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^ This! Fwiw, I almost never take a client back that has left when the relationship has soured. If they left me over fees that they thought were too high when that was caused by something like lousy records, inefficiencies or disorganization, procrastination, and if I feel the charge is reasonable and know that I'm usually below the going rate around here, then it's pretty clear that the client doesn't respect me, appreciate my efforts, or the product or services I've provided. The client's extreme need or pressure from the IRS usually doesn't cure their bad habits or the sour attitude; they only need you as long as you can "save" them, then you're back to the reason they left you in the first place. Unless the fee is so lucrative to put up with those headaches and take on the added risk, why take them back?

Judy, you absolutely nailed it.

You are so goofy. I am sure there is something you should be doing. Tom Modesto, CA

Well, the cow is already out of the barn, right? 2017 was not timely filed. That would bother me some. More issues. Depending on how much I enjoy the client, I'd either: 1) Decline their kind offer to return (eye roll) as there are plenty of tax pros sitting around wanting something to do, and I charge too much. /s or 2) Accept their kind offer to return because I like money as much as the next girl, and really, I'm goofing off quite a bit right now. Seriously, this decision would be strictly based upon how this client treats me and respects my time. That's where I am. If he is contrite and apologetic, I'm forgiving and helpful. If he is unpleasant, uncooperative, wants free handholding, blames me for anything, and I do mean anything, etc., I'm really too busy goofing off for that. As John says I'd just as soon have the time off.

I've got alotta problems with you people.... and now, you're gonna hear about it!

Shoot - if they'd just audit all the self-prepared HOH filers in Crossville, TN, we could expand that "Effects of Leaf Blowers on Lizards Study" to include wooly worms.

Had a similar issue before, PITA TP every year, never failed, that my fees were too high for 1 hour work etc.... For 2016 he called me to let me know he was going to prepare them himself, I said great, he fired himself and I was happy. A couple of months later he called me non-stop, he needed help responding to an IRS letter and even offered to pay me to sort things out, I said no thank you, I am busy and don’t have time, he even had since aunt call me to convince me to help him and I still said no.

From holiday greetings to pickles, that's what this season is all about, friends sharing with each other. We'll always have pickles together!

Happy New Year to everyone - and I hope we all have a smooth tax season! Good Luck to all!

To all my friends here, a very MERRY CHRISTMAS and Happy New Year 2019. And Happy any other holidays you celebrate (Hanukkah is complete, so in that case I hope it WAS good).

Some great points have been made on both sides. As I see it, it comes down to your second sentence: "This client has issues anyway." What would make it worth, to YOU, to deal with those issues again? How much is it worth, to YOU, NOT to be dealing with those issues? Simple return, grovelling before the IRS on the OIC, OK... it can all be done. How much would you have to charge him, up front and in cash, to deal? Feel free to say $10,000 if you were that glad to see the back side of him walk away. $500? $750? More? Less? If he'll pay that, up front, in cash, happily - or at least without verbal grumbling anywhere you can hear him, take him back. But he gets ONE chance to accept, and ONE opportunity to pay in full up front - or out he goes. If he doesn't kiss your boots (metaphorically) and happily hand over full cash right away, then he'll be nothing but trouble from the minute the cash hits your hand. Should you take him back, what you want is a happy compliant client who does what you tell him to do and who never fusses about your fee. You do not want the client equivalent of chronic lower back pain!

Sometimes, these situations turn out to be the best for you in the long run. I have had a couple of clients leave me over price. When they get what they paid for, they come back and never leave again and never complain about the price. On the other hand, if the client is a sleaze bucket....do you really want to deal with them again. I have no problem taking back a client when they come back after shopping and decide I still provide value and service they are looking for. Tom Modesto, CA

Evidently client got what they paid for with new preparer. Now they are coming to you with hat in hand to save them from the pickle they got themselves into. So they are probably relying on your good nature to take them back as they know they screwed up. Tough decision, you'll have to decide if larger fee is worth it, but they may balk and give you grief on price increase. On second thought, I would run on this one.

I would raise the fee plus charge extra for time involved to speak to IRS to keep OIC enforce. All money would have to be paid up front.

I would decide based on how much time and effort I want to spend on this person that left me already. How much extra liability and stress will it impose on me and will I be able to prepare the return without falling behind on something else. Can you get paid for a PITA fee without them leaving again? Obviously, they don't value your services or they would not have left just based on price.

A joyful, blessed Christmas to those that celebrate, and a happy relaxing day to those that don't or aren't.

Someone get me a pole.

And of course Happy Festivus to the secular minority who celebrated on 12/23. At our house we celebrate Chrisnukah on Christmas day with an open house where all are welcome. As Abby says, we raise glasses, feast, and dance. Only rule is no politics (unlike Festivus where "airing of grievances is first order of business"). If you read Doonesbury on Sunday the comic strip was exactly what happened at our house last year. We almost made it to the end and someone said something and started off two other people. I had to expel the offender and he gets a 1 year ban, although if he shows up he will surely be welcomed. Joy to all this holiday season and all the best to everyone for the new year.

Happy New Year! Let's hope 2019 brings all of us nothing but the very best!

IRS probably DOES love SOME of them for money left on the table, but I believe, overall, that many filers are making more money using TT rather than us. They list as many kids with SSNs as they can birth, borrow, or buy for EIC, etc. and no preparer is asking about residence, relation, or anything that might derail the gravy train (as an applicant once put it to me: "I don't see why you won't let me use these two kids-they're my sister's, she's got 5, said she only needs 3, and that I could have these.") Also, we won't do 'em for 40 bucks, people love a bargain, and there's lots of cheapskates out there. I've only had a few refugees from TT - here's one memorable case: Client: Upper-middle couple - DIYers/salaried medical professionals/one kid. T/P: "I've used TurboTax three years, but I'm not sure I did it right. Will you check these?" BB: "Sure. Call me tomorrow." T/P (next day)"Anything?" BB: "They owe you $1,200." T/P: "WHAT!?..... (calms down slowly).... What's your fee?" BB: "$300". T/P: "WHAAATTTTTT!!!? (calms down much more slowly). Well...three hundred, twelve hundred...three hundred, twelve hundred....well, um, ah, yeah...okay, go ahead I guess." He quit me later - guess I broke his heart.

Lots of things to consider, but only you know the nuances of this situation. You were comfortable with them leaving, so what has changed other than THEIR wants, needs, circumstances, desperation, etc? Your last sentence of the first paragraph may be the key to your decision.

Polish (język polski [jɛ̃zɨk ˈpɔlskʲi] (listen), polszczyzna, or simply polski) is a West Slavic language spoken primarily in Poland and is the native language of the Poles

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas Adam.

I disagree. The person creating the K-1 has to indicate to the partner/shareholder/REIT owner how much of the income generated is from QBI sources. It is reported on the K-1 on lines 20/17/14 (I am not sure of the exact line numbers) to be input onto the K-1 worksheet of the final personal tax return. When preparing the personal tax return we must include all forms of QBI, including Schedule C (if any), to determine the final amount of QBI, subject to taxable income limitations.