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@Hollyatrosewoodut wrote:

If I agreed to do the tax return for three years how much per return would you charge?

will he just go to someone or the IRS to make an offer in compromise? 

How much would you charge per year for the bookkeeping? I was thinking $1-2000 per year? plus about $4-600 per tax return. Maybe this is too much....I just know its going to be a lot of trouble. 

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The IRS usually wants six years.

Does his situation seem like he will qualify for an Offer In Compromise?  Personally, I don't think it is overly necessary to do too much bookkeeping to track expenses if the tax will be limited to an Offer In Compromise.  If you are not sure if they will qualify for an Offer In Compromise, that is one reason why you may consider just referring this client to someone that deals with resolution of problems.

I am NOT an accountant or bookkeeper, but I would think it would be reasonable to use an hourly rate for bookkeeping, and working off a retainer (don't EVER do work for a late-filer until you have been paid).  But don't do that during tax season, unless you double or triple your bookkeeping hourly rate.