Disappointing experience – Lack of transparency about services and refusal to refund deposit
I found this company to be lacking in transparency about how they prepare tax returns and, more importantly, what level of service they actually provide.
Initially, I was directed to their website to complete an online form. I specifically explained that I did not want to complete forms myself and that I preferred to submit my documentation by email, so that an accountant could review my circumstances and determine what information was required to prepare my tax return. I was told this would be fine.
Before making payment, I was not provided with a contract or a clear explanation of the scope of the service, what work the accountant would undertake, or what information and preparation work would be expected of me.
I was subsequently asked to pay a €100 deposit, described in their email as non-refundable. The email stated that this would secure my engagement as a client and allow them to begin work on my behalf, with the deposit deducted from the overall fee upon completion of my tax return.
However, only after receiving my payment did they send me an Excel spreadsheet to complete. Essentially, this was just another version of the form-filling process I had already explained I wanted to avoid.
My understanding of the service I was seeking was that an accountant would review my documentation, identify the relevant information, prepare my tax return and submit it to Revenue. What was subsequently offered appeared to leave much of the preparation work to me, with the company primarily handling the filing.
Had I known this was the level of service being offered, I would simply have completed the Form 11 myself through Revenue rather than paying for an accountancy service.
I declined to proceed and requested a refund of my €100 deposit within 14 days of making the payment. The company has refused to refund it, and I am now having to pursue other avenues to recover my money.
My advice to anyone considering using this company, particularly those unfamiliar with the Irish tax system or new to filing Irish tax returns, is to establish exactly what work the accountant will undertake before paying anything. Make sure you understand whether they are actually preparing your tax return or simply providing you with forms to complete before submitting the information to Revenue.
There are other accountants who may charge more, but in my view, paying for professional accountancy services should mean receiving professional guidance and assistance with the preparation of your tax return, not simply being handed another form to fill out.
Overall, a very disappointing experience, particularly the lack of transparency before payment and the subsequent refusal to return my deposit.