raising price after work is done - sneaky business!

[charisseaz]

What is the name of your state? AZ

I have been using the same person to prepare my taxes for the past 4 years. She does not live in the same city, so I have to mail my taxes to her. Her price has always been a flat rate of $175 - we have not discussed price since the first time I went to her years ago. This year, she sent me my completed taxes in the mail with an invoice of $250. She NEVER informed me of a rate increase, verbally or in writing. I think it is a little sneaky to change your price AFTER the work is done. What do I owe legally? Thanks-

 

[I AM ALWAYS LIABLE]

What is the name of your state? AZ

I have been using the same person to prepare my taxes for the past 4 years. She does not live in the same city, so I have to mail my taxes to her. Her price has always been a flat rate of $175 - we have not discussed price since the first time I went to her years ago. This year, she sent me my completed taxes in the mail with an invoice of $250. She NEVER informed me of a rate increase, verbally or in writing. I think it is a little sneaky to change your price AFTER the work is done. What do I owe legally? Thanks-

My response:

Products and services change pricing, nearly on a daily basis. You can thank George Bush for that. Did you vote for him?

You have just as much responsibility in this to "ask" as she has to tell you. But, since you didn't ask, relying on an assumption that everything stays the same, then you're the one who's liable for the invoice in its full amount. There's no law that says you have to be informed of pricing before work begins. Asking that work should begin is an acceptance of someone's current pricing for their services.

Next time, ask. Then negotiate.

IAAL