If it were me and the CPA "pulled a number out of thin air" then I would most certainly at least have a conversation with an attorney. Probably would've been my first step regardless. Also, what @Clyde said in post #110 has some bearing here. If this return was abnormal what was your response?

 

I mean, I've always just put full faith in the accountant. That's what I pay him for so I just accept the number he comes up with. That year, I think I got back something like $9,000. A normal year, I get back roughly $4,000.

I mean, I've always just put full faith in the accountant. That's what I pay him for so I just accept the number he comes up with. That year, I think I got back something like $9,000. A normal year, I get back roughly $4,000.

 

Dude...2X your return wasn't a red flag?

Dude...2X your return wasn't a red flag?

 

Like I said, I'm not an accountant. I just always went by what the accountant said.

A PSA of sorts....Do yourselves a favor and even if you have someone doing your taxes, educate yourself on the basics. It'll help be able to spot things that don't seem right.

 

If your incomes and expenses really haven't changed very much from year to year, your return should be within a fairly consistent range.

A PSA of sorts....Do yourselves a favor and even if you have someone doing your taxes, educate yourself on the basics. It'll help be able to spot things that don't seem right.

 

If your incomes and expenses really haven't changed very much from year to year, your return should be within a fairly consistent range.

 

Moving forward, I won't have issues again and if I do, I'll have exactly what they need to fix it. Hindsight is always 20/20 I guess.

You are NEVER going to get back 2x your normal return for no reason.

You are NEVER going to get back 2x your normal return for no reason.

 

You will if you put 57,000 miles in there :lol2:

Like I said, I'm not an accountant. I just always went by what the accountant said.

 

Yes, but you do sign-off on the returns and bear responsibility there. It does seem like there were several flags here that should have alerted you that the return isn't accurate. Unfortunately, it may be a painful lesson on paying more attention even if a CPA does your return.

 

Only other course of action if you feel that you were cheated by the CPA is to speak with an attorney.

Yes, but you do sign-off on the returns and bear responsibility there. It does seem like there were several flags here that should have alerted you that the return isn't accurate. Unfortunately, it may be a painful lesson on paying more attention even if a CPA does your return.

 

Only other course of action if you feel that you were cheated by the CPA is to speak with an attorney.

 

Yeah, now that I fully understand everything, I realize that I signed off on it and basically said "I accept this figure"

 

It's partly my fault. It's a painful lesson but it is what it is.

At this point, I owe $4,654 to federal and $1,900 to the state. Would it be worth it to get an attorney and go through the legal process for that amount?

 

Wireman, I don't know how many times I can tell you: YES it is worth it. You at least need to consult with a tax attorney. Whether you decide to hire the attorney or not is another question. You need somebody that has the expertise & experience in handling these types of issues.

Wireman, I don't know how many times I can tell you: YES it is worth it. You at least need to consult with a tax attorney. Whether you decide to hire the attorney or not is another question. You need somebody that has the expertise & experience in handling these types of issues.

 

If the CPA was negligent, and you can recover ANY amount of money due to negligence, it will lessen your final bill. Unless your worried about burning bridges with your old CPA, IMO it's worth at least consulting with an attorney, especially if the consult is free.

An attorney without question needs to be consulted to see what recourse you have against this goof ball tax preparer. The consultation will be free. However, an attorney who goes after your tax preparer will probably NOT be a tax attorney, the tax attorney will probably only tell you what you already know, that the return was done negligently. CPA firms get sued, there has to be a firm in Lex, Lou and/or NKY who has experience with suing CPA firms who would sit down with you and let you know if you have a case.

 

It sounds like this was a less than ethical tax preparer who wanted to get business by getting his clients higher than legal refunds. Wouldn't surprise me if he retired like you said he did due to other clients receiving notices and he wants to get under the radar to try to hide. Since he doesn't have errors and ommissions insurance, you will have to sue him personally, go after his house, while you are primarily at fault, he is partially at fault also so have him pay his share.

When Can I Sue a Tax Accountant? - Law and Daily Life

If you need help finding an attorney, call the Kentucky Bar Association.

Edited April 11, 20179 yr by Jumper_Dad
R5

If you need help finding an attorney, call the Kentucky Bar Association.

 

What ever you do, don't just sit around moping "Woh is me", research on the bet what options you have and who you can consult with. If an attorney does take your case, they will probably take a third of what they collect so you may have no out of pocket.

Edited April 11, 20179 yr by Jumper_Dad
R14