MAJOR vent about Accountant and tax error from 2003!!!

I am FUMING!!!! So FH and I have been using the same accountant for the past 4 yrs. Never has there been a problem…until now!! After filing our taxes last year for 2003 (which was a difficult year for me) she told me I had to pay state tax, which I expected, but she was not clear on the amount. So after I got home I looked at the papers and saw 2 different amounts. One of the amounts was $62, so I figure let me send something, so I sent that (being the lesser of the two). I procrastinated (as did FH)going back to her to get it figured out, mostly b/c the accountant is in the Bronx, we live in Queens and I work on Long Island, I work 6 days a week and she only has hours Tues-Sat during the day (while I am at work). SO I let it go (I know, real bad idea) until we went this year to do 2004 taxes. OH, and she marked some boxes incorrectly. Here is the deal…

In 2003 I worked for NYPD from 1/1/03 – 3/12/03
Collected unemployment from 3/12/03-10/03 (don’t recall exact date)
Started new job in Nassau County 10/15/03-to end of year

During this time, I lived in Nassau County from 1/1/03-9/1/03
Moved to Queens 9/1/03 to end of year.

If you live in Nassau and work in the 5 boros, there are special forms that need completing, as well b/c I was only a city resident part of the year, the form had to be completed a certain way.

Now, she had boxes concerning this checked incorrectly. I knew that Unemployment only deducted Federal Tax and expected to pay state tax, but when we were there this year and I showed her the papers and she re-calculated it, she said it came out the same that I owed the state $600 something!!! I could not believe that! She then said something was not right, and to just “ignore it” and I did.

NOW….I received a letter from the state saying I owe (w/ interest and fees) $786.05! BY JUNE 10!! (I only rec’d this last week-letter is dated 5/20). I have been trying to call the accountant to get this fixed (PS will have to take a day off of work if I have to go up there). Everytime I call it’s busy or no answer!!!!!!!

ANYONE OUT THERE THAT CAN ASSIST ME?!?!?!?!

Half of me wants to pay it just to get it out of the way!!!!

Thanks to “listening”!!!

Re: MAJOR vent about Accountant and tax error from 2003!!!

I believe that if there is an error, and the accountant signed the return as your preparer, she is responsible for the interest on the tax. You are responsible for the tax, since you would have had to pay it anyway, but it was her job to prepare it correctly and you paid her to do that, so she should pay the penalty for you.

Re: MAJOR vent about Accountant and tax error from 2003!!!

I am not sure what the exact law is but I always thought that no matter what, once you sign the papers, it is all on the tax payer. Not saying it is right because my dad got royally s-c-r-e-w-e-d by his accountant for back taxes. And we are talking at least over 5 digits.

Message edited 6/1/2005 4:25:13 PM.

Re: MAJOR vent about Accountant and tax error from 2003!!!

I think Jen is right and what I said before might be wrong. I was curious and I found this on the IRS website:


“Taxpayers need to keep in mind that they are ultimately responsible for their tax return,” said Palmer. “There are some simple steps they can take to protect themselves.”

Whether a tax preparer simply makes an error or intentionally commits fraud, it is the taxpayer who actually owes the tax and any penalties and interest on the taxes owed but not paid."


In any event, I would consider finding a new accountant if this one is not willing to help you out at all. Good luck!

Re: MAJOR vent about Accountant and tax error from 2003!!!

Thank you SOOOO much!!! I FINALLY got thru, and have an appointment Tues at noon, have to take the day off (potentially w/o pay b/c I have no more vacation days), but I HAVE to get this cleared up ASAP.

Again, Thanks!!!!

-Jill