Tax professionals spend a lot of time
preparing for tax season and marketing their services to attract new
clients. Here are a few suggestions to help you avoid making mistakes
that can cost you the opportunity to gain someone’s business:
Never promise a big refund.
All taxpayers want a big refund, but that is not always possible. One
of the most common scams taxpayers fall victim to is an advertisement
guaranteeing the biggest possible refund. Many times those preparers
juggle the numbers in a way that can create big problems down the road.
Taxpayers are beginning to grow leery of these types of promises and
looking for preparers that will not put them at risk. Just remember – do
not make promises you cannot keep.
Keep your credentials up-to-date.
Make sure you have the proper identification needed to process returns
with the Internal Revenue Service, and that your continuing education
requirements are up to date. There has been a lot of talk lately about
finding preparers who are recognized as competent preparers by the IRS,
and taxpayers are going to greater efforts to find out who is on the
list.
Let your client decide how they receive their refund.
In other words, offer them the choice of having their refund sent to
them in the mail, deposited directly into their bank account, etc.
Don’t insist they do it your way because it’s what’s easiest for you.
Be upfront about your preparer fees.
Don’t
hit your clients with unexpected charges that they don’t agree to
upfront. Also consider charging a flat fee for your services rather
than basing your fee on a percentage of the tax refund. This will help
taxpayers feel more secure that you are handling their information
appropriately rather than make them feel like you may pump up their
refund for your personal gain.
Remain in good standing.
Taxpayers shopping for a tax preparer often check with the Better
Business Bureau, colleagues, family, and friends before deciding who
they want to handle their income tax preparation. Preferred tax
professionals are ethical, professional, diligent, and honest. You have
worked hard to earn a good reputation, and now it is time to work hard
at keeping it.
There is a lot of information available
online that helps guide people along the process of choosing a
competent, reputable tax professional, and if you avoid these pitfalls,
you will remain at the top of their list.
Circular 230 Disclosure
Pursuant to the requirements of the Internal Revenue Service Circular 230, we
inform you that, to the extent any advice relating to a Federal tax issue is
contained in this communication, including in any attachments, it was not
written or intended to be used, and cannot be used, for the purpose of (a)
avoiding any tax related penalties that may be imposed on you or any other
person under the Internal Revenue Code, or (b) promoting, marketing or
recommending to another person any transaction or matter addressed in this
communication
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