Referral Fee/Thank You Gift to CPA for Referral?

[ttaM kooC]

Anyone know the ethics involved in giving a thank you to a CPA who refers a client? This CPA's client had several proeprties left to him when his father died and he needed them appraised for the estate so our common CPA referred him to me.

Anyone know if it is OK to give a CPA a thank-you gift ($100 range)?

 

[wyecoyote]

Did you disclose in the assignment? USPAP Police are going to be knocking at your door for non disclosure.

I don't give any gifts to my CPA. Other than I let her do my taxes and have been for the last 6 years. Though I have refered others to her from time to time. I would only suggest refering clients to your CPA.

 

[Brian Weaver]

I've been known to provide a gift basket. I use a local person but I also use Harry & David.

 

[Robert Dunkle]

If done "after the fact", what would there be to report? It wasn't done in order to obtain the assignment. Gift basket, or box, OK.....cash probably a no-no!

 

[George Hatch]

A referral fee to a third party is not a kickback to the client. You are not bribing your client to use you instead of another appraiser.

 

[rnappi]

If one of your trainees give U a job how would you compensate them? $50? $25?

 

[Mike Boyd]

I would call the CPA and thank him or her. Personally, I don't like gifts for that type of thing. The recipient might think it's too little or too much. You lose either way. His referral to you was his way of thanking you for your business. Recipricate in the same manner.