Privacy Law Workpapers Question

[geekgirldany]

I've got a signed release in regards to discussing the prior year tax return but nothing about handing over files (example QB files) or any of my workpapers like basis worksheets to a client's new accountant.

How do I handle this? Do I need to get another release form signed?

It is not that mind but at the same time I need to cover my "assets" so to speak and not be pulled into a potentially bad situation. I think this is the first time I've had another accountant asking for information from me after a switch.

I would greatly appreciate others opinions as I have never been through this before.

[TaxGuyBill]

Why don't you just give them directly to the taxpayer?

[geekgirldany]

Well yeah.... there are no bad feelings between us. I don't think.

Duh! Thanks Bill.

[TAXNJ]

QB files

I've got a signed release in regards to discussing the prior year tax return but nothing about handing over files (example QB files) or any of my workpapers like basis worksheets to a client's new accountant.

How do I handle this? Do I need to get another release form signed?

It is not that mind but at the same time I need to cover my "assets" so to speak and not be pulled into a potentially bad situation. I think this is the first time I've had another accountant asking for information from me after a switch.

I would greatly appreciate others opinions as I have never been through this before.

Did you originally provide hard copies of the former client's files, e.g., Financial Statemets including Trial balance, General Ledger for each year to support the tax returns to the client? If yes, what more do they need and are they compensating you for the extra work?

The actual QB file is a different story.

[geekgirldany]

The client does her own bookkeeping on QB. The only reason I would get the file was to prepare the tax return.
Seems the new accountant's copy of the file is bad and she wants the last one I have. To my understanding the client's file is also possibly bad.

I am not sure it is wise to hand the file directly over to the current accountant because I don't have permission. I can give it to the client though.

[TAXNJ]

Yes

The client does her own bookkeeping on QB. The only reason I would get the file was to prepare the tax return.
Seems the new accountant's copy of the file is bad and she wants the last one I have. To my understanding the client's file is also possibly bad.

I am not sure it is wise to hand the file directly over to the current accountant because I don't have permission. I can give it to the client though.

Yes, sounds like Client's property (QB files). So client gets it. Then client does what they want to do with it.

Also, think your "work papers ", your property and stays with you