Our Accountant is Holding our Taxes Hostage!

[sparrow13]

My life is a sit-com. Our accountant - DH has used him for *years* - won't give us our taxes!! Basically, we had our return done back in April like good doobies. Accountant needed some additional info on HSA. Took me about a week to track it down. Because we were close to the 15th our accountant filed an extension for us, which we thought was odd, because we hadn't asked him too, but were like, OK. We get him the paper....he tells DH that he is running off on a couple of weeks vacation (which he does every year after tax time, he closes the office and gives all employees a couple of weeks) but that we will get it all squared away when he gets back.

So, since then we have called, called again, left messages, DH has even gone down there TWICE and demanded our tax packet so we can pay the damn thing...the receptionist takes the message....the accountant never gets back to us. We have no idea what to do at this point!

Like I said, a sit-com...

 

[gogigi]

How odd. Good luck!

 

[chefkate]

that is wierd!!

 

[Gayle]

Do you have a lawyer? Maybe a phone call from her/him might get a response.

This really is a weird situation.

 

[kEwL]

Request replacement W2 forms from your employers. Or you can use IRS form 4852 and use your last pay stub to fill in the figures. Then file the forms yourself. Good luck

 

[JoanC]

Unfortunately your extension means you don't have to file until Oct 15. In my office all returns must be in by March 25 to be done by April 15. Since I always have work to do that has a more immediate due date, extensions don't get done until August or Sept. Of course my clients are made aware of this. Joan

 

[lkl]

send them a written letter (certified/return receipt) explaining how many times you've called, your disappoinment given the long term relationship (etc) and that you want your tax items returned back to you by a date certain or you will have no other choice but to contact a lawyer. a lawyer gave me free advice over the phone for something small and you might receive the same courtesy. a letter from the lawyer will cost you something, but i don't think it would come to that. good luck.

 

[sparrow13]

Thanks ladies!! It is too bizarre...

It would be tough for us to do them on our own, we have rental property in two states, work in two states, endless deductibles...we'd definitely botch it!!

Joan, thanks for that info, I am sure that must be it, though why he doesn't just have his people tell us that is beyond me. Ikl, I am trying to get DH to do that! It's a good idea.

 

[syzygy314]

Thanks ladies!! It is too bizarre...

It would be tough for us to do them on our own, we have rental property in two states, work in two states, endless deductibles...we'd definitely botch it!!

Joan, thanks for that info, I am sure that must be it, though why he doesn't just have his people tell us that is beyond me. Ikl, I am trying to get DH to do that! It's a good idea.

Good luck! I hope you get them soon! It's unprofessional not to at least get some information to your clients about why you aren't getting them what they are asking for! I agree about sending a certified letter (be sure to keep copies!), then, if you still get no response, I would definitely call a lawyer or report him to the Board. There should be one for accountants. You should be able to file a complaint at least. They don't mess around!

 

[cataddict]

I work for a CPA firm and have for many years. We have many returns under extension, and have a policy much like Joan mentioned that if all information hasn't been received by a certain date it will be extended, regardless of whether the client wants this or not---and we are upfront about it. I'm sure it's frustrating that you aren't getting any response from the accountant after repeated attempts. It almost sounds like he is avoiding you, possibly because he knows you are upset and the work on your return hasn't been done yet for whatever reason. I'm not saying that to excuse him not getting in touch with you, that's not right, just that it's human nature to avoid confrontation.

You did not mention whether he is a CPA or not, and there is a Board of Accountancy in whatever state you live in that applies to CPAs (not necessarily to unlicensed practitioner accountants, however). However, I would recommend the certified letter approach with some of the info mentioned by lkl information first before involving either an attorney or the Board. JMO but I wouldn't put the threat of legal action in this letter, but that's just me. And there aren't any attorneys in my area that consult for free even to the extent of answering a question, but maybe where you live it's different. What you really want is the tax return if I'm reading your intention correctly---not for him to drag his heels more which he might do if you contact the Board or an attorney? Besides, the detailed letter would give you better ammunition if you did end up having to go further with this guy. Hopefully it won't get that far and the letter will scare him into at least calling you.

I don't think it's quite time to panic yet, try the letter and see how that works. It seems this year is unique for some reason if your husband has been using his services for years. Good luck!!