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Oregon requires every one to licensed plus 30 hours of CPE every year. With the number of baby boomers retiring, we actually have a shortage of accountants and preparers. The national tax prep firms actually charge more than I do.

"The most common reason students didn't major in accounting is that they just didn't find it interesting — but very close to that is the ability to make more money faster in other fields, and the burden of the 150-credit-hour requirement." To be honest, when I was a staff auditor for Coopers & Lybrand, it was very boring!

Tax preparers are planning double-digit increases in their fees, according to the National Association of Tax Professionals newly released 2023 Fee Study. "Our study found an average cost for a new client in 2023 to be $218 versus $174 in 2021, an increase of just about 23%," said Tom O'Saben, director of tax content and government relations at NATP. https://www.accountingtoday.com/news/tax-pros-hike-fees-by-more-than-20-natp

My practice would never withstand that kind of increase, at least until they start to check around. My rates are always based on the client's ability to pay and personal circumstances. My business is not all about money. My business puts the client first. I can do that because of my personal circumstances and the fact that I pay for extras; not for living expenses. Also, I have a deep sense of compassion and helping out the little guy.

You are in an affluent area likely. Average fee of $218.00 would terminate my business although I have myself raised fees.

From what I understand you to say, they would sell the other property, take cash and invest in existing property. Not a tax free exchange.

After discussing their options they decided to go ahead and file MFS even though he will pay a larger tax. Most likely they will take my advice and file jointly next year. Her retaining her former name was not the issue so things worked out ok. Better than some outcomes I have run into over the years.

I have started reading articles about the SECURE 2.0 Act which went into effect January 1, 2023. Now that I have started reading, frankly I am amazed at how many changes are heading our way. We have been discussing QCDs for about 4 years now. Now we will have one time Charitable Gift Annuities which will count towards fulfilling the annual RMD of an IRA. "The SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022, which was included in the $1.7 trillion omnibus spending bill signed by President Biden on December 29, 2022,[1] has a small gift for charities and individuals over age 70 1/2 who are willing to transfer up to $50,000 to a charitable remainder trust or into a charitable annuity arrangement." There will also be a significant expansion of distribution penalty exceptions and repayment options. Our life is going to be more complicated. I need to find some CPE that covers all of the changes.