Letting off Steam

[taxmandan]

PIA surcharge is called for

My regular fee would have been around $350. I would have added a PIA surcharge of $250 to that fee, and still insisted on having the 1099s, etc. in hand before preparing the return.

[JoshinNC]

5 rentals for $150.

I have a client who can't be wrong. He brought me statements of detail of interests and bonds with 1099's missing. He did not have all of his 1099 Div and thought I did not need all that paper work. Further he didn't think I needed the 1099 for his son's education because he was on a prepaid tuition state plan. He had 5 rental properties and only gave me the annual mileage for each. I had to compute that expense 75% at .405 and 25% at .445. He was shocked at my bill of $150 for his return. He returned today because I listed bonds at the wrong amount altho they were at an even swap. The correct information was on the 1099 Div that he had not given me.
What would you guys have charged for such a return? I think I am still too low
I told him I would correct his return for efiling but then corrected the paper copy with pencil.

I am the kind of guy who does not believe in civil disobedience. The Same with my confrontation with Mr Always Right. He left feeling that he was right one more time. What tax preparers have to endure?

I would have been in the $300 - $500 range.

[rosieea]

Under the circumstances you describe, I wouldn't have done the return in the first place. I always insist on seeing the 1099s. As far as the client complaining about fees, I don't spend a lot of time trying to justify it. I'm a professional and it is what it is. The client you describe is one I would probably encourage to go elsewhere.

[Chief]

I have a client who can't be wrong. He brought me statements of detail of interests and bonds with 1099's missing. He did not have all of his 1099 Div and thought I did not need all that paper work. Further he didn't think I needed the 1099 for his son's education because he was on a prepaid tuition state plan. He had 5 rental properties and only gave me the annual mileage for each. I had to compute that expense 75% at .405 and 25% at .445. He was shocked at my bill of $150 for his return. He returned today because I listed bonds at the wrong amount altho they were at an even swap. The correct information was on the 1099 Div that he had not given me.
What would you guys have charged for such a return? I think I am still too low
I told him I would correct his return for efiling but then corrected the paper copy with pencil.

I am the kind of guy who does not believe in civil disobedience. The Same with my confrontation with Mr Always Right. He left feeling that he was right one more time. What tax preparers have to endure?