A tax preparer rants
April 15, 2010Jon Brooks Comments OffFrom the blog Our Taxing Times, a professional tax preparer injects a little reality into the worldview of those just getting around to making an appointment…
I really do have returns to finish, extensions to file and clients to call. However, I am hoping that a quick post will relieve some of the frustrations and let me focus on clearing my desk.
Dealing with last minute people is part of the tax preparer job. Some businesses love them, I’m not a fan. I have great clients who show up the last couple of days but this year the numbers have been unreal. Most have been very flexible and understand I might have to do an extension because of the time issue. My problem is the people calling trying to get in anywhere.
I don’t do appointments the last 2 days. I don’t want to encourage taxpayers to hold off that long. I save those days for return pickups, finishing returns I have, a rare walk-in and lost vouchers and estimates. The last 2 days have also been marked by phone calls wanting appointments for today and tomorrow. Several have been willing to come in sooner when they heard about the no-appointment rule. Others have asked about extensions. That leaves a half dozen who actually get mad about the rule. They only have a very specific time they want to come in and they want a guarantee they will get in then. Not happening here. The response varies. Some people get pushy, others whine, a few cuss. A couple might show up to try their luck as a walk in but most won’t.
For people still trying to get someone to do their return by April 15th, think. In my case, you are dealing with someone who has been working 80+ hour weeks for 3 months. I’ve only had a dozen meals in that time that didn’t come out of a drive thru bag. (Most suppers at 9pm) All this is doing fuzzy things to my brain. As I type, I have 10 returns to finish, 8 more extensions to file, a dozen pickup calls to make and all the little parts of running a business. I’m like a school kid in the last few days before summer break. Not someone, I want messing with my taxes.
So, maybe it would be better if you call and talk to me about an extension and an appointment for next week.
