I had my basic tax returns done with Greg for 2013, and will not be returning. I was disappointed with his communication skills, which were spotty at best. The main issues I experienced were 1. Not receiving complete responses to my questions in a timely manner. and 2. An inconsiderate attitude. First, the few times I had questions (not many, or complex), I was mindful that it might take a while to hear back since he was completing these the rush week right before April 15. No problem. Take your time ... But once he responded, he'd respond only partially, leaving key questions unanswered .... leaving me to (time and again) chase after him, via phone and email, for simple answers. Not pleasant or considerate, and a lot of work. These were easily avoidable experiences.
I tried to withhold judgment and give him the benefit of the doubt, but the final exchanges soured me further. I needed to obtain my 2012 tax papers that I'd left at his house, and did not have time to stop by to pick them up. Incidentally, he didn't mention his business was at his house before my first appt. Home businesses are great, but I - and my GPS - would just have appreciated knowing this ahead of time! I didn't have time to stop by again because I was busy moving. I figured for the price I paid him, I'd earned some documents sent back via mail. I asked him kindly to send the papers a few times. Again, no response ... one week, two weeks, three. I did, however, receive a nice automated thank you email or two emphasizing the importance of Yelp reviews to his business and inviting me to leave one!
Finally I told him that I'd found his communication skills disappointing, to say the least, and asked him to clarify if he'd sent/or would send my papers back. His response made it clear that he preferred clients picking things up at his house mail box (regardless apparently of his clients' lives/needs/ schedules/preferences); sending client documents back via postal mail -- which I'd consider standard/reasonable considering what I paid -- was in his view " a favor that he could accommodate under special circumstances"!!!! (Apparently only after being asked how many times?) (I did finally receive the documents, several weeks later - via certified mail.)
Greg put his own preferences and concerns above mine (his client). He was inattentive, and arrogant. Next time, I hope to find someone more considerate, and thoughtful. read more