Tax Practitioner's Toolkit for Sole Proprietors and Small Firms 

Preparing Your Practice to Understand and Articulate the Value of Your Tax Services

What makes you different from other tax preparers? What’s unique in the way you service clients? What areas of specialization set you apart? Be ready to infuse your value message in every conversation, e-mail and letter with each client. The following materials will assist you in your efforts.

• The Total Tax Insights™ Backgrounder
  Learn more about this first-of-a-kind tool offered by the CPA profession that gives taxpayers a clearer picture of the number and types of federal, state and local taxes they pay and the estimated amounts based on residence. 
• Value-Centric Culture Checklist
  Implement these six easy steps and corresponding customizable materials to build a program that ensures delivery of a consistent message from everyone in your firm about the value you provide clients.
• CPAs vs Unlicensed Tax Preparers Presentation* 
  Share these informative slides with your staff so they have a better understanding of the differences in qualifications.
• Overcoming Objections to Hiring a CPA 
  You don’t want to lose a viable prospect because you didn’t have the right answer to a concern. Look over these talking points and put the responses into your own words. Add to the list as you encounter new questions.
• FAQs about the Preparer Registration Program*
  Familiarize yourself with these commonly raised questions by CPAs about the IRS’s regulation of tax return preparers.
• AICPA President and CEO Barry Melancon, CPA Video and Talking Points
  Educating consumers on the differences between CPAs and registered tax preparers is so important. Hear Barry’s thoughts on how to respond to questions from current and potential clients.
• CPA: The Value of Articulating Your Value Webinar
  Watch this informative webinar to learn how other tax practitioners are articulating their value to clients and prospects and deepening those relationships.
• Client Satisfaction Survey 
  Ask your clients how you are doing and identify areas for improvement so you retain the clients you have worked so hard to attract.
• Client Satisfaction Survey Cover Letter
  Write a letter to accompany your client satisfaction survey using this sample.

*Item is currently unavailable pending the outcome of the District Court case (Loving v. Internal Revenue Service) that imposed an injunction on the IRS' preparer registration program. It will be restored and updated as necessary once the case is resolved.

Engaging with Clients to Stay Top of Mind

Use these customizable materials to remind clients and referral sources to come to you for expert, year-round tax services.

Brochures and Presentations

• 2013 Tax Snapshot Brochure This brochure provides an overview of key tax law provisions that affect individual and small business taxpayers. Consider going through it with clients during tax planning meetings, distributing it along with your tax client organizer or annual engagement letter, or placing printed copies in your firm's reception area.
• Breaking Down the Fiscal Cliff Presentation:  This comprehensive PowerPoint describes the American Taxpayer Relief Act and its implications for individual and business taxpayers. Perfect for civic or business group meetings. (Note: This presentation has been designed and the images licensed for this PowerPoint presentation only. The copy may be modified; however, the images may not be used in other materials.)
• Preparing for Life's Important Moments Brochure
  A particularly good piece for prospective clients and referral sources, it provides a detailed overview of the advantages of working with a CPA. Mail it as a follow up to a phone conversation or offer it as a reference after a prospective client meeting.
• CPA Value and Tax Blurbs for Your Website or Client Newsletter
  Choose from a variety of messages that showcase your expertise and value.

Promoting Your Practice to Attract New Clients

Attracting new clients takes time. Here are some cost-effective tools to help you get your message out – consistently, over time – that can be tailored for your specific audiences and areas of expertise.  Personalize them with your firm logo, name and contact information.

A Clear View of Your Taxes Can Give Your Insights Into Your Financial Picture Presentation
Use for in-house meetings with employees or outside organizations to showcase the Total Tax Insights calculator's benefits. (Note: This presentation has been designed and the images licensed for this PowerPoint presentation only. The copy may be modified; however, the images may not be used in other materials.)

Making Your Voice Heard, Tax Season and Beyond, A How-To Guide
This guide provides helpful tips in using these resources to get you started. 

Print Advertisements
You have many options for placing ads that are affordable – from your local magazines and newspapers to high school or college sports programs and chamber event programs. You’ll find a selection of ads focused on the individual tax filer and small business owner.

Brochures and PowerPoints

• 2013 Tax Snapshot Brochure
  This brochure provides an overview of key tax law provisions that affect individual and small business taxpayers. Consider going through it with clients during tax planning meetings, distributing it along with your tax client organizer or annual engagement letter, or placing printed copies in your firm's reception area. 
• Preparing for Life's Most Important Moments Presentation   Customize this presentation for your local market and share with prospective clients to help them better understand the value of your firm and tax services. (Note: This presentation has been designed and the images licensed for this PowerPoint presentation only. The copy may be modified; however, the images may not be used in other materials.)

Tweets (Total Tax Insights Calculator, Holiday-Themed and General) – As they say, join the conversation! You’ll find a wide assortment of tweets to use throughout the year. Twitter is an easy – and free – way to reach all of your important audiences with impactful messages that connect with your audience and position you as an expert who is approachable and available.

Google AdWords – This is pay-per-click advertising on Google’s flagship search engine and a great place to be as consumers are searching for for the services you offer. We’ve provided a selection of sample ads for your use. To learn more, read Making Your Voice Heard, Tax Season and Beyond.

Sample Media Advisory Template – Become a trusted resource for local reporters. This template suggests possible tax topics that can be easily tailored to your area(s) of expertise and will get you started.

Total Tax Insights Calculator Logos and Descriptor
Promote the Total Tax Insights calculator on your firm's website or in your client newsletter with a logo and descriptor copy.

The Tax Practitioner's Toolkit is the collaborative effort of PCPS, the Tax Division and AICPA Communications who are working together on behalf of our members to develop tools, resources and promotional materials that position CPAs as the premier providers of tax services.