OT: CPA

[TemekuT]

I can’t think of a single CPA I know that charges $150-$200 for a 1040/540. A charge of $150 would only cover the cost of the clerical staff time plus burden, the computer charge (this is not TurboTax, folks, and the software costs are significant), the packaging and mailing fees, plus the exhaustive disclaimers and documentation that are necessary compliances now. I can attest (pun intended) to this , I was crazy enough to run my own sole proprietorship in the early 90’s and know well what it costs to run the business.

I can’t find Jim Glanz nor Glanz Professional Services on the CA State Board of Accountancy website. Are you sure he is a CPA?

The last tax return I had prepared by someone other than myself was in 2006 and it cost north of $1000 due to the complexity of the return and the schedules needed. This was a non-corporate return prepared by a CPA friend of mine who used to be a tax manager at Arthur Anderson and whose time charges were in line with the complexity of the situation. My point here is that time charges vary based on the return and it can cost considerably more for a 1040 and 540 than $150-$200.

I really believe most Piggingtonians with schedules A, B, and D, and misc. credits can use TurboTax. The software walks you through the decision points and “logics” you in the correct direction. I give Piggintonians accolades for being smarter than the average housing bear and I know they can follow the TurboTax prompts.

[Ricechex]

Temektu–I have been using the same CPA for years. He charges me $165. I have one rental property/that is all I own, and 2 jobs. I itemize all my receipts before I see him. It seems that he has an easy task….do you think this rate is fair?

[Ricechex]

Temektu–I have been using the same CPA for years. He charges me $165. I have one rental property/that is all I own, and 2 jobs. I itemize all my receipts before I see him. It seems that he has an easy task….do you think this rate is fair?

[Ricechex]

Temektu–I have been using the same CPA for years. He charges me $165. I have one rental property/that is all I own, and 2 jobs. I itemize all my receipts before I see him. It seems that he has an easy task….do you think this rate is fair?

[Ricechex]

Temektu–I have been using the same CPA for years. He charges me $165. I have one rental property/that is all I own, and 2 jobs. I itemize all my receipts before I see him. It seems that he has an easy task….do you think this rate is fair?

[Ricechex]

Temektu–I have been using the same CPA for years. He charges me $165. I have one rental property/that is all I own, and 2 jobs. I itemize all my receipts before I see him. It seems that he has an easy task….do you think this rate is fair?

[TemekuT]

I think you’re saying you require form 1040 but no Schedule A, probably a schedule B, Schedule E and depreciation schedules. Yes, that is a great rate. If you are low maintenance and don’t require interview time, that is, you can fill out the yearly update properly and he can just review and input and process, it is a good, fair rate.

You see, he doesn’t function as a tax monkey just inputting your numbers. Professional standards require that he documents each file by xeroxing everything you give him (1098’s, 1099’s, W-2), creating workpapers and tying all numbers, paging, and referencing. That takes some time. He also probably utilizes a tax program online and is charged for each schedule and form he needs. The task is more than jamming numbers in the computer and he has to be able to logically, without the computer, review the final work product, form to form, to ensure both the flow of numbers is correct and that the numbers are on the correct forms. This requires extensive knowledge of tax theory. To draw an analogy, it is like being able to perform a complex algebraic function with pencil and paper versus inputting the numbers and hitting an answer key without conceptualizing how to derive the solution.

[TemekuT]

I think you’re saying you require form 1040 but no Schedule A, probably a schedule B, Schedule E and depreciation schedules. Yes, that is a great rate. If you are low maintenance and don’t require interview time, that is, you can fill out the yearly update properly and he can just review and input and process, it is a good, fair rate.

You see, he doesn’t function as a tax monkey just inputting your numbers. Professional standards require that he documents each file by xeroxing everything you give him (1098’s, 1099’s, W-2), creating workpapers and tying all numbers, paging, and referencing. That takes some time. He also probably utilizes a tax program online and is charged for each schedule and form he needs. The task is more than jamming numbers in the computer and he has to be able to logically, without the computer, review the final work product, form to form, to ensure both the flow of numbers is correct and that the numbers are on the correct forms. This requires extensive knowledge of tax theory. To draw an analogy, it is like being able to perform a complex algebraic function with pencil and paper versus inputting the numbers and hitting an answer key without conceptualizing how to derive the solution.

[TemekuT]

I think you’re saying you require form 1040 but no Schedule A, probably a schedule B, Schedule E and depreciation schedules. Yes, that is a great rate. If you are low maintenance and don’t require interview time, that is, you can fill out the yearly update properly and he can just review and input and process, it is a good, fair rate.

You see, he doesn’t function as a tax monkey just inputting your numbers. Professional standards require that he documents each file by xeroxing everything you give him (1098’s, 1099’s, W-2), creating workpapers and tying all numbers, paging, and referencing. That takes some time. He also probably utilizes a tax program online and is charged for each schedule and form he needs. The task is more than jamming numbers in the computer and he has to be able to logically, without the computer, review the final work product, form to form, to ensure both the flow of numbers is correct and that the numbers are on the correct forms. This requires extensive knowledge of tax theory. To draw an analogy, it is like being able to perform a complex algebraic function with pencil and paper versus inputting the numbers and hitting an answer key without conceptualizing how to derive the solution.

