What do you do when someone asks for tax help?

How to Handle Client Requests for Tax Assistance

As a bookkeeper who doesn’t handle taxes, I often encounter clients seeking recommendations for tax services. This presents a challenge, as I currently have no resources to offer. Directing clients to “figure it out” on their own seems dismissive, and I want to provide them with helpful guidance.

Being quite new in the field, I would greatly appreciate insights from tax accountants on how to make my Bookkeeping more tax-friendly. However, recommending someone is tricky as I haven’t had the chance to evaluate the quality of others’ tax work personally.

So, I’m reaching out to my fellow bookkeepers who also avoid handling taxes. What are your strategies when clients ask for tax assistance? Do you have trusted referrals, or do you suggest more general resources like TurboTax? Perhaps you collaborate with a local accountancy firm?

Your insights would be invaluable. Please share your experiences and recommendations.

Thank you!

When you’re a bookkeeper who’s frequently approached for tax help but doesn’t specialize in tax services, it can feel challenging to guide your clients and leads effectively. However, providing thoughtful referrals and resources is a fantastic way to add value to your services without overstepping your expertise. Here’s a structured approach you can use:

1. Build a Referral Network

One of the best ways to handle tax-related inquiries is to establish a reliable referral network of tax professionals. Here’s how you can build this:

Research and Vet Local Accountants/Firms: Spend time researching local CPAs or tax accountants. Look for professionals with credible qualifications and positive client testimonials. Attend local business events or join professional groups to meet potential partners.
Interview Potential Partners: Schedule meetings with potential accountants to discuss your needs, understand their services, and evaluate their approachability and responsiveness. This would also be an excellent opportunity for them to brief you on how your Bookkeeping could be made more tax-efficient.
Create Partnership Agreements: Formally establish relationships with a few selected firms or individuals. Having mutual agreements might include them referring clients needing Bookkeeping services back to you.
Maintain Relationships: Regularly check in with your network to keep the relationship strong and updated on any changes in services or contact details.

2. Offer a List of Recommendations

Once you have an established network:

Provide a List of Options: When clients ask for recommendations, offer them a list of tax professionals. Include a short description of each and their contact information, explaining that these are trusted partners.
Transparency About Your Role: Clearly state that while you don’t handle taxes, these professionals come highly recommended. Emphasize your comfort in referring them and the positive feedback you’ve received from other clients.
Multiple Choices: Offering multiple choices allows clients to feel empowered to make their own decisions and accommodates a range of preferences and needs.

3. Utilize Technology and Online Resources

Tax Software Suggestions: For clients comfortable with technology who may have simpler tax needs, consider suggesting reputable tax software like TurboTax. However, make it clear that complex situations might still require professional advice.

4. Educate Yourself on Tax Basics

Even though you don’t handle taxes directly, understanding basic tax principles can allow you to:

Enhance Your Bookkeeping Services: Implement bookkeeping practices that can facilitate a smoother tax process, such as organized record-

One response

APAdmin

26 February 2025 at 2:07 PM
When you’re a bookkeeper who’s frequently approached for tax help but doesn’t specialize in tax services, it can feel challenging to guide your clients and leads effectively. However, providing thoughtful referrals and resources is a fantastic way to add value to your services without overstepping your expertise. Here’s a structured approach you can use:

1. Build a Referral Network

One of the best ways to handle tax-related inquiries is to establish a reliable referral network of tax professionals. Here’s how you can build this:
- Research and Vet Local Accountants/Firms: Spend time researching local CPAs or tax accountants. Look for professionals with credible qualifications and positive client testimonials. Attend local business events or join professional groups to meet potential partners.
- Interview Potential Partners: Schedule meetings with potential accountants to discuss your needs, understand their services, and evaluate their approachability and responsiveness. This would also be an excellent opportunity for them to brief you on how your Bookkeeping could be made more tax-efficient.
- Create Partnership Agreements: Formally establish relationships with a few selected firms or individuals. Having mutual agreements might include them referring clients needing Bookkeeping services back to you.
- Maintain Relationships: Regularly check in with your network to keep the relationship strong and updated on any changes in services or contact details.
2. Offer a List of Recommendations

Once you have an established network:
- Provide a List of Options: When clients ask for recommendations, offer them a list of tax professionals. Include a short description of each and their contact information, explaining that these are trusted partners.
- Transparency About Your Role: Clearly state that while you don’t handle taxes, these professionals come highly recommended. Emphasize your comfort in referring them and the positive feedback you’ve received from other clients.
- Multiple Choices: Offering multiple choices allows clients to feel empowered to make their own decisions and accommodates a range of preferences and needs.
3. Utilize Technology and Online Resources
- Tax Software Suggestions: For clients comfortable with technology who may have simpler tax needs, consider suggesting reputable tax software like TurboTax. However, make it clear that complex situations might still require professional advice.
4. Educate Yourself on Tax Basics

Even though you don’t handle taxes directly, understanding basic tax principles can allow you to:
- Enhance Your Bookkeeping Services: Implement bookkeeping practices that can facilitate a smoother tax process, such as organized record-
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