FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
Prices quoted are best guess estimates. The fees can be adjusted up or down, on tax returns, depending upon what exactly is involved. It is not always clear from the clients post on their request what is needed in the way of additional forms. There is always a first time client discount, except where there is automatic pricing. As an additional incentive, I always provide a Free review of the previous 2 year's returns ( 3 years if prior to April). Sometimes this picks up additional write-offs that might have been missed. In the case where hourly fees are quoted, I generally try to work out a fixed price package arrangement, so the clients know up front what they will be paying. In some cases, monthly payment arrangements can be made.
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
The first thing is to have a sit down, or phone, meeting and determine what the client's needs are. In the case of tax returns, I always want to see the prior year return and the current tax documents. At that point, I will have a good idea of the course of action to be taken.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I am an Enrolled Agent, licensed by the IRS. This means I can represent anyone with IRS and state tax issues. This means, for example, that if your wages, or bank account, were being garnished, or levied, I can pick up the phone and request that this action be immediately stopped. (It has to be done in a timely manner and there may be other factors involved.) My background includes 16 years a CFO of a corporation dealing with a number of tax issues. Training consisted of 66 hours of the CTEC (required by California) with a 94 score - passing was 70%. Also, passed the 2-day Enrolled Agent Exam, on the first try. Additionally, this requires 24 hours of continuing education each year.