Mailing Completed Returns to Customer

[jainen]

I gave up

>>95% of my returns are done with the client present<<

I gave up on this idea. Now I NEVER complete a return with the client present. They ALWAYS have to come back or get it mailed. On an easy return I will input key numbers and provide a tentative refund/balance due amount, but I won't hand them the pen until I have researched everything and done my document and theory checks and completed all the copying and production tasks.

The main advantage of this non-negotiable policy is that the client won't see me looking up some really basic thing like the current mileage rate that my brain has suddenly frozen out of mind.

[DTS]

Mailing back returns

My situation is exactly like Brad's and KJ's. In the past, I mailed approximately 30% and I liked it that way. Now that I don't have an office front any longer, this % will be more like 95%. After you meet with a client for a year or two, everything can be done by fax, email or phone.

I don't e-File any returns until they have been reviewed, signed and the client sends me their check. Paper returns are handed over only after the check is in my hand.

Dennis

[BOB W]

Same as Zero

Mailing Return

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"95% of my returns are done with the client present. Client looks over the return, signs the 8879 and pays the bill. This way, no second trip. Works well in most cases."

Except, they follow along with me as I do their return, my computer screen is on the side of my desk so each of us are looking as I make my entries. I mail ALL finished returns as soon as the ack is in. I get paid when they are sitting in front of me.

[sea-tax]

giving the client a finalized return while the client is present during the appointment is in my opinion not prudent. I have to concur with jainen's opinion on this subject. I do my returns similar to jainen in that I consult with the client at their appointment but never give them a final answer or return until I have had ample time to review and check my work.

This is just my opinion right or wrong it works for me and I have found that I make alot less mistakes with this procedure. To any new preparer I would say doing it this way will save you a lot of heart ache in the end.

[Black Bart]

Agree with this

...I NEVER complete a return with the client present.

...until I have researched everything...and done my document and theory checks...

The main advantage...client won't see me looking up some really basic thing...

Some of the stuff is so quick and easy that it's hard to justify a decent fee if they sit there and watch you ("What? $45 for ten minutes paperwork?"). Plus, I'm prone to make mistakes when they're scrutinizing my every keystroke; not to mention forgetting things or being "rushed" into an occasional "bad estimate."

[DTS]

Sitting there

I stopped worrying about returns all year long after I stopped preparing them while the client was staring at me while I worked! The possibility for too many mistakes and missed items is not worth a year-long worryfest. I still do a couple 10-minute, easy ones while the client is sitting and that is fine with me.

A day or two is just fine and gives me time to "think".

Dennis

[Gene V]

I do most of my returns in one setting; even the harder ones are done while the client is in the office, that’s one reason I buy the more expensive software, I can look over the diagnostic and worksheets the program prints while the client is looking over there return, if all looks well, then they sign the 8879 and is on there way with return in hand and the check they paid me for my fee is in my pocket. Most of my clients wouldn’t have it any other way.

Before the computer age, the client would have to come back and pick up there return.

Like everyone said, do what works best for yourself.

[BOB W]

To any new preparer I would say doing it this way will save you a lot of heart ache in the end.

Yes, new preparers need to do many double checks. Like adding up W-2 info, learn to control the interview, learn to put a check mark on every document enter ( so you are not second guessing what you all ready entered), put check marks on individual items with in a doucment to make sure that it was handled properly, like interest income ,was it federal taxable but not state or any combination. Or dividens, were they qualified, non qualified or Capital Gaines. How about Foriegn Tax paid (1113).

As a new preparer you must pay attention to establishing a routine. That routine must allow you to control the appointment, don't let the client run you all over the tax return. it will cause you to make mistakes.

[LawrenceGR]

Agree with Sea-Tax

I never do a return while you wait, I let people know that right up front. My keyboard skills are not that good and I like to run the return past another set of eyes. I also like what BB said sometimes you can actually do the return in a few mintues, people think you charge too much. I know it takes a little longer this way but I'm more comfortable.

[Jiggers]

No returns while client is here!

I do not do any returns with the client in my office, even the 1040A returns.

I have certain procedures that I follow to insure that the return is calculated correctly. I also have procedures for copying client information and reconciling that information to the return. I do not want any client watching me. More chances for errors, been there done that and learned that lesson long ago.

[sea-tax]

Here Here BobW I think your advice is great and I still do most of that today. I think we all should. It reminds me of something a teacher in college once said . Only an arrogant accountant uses a pen instead of a pencil.

Just because you have 30 years does not mean you are not prone to mistakes. You owe it to the client to do your best work and limit the careless mistakes.

[Chief]

Doiing Return while client waits

This is the way I did returns but lately I have decided to do the return later. I am not under pressure to perform for the client. I am no longer under pressure to get it right. Most of the time I take the information and get back with the client later. Some I do while the client waits but this is not the desired manner in which I work.

My wife works with me now and it is preferable to not have clients around when we are doing returns or any other type of work. Of course you learn to do what is preferable to you as you develop your practice. .

[BOB W]

Why I like.....

..... doing returns (data entry) in front of the client....

There is always an unanswered question that will stop me from processing the return and getting it out of the office. It will take extra time to do this return, that I don't have. And it is hard to bill extra.

I don't print the return until later, after the appointment is over and all final reviews are completed. But I do get a check and the 8879 signed during the appointment.

[jainen]

a cup of tea

>>There is always an unanswered question that will stop me from processing the return<<

That's my point exactly, why I make 'em come back later. The odds are pretty low that I will think of everything I need during the first ten or fifteen minutes. Usually before it all makes sense I have to stop and have a cup of tea.

[BOB W]

>>There is always an unanswered question that will stop me from processing the return<<

That's my point exactly, why I make 'em come back later. The odds are pretty low that I will think of everything I need during the first ten or fifteen minutes. Usually before it all makes sense I have to stop and have a cup of tea.

I'm lucky if I have time for a cup of tea. I do 500 personals and 85 entities by myself. You volumn must be less..?