What is an acceptable response time for a CPA to prepare my tax return?

[Gustavo Nascimento]

Hi there. 

I know this question is vague, so here is the sitiluation: I hired a CPA well regarded and very active here in BP, in January, to prepare my 2023 tax return. I paid for a cost seg study on my only str property. Besides that, my taxes are relatively simple, W2 job. I sent all my documentation in Feb. Since then they have been terrible communicating with me. They say it’s busy season. They filed for extension and they haven’t been answering my messages after that. I already paid for their fees as well, when they sent me the invoice right after extension.

Is this normal? Should I just be patient and wait??

Thanks!!

[Scott Trench]

In my experience, CPAs are extremely responsive in year 1, lag significantly but not alarmingly by year 2, and then respond only after a week between emails and 6 follow ups after year 3. 

No communication in year 1 would be a non-starter for me given my lofty expectations…

I’m mostly joking.