mentioned...this was by far my worst year ever for clients not getting their
tax stuff to me until the last minute. The 10/15 deadline just about did me
in, and I am not kidding. I'm seriously concerned about my health if I have
to go through this bloody wringer again. I'm considering a method to solve
it, and I thought I'd run it past you all to see what you think.
I am thinking about sending out a letter, shortly after next April 15, to
*every* tax client that I extend because they didn't get their stuff to me
in time (there are always a few that are my fault). The letter would state,
as politely as possible, that if they don't have all their tax info to me by
August 1, they will have to find another preparer. Period.
I would prefer to limit this policy to only the most serious
procrastinators, except that I'm afraid that if I wait until, say, late
September to terminate a returning client, they might have a cause of action
against me if they incur a late filing penalty. But if I set the drop-dead
date at August 1, they'll have plenty of time to make another arrangement to
have their return prepared. I would also have to allow for some
circumstances beyond the client's control -- the most obvious case being
late-arriving K-1s.
I'm asking for a few of you put on client hats and let me know how you'd
feel if you got a letter like this. If you don't think it's a good idea,
what alternatives can you offer to help me avoid another 10/15 crunch like
this last one? I'm just too old for this crap anymore.
Chuck Warman, CPA
Wichita Falls, TX
-------------------------------
Thanks,
Chuck
------------------------------------
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