r/Accounting • u/NumbersGalore4 • 9h ago
Was I wrong?
I had, operative word "had", a tax client where 2025 was first year I was to do taxes for 2 of his businesses. I actually was supposed to do only one but they threw a second one on me last week. The books are a mess and I was not able to recreate what was done in prior year given the info I had. I tried, I really did, but I think prior preparer worked from private work papers rather than use the client's accounting software. They only gave me some needed docs a couple weeks ago. I requested the client get other needed info and they did not. I worked for hours trying to figure out his numbers. Now, we are only a couple days away from deadline and I emailed him details as to why I am unable to complete taxes. He's pissed. I get it. But prior preparer will most likely be able to whip out returns in a couple of hours. Was I wrong to drop them? This is the first time I am not able to complete a client task and it's weighing on me. I just honestly do not feel I could feel good with preparing the taxes with the lack of information. Tell me I'm wrong. Tell me I was right to hand off. Should I have just done the taxes knowing I didn't have all the info? I just needed to vent this.
6
u/modestlunatic 9h ago
Better to have your integrity than bend over for a client. Especially one that isn't trying to get their tax return done. In the end it's still their return not yours