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A CPA’s Take on Extreme Customer Service
By Stacie Clifford Kitts CPA
Ya that’s right. I am a CPA and I’m in the customer service business.
In fact, I’m in the – work all night into the next day and then into the next night if that’s what it takes to meet customer expectations – business. Frankly and as a general rule, the IRS just doesn’t give a good gosh darn if I have the flu or my child is missing his Easter pageant. The work must be done and since I have committed to doing it accurately and on time – well duh that is what I am going to do even if I need to miss a few nights of sleep. And yes as unfortunate as it is, over the years I have had to disappoint a pageant participant or two.
But I think I can take this even further, because it’s fair to say that as far as customer services goes, I am in the “extreme” customer service business. And just like other extreme activities, like skydiving or base-jumping, I’ve experienced my fair share of adrenalin heightened heart pounding moments where I thought I might not make it.
Oh the rush – can you feel it- a major tax deadline is fast approaching – will – YOU- make – it?
The nature of a CPA’s work requires courageous customer service. However, there’s also that smidgen of trepidation weaved in. It is this combination of emotion that truly makes the level of customer service provided by a CPA extreme.
However, maybe it’s also that investment of conflicting emotion that makes me so frustrated by businesses that can’t seem to pull off even a moderate level of good customer service. Believe me; high-quality customer service can be done. All you have to do is do it.
Today is March 15, our first major tax filing deadline and I’ve strapped on my tax knowledge safety-chute and jumped. And as I hurdle toward the end of the day, I know that at least this time I am going to make it. For now, it’s time to pull the ripcord and float smoothly in for a soft landing.
IRS Patrol: An Installment of the IRS’s Own Stupid Preparer Files With Elements of the DUH Factor Too
Looks like the IRS has caught on to The Stupid Preparer Files. This is the second news release by the IRS about stupid preparers in a couple of months. If you are a loyal reader of More Tax Tips you know that I like to keep readers up to date on IRS tax tips and news releases, so I am – shall we say – on top of these releases. I can’t recall seeing this particular topic – not in the last few years anyway.
One other point of interest you will notice as your read about this Stupid Preparer is this story also has elements of the DUH factor too.
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IRS Wins 48-Month Suspension of a Lawyer for Failing to File His Own Tax Return and Late Filing
WASHINGTON — Massachusetts Tax Attorney Kevin Kilduff was barred from practicing before the Internal Revenue Service for 48 months for failing to file one federal tax return and for filing another five returns late.
“Professionals who demonstrate a lack of respect for our tax system by failing to meet their own tax filing obligations should not expect to retain the privilege to practice before the IRS,” said Karen L. Hawkins, Director of the IRS Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR).
The OPR had originally sought the 48-month suspension, alleging Kilduff’s conduct was willful and disreputable. OPR enforces standards of conduct under Treasury Circular 230, which governs enrolled agents, attorneys and certified public accountants. Kilduff formerly worked for the IRS Office of Chief Counsel.
The Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) subsequently set the penalty at a 24-month suspension. Kilduff appealed the ALJ decision to the Secretary of the Treasury’s Appellate Authority, which in fact ultimately imposed the harsher 48-month suspension.
Kilduff’s suspension is for a minimum of 48 months. OPR has sole discretion regarding his reinstatement to practice before the IRS. At the very least, Kilduff must file all federal returns and pay all taxes he is responsible for, or enter an acceptable installment agreement or offer in compromise.
The complete decisions of the ALJ and the Appellate Authority are available on the OPR page on this web site.
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So not filing your own tax return is not a good idea. – DUH
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