Aiman Al Khachi (Chu)
I have been loyal to Mason as my CPA and for my taxes needs since 2020. However, after this year, I will be seeking out a new CPA mainly due to a surprise charge on my invoice for consultations. In 2022 I sought out an appointment to ask questions and help prepare the CPA team for filing for taxes in 2023 since I plan on continuing my services. When I first scheduled for a phone call the CPA team didn't disclose any rates or fees associated with scheduling for a consultation. So I went ahead and scheduled a 30 min phone call appointment. After talking on the phone, I decided it might be better to meet in person to discuss my situation and steps to take to better prep for tax season so I called again to schedule for one hour this time. Again, nothing was disclosed regarding a fee that will be put on my account or any rates. I went through with the meeting, I left satisfied and confident in my next moves. March 2023, I got an invoice for filing my taxes electronically. I get charged for tax preparation which I expected, and then to my surprise I see an extra charge of $250 for my two appointments for consultation. I didn't even know that Mason charged me $125 for a 30 min phone call and another $125 for an hour in person appointment. I felt very wronged, and a breach in our trust. To be clear, I don't have a problem with CPA firms charging for consultations. But after doing my research, typical CPA firms should disclose what they charge for consulting BEFORE scheduling an appointment with clients. Because as clients, we have the right to know how much will be charged for services before agreeing to them. And by disclosing fees, CPA firms can help clients make informed decisions about whether or not to hire them. Had I known that there is a charge or the rates for consulting appointments, I would have had a different strategy for approach. I sent an email to try and fix my situation asking if there was anything that could be done or be offered to help my grievance. Unfortunately, I was told to seek out a new CPA. This is really sad because I really liked Mason and would call myself loyal to him as I kept hiring him for my tax prep. But seeing the push to seek out other firms and lack of effort to try and fix things with loyal clients is a red flag for me. It's unfortunate to see firms choose money over loyalty. I was told that "charging for consultations is typical practice and should be no surprise" sorry but I didn't agree with this because if I was new and had no knowledge about CPA or even if I was aware of a charge, why wasn't I told the rates and get the disclaimer of a charge? Hopefully the firm improves from this and treats current and future clients with no surprises like mine. I give Mason and his firm 3 out of 5 mainly because Mason truly helped me a lot with my unique and complex tax situations. Sad to have to leave but I understand the reality of businesses.