Can't seem to find a CPA to do my taxes this year, a one-time thing due to inheritance complications (but not large enough to creat a new file basically). How does H&R charge, based on what?
2007-02-07 22:34:53 · 8 answers · asked by c_a_m_2u 4 in Business & Finance ➔ Taxes ➔ United States
Keep searching for a CPA. Because most people are just now getting their info together, they are swamped, but if you wait a couple weeks and make the calls you should be able to find one that can help you.
H&R Block is just fine for standard taxes, but I would not use them for a special issue such as you have.
Whatever you do, do not wait until after April 15th to file and pay. You will be assessed a huge penalty if you do not pay on time (even if you file an extension), sometimes as much as an additional 100% of your taxes owed.
Good luck, taxes suck.
2007-02-07 22:47:35 · answer #1 · answered by Gem 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually H & R does know quite a bit about taxes. The best thing you can do is present the situation to the receptionist at the front desk and they will get you in contact with a tax proffessional that has the knowledge of the subject you are looking for. Its not actually a crash course that they give the people it takes almost 8 weeks and many tests not including the final which is a hand-written return(no computer used) which includes everything from casualty and theft to college expense. the question about how much do they charge honestly they wont give you an answer over the phone because they charge by the form not by the tax bracket and its hard to give an accurate quote. You aren't under an obligation to file with them if you feel the expenses are to much but they will work with you to show you why it cost what it cost. Also there are options that will allow for the fees to be taken out of the return. Also they only allow first year people to do what are termed as "simple returns" which basically means they aren't doing amendments,tax returns for decesased relatives,Schedule C or multi state. We also are required to take classes every year to further our knowledge of the tax code so in short knowledgeable yes but you need to make sure they know what your situation is so they can get you the right pro IE if you only speak spanish you might want to make sure they know you only speak spanish so they can best serve you. Point two how much do they charge... It's by the form not hour,tax bracket, or just randomly generated. Hope this helps :)
2007-02-08 08:42:42 · answer #2 · answered by Matthew R 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To answer your question in one word. No. Now the interesting question. Does a CPA know fine details of all IRS laws ? Most CPA at least in private will agree that you don't know all, will confidently say know everything about their specialty (In your case estate taxes and inheritance complications). So the best bet is to contact a CPA or enrolled agent specialized in estate taxes.
If you compare accounting with medicine, you may go to any doctor if you have cold, but will definitely choose a surgeon when you need a surgery, right ?
I won't recommend H&R block for estate taxes, as their tax professionals are trained ( Good one) in basic tax preparation. I myself took their training once and really liked their course as introduction to tax topics.
They hire some of their students as tax professionals (need not be the best in the class!!)
There are many online websites which lists tax services by accountants, cpa,etc. You may be able to find one here http://findtaxservice.com/component/option,com_mtree/Itemid,31/.
2007-02-08 09:38:05 · answer #3 · answered by onlinetaxsiteswatch 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
H&R seems to have a flat rate depending on your tax bracket. The more income and the higher the tax bracket the more they may charge. The best time to approach a CPA is after tax season. Starting a relationship with a CPA will help you for next year. Existing clients always come first.
2007-02-08 06:44:41 · answer #4 · answered by drew2376 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
For the most part, IRS preparers don't know the fine points of the law to do a very complex return, although their training should enable them to do the more routine returns.
Keep looking for a CPA. Sure, they are really busy this time of year so aren't eager to take on new clients, especially one-time ones, but there ought to be SOMEBODY out there who'd do it.
2007-02-08 11:09:39 · answer #5 · answered by Judy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you have an unusual situation, why would you want to go to rank amateurs like the storefront tax place? If you want a GOOD meal, do you go to McDonald's because it's on the corner?
See an Enrolled Agent who is a licensed tax specialist!
(We do taxes for clients nationwide -- free fee estimate, too.)
Enrolled Agent / Tax Advisor
2007-02-08 08:26:47 · answer #6 · answered by WealthBuilder 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
NO.. HR hire everyday people and gives the a crash course on taxes. They can do VERY simple taxes, thats it. If i were you I would never use them..
2007-02-08 07:11:14 · answer #7 · answered by i8you4breakfast 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
they are pretty good but they charge alot.... just did my taxes and got charged $150 for the slowest possible payment..... go to h&r on the internet and do it your self it will save you lots of money.....
2007-02-08 06:44:33 · answer #8 · answered by Mrteabaggens 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