Dan Henn CPA

Client Communication and how to avoid the “You didn’t tell me” plus How to Get Friggin’ Paid!

August 28, 2024

Today, we embark on a mission—a mission to fortify your practice, protect your interests, and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. As General Patton once inspired his troops in WWII, I am here to galvanize you, the valiant tax professionals, to stand firm in the face of challenges and emerge victorious in your IRS representation cases.

The Battle Plan: Document Everything

In the trenches of tax representation, one of the most formidable adversaries we face is the dreaded “But you didn’t tell me that” client. These clients, whether through selective memory or genuine misunderstanding, can pose a significant threat to your practice. The solution? Documentation.

Reduce to Writing: After every significant discussion, reduce it to writing. Send an email summarizing the main points, decisions, and actions required. This not only serves as a reminder to the client but also as a protective shield for you.
Certified Mail: For critical communications, send letters via certified mail. Even if the client doesn’t claim the certified mail, the regular mail will reach them. Keep the returned certified mail unopened as evidence.
Client Acknowledgment: Always request a reply from the client acknowledging receipt of your communication. This can be an email, a signed letter, or a duplicate copy of the letter they sign and date.

Strategic Communication: Clarity and Precision

To prevent misunderstandings, clarity and precision in communication are paramount. When advising clients on actions like making payments to the IRS while you wait for returns to be prepared, a Form 433-A to be compiled, or Appeals to respond, be explicit. Explain the consequences of changes in their financial situation, such as winning the lottery or receiving a raise, and how these could affect their resolution status such as dropping out of Currently Not Collectible or adding a new liability can kill their Installment Agreement or Offer-in-Compromise.

The Art of Getting Paid: Ensuring Fair Compensation

In this battle, your time and expertise are your greatest assets. Ensure you are compensated fairly for your services.

Engagement Letters and Retainers: Always use engagement letters and require retainers up front before starting any work. This applies to any type of professional work you do for a client. For tax return preparation, a retainer of at least 50% is advisable. For IRS representation cases, secure a retainer of $3,000 to $5,000 for exams.
Value-Based Flat Fees: For collections cases, consider a value-based flat fee structure. Collect 100%

Embrace Newsletters in Your Tax Practice to Connect with your Clients and Prospects!

August 21, 2024

As a licensed tax professional, you possess valuable knowledge that can benefit countless individuals and businesses. One of the most effective ways to share your expertise and grow your practice is through a well-crafted newsletter. Whether you choose to distribute your newsletter via email or use a traditional paper newsletter that is mailed, this powerful marketing tool can help you generate leads, nurture prospects, and retain clients. Let’s explore how you can create a newsletter that resonates with your audience and drives results.

The Power of Newsletters for Tax Professionals

Newsletters offer a unique opportunity to showcase your expertise, build trust, and stay top-of-mind with your audience. By consistently delivering valuable content, you position yourself as a trusted advisor in the complex world of taxation. Here are some key benefits of maintaining a regular newsletter:

Establish authority in your field
Nurture relationships and build rapport with existing clients
Attract potential clients by demonstrating your knowledge
Keep your audience informed about tax law changes and deadlines
Showcase your services and highlight client success stories

Crafting Compelling Content

The heart of any successful newsletter is its content. As a tax professional, you have a wealth of knowledge to share. Here are some ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

Tax Tips and Strategies: Offer practical advice that can help your readers save money or navigate complex tax situations.

Legislative Updates: Keep your audience informed about changes in tax laws and how they might affect them.

Case Studies: Share anonymized success stories of how you’ve helped clients overcome tax challenges.

FAQs: Address common questions you receive from clients, providing valuable insights to a broader audience.

Seasonal Reminders: Highlight important tax deadlines and provide checklists for tax preparation.

Industry-Specific Advice: If you specialize in certain industries, offer targeted advice for those sectors.

Recipes: Put some of your favorite or family recipes to lighten it up

Jokes and Quotes: Using some of your favorite quotes to inspire your reader or tell some funny (and I suggest clean) jokes to make it something they want to read everytime it comes in their mailbox.

Client of the Month (COM): Showcase some of your favorite clients that are looking for business. When it is unsolicited, they appreciate it. Plus, who doesn’t like to see their name in print.

Remember, your goal is to provide value to your readers while subtly demonstrating your expertise. Avoid … Continue reading

Unlock Your Potential: Why Every IRS Representation Specialist Should Write a Book (And Ways to Get It Done!)

August 7, 2024

Are you ready to take your IRS Representation expertise to the next level? If you’ve been considering writing a book but haven’t taken the plunge yet, this blog post is your personal cheerleader, here to convince you that now is the perfect time to share your knowledge with the world. Let’s dive into why writing a book can be a game-changer for your career and explore the various ways you can make it happen!

Why Write a Book?

First things first – why should you, a busy tax professional, even consider writing a book? Well, let me tell you, the benefits are enormous:

Establish Your Authority: A book instantly positions you as an expert in your field. Imagine handing a potential client your own book on IRS Representation – talk about making a lasting impression! This is something your competition is NOT doing. Are they going to read it? Probably not, but they will be very impressed.
Attract More Clients: Your book becomes a powerful marketing tool, drawing in new clients who are impressed by your expertise.
Share Your Knowledge: You’ve accumulated years of experience – now’s your chance to help others navigate the complex world of IRS Representation.
Create a Passive Income Stream: Once published, your book can continue to generate income for years to come. Although, don’t expect to make thousands of dollars, but you will make a few extra bucks.
Personal Growth: The process of writing a book will deepen your own understanding and potentially open up new insights in your field.

Convinced yet? Great! Now, let’s look at the different ways you can bring your book to life.

Method 1: Write It Yourself – You’ve Got This!

You’re an expert in your field, and who better to write about IRS Representation than you? Writing the book yourself allows you to infuse every page with your unique voice and perspective. Here’s how to get started:

Outline Your Book: Start by jotting down the main topics you want to cover. Think about the questions your clients frequently ask or the challenges you often help them overcome. This will become the Table of Contents. Then you can write 3-5 bullets under each title. From there you can write 250-1,000 words to fill in each bullet point.
Set a Writing Schedule: Dedicate specific times for writing (for most people this is in the AM). Even if it’s just 30 minutes a day, consistency is key!