Category: Get More Tax Clients

How to Ask Your Clients for a Review or Testimonial: A Fun Guide for Tax Pros

It’s time to talk about something that can be as tricky as explaining the alternative minimum tax to a new client: asking for reviews and testimonials. Don’t worry, though. We’ve got some tips to make it as easy as pie (or as easy as a 1040-EZ, at least).

1. Timing is Everything

Just like you wouldn’t ask for dessert at the beginning of a meal, timing your request for a review is crucial. The best time is right after you’ve successfully navigated the stormy seas of the IRS on their behalf. Their relief and gratitude make this the perfect moment to ask. When they are happy and express their feelings of gratitude toward you and your staff, that is the best time to ask.

2. Keep It Simple

Let’s face it, tax talk can be complex. But asking for a review? That should be simple. Try something like, “Hey, if you feel like we’ve done a great job, would you mind sharing your experience online? It really helps us out.” Straightforward and to the point, like a well-organized spreadsheet.

3. Options, Options, Options

Some clients are tech-savvy, some prefer the good old pen and paper, and some might just be naturals in front of a camera. Offer various options:

  • Google My Business: For the digital aficionados. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s great for your online presence. Plus, who doesn’t love a five-star rating? Send them a link in an email to make it easy.
  • Video Testimonials: For the Spielberg wannabes. A short video can be a powerful way to capture emotion and enthusiasm. Plus, it’s a chance for them to be a star!
  • Written Testimonials: Old school but gold. Written testimonials are timeless and can be used in multiple ways, from your website to your office wall.
  • Text Reviews: For the modern, on-the-go client. A quick text message can be an easy way for them to give a thumbs up.
  • Oh, and don’t forget to ask if you can use any of these in your marketing!

4. Show Examples

Sometimes clients need a little inspiration. Show them some stellar examples of reviews or testimonials you’ve received in the past. It’s like showing them a perfect tax return as a model. Don’t be afraid to write it for them. Send it to them and ask if they like it or they can edit it as they deem fit. Also, ask them

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Grow mentally, physically or spiritually by becoming a streaker!

No, not that kind of streaker. You know, the kind someone (hopefully not you) did in college on a dare. The kind that can be an even more exciting concept that can transform your life. It is called Postive Behavioral Streaks (PBS). Imagine if every time you completed a task, you got a gold star, just like in kindergarten. Sounds fun, right? Well, that’s the essence of PBS, a simple yet powerful tool to grow mentally, physically, and spiritually. I found that being a concrete, sequential tax professional (aka a little OCD), streaks help me accomplish more in a short period of time.

Understanding PBS: The Gold Star System for Grown-Ups

Positive Behavioral Streaks work on a simple principle: consistency is key. It’s about creating a chain of positive actions and keeping it going. Each day you complete a task, you get a virtual (or real, if you’re into crafts) gold star. The aim? Don’t break the chain. It’s like playing a game where the prize is a better you! Here are some things you can create a streak for as a tax professional that will help you either personally, in your business or both.

Mentally: Turn Your Brain into a Knowledge Sponge

Let’s start with mental growth. Ever wanted to be that person who knows a little about everything? PBS makes it possible.

  1. Book Worming: Set a goal to read, say, 10 pages a day. Each day you do, give yourself a star. Soon, you’ll have devoured books on topics from astrophysics to zen gardening.
  2. Writing Buff: If writing is your thing, commit to writing a daily blog post or email. It could be about anything: your cat’s philosophical musings, new tax tips for your clients or how to stay out of trouble with the IRS. Star it up!
  3. Podcast Power Hour: Listen to a podcast episode each day. From marketing tips, new tax ideas, to running a business, there’s a podcast for everything. You might not learn a lot, but you might learn one new nugget of information, look at some concept from a different angle that will help you explain things better to clients or just might inspire some great idea.

Physically: From Couch Potato to Fitness Fries

Now, let’s get physical, and no, I don’t mean an Olivia Newton-John workout tape.

  1. 10-Minute Movement: Commit to 10 minutes of exercise daily. It could be yoga, a brisk walk,
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IRS going paperless will help tax pros do their jobs better in the future

The IRS is planning on going paperless, as best as they can, starting in 2024. What does that mean for tax professionals? Well, it means a few things. First, the IRS will be able to do more with less. This allows them to shift employees to other tasks, such as manning more phone lines. Or even better, manning a digital account access point. You will able to access more through your Tax Pro Online account and you will be able to see and do more through your electronic access without involving a human being.

Below is a list of what the future will look like at the IRS and you can see, guess or infer what that will me for you as a tax professional in the areas of tax preparation, tax resolution representation and IRS exam representation.

Filing season 2024: Taxpayers will be able to go paperless

  • Taxpayers will be able to digitally submit all correspondence, non-tax forms, and responses to notices; as a result, the IRS estimates more than 94% of individual taxpayers will no longer ever need to send mail to the IRS. Taxpayers use non-tax forms to request or submit information on a range of topics, including identity theft and proof that they are eligible for key credits and deductions to help low-income households. Achieving this milestone will enable up to 125 million paper documents to be submitted digitally per year. Taxpayers who want to submit paper returns and correspondence can continue to do so.
  • Taxpayers will be able to e-file 20 additional tax forms. Achieving this milestone will enable up to 4 million additional tax documents to be filed digitally every year. This includes amendments to Forms 940, 941, 941-SS and 941 (PR), which are some of the most common forms taxpayers file when amending returns.
  • At least 20 of the most used non-tax forms will be available in digital, mobile friendly formats that make them easy for taxpayers to complete and submit. These forms will include a Request for Taxpayer Advocate Service Assistance, making it easier for taxpayers to get the help they need.

Filing season 2025: IRS achieves paperless processing for tax returns

  • By filing season 2025, an additional 150 of the most used non-tax forms will be available in digital, mobile friendly formats. An estimated 15 percent of Americans rely solely on mobile phones for their Internet access—they do not have broadband at home—and making forms available
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