Ways to Attract and Maintain Clients as a New Tax Accountant
by Pablo Chevalier
As tax deadlines approach, customers scramble about in search of tax accountants who will assist them with tax issues. Since tax periods are characterized by hectic schedules, they can make or break a tax accountant's business. Therefore, starting out as a tax accountant requires some level of ingenuity. You have to take advantage of the fast approaching tax deadlines if your goal is to build a client base quickly and expand your bottom line. However, in the process of achieving these objectives, you must ensure that your new customers are satisfied. This article highlights ways you can attract clients and efficiently respond to their tax needs.
Use Simple Language -- The first thing you should appreciate is that your clients are not tax accountants. If they were, then they would prepare their tax returns instead of coming to you. As such, it is critical to help your clients understand whatever you are trying to explain. Using complex accounting and tax jargon will not help your business. For instance, you are most likely going to have frustrated and confused clients if your emails are filled with tax jargon. For that reason, the type of communication method you chose must ensure mutual understanding.
Keep a Manageable Roaster -- As mentioned earlier, a fast approaching tax season can be an overwhelming period for most tax accountants, especially if you are going to accept every client that comes through your doors. While your goal is to build a steady clientele, you should have sufficient capacity to manage all of them. Every customer expects that whenever they call for a meeting, you will make time available. Your ability to respond to clients promptly relies on the number of customers your tax services business can handle. To avoid dissatisfied customers, ensure that you can manage them effectively. Notably, when starting out, keep a small number of clients. You will be able to handle their issues satisfactorily, and in turn, they will refer others to your business.
Prioritize -- At one point or another, you will receive clients with varying tax needs. Some clients will visit your offices with shoeboxes filled with receipts and all manner of paperwork and others will come organized. Another group will approach you not knowing what kind of documentation they should bring for tax deduction purposes. All these clients need your services, and as such, it is critical to prioritize your work. Make a list of what needs to be done first and the timelines. Tools such as spreadsheets come in handy. Prioritization will ensure that you can handle different clients based on uniqueness and urgency.
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About Me
Hi, my name is Kerry, and recently, I helped my mum set up her own business. She had always dreamed of buying things at charity shops and auctions and then selling them. However, with her advancing age and mobility issues, traveling to boot sales or flea markets wasn't an option anymore. Luckily, the internet made it easy for her to set up a shop she can run from her home, and I help her get to the charity shops and auctions to stock her online store. However, I have also had to help her with a lot of accounting things. If you are thinking about starting a business or helping a loved one, you need to check out these accounting ideas and tips.