Any accountant recommendations?

[jmw51882]

When someone is looking for an accountant in August to prepare a tax return, it's because their taxes are not simple, they are on extension, and likely owe the IRS money. In this situation, as an accountant, potential clients whining about cost will not create an sympathetic atmosphere. If you think it's simple, I won't argue with you. Please use TurboTax. I charge twice as much to fix your audit or amend your screwed up tax return.

[Skerzz]

Originally Posted by Voebe

I'm sorry, but I disagree. I've had terrific accountants who are reasonably priced, and to claim that an ordinary client with fairly simple taxes needs to spend huge amounts seems silly (or self-promotional, if claimed by an accountant). There are, to begin with, companies with large staffs paying for large offices in expensive locations with support staff - and there are individuals who don't.

I'm actually rather surprised that people here don't have low-end accountants they like.

A lot cost “1040 shop” is exactly that. If there is a CPA willing to prepare your return for $100 then that means he/she is likely having uncredentialed staff prepare it and not reviewing it. When you are a “budget” firm, volume is key to making the practice survive financially. On the other hand, there are higher cost CPA practices that provide a higher level of service/advice and take on fewer clients.. You get what you pay for. If your return is simple (reason for not needing a high quality CPA), then you might as well use TurboTax. If you have a multinational business, then you are best served paying big firm rates which can range from $200-$1,500/hour. To each his own, if you want low cost accountant thats fine, just remember that it might be costing you more $$ vs the high quality providers. I think the saying is penny wise, pound foolish