In no particular order.
- You’ve given your accountant half your information. You thought this was a good idea didn’t you? Oh, he’ll just work on this while I get my other stuff together. No. This is a weak-sauce decision. Your accountant will complete your file. Then he’ll have to go through it again. Every. Time. You. Give. Him. More. Information.
- You’ve decided to prepare your tax return and then give it to your accountant. Did you really think this was a good idea? If you’re that competent, then do them yourself. Can you comprehend the ridiculousness that ensues when you do this? Someone will prepare your tax return and then they’ll have to check it against your numbers. This will take at least 4 hours and cost you at least an extra $400. Do you know why they’ll have to do this? Because if the accountant comes up with a different taxes payable than you, you’ll start thinking he screwed up. Ohhh, but I calculated my taxes to be $500, how did you get $1000? I’d rather be this bear then deal with that.
- You thought it was a good idea to hand in a nominal donation slip after your taxes were filed. Everyone listen to me. If you have a $10 donation slip and your taxes have already been filed, DON’T GIVE IT TO YOUR ACCOUNTANT. When people do this, I get the urge to gouge my eyes out with a grapefruit spoon and listen to the hampster dance on repeat. It will take an hour to make the adjustment and it will cost you at least $100. Do you know what that donation slip saved you? At most, at the absolute very most? Under $5. If I use my accounting powers I can see that you’ve just cost yourself $95. LIFE FAIL.
Accountants sell time. Remember that.
And yes I’m pissed off because it’s busy season.