B
bill wehmeier
Guest
In settling my mother's estate in Missouri, I had a CPA "friend" who works for a small accounting firm to file the Federal Estate Tax. Before I engaged him, I asked for an estimate as to the cost. His answer was "$1500 maybe up to $3000". This was said also in front of my sister. After the tax form was completed. He gave me a bill for $7000. I told him that it was "substantially over" his estimate. He responded that there was extra work involved. After I paid him I showed the completed form to another CPA and to an Estate Tax lawyer and asked them what they thought the cost should be. Both of their answers were in the $2000 to $3000 range. I haven't confronted my "friend" yet because I haven't received a closure letter from the IRS yet and I may need him in case there is some question on the return which he prepared.
Do I have any legal recourse? What would be the best way to handle this if he refuses to refund any of the charge?
Do I have any legal recourse? What would be the best way to handle this if he refuses to refund any of the charge?