Exorbitant and Unethical Billing

[Valerie W]

What is the name of your state? NJ

Nearly nine months ago, I received a referral to an accountant from another professional that I have done business with. I contacted the accountant, and this person suggested breakfast, so I met him at a diner and paid for his breakfast. The only time I was in the firm's office was when I subsequently agreed to drop off a copy of last year's income tax return. It was copied at the office and I later picked my original up. I mentioned I was interested in buying a business, and one was suggested and I was given a referral. After this, the accountant and I made an agreement for a visit to my house and during ****tails/hors d'oevres we very vaguely and informally discussed the business purchase/taxes. On my own, I decided against the business purchase, and I also selected another accountant to do my tax work. On another date, a holiday weekend, and at the accountant's request, this person came to my house with two friends and I hosted a boat trip on which we visited another one of their friends, and I provided ****tails/hors d'oevres, and a late night of socializing. I subsequently received a bill from the accountant for nearly $400.00. Fees were never discussed, and at no time was a fee listing or payment of monies verbalized. I called and asked for further clarification on the charges, expressed that I thought these charges were unforseeable and extreme, and suggested discontinuing our social and professional relationship, as business and pleasure were not mixing in this case. I received a slightly more detailed bill and the charges were then delineated as copying, and 3 conferences. Meanwhile, I had my tax return prepared by another accountant and in a timely fashion in accordance with the law. My current accountant and other accountants I have employed have all discussed their fees with me, and they have communicated their method of charging me at the onset of our relationship. All I can honestly say that I believe I owe for is the photocopying his office performed. I am now receiving letters that this fee is going to the accounting firm's attorney for collection. I have spotless credit and would appreciate any suggestions as to how to best proceed. Can a c.p.a. operate like this? Thank you in advance for your advice.

[seniorjudge]

Originally Posted by Valerie W

What is the name of your state? NJ

Nearly nine months ago, I received a referral to an accountant from another professional that I have done business with. I contacted the accountant, and this person suggested breakfast, so I met him at a diner and paid for his breakfast. The only time I was in the firm's office was when I subsequently agreed to drop off a copy of last year's income tax return. It was copied at the office and I later picked my original up. I mentioned I was interested in buying a business, and one was suggested and I was given a referral. After this, the accountant and I made an agreement for a visit to my house and during ****tails/hors d'oevres we very vaguely and informally discussed the business purchase/taxes. On my own, I decided against the business purchase, and I also selected another accountant to do my tax work. On another date, a holiday weekend, and at the accountant's request, this person came to my house with two friends and I hosted a boat trip on which we visited another one of their friends, and I provided ****tails/hors d'oevres, and a late night of socializing. I subsequently received a bill from the accountant for nearly $400.00. Fees were never discussed, and at no time was a fee listing or payment of monies verbalized. I called and asked for further clarification on the charges, expressed that I thought these charges were unforseeable and extreme, and suggested discontinuing our social and professional relationship, as business and pleasure were not mixing in this case. I received a slightly more detailed bill and the charges were then delineated as copying, and 3 conferences. Meanwhile, I had my tax return prepared by another accountant and in a timely fashion in accordance with the law. My current accountant and other accountants I have employed have all discussed their fees with me, and they have communicated their method of charging me at the onset of our relationship. All I can honestly say that I believe I owe for is the photocopying his office performed. I am now receiving letters that this fee is going to the accounting firm's attorney for collection. I have spotless credit and would appreciate any suggestions as to how to best proceed. Can a c.p.a. operate like this? Thank you in advance for your advice.

Q: Can a c.p.a. operate like this?

A: Yes, they expect to get paid for their work.