Clients (up or down)

[spanel]

Hows your YTD so far?? We around about 50 down so far... Starting later 2/12? We have major snow/ice currently, but we were down 50 before this crap hit..

Chris

[BOB W]

About the same. Clients came in as usual. Stockpiled about 45 returns before the 12th. We had snow and ice also..........

[ATSMAN]

I am down by quite a bit so far this season. I am finding some folks are waiting for the details of the $1400 stimulus to be announced before they will file. I am getting a lot of appointment requests for late March and early April. Also some folks believe that just like last year the season will again be extended.

[Lion]

I have new clients this year, as well as all my repeat clients. But not all forms are available for e-file yet. I need to switch to partnerships and S-corporations now, so will have only one month to complete all those personal returns. I will have many more extensions.

[spanel]

I have new clients this year, as well as all my repeat clients. But not all forms are available for e-file yet. I need to switch to partnerships and S-corporations now, so will have only one month to complete all those personal returns. I will have many more extensions.

What forms are not ready to efile???

[kathyc2]

Because of COVID, I'm refusing to have in person meetings with clients this year, so I expect to lose some clients. So far it seems about the same as last year, so maybe I will lose less than I think.

[Lion]

Form 8915-E is one form holding up some client returns and 8995-A for others.

[BOB W]

Form 8283 not ready for efile also........

[Lion]

I didn't lose any clients last year going completely virtual, and have even picked up new clients this year who know I will not meet with them in person.

[BP.]

Post 9 ... +1

[ATSMAN]

I didn't lose any clients last year going completely virtual, and have even picked up new clients this year who know I will not meet with them in person.

I have been trying to go 100% virtual but I am finding some resistance from older clients and blue collar clients who still want to have at least one face to face meeting. Most of them are ok. to drop off their paperwork BUT they want to come pick up a hard copy and physically sign 8879. They are not comfortable with e-signatures. I am using Webex a lot with clients who are used to that at school or work.

I think the more sophisticated and better educated people are ok. with a virtual environment. This is just my observation in my practice so it may not apply to you all!

[kathyc2]

I have been trying to go 100% virtual but I am finding some resistance from older clients and blue collar clients who still want to have at least one face to face meeting. Most of them are ok. to drop off their paperwork BUT they want to come pick up a hard copy and physically sign 8879. They are not comfortable with e-signatures. I am using Webex a lot with clients who are used to that at school or work.

I think the more sophisticated and better educated people are ok. with a virtual environment. This is just my observation in my practice so it may not apply to you all!

I have a home office and have the garage set up with a folding table for them to sign, pay and pick up. It's open air with door open, quick and can maintain distance. I'd rather do this than have to mail back their original docs. I also have a slot in garage where they can drop off their info.

[ATSMAN]

I have a home office and have the garage set up with a folding table for them to sign, pay and pick up. It's open air with door open, quick and can maintain distance. I'd rather do this than have to mail back their original docs. I also have a slot in garage where they can drop off their info.

That is a great idea! Unfortunately my garage is so cluttered I can't even park all my cars!

[BOB W]

Appointments dropped last week by a bunch ..But this coming week is building triple fold so far.

[Lion]

I have a large mail slot in my front door. I might try the garage idea. Garage is a mess, but client can drive right up to it and not have a hilly walkway and steps. New garage door is steel, but I could add a large mail slot in basement door so clients have no walkway/steps. Currently, I put a stool with paperwork on my front porch, and hubby did shovel the walkway and salt the porch. I'll look into changes in the warmer weather to better be prepared for the fall and next tax season. Thank you, Kathy, for sharing the garage idea.