Free tax advice

[veritas]

The worst experience I ever had was years ago when I got frustrated with someone asking free advice and I with my big mouth said something that offended him. Bad thing to do. He came to my office in a severe ice storm came into my office and screamed until we had to call the police. Of course he left before the police arrived. Then the bomb threats came. The policeman advised me to not offend ppl in my neighborhood.

[SueBaby]

The worst experience I ever had was years ago when I got frustrated with someone asking free advice and I with my big mouth said something that offended him. Bad thing to do. He came to my office in a severe ice storm came into my office and screamed until we had to call the police. Of course he left before the police arrived. Then the bomb threats came. The policeman advised me to not offend ppl in my neighborhood.

I think I saw that very person on MOST WANTED!

[JON]

Free Advice

is worth what is paid for it.

[Black Bart]

Now

The policeman advised me to not offend ppl in my neighborhood.

there is an astounding theory of how to "protect and serve." Wonder if he ever considered looking up the screamer/bomber and advising him not to offend people in the neighborhood?

[geekgirldany]

Geez sound like something a policeman would say around here.

Actually I probably wouldn't call the police... get out a shotgun. Kidding... sorta.

[Matt Sova]

Free advice

I learned a new trick. You tell them that you cannot answer their question due to the liability and your malpractice insurance will not cover you unless they are a paying client. Then set up the appointment.

[Brian EA]

I learned a new trick. You tell them that you cannot answer their question due to the liability and your malpractice insurance will not cover you unless they are a paying client. Then set up the appointment.

Brilliant idea Matt. JUST BRILLIANT.

[Armando Beaujolais]

I had a conversation with a tax practitioner the other day who was complaining about all those deadbeat clients who want free advice and are a big waste of time and nothing but an aggravation.

I have the perfect solution. Turn the person into a paying client.

If you're giving out free advice to people that you believe you should charge for, sorry, but that's your fault. I'm astounded with the number of tax practitioners who spend time and money for advertising, then get all resentful when people call and ask questions. Most people with tax questions have no idea what their situation is. When they say "I just have a quick question," that doesn't mean "I'm going to pump you for free information and then skip out before you have a chance to bill me." It's the same thing as saying "Howyadoin'" to a stranger walking down the sidewalk. You don't really care, you're just making conversation.

Here's what I do to turn them into paying clients. I'll try to answer one question if it's easy and I can answer it off the top of my head, like "I sold my house. Will I be taxed?" Guaranteed you will get a followup question. That's my cue to educate my client. Try to be a little smooth. "To be honest with you, I make my living giving advice. I don't mind answering a quick question, but it's not fair to charge some people and give free advice to others. Could I ask you a couple of questions and give you an idea how our fee structure works?"

Over half the time it results in transferring the call to the appointment desk. If they don't make an appointment, at least it stops them in their tracks and they won't ask any more questions. More revenue, and I don't sit around resenting people who seek me out for advice.

If it's a current client, have them set an appointment. That says "Yes, I'm going to charge you for my time."

It's your responsibility to turn these people into paying clients. If you don't, that's your fault, not theirs.

This doesn't excuse anyone barging into your tax office and being disruptive, but you get my point.

[Chief]

Excellent Answer

I learned a new trick. You tell them that you cannot answer their question due to the liability and your malpractice insurance will not cover you unless they are a paying client. Then set up the appointment.

Thank you Matt, for such a splendid response.

[Jiggers]

Free Tax Advice

I just remind those seeking free tax advice that they are getting what they paid for.

I don't answer questions from non-clients over the phone, I won't review self-prepared returns, especially this late in tax season.

I said before that giving tax advice over the phone is like giving a haircut over the phone.

[taxea]

Free Advise

Thanks Matt, from all of us