When I went back home from SC in April, Mom's 2007 taxes hadn't been done
yet. Dad's 1099-R from his military pension had gone missing and I wasn't
able to get a copy prior to the 4/15 deadline.

Now, they've been using this woman to prepare their taxes for years. I've
no idea what her qualifications are (other than she has a copy of TurboTax
and claims she's been a tax preparer for 25 years). She said she'd request
an extension. She got all the information including the 1099-R before I
left.

I didn't get back here until June 9th. During that time Mom had left
several messages with this woman asking where are her tax forms? She never
heard a word from her. I picked up the gauntlet and started calling. Kept
getting voicemail; she never called back.

Now, I knew this from when I was here before, Mom had mailed the IRS a check
for their 2006 taxes (which was duly cashed) but she neglected to mail the
form 1040 with the check. Dad's dimentia was severe by that time and since
he didn't tell Mom to mail the forms too, she didn't know any better. For
some reason this woman took those forms with her when she took the 2007
stuff. I've no idea why! I have a vague recollection she said she'd take
care of it. Well, they (Mom & Dad) got a letter in the mail on 6/30 from
the IRS looking for the 2006 forms and giving 30 days to provide proof
they'd filed taxes before they'd start assessing penalties, etc.

I redoubled my efforts to call this woman. Apparently I wasn't the only
one. Her voicemail box was FULL. She wasn't picking up her messages. A
couple of times (on 7/2 and then on 7/5) I actually got a person to answer
(her grown son and daughter). I confirmed she was in town, she wasn't
injured, hospitalized or otherwise incapactated. I left messages indicating
it was urgent I hear from her. Nothing. Nada. Zip.

On 7/7 I wrote her a letter (Registered Mail) explaining the situation and
requesting all the paperwork from 2006 and for tax-year 2007 back. She
signed for it; I got confirmation two days ago. Today in the mail we
received all the forms from her. There was a note included that said,
"Sorry, all the paperwork is done. I had a *meltdown* over some things that
happened at home."

Believe me, I understand stress. (It feels like all I've lived with this
year.) And I understand depression all too well. But if this is your
*livelihood* shouldn't you at least have someone return the calls to find
out what your clients need?

I'm ticked off but I don't know if I should be. Mostly I'm just blowing off
steam, I guess. I can tell you this, she won't be doing the 2008 taxes. I
still don't know what her qualifications are. I do know she's inexpensive
which is surely why Dad chose her in the first place over a CPA or a known
tax firm. But hell, anyone can buy a copy of TurboTax.

Jill