After receiving a mailing from CSI group and realizing they were mainly staffed by CPAs, I thought I would give them a try. I am recently retired, and have much prior experience with accountants. I don't need to itemize, as I have no deductions and the current tax personal deduction is generous. I called for a quote, and was told I had to come in to speak with the accountant. I was asked to bring the last 3 returns, and after speaking with him, I was quoted $250- $350, very reasonable. I dropped off my tax paperwork and was called 2 days later by another accountant who had gone over my paperwork. He said $2500 for my return. I asked to have the first CPA call me, who stated "the paperwork and 1099 DIV's were more complicated than he thought. I reminded him he looked over my last return while we sat together, he then reconsidered and offered $1250. I called the next morning and asked them to return my paperwork. I was told the paperwork was in another office and would have to be mailed. I offered to drive up and pick it up but they wouldn't allow this. After several phone calls and emails which were not returned, I finally got the paperwork mailed, 2 weeks later. Holding tax paperwork hostage and not returning calls means I won't be back. Do yourself a favor and do likewise. read more