Legal Question in Consumer Law in Illinois

Not sure what type of attorney would handle this. I've been dealing with a tax accountant for many years. I never questioned what he charged until recently. I am 70 years old, a widow and can't even itemize and he charges me $560.00 and is 4 years behind in his billing. I did call the state licensening division and they slapped him on the wrist for saying he was a public accountant when in fact he was not. Last year I went to a CPA and had my taxes done for $175.00. I am more than willing to pay him a fair price for the work he has done. Right now I owe for 07, 08, 09 and 10 and have only been billed for 07 and just received the bill for 08. Do I have any legal recourse?


Asked on 11/23/12, 8:33 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Stephen Messutta

He may not be a CPA but may be a licensed tax preparer registered with the IRS to do so. The fact that you found someone who charges less is not a reason to pay for work performed as long as they were prepared properly and by someone entitled to prepare tax returns. What you do have a right to is the bills. Maybe someone can help you compromise them but if you haven't paid 5 year old amounts because he hasn't billed, them, you've also gotten away with not having to pay them for 5 years and there is some value to that too. Have an attorney demand statements for payment, and see if you can get the attorney to help you get the amounts compromised. Any business lawyer should be able to help. The fact you are 70, a widow and apparently have made no effort to understanding of itemizations, is irrelevant.

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Answered on 11/29/12, 12:40 pm


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