If you ask most successful tax resolution pros how they get clients, “referrals” is almost always part of the answer.
And for good reason: A warm referral carries built-in trust. Referred clients are more likely to hire you, pay your fees without objection, and follow your advice. Even better? Referral-based growth is cost-effective and sustainable—if you set it up right.
But referrals don’t just happen. They come from building the right relationships, making it easy for others to refer you, and having systems that turn introductions into paying clients.
Here’s how to make referrals a reliable part of your business development strategy.
Why Referrals Work in Tax Resolution
Tax problems are personal. Clients feel overwhelmed, ashamed, embarrassed and unsure who to trust. When someone they already trust says, “Talk to this person—they helped me,” that anxiety is lowered immediately.
You skip the “prove yourself” phase. That means shorter sales cycles, better alignment, and higher close rates.
1. Identify Your Ideal Referral Partners
Not all referrals are created equal. The best sources are those who interact regularly with your ideal client base and don’t directly compete with you.
Here are some great referral sources for tax resolution pros:
- CPAs and bookkeepers who don’t handle IRS problems
- Enrolled agents who focus on prep but not resolution
- Bankruptcy attorneys and family law attorneys
- Business coaches or consultants for small businesses
- Mortgage brokers and real estate professionals
- Financial advisors with high-net-worth clients
Build a short list of 10–15 people you already know—or want to know—who fit these profiles.
2. Build Relationships, Not Just Lists
People refer to those they trust. That means you need to go beyond handing out a business card.
Reach out, set up a short coffee chat or Zoom meeting, and lead with curiosity. Ask about their business, who they serve, what kind of clients are ideal for them. Then share what you do and how you help.
Don’t pitch. Don’t pressure. Just connect.
Follow up with value. This could be:
- A helpful resource related to their niche
- An introduction to someone in your network
- A shoutout on social media
Referrals flow from relationships, not transactions.
3. Make It Easy to Refer You
Want more referrals? Don’t make people guess what you do or how to refer you.
Give partners:
- A 1-sentence summary of what you do (“I help self-employed professionals resolve IRS debt and stay compliant.”)
- A simple link to your calendar or intake form
- A resource page or explainer video they can share with clients
- A downloadable one-sheet they can keep on file
Also, make sure your website clearly explains who you help, how the process works, and what results they can expect. A confusing or outdated website can kill warm leads.
4. Show Proof and Credibility
People refer confidently when they know you’ll deliver.
Keep your LinkedIn up to date. Share testimonials. Create before/after stories or case studies (with permission or anonymized). Consider writing blog posts or doing short videos on specific IRS problems and solutions.
When someone can see that you know your stuff, they’re more likely to send people your way.
5. Ask—But the Right Way
Don’t just say, “Send me clients.” That puts the burden on them.
Instead, say:
“If you ever come across a small business owner with more than $20,000 in IRS debt who’s unsure what to do next, that’s exactly who I help. Feel free to introduce us—I’m happy to take it from there.”
Make it clear:
- Who you help
- What problem you solve
- What the referral partner needs to do next (usually just an intro)
6. Don’t Forget to Refer Out
Want to strengthen your network and earn long-term trust? Be a referral source yourself.
When you send someone a client, you stay top of mind—and show that the relationship is two-way. Keep a list of reliable professionals in complementary fields (tax prep, bookkeeping, business law, estate planning, bankruptcy, etc.) and connect your clients when needed.
You’ll be seen as a trusted connector—not just a service provider.
7. Systematize It
Use automation to support your referral engine. Create:
- A dedicated referral partner page on your website
- A follow-up sequence for warm leads
- A referral checklist or onboarding email for new partners
- A quarterly check-in email or newsletter just for your network
The more structured you are, the easier it becomes to keep relationships warm and referrals flowing.
Final Thought
You don’t need a giant marketing budget to grow your tax resolution practice. You just need the right relationships—and a system to turn trust into business.
At the Tax Resolution Academy®, we help tax pros build referral engines that work—so you can spend less time chasing clients and more time serving them.
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Here’s to working smarter, not harder!
And a brighter future for your tax practice!
If you want to know more consider joining the Tax Resolution Academy® by clicking this link to earn your Certified Taxpayer Representative™ (CTR™) certification
I hope this helps.
If you have any questions, please reach out to us.
I would love to hear your thoughts, challenges, and successes in writing your very own book.
Have a GREAT day,
Cordially,
Dan
Dan Henn, CPA, CTR™
Co-Founder, Tax Resolution Academy®
Managing Member
Tax Pro Academy, LLC
P.S. Want to learn more about the Tax Resolution Academy®, go to https://community.taxresolutionacademy.com.
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