In short, this company FBC first came to me with the GREATEST selling feature a new business owner could want, PAY LESS TAXES.
I was in the middle of continuing an existing business and needed some accounting and tax preperation services. I signed up after consulting with my employee (former owner) and other information (not enought time spent there obviously)
The cost seemed slightly higher than expected, but hey they were covering my a*% if I was audited and they were also completing my and my wife's personal taxes.
Well the first indicator should have been the fact that it was not disclosed that they could not prepare my first year taxes. That had to be completed by another person/company. Then I was sent this "kid" who new nothing about my computerized accounting software that is widely used across Canada by other automotive shops such as mine. 6 months into this fiasco he had not completed 1 single entry. Scramble time for me and my new bookeeper.
Then came the disaster of my an my wife's personal income tax returns. As we have a child who is diagnosed with a dis-ability we had kept every single reciept since his birth, only to be told by this professional representitive of FBC that we cannot submit the reciepts.
Once the personal taxes were completed we received them on the filing deadline date. Once opened (to be signed) it was discovered that they mitakenly used my income for my wife's return and my wife's income for my return??? Several frantic phone calls my wife finally was able to get in touch with the only shining light in this whole company (I wish I could remember her name) she worked diligantly to correct our taxes on time.
So for all my troubles and many trials, FBC appologized and assigned me a new professional rep. He was sharper than the old. He was going to fix all the mistakes. He was going to learn all the new rules of the "Child Disability Tax Credits"
He has been to my office 1 time. He has called, but apparently I have been busy running a business (2 person) I have a bookeeper that he needs to consult with, not me. I just sign.
Both my wife and I have been audited by the CRA for our personal taxes 3 years in a row now. We never have before signing on with FBC.
After 3 years with FBC I am no longer a client, they still have my $4300.00 and I do not feel comfortable nor confident they can complete my T1 or T2 taxes fairly and unbiased as i have made several complaints and requests for a refund.
1st time FBC flatout refused. Then I filed a complaint with BBB and I received an offer of $1800.00, with the aid of my laywer I refused. Then cam the phone call from another manager of FBC who investigated the case. Another offer of $1900.00, but still no complete refund. I have asked for an invoice to show the details of the costs that FBC has incured to represent the remaining $2400.00 they are wanting to withhold. A simple yet understandable request. If you perform a service, you provide and invoice. To date FBC will not provide one. That was an expensive visit. 1 call to my office by one individual for apx 1.5 hrs $2400.00???
The bottom line is that FBC my be good or even great for what their namesake is "FARMERS BUSINESS CONSULTANTS" they need to get back to basics. FBC has messed up my business and personal taxes. I am further investigating the practice of requesting "monies up front" before a service is provided. Do you pay 1 year in advance for services to be made to your home, car, computer, NO! According to my current accounting professional (love her) this is against the CRA and business practices standards.
Stay away from FBC until you fully research their practices and proceedures. If you do sign with them record every telephone, text, e-mail and visit by anyone associated with FBC to help aid you if you every requirer to follow through with filing a complaint. I was filled with empty verbal promises by FBC, none of which have been completed.
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