Inexpensive Tax Accountants in Detroit and Macomb County
Steve Wrathell, C.P.A., P.C., has a very small, yet remarkably loyal client base. Located at 24240 Mound Rd, Ste. 2, Warren 586-757-0583, his modest office is a bit unkempt but somehow fits the profile of the man. When you first meet him in that environ it seems unlikely that you want to entrust your grossly underpaid wages to him, but as you get to know him, you find that he is most adept at finding legal loopholes and little known deductions.
Steve deplores the dishonesty that runs amok in the accounting/tax world and fights that injustice far beyond the call of duty. If you cannot find your paperwork, he will help you to track it. If you need a lot of questions answered, you may find yourself as his dinner guest. And, get this, should you have so many problems that you cannot sign the “X” until April 15, not only will he pay the postage, he will often take it to the post office himself.
He schedules appointments by his clients’ hours, and often entertains them with incredible stories of Detroit and its environs since he is a native of the area. And, by the way, Steve is a huge football fan. The way he can calculate the odds in a college game is unbelievable. What does this have to do with taxes? Maybe nothing; and then again maybe he can do the math.
What can I say about the local H & R Block located at 34642 Van Dyke, Sterling Heights (586-795-4850)? The same thing I have noticed in the H&R’s in every other area I have lived. Ho-hum.
I actually used them once for a business I owned because I did not have the time to that year’s return myself. I knew they would have all the forms I would have had to track down. They were quick, but then my taxes were relatively simple. They were nice folk but not particularly special and they were a bit pricey, especially if I wanted to e-file. I opted for waiting a couple of weeks to get my reimbursement rather that give them a percentage of it for speeding up the process.
Now that this company is almost effortless to use on line, perhaps they will give up existence in the real world entirely. In fact between their website and their “drop-off” services, perhaps the returns are being done by an Artificial Intelligence, and some guy just hangs out to collect the money.
I became personally acquainted with someone who worked for them during tax season. She had very little training. Apparently there is a test you must take to become accredited; no degree is required. She even leant me her book. I’m sure that this practice is not encouraged by either H or R but I found it to be such an extensive reference and teaching guide. Perhaps if they just sold the book, they wouldn’t need a physical company at all. (Back to that A.I. allusion again.)
The bottom line for H&R? If you want to file on line, and are of low income, opt for a free e-file tax service that is available on a simple search. Not only will they do your federal taxes (if they are relatively simple) at no charge, they will do your state free as well.
Licensed by the IRS, Lynne Raines (E.A.) may not have a Master’s in accounting but she is as knowledgeable as anyone I have ever encountered in the field of tax work. She is so adept, she even teaches classes and seminars in tax software such as Quickbooks and Peachtree. She also does small business consulting, bookkeeping, and is a notary. Lynne explains forms and figures so that you can feel content (instead of merely foolish) and never loses her patience even under deadlines.
She also will adapt her schedule to accommodate you. You can reach her at her office in Berkley, 2524 Coolidge (248-541-4558) or she will come to your home or place of business.
Last year Lynne held an open house at her office. She had excellent hors d’oeuvres, wine and lots of free advice. She even asked some artist friends to dress up the walls for the event. Needless to say, it was a rather propitious occasion.
The point I am trying to make here is that if you cannot resolve your own taxes and need help in Detroit’s Macomb County, hire a Lynne or a Steve. They will charge you less, answer your questions in intelligible English, and I know for a fact that either of them would meet you to discuss your bookkeeping/tax requirements at the nearest Chinese buffet!
