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I download it and print out sections as needed. Incidentally, Marilyn I put my RTRP certificate in a large frame and now it's worthless. Guess who ain't hiding it ?

Run. You don't want to prepare returns that you know are incorrect. It looks like I'm going to be firing a long term client, because his insurance agent knows more than me and says that he can deduct his health insurance and the agent will write up a plan. (Based on the old rules. They don't have to listen to the new ones, because they will be taken away.) I'm hoping that maybe his agent will prepare his taxes.

"After further review of your situation in light of our recent discussions, we have determined that this office is not positioned to fulfill your requirements. We wish you the best in finding a firm with whom to work. Best Regards, " Nothing more.

They have already proven they will NOT listen to your advice. They have already proven they don't care about disregarding laws. And you might want these cretins for clients WHY?? There are plenty of honest and honorable folks who need help. Don't put YOUR reputation on the line for these people; when they are caught they will blame you and drag your good name through the mud.

Thanks all...I found the blog above on the ATX web site. I'm heading off to Key West to run a half marathon Jan 16-20, so I'll update and transmit upon my return...assuming the ATX update is available by then.

Terry, I am impressed that you recognized and gave credit to the accuracy of the prior CPA's work. It seems that in this business when we get a new client, our approach is to look for what the prior jerk did wrong and then post all over the place about how many returns we've had to correct that were done by CPAs, EAs, chains, everybody but us. You gave credit where due, which attests to your professionalism. We had a client who left a year or so ago and came back because he was disgruntled with his new CPA. From what I could tell, their work was impeccable. I was really impressed that their notes and computations made it possible for me to determine where they had come up with different numbers. The guy has an amazingly complex return--big Sch C business, several rentals in an LLC, etc., yet I could follow their workpapers with ease. They even corrected something we had done wrong in a prior year (guess we didn't ask if one was a commercial or residential rental), and they knew some odd things that I first thought were mistakes but looked up the code and found they were right. They never did compare his QB with bank deposits, though, giving him a couple hundred grand more income than he really had. Also missed the domestic production credit, but I'm not sure they were done when he defected. So yes, we were able to add some value. We are always reluctant to take on a new client who is disgruntled with their old preparer. Like you, I don't automatically jump the gun and conclude the prior was incompetent. One of the first things I look for in their books and records is to see if the old person got paid. Some jump ship just because they have an outstanding bill they don't want to pay. Like the other posters, I say DO NOT take on this client. He doesn't listen to good advice and is determined to cheat his employees. Who's to say his accountant won't be next?

Look at it this way. You are doing them a favor. They will know a little bit better what to hide from the next CPA they talk with. And you re not charging them for that service.

I ditch EVERY client who I feel is not forthcoming with me. Being skittish in answering questions, "forgetting" papers (well, forgetting is fine; lots of folks don't understand what New Form X is anyway -- but hemming and hawing after the notice is way different), excuses, the quick shift of eyes as they are trying to come up with something plausible.... get RID of those folks. Not worth whatever they pay.

Be straight forward and stay away from "flowery" niceness. A simple, commnet about after meeting with you and our discussions, I find we would not be suitable for each other. The more you say, the more (if they wanted to) would leave room for them to challenge you and make YOU LIABLE for "whatever". There is a reason police take statements --- so they can tear apart the statement giver -- if they deem it "needful" to pursue the case. Short, concise and be done.

I am not sure that I see the difference in writing down their figures on a sheet of paper or filling in numbers on their organizer. I am not auditing their business, but I do ask questions if I think that there is an issue. Many of them bring me their whole year on notebook paper, including their individual items and where they added the items up. I don't think that means that I have to check their addition. Many people are not comfortable with computers. Some of these clients have been bringing me their information the same way for over 20 years. I've had a few Schedule C audits and only one owed the IRS a fairly small amount.

I have had clients bring in a handwritten sheet of notebook paper with all expenses neatly presented that I felt completely comfortable in using. I have had others bring in receipts that I had no way of knowing if they were business expenses as was mentioned. Ultimately, we have to accept the word of the taxpayer unless we have reason to believe that the figures they give us are not accurate. I used to have a client that brought in a hand written schedule F every year that I felt completely satisfied that the figures were genuine. I wish that I still had him, but he died about three years ago.

They're already telling you they like to take chances and they don't listen to advice. Any guesses on who they will throw under the bus if IRS comes calling?

As the instructions for Form 8879 state, the taxpayer signed (handwritten or electronic) form may be transmitted to the ERO in person, or by U.S. mail, private delivery service, fax, email or an internet website. The vast majority of my signed 8879's are faxed to me. I have an electronic fax system and save the form in pdf format. If needed, I could print out the form but typically do not. Those that are mailed, I do keep in a file for at least 3 years then scan and discard along with the engagement letters for that year.

I use Brother laser duplex printers, saves on paper. Cost per page for a laser cartridge is less than ink cartridges and the laser cartridges give you more pages. But I do have a HP Laser Jet 4 that is over 20 years old and still working; it weighs much more than the Brother printers - must be less plastic inside! Just runs slow.