery, more pages, alot of editing of photos and flash animations. I am pretty easy going though. Probably to a fault.

Most customers come by the office on the inital visit. Just to meet each other I believe. Then I don't see them again and just do business by email or phone.

[Gene V]

Lacerte

What's the cost for Lacerte now? I had them, but when the price hit $2,000 I switched to ATX (last season--still there now). I still miss it, however. It really is a great program--you can even be absent-minded and it'll take care of any careless blunders.

Been paying $2,203.00 the last three years, plus you pay $2 for Fed and $2 for State to do E-file. I going to look at Drake this year, there price is $995.00 and that includes E-file.
They’re sending me a copy of the 2005 program to try out.