[MonkeyMama]

So you don't want to pay for all that time?

You know as a CPA I don't see what is wrong. Clients call us all the time. The ones who call ALL the time will get billed. If it's just a coupe of 5-minute calls, it's already worked in to the tax preparation charge. But as a whole, we bill hourly. IF you ask complex questions that we have to research, this is not a free service.

Likewise, if you are that upset, call and complain. He may remove the charges. IT never hurts to ask. IF you tell him you did not realize, he may remove the charges. & you will be more thoughtful of the time it takes when you do call. IF not, well, you can move on.

Likewise, if your return is so simple, why are you paying a CPA's higher rates? Just all things anyone should consider... I think a lot of people pay for CPAs that don't need to. Then they get upset at the rates. A lot of the time people are paying for a lot of expertise and experience that you do not need.

There's middle ground between H&R and CPA; something else to keep in mind...

But mostly I did want to say - if you are that upset - call and complain!