L K Williams wrote:

- quote -

As usual, we "agree" to "disagree".

- quote -

I think nobody would say that we should purposely try to put
a client off just because he's 7 years behind or even just
because he's the type A client, e.g. "hurry hurry hurry,
cause I'm paying you." I don't know how much rep work you
do, but the first red flag was "7 years worth of non
filing." This case literally begs for caution. As one
said, he would try to make sure the third year back got
filed in case of a potential lost refund. However it may
not be that easy, since each succeeding year just might
depend on the previous year's information. I'm thinking of
course of depreciation "opportunities."

Even in this case we can still retain a new client by being
diplomatic in explaning how much work and care is necessary
in such a situation as his.

- quote -

Quite true, if we have that luxury.

- quote -

Which brings to mind a corollary: "never let them see you
sweat."

ChEAr$,
Harlan Lunsford, EA n LA

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wtstg[at]yahoo.com wrote:

- quote -

I would disagree with most of the responses to this
question. Since we do not know all the circumstances of
your workload or the client's needs, it is impossible to say
with any certainty what I would do. However, I always try to
meet such requests it I can.

We are in a service business and I believe the more service
we can probide the better our reputation will be. Remember,
a satisfied client may tell one or two people how will you
treated them and how good your service was. However, a
dissatisfied client is more likely to tell sever or eight
people how bad you were. That's not the best public
relations!

I've never faced this exact problem so I can't speak from
experience. Nearly every year, though, I get at least one
client who needs his return done "now" -- the client is
going to travel and be out of town for an extended period,
for example. I always try to accomodate these clients and
move them up in the inventory queue. Since most clients
don't really know how long it takes me to do their returns,
nobody is hurt by this.

Just today, for example, I met an old client and friend for
breakfast. He gave me this data -- a couple of interest
statements, an IRA distribution, and social security. I
came back and finished the return but I won't contact him
for a few days so he doesn't realize how little time I
actually needed.

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Thank you for the feedback, I feel a little better now.

I did get a retainer up front, although probably not one as
large as I should have. I typically give clients a range of
what I expect the fee to be and get a retainer for the
minimum up front.

I almost always do an engagement letter, but my standard
letter doesn't cover anything regarding estimated date of
completion. I can now see that it is probably necessary.

When I originally took on this client there was no urgency,
it was only later when the client decided to buy some
property and the bank asked for prior tax returns that time
became an issue for them.

I also like the idea of only current tax returns during tax
season, with the exception of any three year old returns
that might loose their refund if not filled by the deadline.

Thanks again for all your comments.

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<swtstg[at]yahoo.com> wrote:

- quote -

The only excuse for demanding something be done quickly now
is that it's a return with a refund that will get lost if it
isn't filed in time. That applies to at most one year
(though it may require previous years), and probably not at
all if the non-filer owes taxes.

Seth

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swtstg[at]yahoo.com wrote:

- quote -

As pros, we aren't supposed to bite off more than we can
chew. With that said, the client is a jerk! This is a
compressed time of year and there are only so many hours in
a day that anyone can be productive.

The client had no problems putting off the returns for eight
years. Now that he needs something he needs something NOW!

Were it me instead of you - I'd first remind them that my
engagement letter expalined that current work comes ahead of
old work - you did get an engagement letter, right? Then
I'd calculate the work I've done against the retainer I got
up front - You DID a retainer from a non-filer with a lien
in place already, right? - and I'd tell them that the
returns will be done when I can get to them, that the
current year isn't due yet and that because of their failure
to file their returns will be extended. When they cry,
remind them that the retained has been used up doing what
you've done so far - if they want the stuff back, give it to
them, but keep the retainer for the work you've done.

If you don't straighten these folks out, I'm going to blame
YOU for the next goofy client I get <g> . As pros, we have
an obligation to the profession, to the consumer, to the
community and to our colleagues to NOT let abusive clients
off the hook.

Good luck,
Gene E. Utterback, EA, RFC

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swtstg[at]yahoo.com wrote:

- quote -

It is hard to tell if your performance is lacking. It might
not be. You communicate what the client expectations should
be in an engagement letter before you start. If the client
can't live with those expectations, you are better to find
out before you start.

- quote -

What might be lacking here is a clear understanding of when
and how long it should take before the work is completed.
This should be spelled out in an engagement letter before
the work is started.

The time that it should take to complete these engagements
is a function of the quality of the information given to
you, the complexity of the situation, your experience, among
other things.

I will not take on delinquent tax returns during tax season.
If the taxpayer insists on getting the old tax returns done
before 4/17, they can look for another accountant. This
policy works for me. It might not work for others.

I hope you got a retainer up front. If they are slow paying
the IRS, why should they care about you?

Don't let bad clients force out good clients!

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swtstg[at]yahoo.com wrote:

- quote -

I hope you got a very big retainer.

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swtstg[at]yahoo.com wrote:

- quote -

Without a doubt unreasonable, regardless of how large a
retainer you got from him before even starting. uh... you
DID get a retainer, didn't you?

- quote -

Oh, about .... 34 days after April 17th I think. But your
mileage may vary.

I know, I may have said it humorously ( I think I did), but
every bit of it resonates with all pros who read this.

ChEAr$,
Harlan Lunsford, EA n LA
thu 9 Mar 2006 [at] hh

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I had a 1040/Sch.C client come to me a month ago needing
seven years worth of tax returns prepared as well as help
with an eight year old tax lien. I got the POA, asked for
transcripts from the IRS and added it all to the existing
workload and though I have worked on them, none are yet
complete. A week ago, the client calls me up wanting the
last three years of tax returns and two years worth of
financial statements done ASAP because they are wanting to
buy some business property. The client continues to call at
least once a day wanting to know when I'll be done and why
I'm not finished yet. They are quite unhappy it is taking
me this long.

Am I lacking in my performance or are my clients expectations
unreasonable?

Given the time of year it is, how long should something like
this reasonably take?

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