Eight years ago we researched for a younger tax person. Setting up systems and resources for getting older. Last week we received a letter stating that due to staff storages he's referring us to another preparer in the dame building. Quality. Recommend. So I phone them to get started. They quoted me three times the amount we were paying and sounded older. Another person called back to explain that they have to enter the numbers manually and double check everything and after this year the cost would decrease. Im not to happy about this. My accountant say her go tos have retired. I do have two more leads but I should I have to pay $6400 the first year for tax preparer? 16 rentals. Investments. --172.59.xxx.xxx

No way! Find others. Even travel an hour if you have to. That’s insane. --174.240.xxx.xxx

Should cost probably half that. That office is probably pretty low tech so you're paying for their inefficiency. I can vouch for the fact that there are many of us retiring, cutting back on work or not accepting new clients. --23.28.xx.xx

I pay less than half of that but it depends on what you are having them do. Even if they are doing the bookkeeping that is more than I would pay. --162.204.xxx.xxx

That's crazy. I think we pay under $400? Almost certainly under $500. I do all the information organization, and they just plug it in, but that's with personal businesses (one of which is the rentals), dh's day job, my side job, and dh's side gig. --172.59.xxx.xx

There are a few things where I hate changing professionals: doctors, accountants, and lawyers are at the top of the list followed by a few of my best trades people. --99.64.xx.xx

--23.28.xx.xx

Is it possible to have an accountant in another state? --73.19.xxx.xx

Have another guy in mind, but you also have to invest with them...maybe that wouldn't be a bad thing. --209.107.xxx.xx

Tell them Ray N Pa sent you --173.188.xx.xxx

i'm in MIssouri. --172.59.xxx.xxx

I’m surprised the Ai crowd hasn’t jumped in. ChatGPT: who is the best real estate accountant in Missouri? --174.240.xxx.xxx

Just be sure you find someone who specializes in REAL ESTATE. That's the hard part. --73.216.xxx.xxx

My tax preparer is also out of state. That has not been an issue. --162.204.xxx.xxx

So do you Mail them papers? Or how do you get them the information? --172.59.xxx.xxx

Mail for the end of the year stuff usually but I just scan and email as necessary. When I still needed bookkeeping I would mail quarterly as there were more documents than I felt like scanning. --162.204.xxx.xxx

I figure it's just a matter of time before AI will be able to help with that, though. --104.230.xxx.xxx

Since your previous firm has initiated this, find out if they will share their files with a new firm. If so, find a new firm that uses the same software (Drake, etc.) so they can just pick up where the old firm left off. --68.1.xxx.xxx

Hmmm.... I just read the thread about tenants using payday plans cuz they don't want to manage their money. Could the same be said about landlords and certain things. I know that would apply to me when it comes to anything electrical, or anything on a roof. I won't even change an electrical outlet; it is just my blind spot, and that's it. And on a roof? Nope, nope, nope . Fortunately, my grandkids aren't afraid of heights, so grandson went on roof to blow out gutters. For a fee. So, I guess I get it if bookkeeping and tax returns just aren't your thing. OTOH, doing some learning might be less 'taxing' than having to replace tax preparers often. --72.135.xxx.xx