Extension Deadline Today!

[The bullies win]

Does anyone have clients that are always, always procrastinators? How do you contact them? How do you respond to clients that drop off last year's tax information 10 months after and two days before deadline?

How do you deal with extensions that were not requested, but expected? 

[IRonMaN]

If they are dropping things off 10 months "after", my calendar would put them into November.  But I'm just a CPA and not an enrolled agent so I could be wrong.

[abctax55]

1) Yell at the client (two of them yesterday - but they are 'semi' family).

2) Bill the hell out of 'em.

3) Fire them.

4) All of the above.

UNLESS there's a really good excuse.  One I'm finishing today only because his wife of 25 years dropped dead in March.  He's a mess.  And she (of course) was the one who always gathered the paperwork.

[The bullies win]

Lol, we definitely attempt to encourage them, but some people do have challenges. 

How do you handle the procrastinators who expected you to file the extension in April, but failed to contact you? 

[BobKamman]

@IRonMaN Ten months after, what?  November would mean January, but the broker 1099's aren't delivered until February.  Ten months after April 15 would put them into January of next year.  But you probably know what you're talking about, I'm neither CPA or EA.  

[abctax55]

No contact = they have to put themselves on extension.

I gave up babysitting years ago.

[TaxGuyBill]

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@The bullies win wrote:

How do you handle the procrastinators who expected you to file the extension in April, but failed to contact you? 

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You can't file an extension for their 1040 unless you are able to properly estimate their tax.  That means unless you have most of their information, you don't file an extension.  But you could send out emails in early April telling them to make an electronic extension payment for the tax return (even if it is only $1) and that the IRS claims they will grant an extension based on that payment.

As for the deadline, YOU need to set YOUR deadline, and stick to it.  IF you are willing to accept things after your deadline, make the client aware that there will be a very large additional fee.

[TiredFarmer]

Thank you to (I hope you know which of you all is included) for making this a bearable filing season.  I really appreciate you more than you know even though I am horrible with putting thoughts into words!

Has anyone heard when the last day to e-file is before they shut down until next year?  

Thanks again and I hope you all have Happy and Safe Holidays!

[IRonMaN]

@TiredFarmer - always a pleasure to deal with you.  Appreciative answer seekers are appreciated by question answerers.  As to the shutdown date, I don't think that has been released yet.

I hate to spoil the surprise but the regulars here are looking to pitch in to buy you a really good pillow so you aren't so tired for the coming tax season. 😀

[TaxMonkey]

I send an email at the end of the July and simply bill more for any work done during the last 16 days or so.