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I never check self-prepared returns. I'm in the business of preparing returns not checking them, and if I found something wrong, then what? That person would want my advice on how he could fix it up himself and wouldn't want to pay me what my time is worth for that advice or for me to teach him, or for me to prepare it. (Used him as generic for him or her) The only return that I sign my name to is one that I've prepared and done my due diligence on.

I tell people I don't grade papers. If they want me to check their return, they must pay me for the time to do a preparation from the ground up. Even at that, the processing time involved in setting up a new client means the first year's return is often much less profitable than subsequent years. You can't build a strong business based on providing the cheapest service for one-time bargain shoppers. Catering to that crowd just makes you one of many people out there trying to see how cheaply they can work. It's a no-win situation for you.

I reviewed three years of returns for a bat I mean real pleasant lady. Amended one year to recover $150 for her. Plus interest. Charged her $60. "Well, I'm not even coming out ahead," she bleated I mean said. She is either Grinch or does math like Congress.

And if you have to amend the prior year return you just changed? If you have questions about what exactly was entered and where? I am not so cavalier about tax return files, accuracy and purity of information. If you must "play" with the prior return, duplicate it and play with the duplicate. I am surprised that your methods have not bitten you yet.

Dogs have masters. Cats have staff.

I agree withal the above. For a "BRAND NEW" client I will review (for free) several years previously filed - completed returns but if they need amended or "filed" it is standard cost. I have had several non-clients wanting me to check their work; and two clients who wanted me to "check" their NEW preparer (new guy gave a GREAT price but...). All were told I would happily check the work --- at the same price I would normally "do" their tax return preparation as the same work was involved in checking as was involved in "doing" original return. Several walked away, one of my "old" clients said OK and did leave me for the "new guy", one client said OK and understood why the charge from the "new guy" was so low and came back to me. If they want a "calculation check" with just numbers entered - perhaps a slightly less cost as it is just imputing numbers *** BUT *** if they want an opinion or anything other than a number check, why would I do that for less than normal fee? Bottom line ---- time and effort and our cost to do does NOT change if we are "checking" or "doing" the tax return - so fees stay the same. Your choice, what is your time, expertise and more importantly your reputation worth?

Well, she's an old bat I mean pleasant elderly lady, and my meds and therapy don't cost as much in Tennessee as they do in California. Merry everything and happy always to you, too, Tom.

How in the heck do you stay in business doing $60 amended returns? I charge a minimum of $75 and that is if I prepared the original return (oops, I forgot about the brokerage statement that has 28 trades on it). Otherwise, I charge the fee I would have charged for the return plus $75. This bat, oops, I mean pleasant lady, just is not as afraid of you as she should be. You need to scare her like you scare me!!!! Merry Christmas Rita. Wishing you and your family all the best. Tom Newark, CA

Look how far we have come. When I first started in this industry, we could take classes in the summer and learn what was coming up in the next tax filing year year. Now, we have to wait until summer to find out which tax returns we prepared need to be amended. Tom Newark, CA

What stability, this expires in 8 days. Stability would be if this was extended thru 12/31/15 !

IF YOU save the prior return then you just updated it and do not have an accurate version of what was filed, I look at prior years and even might change numbers to see something but I NEVER save it on exit. Even if you don't change anything the program will change the return for maybe updated form versions or corrected calculations etc.