FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
My practice prices tax return fees (like the majority of preparers) on what is required to be completed and sent to the IRS. Everyone has the basic Form 1040 but depending on a slew of things the pages grow and so does the fee. Never be content with "my fees state at XYZ" because, in truth, very few people fall into the minimum category.
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
I always ask for a new client to bring in their last tax return filed. I use it as a blueprint of what had took place in a prior year and move forward to the current year. It also helps to sort out the new client's stuff and see if anything may be missing based upon the old return.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
As a FL CPA, we are all required to take 80 hours of continuing education every two years. I do not know of another profession that requires more. Regular tax preparers need about 4 hours if they are under the IRS umbrella. BTW - CPA are automatically enrolled with the IRS to practice before them, just like attorneys and EAs.