At AE Tax Advisors, we're committed to transparency. We understand no firm is perfect. We listen to feedback—positive and critical—to improve continuously.
Complaint #1: 'Your Fees Are High'
Yes, our fees exceed discount preparers. Here's why: We don't just prepare returns; we build comprehensive tax plans saving you $20,000-100,000+ annually. A business owner earning $500,000 investing $5,000-10,000 in planning typically recovers the fee in the first quarter through one strategic S-corp election, cost segregation study, or entity restructuring.
Complaint #2: 'The Planning Process Takes Too Long'
True. Our process is thorough. We conduct a 3-Year Tax Lookback, analyze your entire portfolio, and don't make recommendations lightly. Most engagements move from discovery to written plan within 45 days. We prioritize accuracy over speed.
Complaint #3: 'A Recommendation Didn't Work Out'
Tax planning involves assumptions about future tax law, asset values, and income. We document assumptions clearly. If tax law changes materially, strategies may underperform expectations. We model scenarios and stress-test strategies, but the future is unpredictable.
What We Do About Complaints
We have a formal feedback process. If you're unhappy, email team@aetaxadvisors.com. We review complaints internally and respond within 5 business days. Most complaints fit into a few categories: communication gaps (we assign a dedicated point person), misaligned expectations (we clarify upfront), or unmet deadlines (we identify bottlenecks and assign resources).
What Clients Say
Our average rating is 4.9/5 stars. Clients consistently cite: proactive tax planning reducing liability substantially, clear communication and transparency around fees, audit defense and IRS representation when needed, deep knowledge of complex strategies, and responsiveness to questions and situation changes.
Our Commitment
We're investing in better client communication tools, faster turnaround times on tax plans, and expanded audit defense capabilities. We're also building deeper specializations in specific industries so we deliver even more targeted advice.