Advice needed re: paying a CPA

I'm using a new US-based CPA this year to file my US taxes. With the extension, they're due in a few days. This CPA is requesting that I pay her before she'll file my taxes for me. Is that standard practice, because I've never heard of it before. I've used a couple of different accountants in the past and their policy has always been to file my returns, send me copies for my files and then ask for payment. Should I be wary of paying for something I haven't seen? But what else can I do? I need this stuff done in the next couple of days!

I could be wrong, but they are probably requesting payment before they file because they're US based and you aren't.  I would think it would be near impossible for them to chase someone who isn't in the US.

I could be wrong, but they are probably requesting payment before they file because they're US based and you aren't.  I would think it would be near impossible for them to chase someone who isn't in the US.

That's possible, but my previous CPA was US-based and I was here in the UK and it was never an issue. I'm just afraid I'll pay and never hear from this person again.

It's not even remotely standard practice.  I agree with Yael - sounds like they don't trust that your money will come through.

Can you PayPal them?  Since it's pretty much instantaneous, that might alleviate any issues they have.

It's not even remotely standard practice.  I agree with Yael - sounds like they don't trust that your money will come through.

Can you PayPal them?  Since it's pretty much instantaneous, that might alleviate any issues they have.

She wants me to pay via PayPal now, before she files my returns.   

She wants me to pay via PayPal now, before she files my returns.   

That's very hinky.  Honestly, I'd tell her that you'll send the money after you receive confirmation that the IRS received the filing (it's all online, so she should get some sort of confirmation from them).  If she's on the up-and-up, she shouldn't mind.

If she won't agree, I'd suggest telling her your lawyer will be in touch with her.

That's very hinky.  Honestly, I'd tell her that you'll send the money after you receive confirmation that the IRS received the filing (it's all online, so she should get some sort of confirmation from them).  If she's on the up-and-up, she shouldn't mind.

If she won't agree, I'd suggest telling her your lawyer will be in touch with her.

I've done that. Well, the first part, anyway. All I got in return was an email saying my taxes would not be finalised until payment was made. Yes, I could threaten her with a lawyer ... but then my taxes won't get done and I'll be in deep deep deep sh*t.

AAAARRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH.

I've done that. Well, the first part, anyway. All I got in return was an email saying my taxes would not be finalised until payment was made. Yes, I could threaten her with a lawyer ... but then my taxes won't get done and I'll be in deep deep deep sh*t.

AAAARRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH.

Where is she?  Want me to go kick her ass?  'Cos I will....

How did you hear about her? Was she a referral?

I'd probably tell her you think this is highly unorthodox and you've made some inquiries and found that she is very much outside the norm when it comes to this.

Would PayPal's dispute function help if it goes pear-shaped?

Could you tell her that due to the above, you'll pay x% now and the remainder once you have proof of filing?

Did she give you terms and conditions when you hired her?

How did you hear about her? Was she a referral?

Yes, but only an internet referral. Not by anyone I know in person.

Would PayPal's dispute function help if it goes pear-shaped?

I'm not sure about that. I'll look into it.

Did she give you terms and conditions when you hired her?

No, because I'm an idiot and didn't ask.

Where is she?  Want me to go kick her ass?  'Cos I will....

Yes please!!