Changing tax professionals is a big decision; one that certainly shouldn’t be taken lightly, especially if you are a U.S. resident or taxpayer that lives and works overseas. Nevertheless, many taxpayers are relatively nonchalant about changing to a new professional when they are genuinely dissatisfied. Many of us have had conversations with friends about sub-par service from a professional (whether tax or in other personal service areas) and when asked the question “why don’t you just change professionals”, we’ve all heard the response “well, I’ve been with Fred for years”
This may seem a bit bizarre, but taxes are a relationship-driven service. After all, it involves very personal information about yourself that typically is not shared with anyone else but your spouse and your tax professional. Perhaps there is a reluctance to change professionals with someone that you have shared such intimate details with. Over many years in the tax business, we have compiled a list of the most common reasons why a taxpayer changes tax professionals. The top reasons are:
- Phone calls not returned promptly
- Promises, expectations and agreed deadlines not met.
- Work not completed on a timely basis.
- Poor value.
- Inadequate tax planning.
- Proactive service not provided.
- Lack of personal chemistry and rapport.
- Mistakes and poor advice.
- Unexpected tax liabilities with related penalties and interest charges.
- Difficulty in meeting with the assigned partner.
- Unexpected fees.
- Prices are too high.
- Death, retirement or change of ownership.
- Lack of technical knowledge.
- Limited resources.
- Limited or only once a year contact.
- The business has out-grown the accountant.
If you have experienced any of the above, you may want to evaluate changing tax professionals.
