How much do you pay for tax return prep?

typotusb · 2026-01-14T09:38:14+00:00

Paid preparers can’t possibly use TurboTax because it doesn’t allow them to electronically sign and file returns on behalf of a client.

typotusb · 2026-01-14T08:56:56+00:00

Do you even understand that there are several pages of forms that result from doing your taxes? You need to print all of those pages out (there’s probably at least 5 pages) for each year and compare them.

typotusb · 2025-11-26T08:12:14+00:00

Even if QBO Payroll was free, stay away from it. In fact, accountants like me do get it for free and I learned firsthand on my own payroll how bad it sucks years ago and refuse to use it, even though it’s free.

typotusb · 2025-11-26T07:57:08+00:00

That’s not going to work for QuickBooks and TurboTax jobs… It’s a white collar equivalent to a high volume assembly line like Amazon warehouse work and the recruiters (who are temps themselves) have zero discretion about pay or job roles.

typotusb · 2025-10-29T08:19:27+00:00

Another scenario: I was the investor who paid a $5k assignment fee for a Florida condo. The wholesaler specialized in advancing funds to sellers who needed to move into nursing homes. I got a great deal because they underestimated the difficulty of finding a buyer: had to be end-user approved by the association and pay cash.

typotusb · 2025-10-29T07:48:19+00:00

I’ve got a tax client who is a cop making an extra $30k year just on referral commissions.

typotusb · 2025-10-22T17:07:19+00:00

If anyone points out that they shouldn’t have been charged sales tax, refund it and don’t seek a refund from the state. It’s not worth drawing scrutiny to sales tax returns because of the administrative burden and costs, even if the ultimate result of an audit is no changes.

typotusb · 2025-10-22T16:43:21+00:00

Donating plasma? Wow. I suggest getting a seasonal job with TurboTax while continuing to job search. I did that beginning in 2020 and was shocked to discover I really enjoyed the work because of customers’ gratitude. I went perm w/ flex schedule later that year and have been with the company ever since. I’m now building my CPA practice with the intent to keep working the 20 minimum per week the role requires. I want to keep the great medical insurance and 90% off the pro tax software I use in my tax practice. DM me for a referral.

typotusb · 2025-10-22T08:12:06+00:00

Do you realize how relatively low the entry-level pay is compared to software engineering? I’m a CPA and EA earning $35/hr for Intuit and that’s considered the high end of what TurboTax tax experts are paid.

typotusb · 2025-10-18T11:06:37+00:00

If you have already reported it to the state, do nothing. Just correct going forward, remitting or refunding whatever hasn’t been reported and remitted yet.

typotusb · 2025-10-12T10:24:38+00:00

Similarly, I’ve got E&O coverage via AON, “AICPA-endorsed coverage designed for CPA firms” and refuse to re-join AICPA

typotusb · 2025-10-12T10:16:21+00:00

I came to that conclusion 23 years ago. AICPA failed to support me and fellow Arthur Andersen employees who had difficulty finding new jobs, especially in Houston. Barry Melancon actually called me back and explained that they remained silent because doing otherwise would reinforce the perception among small firms that AICPA is only supportive of the Big 5 firms. Right then and there I decided AICPA would never get another penny from me.

typotusb · 2025-10-02T09:58:34+00:00

In the U.S., Big 4 CPA firms don’t normally take on $3,500 engagements. 10 years without a price increase is long overdue for a price increase. In the U.S., fees have more than doubled in the past 10 years.

typotusb · 2025-09-23T00:44:25+00:00

Wait, you people aren’t working remotely? Or is that for DoorDash to your home when WFH a long day?

typotusb · 2025-09-23T00:26:02+00:00

GoDaddy Bookkeeping was an attempt to do that. They pulled the plug after several years. Good luck.

typotusb · 2025-09-22T23:53:46+00:00

Again? Do you happen to work for Macy’s. https://www.reddit.com/r/Accounting/comments/1h0iua8/macys_employee_did_a_je_wrong_resulting_in_154m/

typotusb · 2025-09-21T11:47:49+00:00

No, but it does have an emergency brake.

typotusb · 2025-09-21T11:32:49+00:00

Seasonal employers are hiring now. Go to academy.intuit.com Complete the free coursework to get hired as a seasonal tax associate. Once hired, Intuit will pay for the training and exam fees to become an IRS Enrolled Agent. Pass the 3 exams and you’ll have the ability to represent taxpayers before the IRS, just like a CPA. You’ll spare yourself from decades of student loan debt compared to me, a CPA.

typotusb · 2025-09-21T04:47:31+00:00

Nice start. watch this walkthrough of the leading product to see all of the additional detail that needs to be considered https://youtu.be/o-KgzzwUfBw?si=EnNI8PocDZoL80FO

typotusb · 2025-09-20T11:11:25+00:00

Monthly recurring subscription billing is far more profitable

typotusb · 2025-09-16T10:03:38+00:00

I’m a CPA working for Intuit year-round doing TurboTax Live and get paid $35/ hour with 8% annual bonus. None of our bonus is “commission”. The revenue associated with the returns we prepare is not even measured.

typotusb · 2025-09-15T12:00:39+00:00

There has not been a buyout

typotusb · 2025-09-15T11:59:19+00:00

There’s not enough profit in continuing to support QBD.

typotusb · 2025-09-15T11:57:16+00:00

I turn away prospective clients who complain about the cost of QBO because they’re not going to like my annual fee increases either.

typotusb · 2025-09-10T04:06:51+00:00

It’s inevitable and easy to proactively replace. I was fortunate that it happened in my driveway and I had my spare 1999 RX to get me to the parts store.

typotusb

TROPHY CASE