Breaking up with my accountant (long) - Page 2

madzonie · ‎03-10-2010

I wanted to thank you ALL for your most helpful comments and input related t my query. They helped me put things in perspective. I sometimes have a difficult time seeing the situation from a wider perspective. Your responses helped me clarify why I am making the decision to leave the accountant.

I will work on composing my letter and will keep it short, friendly and sincere. Thanks again for all the thoughtful insight!

terrier3 · ‎03-10-2010

The software used by you as an individual is pretty close to the software used by accountants now. Preparing taxes is pretty simple now...with the invention of TurboTax, I actually enjoy doing my own.

Sending a note is very nice of you...perhaps you could add that you would recommend him to others too. If he is on LinkedIn (and most business people are now), you could add a short recommendation on that site. Or you could send the thank you - and a separate letter of recommendation he could use to get new business.

Your concern for his feelings is really sweet - and a note and recommendation would be classy!

qualitygal · ‎10-04-2010

Make it short and sweet. Note that you can do it now on line and appreciate his years of helping you out. Don't burn any bridges, IRS can audit you for up to 7 years and you might need his help if it ever comes up. Short, sweet, to the point, and done. JMHO

esmerelda · ‎03-10-2010

Good idea not to mention the fees.

Keep it simple...our tax situation isn't as complicated as it was at the beginning of our relationship. Thanks for your services. I'm confident that I can handle our taxes again.

Anyone with a fairly simple tax situation can do it themselves. Just keep good, organized records so it isn't a scramble when the time comes.

Good decision. And good luck!

*********************
Keepin' it real.

LilacTree · ‎03-25-2012

I worked for a CPA firm for 24 years and I can tell you they all use computerized tax software that does the tax return for them. I myself did many tax returns for my bosses. Their charges for these returns are absolutely ridiculous. I understand from talking to my friends who are still working there that their 1040 business has gone way, way down. People are using online services like Turbo Tax. I do my own daughters' tax returns on Turbo Tax.

I don't think you owe him anything at all, but if you want to write a note, just say your returns are very easy now and you do them yourself. Believe me, he will not be surprised. Thank him for his past services and forget about it.

Formerly Ford1224
We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented. Elie Wiesel 1986

AnikaBrodie · ‎03-10-2010

If your accountant is as busy as mine believe me he will welcome your letter. One less client will not affect his business. Just write a nice thank you letter for his service over the years and let it go at that.

"Faith, Hope, Love; the greatest of these is Love." ~The Silver Fox~

madzonie · ‎03-10-2010

Hi! OP here....thanks again for the input.

I wanted to add a couple more bits to my thoughts. I found it interesting that for the last 4-5 years, his "reason" for increasing our fees was because his "costs" for his software kept going up.

And as far as him not missing us as clients, I wanted to add that he's semi-retired (10 years) and now growing wine grapes in the Sierra Nevada foothills, complete with a tasting room and such.

When he announced back then that he was semi-retiring, we were surprised he kept us on. I was sure he had a LOT of big real estate and rental owners (I got my referral to him from the then-president of the local rental housing organization) as clients, so I figured we were very small potatoes.

But then I started to think maybe he kept us on because our returns were very simple, fast and easy, and he probably had a high profit margin with us.

But there are NO hard feelings in any way. We were happy with his services and just wanted to thank him personally.

I have my letter almost complete - I like to write what comes out of my head, let it sit a bit and then go back and polish it.

Again...THANK you so much for your stories and suggestions! ${#emotions_dlg.thumbup}$

GCR18 · ‎07-03-2013

I'd send a letter, keep it brief and to the point. My father went the the same accountant for alot of years. My father passed away and my mother continues to go to him. I think we may need to make a break. I think he over charges her. Plus she can't climb stairs well and his office is in an old house with steep front steps.