[TemekuT]

I think you’re saying you require form 1040 but no Schedule A, probably a schedule B, Schedule E and depreciation schedules. Yes, that is a great rate. If you are low maintenance and don’t require interview time, that is, you can fill out the yearly update properly and he can just review and input and process, it is a good, fair rate.

You see, he doesn’t function as a tax monkey just inputting your numbers. Professional standards require that he documents each file by xeroxing everything you give him (1098’s, 1099’s, W-2), creating workpapers and tying all numbers, paging, and referencing. That takes some time. He also probably utilizes a tax program online and is charged for each schedule and form he needs. The task is more than jamming numbers in the computer and he has to be able to logically, without the computer, review the final work product, form to form, to ensure both the flow of numbers is correct and that the numbers are on the correct forms. This requires extensive knowledge of tax theory. To draw an analogy, it is like being able to perform a complex algebraic function with pencil and paper versus inputting the numbers and hitting an answer key without conceptualizing how to derive the solution.

[TemekuT]

I think you’re saying you require form 1040 but no Schedule A, probably a schedule B, Schedule E and depreciation schedules. Yes, that is a great rate. If you are low maintenance and don’t require interview time, that is, you can fill out the yearly update properly and he can just review and input and process, it is a good, fair rate.

You see, he doesn’t function as a tax monkey just inputting your numbers. Professional standards require that he documents each file by xeroxing everything you give him (1098’s, 1099’s, W-2), creating workpapers and tying all numbers, paging, and referencing. That takes some time. He also probably utilizes a tax program online and is charged for each schedule and form he needs. The task is more than jamming numbers in the computer and he has to be able to logically, without the computer, review the final work product, form to form, to ensure both the flow of numbers is correct and that the numbers are on the correct forms. This requires extensive knowledge of tax theory. To draw an analogy, it is like being able to perform a complex algebraic function with pencil and paper versus inputting the numbers and hitting an answer key without conceptualizing how to derive the solution.

[carlsbadworker]

Thanks, TemekuT. Yes, I am mixing up tax preparer v.s. CPA. However, a lot of CPA (or claimed CPA) does do simple tax returns, so it does make it confusing to an outsider.

Now, since you are in this profession and live in Temecula, can you refer any CPA that is good for small business consultation? What is the fair hourly charge for the service? I did sometime running into questions that I really want to talk to an experienced CPA.

By the way, I truly admire your family gene of fiscal displine and the zeal for smart investment. My wife and I are both about your daughter’s age, and we both look up to you as an inspiration. I believe you at least had two rental properties in Temeku Hills (one bought in 1997 and the other in 2000), which serves you well. I hope the community will bring the same luck to us in our financial future.:-)

[carlsbadworker]

Thanks, TemekuT. Yes, I am mixing up tax preparer v.s. CPA. However, a lot of CPA (or claimed CPA) does do simple tax returns, so it does make it confusing to an outsider.

Now, since you are in this profession and live in Temecula, can you refer any CPA that is good for small business consultation? What is the fair hourly charge for the service? I did sometime running into questions that I really want to talk to an experienced CPA.

By the way, I truly admire your family gene of fiscal displine and the zeal for smart investment. My wife and I are both about your daughter’s age, and we both look up to you as an inspiration. I believe you at least had two rental properties in Temeku Hills (one bought in 1997 and the other in 2000), which serves you well. I hope the community will bring the same luck to us in our financial future.:-)

[carlsbadworker]

Thanks, TemekuT. Yes, I am mixing up tax preparer v.s. CPA. However, a lot of CPA (or claimed CPA) does do simple tax returns, so it does make it confusing to an outsider.

Now, since you are in this profession and live in Temecula, can you refer any CPA that is good for small business consultation? What is the fair hourly charge for the service? I did sometime running into questions that I really want to talk to an experienced CPA.

By the way, I truly admire your family gene of fiscal displine and the zeal for smart investment. My wife and I are both about your daughter’s age, and we both look up to you as an inspiration. I believe you at least had two rental properties in Temeku Hills (one bought in 1997 and the other in 2000), which serves you well. I hope the community will bring the same luck to us in our financial future.:-)

[carlsbadworker]

Thanks, TemekuT. Yes, I am mixing up tax preparer v.s. CPA. However, a lot of CPA (or claimed CPA) does do simple tax returns, so it does make it confusing to an outsider.

Now, since you are in this profession and live in Temecula, can you refer any CPA that is good for small business consultation? What is the fair hourly charge for the service? I did sometime running into questions that I really want to talk to an experienced CPA.

By the way, I truly admire your family gene of fiscal displine and the zeal for smart investment. My wife and I are both about your daughter’s age, and we both look up to you as an inspiration. I believe you at least had two rental properties in Temeku Hills (one bought in 1997 and the other in 2000), which serves you well. I hope the community will bring the same luck to us in our financial future.:-)

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