Turning Down Clients

[geekgirldany]

The above is something I never thought I would do.

I had a new client just drop by today (no call) to see if I could do their return. Had a LLC partnership and individual. Had tried to do on TT but got stuck at the LLC part of it.

Asked me for estimate on doing the returns. After looking through the partnership for a few minutes I told them I could not do the returns for them as I have not prepared that many partnerships and suggested someone else in town.

Could I have done it... more than likely yes. I don't have too much experience with Partnerships but I am sure I could have completed the return. The reason I turned it down was time. This was a LLC with ALOT of rentals. I knew there was no way I could get the returns completed in time... especially given the learning curve.

I think it is just good to know where to draw to line on what you can and can not do. For me it is partnerships and estate returns. I am up front with that.

I never thought I would turn down business... but when I am already working so hard on what I already have.... how could I take on more new clients.

[AZ-Tax]

Did you offer to file an extension for the prospect?

A couple years when I had very little experience with S-Corp's, an S-Corp prospect called me. They said they were not quite ready (late Feb) and I convinced them to file an extension and I would prepare it for reduced fee. I could tell that S-Corp was going to have a net loss and for the 1 and only shareholder, this is all he did. Then I had time to learn more about preparing S-Corps in the off season.

[geekgirldany]

You know I really did not even think of that... offering to do an extension. Thanks for the advice. That is something I will consider in the future.

[powerage]

If I'm not comfortable doing a return, I can refer it to another preparer or whatever. This includes if the return is above my knowledge, or if I'm not comfortable with the client.