FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
I charge flat rate fees for most projects. Note that I require a 50% deposit up front for services rendered before works starts. I do not provide discounts due to high demand. My fees will not be as low as the average tax preparer who is not a CPA or enrolled agent. Be aware that those who charge the lowest fees may have no prior relevant experience or education from reputable firms such as a reputable CPA firm. The tax prep industry is HIGHLY unregulated. Personal return preparation starts at $800. Business tax return preparation varies but starts at $1,600. This is still competitive pricing as even Turbotax now charges $1,750 for business returns (not even including states!). I consider my experience to be more adequate than a Turbotax agent might be as this type of firm does not pay their employees well, they do not attract the highest talent. Keep that in mind when hiring a tax professional if your taxes are more complex than a simple W-2. Tax planning/projections are a separate fee and start at $800. Keep in mind for business owners and real estate investors, my services usually pay for themselves through tax savings. Price shopping is when a buyer makes purchasing decisions primarily based on finding the lowest cost, often prioritizing affordability over other factors such as quality, service, or long-term benefits. People who price shop tend to compare the prices of similar products or services to get the best deal, with little consideration of the differences in what they are actually getting beyond the price. Value shopping, on the other hand, involves evaluating the overall worth of a product or service in relation to the benefits it provides. This means considering factors like quality, durability, customer service, brand reputation, or potential savings over time. Value shoppers are willing to pay a higher price if they believe the product or service will offer more in return, such as better performance, longevity, or a superior customer experience. In essence, price shopping focuses on upfront costs, while value shopping looks at long-term returns or the broader benefits gained from the purchase. You wouldn’t price shop for the doctors you choose for medical care, daycare for your children, or people you hire to fix the roof on your home. So, don’t price shop for valuable life changing services such as your financial advisor, your bookkeeper or your CPA who does your taxes.
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
Initial consultation to see if we are a good fit to work together. Then, I would gather your most recently filed tax returns and review them to get your proper quote and to give you ideas on how you can improve on tax savings. I almost always find something that can be improved upon. From there, I will have you sign an engagement letter. Then, I will have you upload your documents through Box.com ( secure portal) which is encrypted. I will prepare your returns. Any questions you may have throughout the year, will be responded to. I help year round. My practice is not seasonal.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Close to a decade of firm experience at reputable firms (NOT HR Block/ Liberty Tax). I worked at CPA firms and wealth management firms. I have fantastic experience from the best mentors who worked at the "big 4" accounting firms. Do not hire those who worked at big box firms such as H&R Block, all they do is volume tax returns. I have fixed too many of their mistakes in the past! Anyone who has investment income, rental income, sole proprietorship income, k-1 income, or anything of complexity should hire a qualified professional to handle these. In my experience, the big box firms produce way too many mistakes.