Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in Georgia
Collecting for services rendered for bookkeeping &/or tax return preparation
I have several clients that are ignoring my kind requests for payment and are basically refusing to pay for the services I provided. The product(s) (tax returns, financial statements, etc.) were given to the client along with an invoice when I finished the work. Payment is ''Due Upon Receipt'' and is stated as such on the invoice. Since they have what they needed from me, it's almost as if they feel that I have nothing of theirs in my possession so they don't have an incentive to pay. I do have one clients records (5 boxes of documents which I should at this point charge a storage fee as well) that I have had for over a year! With each phone call I get put off with some excuse - the checks in the mail, I'll stop by your office tomorrow, etc., I know I'm too easy going and have put too much trust in my clients. My business is suffering (not to mention my personal finances-this is my only source of income!!)
My button has been pushed, now I'm ready to prosecute or whatever to the fullest extent of the law! I've been the nice 'tax lady' long enough, and enough is enough! I'm tired of calling and feeling foolish for trying over and over again. What are my options? Thank you.
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Collecting for services rendered for bookkeeping &/or tax return preparation
You have numerous options, but I would recommend two (which I use in my own practice). The first is sending the account to a collection agency. This puts pressure on them to pay or risk a negative effect on their credit. However, a percentage will have to be sacrificed and some people do not care about their credit score because it is so low in the first place. Second, you can file suit for breach of contract for the amount owed plus interest, court costs and attorney's fees. Depending on the amount, you can file the claim in small claims court and handle it yourself.
If you would like to discuss any issues further, please feel free to contact my office. My contact information is below. Thank you.
The foregoing is general information only, not specific legal advice. No attorney/client relation has been created or should be implied.
Glenn M. Lyon, Esq
MacGregor Lyon, LLC
Promenade II
1230 Peachtree Street NE
Suite 1900
Atlanta Georgia 30309
Phone 404.942.3545
Fax 404.795.0993
www.macgregorlyon.com
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