[mrkajz44]

I work in tax, so I generally have the following policy:

1) Very easy work / general advice = free / 6 pack of beer - If something is very simple and I am 100% confident I can do it right pretty quickly, I am glad to help. I can also research and provide general advice for "back of the envelope" type stuff when people are considering options

2) Anything else = charge full price - As soon as it gets a little more complicated, I ask for full price. In the area of tax things can get sticky really quick and you can't half ass it or you could be in for a world of hurt down the road. Basically, if anything is a bit complicated, I know I will put way more time to make sure it's correct and its hard to give discounts for something like that

I guess its pretty similar to the painting thing: One room is fine, but the whole house requires full payment. It's either a full favour, or its full price. There are no discounts.

I try to be mindful of this on the other side too. My sister is a lawyer and my brother in law is a mechanic. I can count on them for general advice type stuff, but as soon as it becomes "real", I'm either paying full price, or using someone else.