The Accounting Racket: Back in Business

This is my last tax season with Megatax (not their real name).  I don't know, the corporate atmosphere just seems a bit hostile.

No, that's not really true.  What is true is that Megatax company charges way too damn much money.  In about a third of the clients, I feel offended when the computer picks the price.  Often the price strikes me as over the line into abusive territory.  The franchise owner programs the desired price into the computer, and prices are based on the number of forms prepared and the relative complexity of each.  In many cases, this provides a reasonable price for the work done.  In other cases, it equates to about $400 an hour.  I mean, I'm good, but I'm not THAT good.  $200 an hour is closer to reality.  The Big Four I'm not.

But how can they pay my huge salary without charging such prices?  Easy.  My salary isn't huge, it's minimum wage plus bonus.  There is pressure from above to avoid overtime at all costs, so tax preparers often work off the clock to keep up or to avoid offending clients with poor service.  This game is really popular with a lot of greedy accounting firms:  pressure the staff to "eat time," work off the clock, or get fired.  Obviously, I am not worried about getting fired, as the company needs me a lot more than I need them.

I have applied for my federal e-file number so I can begin filing returns electronically.  I have a sizable hunk of business lined up in corporate tax returns.  I will do what I can at Megatax, but  after April 15, it's sayanara baby.  Then it's gonna be Stogie, Light and Puff,  Tax Accountants.  Yeah baby. Hope I won't make an ash of myself.