As a tax expert, you are in charge of preparing your clients for the annual tax season by using IRS resources. This usually involves holding productive meetings wherein you can explain everything about a tax return so that your client can understand the situation clearly. After all, if you and your client are on the same page then you can deliver better service!
Managing this crucial part of the preparation process can prevent mistakes, misunderstandings, and other issues. Moreover, this is also the time wherein you can craft a strategy with your client. With clear understanding and mutual trust, you can also further educate your clients about tax policies.
Read on to discover how to prepare your client for using IRS resources.
Set Expectations In Using IRS resources
At the earliest time possible, set your client’s expectations. This way, they are aware of what they will and will not receive when it comes to working with you. Avoid future inconveniences by clearly stating what your services do and do not cover.
To be able to engage effectively with your clients, it’s vital that you stick to a consistent communication and scheduling system. Additionally, you can determine your customers’ preferences and make an attempt to tailor your workflow around their needs.
You must also, of course, supply your contact information through various channels. You can also instruct your clients on how to reach out to you. For example, emails can be used for file sharing and formal conversations. Meanwhile, calls or text messages can be used for immediate responses and urgent cases. Aside from this, you can set up a customer portal or a website to upload any essential electronic documents.
Provide Instructional Tools
When it comes to explaining tax forms to your clients, make it fun, engaging, simple and brief. Thus, you can use educational tools such as handouts and videos to properly outline the critical information they should be aware of. Moreover, these tools can be provided digitally or be given as printed materials.
Some customers would prefer to watch instructive films rather than receive leaflets. Consider making a short video that explains how to comply with income or corporation tax rules. If not, you can find a YouTube video that could serve as the teaching tool. Either way, this undoubtedly improves your consumer engagement using IRS resources.
Gain Access to Shareable IRS Resources
Fortunately, the IRS.gov website provides a variety of free tax law and regulation information that is accessible to everybody with internet connection. As a tax expert dealing with clients, this is the most dependable source you can find today.
For example, Publication 5349 (download here) contains a free digital handout that you can distribute to your clients. It explains how to prepare to file taxes for the following year. The following topics are covered in IRS Publication 5349:
- ITIN Refunds Received
- Acceptance of e-filing possibilities
- Changing the mechanism of withholding taxes
- Obtaining an estimate of one’s tax liability
- Credits and deductions
- Unemployment benefits
- Keeping your data safe
To add, information about the 2020 Economic Impact Payments (EIP) and how to apply for a Recovery Rebate Credit has recently been uploaded on the official website for your reference.
Conclusion
Taxes are not as simple as they seem. This is why people hire experts or employ professional tax preparation software to guide them through the dreaded annual tax season. So if you encounter a clueless client, keep these steps in mind as you guide them through the process. With the proper tools, communication and patience, and discipline, you will be able to best prepare your client on how to use IRS resources!
Are you looking for the best professional tax software? Keystone Tax Solutions has over 15 years of experience helping tax professionals in the US start their own businesses, and thousands more obtain access to cheap technology-driven professional tax software. We offer quality and excellence with unrivaled rates and services to help you develop a profitable tax practice. Get a FREE demo today!
