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In my experience, only the final series of notices (the serious ones) are mailed to both spouses, usually certified. These are the Statutory Notice of Deficiency, Intent to Levy, etc. By the time taxpayers get these, they have usually successfully ignored the previous 10 notices.

Three tax preparers I have known for many years via NY/CT-ATP partnered to produce Fingertip Tax Facts. Tom, especially, is an amazing researcher; he tracks down answers to questions posted on our NY/CT-ATP bulletin board with speed and appropriate cites. Kristin brought me in to work with her a few years ago, I to prepare an S-corp, she the 1040 with spouse’s Sch C, and a great remote QB expert to keep their bookkeeping straight for the two businesses and personal; so I know her thoroughness. I trust their expertise and already ordered for my practice. Website (with bios) is fingertiptaxfacts.com Facebook is fb.com/fingertiptaxfacts Just thought some of you might want to check out Fingertip Tax Facts for yourself. And, spread the word around your own networks. (If you don't want to click on links, message me to email you a .pdf file. It's too large to upload.)

That's what I was thinking, but then I saw that our information is still all available through the FOIA. I'm still considering it.

The mock-up looked great, especially under $10 including shipping, lower prices starting at two units. I ordered on the spot. As much money as I spend on research, $10 is worth trying it out next season. Again, this is not my ad. I'm just really enthusiastic about this being a handy tool for me.

Looks good, and the price is too.

I like argyle!

Thanks Lion. I'll be getting a few. A nice gift just in time to spread some holiday cheer to those accountants who are tough to buy for. I guess I'll keep the argyle socks for myself.

This has been going on for several years, and I am surprised you haven't come across it before. Seems as though one or the other party on a MFJ return could claim "I never got the letter...." if it was addressed to just the primary SSN. So now each gets one (in separate envelope) and have been duly notified.

Me, too! .

I saw the mock-up of this product at our December two-day tax update seminar as they wait for some final numbers. Quality product. Color coded. Laminated or some such durable finish. Accordian fold for a LOT of information in a small piece for desk or briefcase/laptop sleeve. My friend/colleague Kristin is especially excited about the education credit information in chart form which Tom compiled. I think this fills a need, like the former TaxFacts or the desk cards when I worked at HRB. I've been putting info in sleeves in a thin notebook for reference each year and use the tables at the front of TTB. But Fingertip Tax Facts requires no work on my part, and my clients don't see me reading a book in front of them! I think this fills a need. I look forward to receiving my order in January. (I get no remuneration from my review of this product.)

I usually at least look to see if I can tell what they were charged for tax preparation the year before. Just for information, not necessarily to decide what to charge this year.

Two kinds of people, I guess. I pick that thing apart. No just glancing for me. That's no fun. CSI over here.

Are you liable for the mistakes of the previous preparer if you "purchase" a business? I ask people to bring their previous year tax return just to glance at it. I don't wear my auditor hat when looking at those returns. All I tell my clients is, "you have hired me to do your taxes for this year. I will do it right, I don't audit your previous years return and I will not interview regarding the taxes you have already prepared." I am glad you have had time to interview all those clients and therefore you have made a determination that those expenses were not for personal use or that didn't qualify last year for those credits. I hope you had expressed written authorization to contact those clients from the previous preparer in order to avoid him to be sued for sharing their files with you. I wish you luck and as Jennin or Mr. Pencil used to say "I would pay 0 for each client if I purchase a tax business from another preparer.

Thanks for telling us about this. I just ordered two sets - one for my desk and one to carry in the car.

Thanks for the tip on this. Just ordered! Anything that speeds up my day is always appreciated. Preparers supporting each other is a good thing too!

Totally agree with Abby. I normally do. (See what I did there?) For sure, you want to be respectful of previous preparer; nobody wins trying to outshine somebody else. This will be a great opportunity for you, and I'll betcha many of the clients won't be surprised at the errors. Be gracious, and yes, it will seem you are spending twice as much time as you should. Just part of it; they're gonna love you, Naveen.

It's kind of a delicate situation. You don't want a blast email/letter saying the old preparer made significant errors. The clients might think you're doing it wrong. I would first look at materiality and then handle the more significant errors individually when you meet with the client. Explain what you think the error was and ask the client if they want you to amend the return. You can't make them amend the return, and some preparers would fire clients who refuse to amend, but the ones who are getting refunds will see you as a hero. I actually had a somewhat similar situation and got a fair amount of amended work out of it, and it impressed the new clients that I knew what I was doing and I was thorough.