Client Records: Procedural Tips

[TaxBird]

In anticipation of ridding myself of a troublesome client, (see thread regarding 'Client BS'), do any of you obtain any kind of receipt? I'm thinking I would make a checklist of all file boxes returned to the client and have them sign off when the boxes get handed over. I'm thinking of just listing the box label but was wondering if specific file contents should be referenced as well.

Specific file references don't strike me as very practical but it may be worth it if any of you have encountered problems where clients come back years later saying they didn't get all their docs.

Any thoughts on this? I'd be interested in your thoughts on how you've done this is the past.

[taxea]

Records: Procedural Tips

I send the client worksheets for various schedules and a checklist of the other documents I need. I don't take invoices, receipts or documents other than W-2, 1099, 1098 and statements from investments sales. I then make copies of everything I was provided with and put the copies with the client's completed return and give it all back. I keep the originals; worksheets in their handwriting and what the IRS requires me to keep. taxea

[JG EA]

I have a form letter "I have received today" and list everything I'm giving back and have them sign it, make a copy, and give them the copy in their box or folder.

I just do this with bookkeepiing clients since they have trouble remembering where we are and I need to be able to remind them.

I do not do this with tax returns, but just note date they picked up because efile records take care of most of it.

I do not do this with payroll records either, but put a list of the things in their year-end payroll package and make a copy for myself.

But for bookkeeping clients it has been the only way I can keep track. For clients that have left it really helps. For client's like this one you have I also keep all my old notes on them forever - just in case.

[TaxBird]

But for bookkeeping clients it has been the only way I can keep track. For clients that have left it really helps. For client's like this one you have I also keep all my old notes on them forever - just in case.

I agree. I plan to keep those notes forever.