Client expects me to rewrite the tax code by April 15.
Day 91 of this wild ride, haha!
Client shows up with a Whole Foods bag full of receipts—half of them from 2023! He says, “Can’t you just make it all zero?” Between rental losses and side gig income, he’s frustrated I can’t magically uncover more deductions. I’m about to send him IRS Publication 17 and a calculator. Years ago, some insurance guy at a CPE event talked about “income restructuring” like it was magic… too sketchy for my taste. What’s your best trick for when clients think you’re a tax wizard this late in the game? I’m overwhelmed and starting to lose it!
Tags:
Categories:
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
One response
It sounds like you’re really in the thick of it! Dealing with unrealistic client expectations while juggling a mountain of receipts is definitely no easy task. For that “tax genie” effect, sometimes you just have to set clear boundaries.
I’ve found that a good approach is to take a deep breath and lay out the options clearly. Start with a quick rundown of what deductions are available that he might not have considered (like home office or business expenses) and give him realistic projections for what he can expect. If there’s any potential for restructuring income legitimately, it’s worth a discussion—just ensure you clearly explain the risks involved.
If he’s set on zeroing it out, you might want to prepare a simple calculation or scenario showing that it’s not feasible given the receipts he’s provided (especially since some are from this year). If all else fails, you can always send him to a tax planner or advisor for more complex strategies, just to offload some of that pressure. Remember to take care of yourself during this chaotic season!