Playbook
How to get your first resolution clients from clients you already have
Short answer
Your first resolution clients are usually already in your book: clients who filed with a balance due, skipped estimated payments, have unfiled years, or forwarded you an IRS notice. Review last season’s returns for balances due, then offer a paid investigation that tells each client exactly where they stand.
By the BestTaxSoftware.com editorial team. Updated . Prices checked on vendor sites that day.
Where in your client list are the cases?
- Returns filed with a balance due and no payment
- Self-employed clients who missed quarterly estimates
- Clients with unfiled prior years
- Anyone who has sent you a CP14, CP501, CP503, CP504, or LT11 notice
- Business clients behind on payroll deposits
How should you raise it with clients?
Plainly and without promises. Tell the client you now handle IRS balances, explain that the first step is reviewing their IRS record under an authorization, and quote that step. Do not describe outcomes such as settling for less until you have seen the transcripts.
Can monitoring find cases for you?
Yes. Pulling transcripts periodically for clients who sign Form 8821 shows new assessments and collection notices early. IRS Solutions and TaxStatus sell this as alerts; any transcript tool can do it manually.
Questions practitioners ask
- Is it appropriate to market resolution to existing clients?
- Yes, with accurate claims. Circular 230 prohibits misleading advertising; describe services, not outcomes.
- What if a client’s problem is beyond me?
- Refer it. Trust fund penalty cases, appeals, and anything with criminal exposure often belong with a specialist or an attorney.