NWR--but still an etiquette question

Re: NWR--but still an etiquette question

• shellydiane820 member

  

  February 2010

  i would probably ask what the charge is.

  

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• bbyckes member

  

  February 2010

  I would ask when I first speak with him.  You want to go in prepared.  I also think it's smart not to take your co-workers word that his services will in fact be free.  If his intent is not to charge you, he'll definitely let you know.
  
  I think that is a very thoughtful thank-you.  I'd go with the $50.

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• CCBelle

  

  February 2010

  Yes, I'd ask up front as you don't want to be surprised after the fact.  Just for a comparison, SIL's brother does our taxes at a "family rate" of $100.

  
  ~My Married Bio~

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• SarahPLiz member

  

  February 2010 edited February 2010

  It depends on how complicated your taxes are. If you are just dealing with W-2s and a mortgage, then I'd say do them yourselves. It will take 10 minutes max to fill it out online.
  
  If its more complicated, $50-$100 would probably be ok.
  
  ETA: If he does them for free he doesn't have to sign the bottom with you as the paid preparer. If that's important to you, then pay him.

  
  

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• stillundecided4 member

  

  February 2010

  I didn't think about him signing the form. Wouldn't he still be able to do that if it was pro-bono (is that the word for it?)

  
  We normally do our own taxes but FI and I just bought a house last year. Since we're not married yet, we're filing separately so we don't really want to mess with all the paperwork this year.

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• MairePoppy mod

  

  February 2010

  If you decide to have him do your taxes, you should ask about his fee up front.
  I, personally, would not be comfortable with a coworker's husband having access to my financial information. Just curious, but why is she offering her husbands services for free?
  

                     

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• stillundecided4 member

  

  February 2010

  I honestly don't know the exact reason she offered his services for free. That's kind of why I don't know how to approach the situation. We figured doing it free one year could turn into a paying client next year.

  
  

  I discussed with FI about the access to our financial information. We both agree if she did find out about our finances, that would be a huge etiquette breach on his part. We trust them so we don't think it would be a problem.

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• MairePoppy mod

  

  February 2010

  I've had a few snoopy coworkers in my past, that's why I asked.
  If he doesn't charge you for his services, the gift card would be a nice gesture.
  

                     

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• SarahPLiz member

  

  February 2010

  Also, him signing the return doesn't give you any additional protection. You are still fully liable for everything that is or is not reported on the form, because you sign it. If he signs it and its wrong he could get in trouble with his licensing authority.  I wouldn't (and don't) sign unless I'm paid.
  
  If all that changed was buying a house, then take the 1098s from the bank, split them in half (assuming you bought the house together) and you each report half. If you want to do it yourself, its still not that complicated.

  
  

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• iamjoesgurl member

  

  February 2010

  I think I would just ask him how much right up front.  Our taxes are complicated this year because we lived in different states up until we got married so we have 4 returns.  Plus, we have a special schedule because DH donated his car.  I always itemize because we have several itemized deductions.  We hired a CPA to do the taxes and he electronically filed all of the forms for us.  It only cost us $85.  A tax attorney might be more than a CPA.
  
  If he doesn't charge, a gift card would be a nice gift.  I think $50 is probably sufficient.

  
  

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• Kristin789 member

  

  February 2010

  >>him signing the return doesn't give you any additional protection. You are still fully liable for everything that is or is not reported on the form
  
  That's true, but if there is a problem, you AND whoever signed the form as the tax return preparer will be named in the action, and you AND your preparer will work together on this problem.  If you do not have a tax preparer, YOU ALONE will face any action/consequences.  That's the reason my mother goes to a tax attorney - she has some complicated investments, etc. - and her charge this spring was $80.

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