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My fee unpaid

Greta
Level 9

Some 5 years ago on this discussion board someone suggested an ingenious letter to send to a client who did not pay his fee. Something to the effect that I will contact the IRS that the tax return was inaccurate because I signed it as a "paid preparer." I sent that letter and it worked a miracle. Can you possibly re-publish it? I need it again!

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8 Comments 8
abctax55
Level 15

It's highly unlikely, given this "NEW & IMPROVED" version of the forum, that such an old post survived.

Technically, such a letter isn't valid, as you are a paid preparer even if one particular client fails to pay.

"*******Tax software is no substitute for a professional tax preparer*******
( Generic Comment )"
abctax55
Level 15

Google is a wonderful thing....

http://www.taxalmanac.org/index.php/Discussion_Non_payment_of_Tax_Prep.html

"*******Tax software is no substitute for a professional tax preparer*******
( Generic Comment )"
itonewbie
Level 15

I seriously doubt many educated clients will view that as a real threat because outstanding payment of professional fees due on a return does not render the return incorrect.

Furthermore, you are still technically a paid preparer for that return because you would have gotten paid had it not been for your client defaulting on you, which is a commercial matter.

Circular 230 provides that you can withhold the return along with your workpapers from an unpaid client.  If you did not take advantage of that and e-filed the return, because your billing process does not require a full payment before, the client's check bounced, or otherwise, you will still be held accountable for the completeness and accuracy of that return.  Just imagine what the IRS will need to deal with if tax preparers can disavow returns they prepare but have collection problems with.

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Still an AllStar
IRonMaN
Level 15

Obi-wan - I'm not a poker player myself, but I believe the game refers to moves similar to the letter going to the IRS as a bluff.  Personally, I would never write a letter like that, but it probably is good enough to get some folks nervous enough to get their bill paid up.  The only good thing about going that route, you probably aren't going to serve as much time in jail as you would breaking someone's kneecaps - the more common bill collecting technique. 


Slava Ukraini!
linette
Level 5

Devil's advocate:  Is that a threat that in some way would be an ethical violation on our part as a professional?

Personally, I wouldn't use a letter like that.

Just-Lisa-Now-
Level 15
Level 15

I wouldn't use a letter like that ....if you dont get paid upfront you risk not being paid.  I dont gamble more than I'm willing to lose.


♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸♥Lisa♥¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪
dkh
Level 15

Many years ago at a tax seminar I attended one of the speakers mentioned she used this tactic to collect past due accounts.   I had a copy but never sent it to a client.  I've had success collecting just by adding a finance charge to the account.

Camp1040
Level 10

I agree with @IRonMaN , traditional method........kneecaps. Just saying.