Richard C. LaCava CPA

Review: I brought my tax info to Mr. [redacted] in February after receiving an advertising letter and getting a quote of $250.00 for doing my taxes, I explained what was involved (selling a home, buying one and selling stock). I had paid a LOT to another tax person a few years ago so I was cautious. I am new in the area and didn't know a tax person. I got a phone message on April 11th saying that I needed to bring a check for $410.00 in and sign my return by 5 pm on 4/12 or they would have to file an extension. I went in today and was asking why it was $160.00 more than quoted and he said it was extensive, it was no more than explained on the phone. I was writing the check and he said "HERE, DO YOUR OWN TAXES"! I was not upset at the $410, just inquiring. I was shocked and took my file and told him I would report this to the Revdex.com. I had a bad feeling when I first went into his office for my intial appt. It was dirty, cluttered and there is a huge cat running around and it smelled like it. Mr. [redacted] yelled at his wife while he was putting my info into his computer on that visit and he made me feel very uncomfortable. He also has a huge computer screen facing where I sat and I could see ALL of his customer's names! Does HIPPA not apply here?? I feel that Mr. [redacted] is very unprofessional and people who may go to him need to know this. I am a ** year old widow with 2 teenagers and I am in need of this money. I had to go find another tax preparer, Mr. [redacted] of [redacted] Ma, to do my taxes 3 DAYS BEFORE THE DEADLINE! AT 5:00 P.M. Mr. [redacted] had my taxes prepared and put me in a very bad position. I think he is unstable and he really scared me. Sincerely,[redacted]Desired Settlement: I was scared by this man. I really want this matter to be of public record so nobody else has to experience this. He is very unprofessional but how are people supposed to find this out before going there? If you would like to call Mr. [redacted] to verify my story, please do, [redacted]. He is filing an extension and was very helpful. But now I won't get my money until even later.I have NEVER filed a complaint with the Revdex.com before but this really needs to be addressed.Thank you,

Business

Response:

Monday , April 22, 203

This is a complaint from an individual that we did not provide service to and received no fee.

This individual did Contact us prior to the attempt to prepare their return. They requested a quote for preparing their return. Since they were a first year client and it was not clear what was involved in preparing their tax returns, they were quoted our minimum price for a itemized return of $250.00. We did state that this was the base price and if there were additional forms needed that there would be additional charges.

I did meet with the client at which time they signed a detailed engagement letter agreeing that they would pay our usual and customary charges for tax preparation. I gathered what information she had and gave her a list of information that she needed to supply. Quite a time later the information that was requested was dropped off at my office by this individual. ­It turns but that the client had a part year MA return . a sale of residence in NY and a purchase of a residence in MA. The client also had wages taxable social security benefits, a Taxable HSA distribution and schedule A itemized deductions and capital gains on the sale of securities with no basis information (which had to be researched). Not including the research on the basis of securities sold, our regular fees amounted to $410.00.

When the client appeared to pick up their return they insisted on paying $250 for their tax return. When I refused to accept this amount for payment this individual became quite agitated. It became more apparent when this individual threatened me and called me a Bd that she did not meet my minimum requirements to be a client.

She was given all of her information back and told to seek out another preparer.

Sincerely ,

[redacted] , CPA