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Review 7/4/2009
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I engaged Stellar Financial Services for tax returns from 2002 thru 2007. I was generally pleased with the level of service provided.
Due to the economy and an increase in fees, I decided to use Turbo Tax to file my own 2008 taxes. While processing trough the questionnaire, one of the inquiries dealt with a credit for hybrid vehicle purchases during the tax year. I was dismayed, because I purchased a hybrid car in 2006 and did not receive a credit that year. I researched the IRS web site, and discovered that there was a credit available in 2006; in fact, the credit became available in 2005.
I consulted Stellar Financial Services in 2002 because I am not cognizant of all the tax laws, adjustments, new policies, and possible credits/deductions year to year related to my situation. I trusted the tax consultants at Stellar to advise or query me on potential deductions/credits for which I may be qualified. Indeed, I filled out a very detailed questionnaire each year, asking about my financial situation. There was no inquiry about hybrid vehicle purchases on the questionnaire until 2008.
I contacted Stellar Financial Services to request a review of my 2006 taxes and for assistance in filing an amendment. After waiting two months for a review, I was told that since I did not advise Stellar Financial Services of my hybrid vehicle purchase, I would be charged a fee to file the amendment. I responded that I did not know to ask the question; that I relied on them to ask for pertinent information, especially on new laws or credits.
Stellar Financial Services response: "She (the tax consultant) took a moment to look through your return and organizer, including any documents you submitted from 2006 and there was no mention of the Hybrid. She understands that you did not submit information on this vehicle because you were unaware that you qualified for a credit, however, she feels that because there are so many different tax credits and tax laws, it is close to impossible for us to mention each one to each client. We go by the information that is submitted to us to find the best possible tax deductions for our clients. She is more than willing to split the amendment fee with you if you choose to proceed with this. This would cost you around $xxx, in return giving you the additional credit of $xxxx. She feels this would be a decent and fair exchange."
I decided to file the amendment myself.
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