reply to post by inthesticks
I suppose that you've never heard the old saying, "You get what you Pay for"?
When you call a "1-800" toll-free number, you're getting "Free" advice.
And "Free" advice can't be expected to be worth any more than you've paid for it!
It all comes down to training, expensive training. Training you should expect to have to pay for when you consult it.
But you'd prefer to expect something for nothing, right?
As it happens, I'm one of those "Answer Men" you disparage, except for the fact that I work for the state of California.
My training is on-going, I have to take refresher courses every year.
My "basic" training took just over 2 months and cost the State over $10,000; an investment I've repaid many times over through the course of my 15
years on the job.
Dealing with clueless taxpayers (clueless in that many of them can barely add 2+2, comprehend the the instructions to open a box of cereal, or even
know the difference between the State government and the Federal government!), coniving business owners, and under-trained CPA's is a daunting task:
many people just can't take the stress of my job.
Most of the "drop-outs" go on to become Tax Preparers for places like H&R Block.
Get the picture?
[edit on 20-6-2009 by Bhadhidar]