My billing structure for services rendered is a function of
a combination of personnel experience, talent, and knowledge, as well as, the
value and nature of the service provided. Billings for services rendered are based upon hourly rates.
Each C.P.A. firm handles fees
differently. What you can expect from
my firm is accurate time records, and clients are billed based upon actual time
spent on their behalf. My time and
expertise are my only sources of revenue.
A standard hourly rate is set for each type of service upon
complexity. If no extenuating
circumstances exist, clients are billed using standard hourly rates multiplied
by the actual hours worked. I may
adjust fees up or down so that the fee charged reflects the value given.
Fees may be increased above the standard rate to recognize:
A. Extraordinary results benefiting the client
B. Unusual risk exposure to the CPA
C. Inordinate time pressures resulting in overtime charges
D. Additional research needed to unique tax issues.
Fees may be decreased below the standard rate to recognize:
A. Excessive time has been spent in an unfamiliar area
B. Hourly rates incurred due to the unavailability of lower cost
staff to perform less technical assignments.
Hourly rates vary substantially among different
services. They currently range from as
low as $60 to $160.
TELEPHONE CALLS
Due to the extensive amount of consulting work done by my
firm, conducting business by telephone consumes a substantial amount of
time. As much as 25 percent of my time
is devoted to telephone consultations. The telephone can be an effective, time-saving device and I make maximum
use of it.
Therefore, telephone calls
are treated the same way as any other time spent on a client's behalf. If matters of substance are discussed, the
time is charged and billed to the client. Personal calls of a non-business nature are obviously not charged to clients.
PAYMENT OF FEES
Cash flow is as important to me as it is to you. Accordingly, I may request retainers and/or
interim billing payments. In addition,
I typically request monthly installment payments for certain perpetual
engagements.
Invoices are payable upon receipt and are considered "past due" if
not paid within 30 days of billing. Unlike most other firms, I do NOT charge interest on unpaid invoices. This is done as a courtesy to my clients, which is hopefully appreciated. It is my firm's general policy to suspend the rendering of
additional services to a client with billings outstanding for over 90
days. I have found that these policies
are similar to the policies of my business clients and standards within the profession.
