I have a client who will not be getting his full refund. He had to mail his return in due to problem with ex. He called me so I gave him the IRS phone number. The IRS said he would be getting a letter explaining why. He called me again and wants me to call the IRS and fix the problem. I said to let me see the letter and also get the tax return that the IRS has changed. I told him I would look everything over and tell him what he needs to do. He just wants me to fix it. I reviewed his return, and it is correct. I don't mind giving advice or helping clients, but I have about 2 hours invested in this client after his return was sent in. At what point should I start charging the client or keep helping for free. I know no one can give me the answer, I would just like to know how others handle these situations.
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Have you seen the IRS letter yet? Don't spend another minute until you do, otherwise you are wasting time.
My engagement says I will fix errors I caused. Unless there is evidence that you caused an error, yes charge (which is also stated in my engagement).
p.s. this is a tax practice question. You may get a better response if you use a meaningful title for your thread, like "charging client for IRS letter followup""You said it, they'll never know the difference. Come on, we'll paint our way out!" - Moe Howard -
SHOW ME THE LETTER!! . . .and do nothing further until you see it.
With a divorced couple there are so many things that could be going on. Unreported income, child / dependent credits, education credits, correct filing status, itemized vs standard deduction, unpaid prior year tax, etc. Was a Form 8867 necessary?
As for the extra preparer charges, I will be flexible for reasonable, simple requests / repairs. But when the issue goes from my problem to client's problem, the meter starts rolling.Comment
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