Previously Fired Client is Asking me to Amend his Tax Returns, Would You Do It?

[ETax847]

Hi, I prepared a client's 2022 Tax Return and fired him after the fact due to his extreme rudeness. 

He is now asking me if I would amend that return (amendment is needed at no fault of mine).  Would you ignore the request, politely decline it or charge a fee and prepare the amendment?

 

 

[Lee B]

You're the only one who knows the answer to this question

[mcb39]

If you do decide to do it, have him pay up front and then quietly and politely amend the return.  You have the software and the original return, it isn't that busy yet, you can make some quick cash and then send him on his way. IF you decide to do it.

[jklcpa]

I agree with Lee and Marilyn. 

As a general rule, I almost never want to work with a former client again because one or both of us were unhappy enough to terminate the relationship. Of course, these decisions depend on the circumstances and what may have changed in the meantime.

I would weigh all of that and also consider what the amendment involves and why this person's new preparer is declining to prepare the amendment. 

[Medlin Software, Dennis]

I would not, unless they prepay cash/check my PITA fee. Someone taught me our job is to get money, and even the most PITA person we get money from has a price which makes us happy to take said money.

A good example is taking back someone who posted nastygrams on review sites. Something powerful about being able to show that person returned.

[BulldogTom]

5 hours ago, ETax847 said:

due to his extreme rudeness. 

Would you ignore the request, politely decline it or charge a fee and prepare the amendment?

Is he still rude? 

I feel like it is never a good idea to ignore a client request, it just feels yukky to me to ghost a former client. 

Be professional when you decline or accept the engagement.   

Why is he coming to you and not his current preparer?   Ask him.   If the answer is something like "I realize I made a mistake in how I treated you and I would like to resume our relationship" you will have a client for life.   And he won't be rude anymore.   If his answer is rude, politely decline.

Tom
Longview, TX

[DANRVAN]

6 hours ago, Lee B said:

You're the only one who knows the answer to this question

exactly

[Bart]

I would have thought that the new preparer had to recreate the original filing and then do the amendment.  The cost was going to be more than you would charge him.  The new preparer probably told told him that.

[Sara EA]

The OP did prepare the original return, so no biggie to amend it.  We have occasionally taken back fired clients.  For the most part they were grateful and changed their ways once they realized they had crossed a line and we meant business.  It won't hurt to amend the return, see how it goes, and then decide if the client has improved his attitude.

[mcb39]

15 hours ago, Bart said:

I would have thought that the new preparer had to recreate the original filing and then do the amendment.  The cost was going to be more than you would charge him.  The new preparer probably told told him that.

I have a new client who wants me to check and/or correct three prior years.  My question to him is whether he wants to pay the price of recreating three years and possibly (or not) amending.  Apparently the IRS found something amiss.

I prepared his 2023 tax returns.  He was already unhappy with his previous preparer.  Remains to be seen what he decides.  I have copies of the three years in question and they appear fairly complicated so possibly could use a good look.  Waiting to see what the IRS changed.

[jklcpa]

The cost of new preparer amending may not be all that different if the old preparer adds an "aggravation" fee to the bill. Also, this person shouldn't expect the former preparer's fees to be in the same range as it was before because all of our costs and pricing have increased since he left. 

[Abby Normal]

I would give him a high price that must be paid in advance and let him decide.

[Jim Oh Bkkr]

19 hours ago, mcb39 said:

pay the price of recreating three years

This was my "hook" for getting new clients.  I offered to look over the prior years, free of charge.  It helped me to understand the clients situation more completely.

The data entry has to be done for any year, so why not the oldest possible - then rollover?  I almost always found mistakes.  Some small, some big, usually in the government's favor.  Any corrections that "should" be made, I left to the client to decide (and pay for).   Every client that took me up on it, is still a client to this day.

[mcb39]

Yes, that is a great "hook", but he already is a client and has a feeling that his prior 3 years might be incorrect.  In my mind, I think we will take a look anyway.  A few hours of input could make me a hero and he is a really nice guy.

[Catherine]

As always in this business, facts & circumstances. Why did you fire him? Is that still the case? Why isn't the new preparer doing the work? If you do this, and he decides he likes you better, is he welcome back for good (if not, tell him up front)?

Up to you, but definitely get paid - and make sure the check clears - before you do anything. And don't let him pay via PayPal, as he can go back to them after you're done and claim he didn't get what he paid for. They almost always decide for the payer, and you're out the money plus a Pp fee. Happened to a colleague of mine; I took the Pp link down from my site the next day.

[ETax847]

As always, thanks for the valuable input. This group is such a great help.

[schirallicpa]

Hard NO