who owns tax preparer's data file?

I'm in California.

I've recently decided to change tax preparers, and the new preparer uses the same software (Lacerte) as the old preparer. I'd like a copy of the Lacerte data file from my old preparer, but he has declined to provide it to me.

Since that data was prepared as a "work for hire", I feel that I own the file, and have a right to a copy of it. It contains data about me, which I paid him to prepare.

Does anyone know my legal standing to demand a copy?

Thanks in advance,

Mike

[abezon]

You have a right to a copy of the return & copies of anything you gave him. You do not have a right to have him put a copy of your computer file on disk so that your new preparer has an easier time. The computer file contains proprietary information like his notes, billing breakdown, etc.

Thank you very much! That response was concise, useful and amazingly fast!!!!

Originally posted by abezon
You have a right to a copy of the return & copies of anything you gave him. You do not have a right to have him put a copy of your computer file on disk so that your new preparer has an easier time. The computer file contains proprietary information like his notes, billing breakdown, etc.