Are you going to prepare taxes next year?

Question

I'm just wondering. I just finished my second year, with roughly 300 federal returns completed. I'm not a great preaprer, I am honest, I do think I'm a good tax preparer. Most customers were friendly. One pet peeve, a client who would come in without even opening their W-2's, or any tax info. I opened A LOT of important tax info. Or would not have a SS number that was needed...or lied on the interview.

And people who bring their young kids. I have nothing against kids, just please find a babysitter for an hour.

I signed a 2 year no compete contract at the beginning of the just completed season...no matter, I'm done. I like doing taxes, and I'll keep up with what is going on, just no more doing other peoples returns. I'm finished.

Who will be preparing returns next year?

Answer 1

I've been doing this for 16 years and I don't want to stop.

I work for a large (largest) tax preparation firm. Could I make more money on my own? Yes. But then I would have to pay for my own continuing education (I'm an Enrolled Agent and need to take 24 hours per year of tax courses), and pay for my own liability insurance.

Maybe in a few years I will go out on my own.

Answer 2

I have prepared taxes for 36 years, this year will end with about a thousand returns done. I find it very interesting and it is like a book that never ends; every time you open it there are more chapters added. Just ordered my new computer with quad core processer and double 400 gig hard drives that should provide better performance. Also just ordered my new 2007 Taxwise program. When I started doing tax returns you added numbers on a hand cranked ten key machine and used a pen and carbon paper for copies. Technology has truly changed the way we do taxes; every year I force myself to do one the old way with pen and counting my toes just to remind myself that things have improved. Reconsider your decision and continue doing taxes; each year is a brick of knowledge in your total wall of knowledge.

Answer 3

Oh, yes. The Avon ladies, you''d ask them about gross receipts and they'd say "grocery receipts?""
AAArrrghhh!
If I had someone who was unprepared and I had time to do the extra work , I'd simply add a "bookkeeping charge" to their fee. If I was busy, I'd simply tell them , I do not have time now, come back later,
If they had kids, i would suggest one of them take the kids and go for a walk , I'd explain, I cannot be distracted and do justice to your return.
if I thought they were lying, I would explain, the IRS can audit you for anything, they can even ask to see birth certificates for your children. Amazing, how often "Junior" would turn out to be a beagle. )( But I have to pay for dog food.) I would also make a note in our file. " Iif the client wanted to claim $4000.00 for a casualty loss for a 12 year old car, I'd tell them this was a guaranteed audit. and most likely will be disallowed and our guarantee would not apply.
I stopped doing it when I got a regular job which required me to work nites and Saturdays.. But, you know, I did enjoy it.
oh, and one of two things would happen. They either never came back again or they came back VERY well prepared.
And I NEVER did returns for friends or famly ,but the manager would do returns for parents only, free..

Answer 4

I will. I'm retired, and work in the AARP Tax-Aide program, and feel it's a really good service to people. This year did seem more aggravating than previous years, though, mostly due to state of PA issues. The phone tax refund did take extra time to explain to people this year.

I think we all have our pet peeves, and our "you won't believe this one!" stories - anytime you're dealing with the public, you have a few.

Answer 5

Sure, I will am and I prepare them for friends and family.

Answer 6

yes, start getting stuff like recites collected the more you collect the more money your gonna get.