SURVEY RESULTS: How to Fire a Client

924215_crazy_lady.jpgResponse to our article, “Four Reasons to Fire a Client Today: Turn problems into profits,” has been brisk.

Practically every accountant has at least one client they wish they didn’t. And about two-thirds of accountants are doing something about it — by firing a client within the last year. Every practitioner may have a different threshold for pain, but few don’t have at least one “client from Hell” story. And just as many have some advice for colleagues.

Here are the initial results from our survey, How to Fire a Client…

Tax Season Gets Off to Smooth Start

calculator-and-pen-web-sized.jpgCPAs report fewer glitches, improved business results.

Benchmark your business; join the busy season survey.

by Rick Telberg

Despite last-minute changes to the tax code and an emergency economic stimulus package… despite critical staffing shortages and late or unprepared clients… despite all that, busy season 2008 appears to be going better and smoother for most accountants. So far, anyway.

In my soundings of the profession, CPAs are generally telling me that they are less harried and that business is generally as good or better so far this busy season as compared to the same period in 2007.

In all key gauges — revenues, profits, volume and stress-accountants are reporting a smoother, better and healthier busy season. READ MORE →

Melancon Reports Gains in CPA License Mobility

barry-melancon-2008jpg.jpg“We’ve made more progress in the last 18 months in this area than in the last 120 years,” says Barry Melancon (pictured), president and CEO of the AICPA.

Mobility bills have been enacted in 12 states and legislation is pending in 22 others, Melancon tells WebCPA. Seven states — Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Maine, Rhode Island, Tennessee and Texas — approved mobility legislation in 2007, and New Mexico enacted it this year. Meanwhile, bills in Washington State, Idaho and Utah are awaiting signatures.