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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?

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

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

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.

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.

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.

Judy, you absolutely nailed it.

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.

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!

I agree with all the advice given thus far.

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.

There will be some clients who will want to get pickled after they hear the bad news. Those that have adjusted withholdings lower and will not benefit from the tax bill. I have a few on my radar that will not be happy. So happy new year, enjoy the time off while it lasts, and remember, don't DWP (Driving While Pickled).

Five more days and we'll all be in a pickle (trying to extract W-2 info from clients who think nothing's due 'til April 15th).

A previous client told me they found someone considerably cheaper than me to prepare their 2017 tax return. Okay no problem with me as this client has issues anyway. Now, here they come. They are under the guidelines of an OIC and must have all returns filed timely. According to the client, the new person did not follow thru. An extension was filed but as far as I can tell, the return was never finished nor filed. Of course, its an emergency and they are asking for my help. Would you take this client back? If I do, I feel like tripling the fee with a PITA multiplier added to it. Seriously, it will be an easy return but I am afraid there will be other problems with it. Part of me wants to apply Jack's theory of "Run Forest Run" What say ye?

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.

Also don't PWD (pickle while driving - you'll get brine all over your car; ick)!

Terry: I've mentioned this issue to a half-dozen people involved in payroll report processing for small employers. None of them knew about it. That's a small sample size, but still it makes me question how well NCDOR has publicized the change. Once could argue that they've telegraphed the change by having put the requirements in place and then issuing a waiver for 2-3 years. However, it could also be argued that the repeated issuance of the waiver puts people to sleep. A couple of reactions I got were that paper is still OK if you only file "a few" forms. In one case I asked if they were confusing the "over 10" requirement for electronic filing that the Employment Security Commission announced via email within the past couple of weeks. That person immediately realized that was the basis for their assumption about the NC3/W2 filing requirement. In any event, unless another waiver is issued in the coming week or two, I think there are going to be many small employers and accountants being hit with the $200 penalty after they paper file. (NCDOR already has an after-the-fact waiver request form for that specific situation BTW, which may actually be a part of their overall implementation plan).