Different Years, Same Clowns

I have over 100 waiting on information.  Will I get it in time?  Who knows.  Should I suggest an extension - on my no, they freak out.  But the worst is the amount of returns I've had to redo after completion because they forgot this form or that.  

My most common one this year is a 1099S.  That’s it.  No mention on what we sold or its cost.  Just a 1099S.  It’s a tax form so they knew I would need it🙄

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@PATAX wrote:

Year after year the same clowns. They forget a 1099 R form or maybe the Social Security form. They forget forms from the brokers or information about their rental property . They can't remember if they paid all the estimates. Year after year you can't finish the return and have to request information. But God forbid if you charge them an extra $5 for the extra work they start hyperventilating.🤡👎

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Same same.....its not like its one form, its multiple. Its like cmon man, this is not your first rodeo. Put some freakin thought behind this. 

You are not obligated to invite them back....

I'm with JWM. I don't deal with unresponsive clients. No engagement letter signed and returned? No tax return prepared by me. Not all information included, even when specifically asked? No tax return prepared by me. Life is too short....

They forget to put the 'form' in their paperwork.

**Email them 'I need xx Form'

They respond 'I thought it was in there'.

** Three sets of eyes (I wear glasses 😉 have looked for it, and it IS not there.

Are you sure?

** Do you want to be fired (in my mind..).   Yes, I'm sure.

(wait for it)

A day later, here comes the form.  The ORIGINAL.

My favorite clowns:   

complete the organizer - check yes on sold real estate but send no documents.  Most say not sure what I needed..... duh! maybe a phone call would have cleared that up BEFORE you brought me your paperwork. 

Child born in 2022 - no social security number provided   no explanation why not    Have to waste my time calling to get the answer

Client that turned in Estimated tax payment worksheet with check number/date missing for one payment AND that voucher attached.    However, totally positive they made that payment.   

American democracy relies on voluntary compliance.  Without the docility of most taxpayers, the Pentagon would not have the funds to buy a $9,341 Wexford leather club chair.  And voluntary compliance relies on the availability of enough tax preparers who open their doors to everyone, even those who are carrying guns, viruses, or grudges against the government.  Those of us who are able to screen our clientele and avoid the sociopaths or mentally challenged, should be thankful that others serve them so we don't have to.  

Just for the record, I just opened up another client envelope with a 1099S.  No notes, no nothing, but there is another 1099S staring at me.😬

This might help you with the clowns. I have rules

Do not give me documents until you have all that I need together. Use the checklist I have provided to insure that nothing is overlooked. I don't take documents piecemeal. Returns are completed on a first received first done basis. I will contact you if I have any questions. I don't do your records keeping for you. Complete the worksheets I have provided. Don't send any receipts or invoices unless asked for.

There are others but this is the start of my process. My clients have been well-trained, over the years. I don't use any of questionaires or checklists the program provided. They are not specific enough. I have created a set, of which, I provide to the client based on their specific tax needs.

I am considering writing a manual on how to set up and run a tax business.

Can hardly wait to see IronMan's post on this one.