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OMG !!!! NEVER, NO WAY.

That's why I only used a one page questionnaire, which included a request for ALL TAX FORMS received, with the list, W-2s, 1099's, W-2G's, 1098's, etc. And 'obvious' questions like "Any new dependents?" "Did you get married, divorced, buy or sell your home?" etc. Amazing what they can forget to mention, isn't it?

For anyone that asks for help, I send the individual or business owner to one of the insurance agencies in my area that specialize in only health insurance. The particular agent that I usually recommend has helped me personally over the years with my mother's medigap and drug policy choices as her situation and health has changed, and also when my husband needed short term coverage before a new employer's insurance became available due to the waiting period because of the job change. I don't give insurance advice, and I won't be in the future either.

Don't forget wiping the drool from their chins once they realize all the extra paperwork for them and us with this requirement!

Why don't we clean their houses, too!

I always insist on the original docs even if they want an organizer!

It goes way back to when they purchased Parsons Tech and then offered us users THEIR software at exorbitant rates. Since then, I have observed their business methods of jerking prices and renewals around. I used to use ProSeries when it was Turbo Tax and I was working for another accountant. She had to pay for every single separate module that she added on. I converted her to ATX Max and she did business happily ever after until she retired; and saved a good deal of money in the process. This is clearly just my opinion.; and is not meant to influence anyone else.

I once had my insurance license. This idea is absurd.

Yeah, we are moving again. Just closed on a house in Newark, CA. With Patrick at Cal and Jonathan at SJ State, it just seemed to make sense to be in between the two schools. Patrick can move back in with us after his Freshman year and that will save us about 15K per year. We were up at the house today all day and will be there all day tomorrow. Putting in a new kitchen and two new baths. Lots of work. You will have to come over when we have it all done KC. Tom Hollister (soon to be Newark), CA

I've had no success at anyone filling out organizers accurately. And, I insist upon seeing the original documents anyway. For Schedules C, E, business entities, I insist upon some type of Q&A via telephone or email or in my office or.... Many start with their QB file or P&L and BS, which is better than a hand-done organizer. Many followed me from Block and were used to some type of interview format. Others came from big NY CPA firms with unopened organizers or organizers filled out with huge errors (mortgage interest paid as interest received, no 1099R info as they paid tax on that already!, that kind of thing). And, I too have had the comment about if I have to fill that out, I'll just do my own tax return. Or my kid said if I fill it out for him, he'll do my return for free. I don't send out general newsletters. I spend out information specific to a client(s). I want to do a bit more. I have an opt-in choice on my website for clients to receive newsletters, but no one has asked for newsletters. I have many clients that are very private and really don't want email or snail mail but will take my phone call if I think they need to know something.

I wouldn't prepare a cup of coffee for Intuit. As to unknown clients. I have several clients that I have not seen in years. Therefore, that is not the reasoning behind my not preparing for Intuit.

Totally agree with Rita. By the time the 'new' preparer or the client asks, their decision has been made. All you can do, assuming you wish you could retain them, is keep the road back to you smooth and open. And if you don't want them back, why delay tying up loose ends? So be nice, be helpful, and be professional.

Agree! I always attach the depreciation schedule to the client copy of the return. Some might say, "Don't do that, you want the client to have a reason to contact you if they are leaving," presumably so you can persuade them to stay. Ain't nobody got time for that. Don't bust somebody's chops in an effort to make them stay or punish them for leaving. The Golden Rule is still classy.