re: If a CPA makes a mistake that results in interest and penalties from the IRS....

quote:

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Does a lawyer request someone review their work before submitted? Does an engineer ask to review their math? A

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Well, in most cases, I (as the client) are not signing the legal filing, or stamping my name on the engineering renderings.

However, the client is signing the tax return.

Keep in mind, though, the reason for this.

Lawyers and engineers are required to be certified.

While CPAs are... remember that any old John Doe can prepare a tax return for you. They don't need to be certified, licensed, or anything like that.

Barbers and florists require more licensure than it takes someone to be paid to prepare a tax return.

quote:

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A CPA’s errors and omissions excuse should not be ‘the client should have reviewed it’. That’s absurd

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I agree with this. CPAs should hold themselves to a higher standard... but many do not, because they are miserable about the idea that someone can come in and charge $50 and prep a tax return with absolutely no licensure, competence, etc.

There's a lot of CPAs out there who are mailing it in so to speak at this point. It's not right, of course.