Fee for amending state $10,200 unemployment exemption?

[Snaggletooth]

I am in the low-rent district of the nation. Not only that, but TN doesn't even have an income tax to amend. I still have a base fee of $75 for an amended return, no matter what, then it goes up from there based on the complexity. If there is only one issue involved the fee normally jumps up to over $100. If the mistake is mine (which might be true in 5% of amended returns), there is no charge to client whatsoever. Many amended returns are the result of unreported income and I normally have little patience for that.

[BOB W]

I hope you are all having fun. People that are balking at $100 amended tax returns are probably low fee preparers. It is a shame that only the high fee preparers are responding. But let it be said, "Low fee preparers need to reevaluate their business plan". If you have a broad based tax knowledge you need to step up and acknowledge your worth and get the fees you have worked for so hard and long.

I thought us "old men" were supposed to help the younger "coming ups" develop their practices. I'm sorry that I used a "shock" method.

[TAXNJ]

Ain't that the truth. How much more holier than thou can one be to say, "No way I would ever consider charging $100 for such. The Blocks and Jackson-Hewitts of the world are welcome to do so. . .but not moi."

Now that is a good reply. Again, It is your business and one can charge whatever and/or do it for free.

We know some former colleagues that did well in their career and now do charity tax preparation (e.g., VITA, TCE).

[New York Enrolled Agent]

All of what you say is correct, but I'll bet some on this board don't even charge a $100 for personal tax returns.

You’re absolutely correct - I don’t charge $100 for a tax return.

[Anarchrist]

there seems to be a lot of "holier than thou" coming through here.

Ain't that the truth. How much more holier than thou can one be to say, "No way I would ever consider charging $100 for such. The Blocks and Jackson-Hewitts of the world are welcome to do so. . .but not moi."

[TAXNJ]

All of what you say is correct, but I'll bet some on this board don't even charge a $100 for personal tax returns.

That is O.K. It is their business and they can charge whatever and/or do it for free. One needs to watch how they run their own business and not someone else’s business (unless they get paid).

[BOB W]

Agree, but some may like doing charity work. Also, agree that experience, education, time, license fees, insurance, CE and/or CPE costs/time, office and other expenses add up and are an important part of your Professional business and why fees are higher than other preparers.

All of what you say is correct, but I'll bet some on this board don't even charge a $100 for personal tax returns.

[TAXNJ]

No way I would ever consider charging $30 for an amended return. If the inexperienced and uneducated hacks at HRB & JH are charging $100, I should up my rates.

Agree, but some may like doing charity work. Also, agree that experience, education, time, license fees, insurance, CE and/or CPE costs/time, office and other expenses add up and are an important part of your Professional business and why fees are higher than other preparers.

[Anarchrist]

No way I would ever consider charging $30 for an amended return. If the inexperienced and uneducated hacks at HRB & JH are charging $100, I should up my rates.

[Twin Turbo Z]

Ohio want the taxpayer to wait until the IRS refunds the taxpayers money and then require an amended return with copy of tax transcript from the IRS after the change. In other words you want your $200-$300 you are going to have to work for it.

In Ohio too. Thats gonna be a pain in the *** for the clients. We are forwarding the Ohio email stating what is needed to any client who reaches out about it. Will process them once they get us the documents And charge for the work on our end of course

[Bucky]

Ohio want the taxpayer to wait until the IRS refunds the taxpayers money and then require an amended return with copy of tax transcript from the IRS after the change. In other words you want your $200-$300 you are going to have to work for it.

[TAX4US]

I think it really will come down to what state. VA for example excluded all unemployment, however next door in WV they informed do not do them yet.

[ATSMAN]

1040X instructions say to attach forms and schedules that have changed. I'm not going to print out a 30 or 40 page return and attach it to a 1040X when all I need to do is print out 6 pages.

For years before we could do e-file of the 1040-X, I had to prepare a IRS submission packet with just the forms that changed with a "Amended" Stamp on the top. I don't let taxpayer/client assemble the package because they either miss the necessary form or include every piece of paper that is on their copy. This requires time and resources so it is expected that they will a charge or fee to prepare and file amendments. Obviously there are exceptions.

[BOB W]

Sorry, I should have been clearer. What copy is given to the client? Full or same as IRS?

For me, I do both depending on how impressive I want to make the presentation to a particular client.

[Anarchrist]

1040X instructions say to attach forms and schedules that have changed. I'm not going to print out a 30 or 40 page return and attach it to a 1040X when all I need to do is print out 6 pages.