Practice Management Question

[JoshinNC]

How does everyone else handle this situation?

Taxpayer/Business Owner drops off info for return to be prepared. 1-2 weeks later you call business owner to come in to review and sign return, set-up appointment and meet with client. At the end of the appointment the taxpayer/business owner tells you "oh, wow, I didn't bring my checkbook with me". Mind you, these business owners are clients who come back throughout the year for planning, payroll and bookkeeping. What response do you have to the client.

I gave them copies of the return but made it clear that the return would not be e-filed until payment was made, even if that's after the return's due date.

It's now been 2 1/2 weeks since the meeting.

Just looking for some answers.

[jimmcg]

Engagement Letter

This should be covered in a comprhesive written engagement letter signed by the client prior to commencement of any work.

[JoshinNC]

for ALL clients?

this is client for whom I do monthly bookkeeping and payroll reporting. do I need to get even these clients to sign an engagement letter?

[Acownt4it]

Clients

With clients like that, I send out a statement with a hand written note (every couple of weeks or so). I just say something like "This is a friendly reminder that your tax return has not been efiled as of the (statement date). As soon as I receive payment, I will transmit your return for filing." Thank them for their continued business, etc...
Each statement will have a note with a firmer message. If that fails after 2 or 3 tries, I call them personally and ask them if there is a problem with the bill or if they have any questions since I have not received payment.
Or when they send in their payroll or monthly bookkeeping, I remind them of the balance due on their return.
Hope this helps, good luck.

[JoshinNC]

I did reference this on their monthly bookkeeping invoice

and they still need their personal return done. I'm hoping that when they make the appointment for the personal return they will remember their checkbook.

I am justing looking for some advice on how to avoid this particular situation in the future (i.e. retainer, credit card authorization, etc.)

thanks for the help!

[taxmandan]

Credit cards/Debit cards

How does everyone else handle this situation?

At the end of the appointment the taxpayer/business owner tells you "oh, wow, I didn't bring my checkbook with me".

That's why, this year I set up a merchant account and accept credit cards. They always have their cards in their wallet. It's caught a couple of them already. I am finding more business owners are using the company debit card since it simplifies their bookkeeping.

[JoshinNC]

I actually did the same thing

I started taking debit/credit cards this year, but got the excuse from this business owner (a doctor, believe it or not) that he did not have his wallet with him either.

Go figure!

[BOB W]

Simple Rule...

...... don't release any final work without payment................