I started an LLC in 2019, made some money in 2020, and hired an accountant in late 2020 because I wanted to explore S-Corp or C-Corp election.
But working with my accountant has been awful. He filed paperwork with the IRS and forgot my signature, which caused hangups and delays that I had to spend months unwinding, never acknowledging his mistake. He recommended S-Corp election without doing any calculations -- I think that factoring in the QBI deduction I'm actually paying more taxes now. He miscalculated my withholding by a large amount, calling me less than 24 hours before he wanted me to send in a $20K payment. He didn't know how to handle payroll taxes with a retroactive S-Corp election. He second guessed my defined benefit plan administrator, scheduling multiple annoying telecons, and THEN CHARGED ME EXTRA FOR IT. He was supposed to handle my bookkeeping, but AFAIK hasn't even looked. He leaves his tax questions unaddressed until the last minute before filing. His data gathering process is really time consuming. He asks me the same questions multiple times, including CYA emails, and hints at us litigating. He claimed the QBI deduction, but didn't ask me the relevant questions to see if I qualified for it (it's questionable). My blood boils every time I get a call or email from him.
I'd love to have an accountant that can provide strategic advice and oversee my bookkeeping, but it seems like the standard is $3K just to fill out tax forms. I'm really frustrated and don't want to go through another year of the same BS with another low caliber accountant. At this point I'm thinking that my solo $300K revenue business just isn't big enough to afford the kind of service I want. Fellow entrepreneurs, what's your experience and advice?