Discussion:My new tax venture
From TaxAlmanac
Discussion Forum Index --> Tax Questions --> My new tax venture
Www.cpa1.biz (talk|edits) said: | 24 October 2006 |
| Hello Almanacers,
I wanted to get your opinion on my new startup for the upcoming tax season. I am trying to be somewhat the NETFLIX of taxes. Please check out my newest company and tell me what your feedback is and how I might be able to make this work. I am editing a lot of the pages but should be finished by tax time. I have advertised on google, value pak, the community phonebook and townplanner calendar. Here is the website: Thanks, BJ.... | |
Bottom Line (talk|edits) said: | 24 October 2006 |
| Looks like Washington DC. I like the idea. Lots of questions. Are you targeting the DC area or nationwide? I assume you've checked out licensing in various states (I don't know - that's why I ask). How will you handle it if someone in Iowa gets audited and you've committed to answer questions about how the return was prepared? Electronic filing - are you getting signatures or handling this via PIN's? (I'm a former bank examiner and credit officer so my early training was to determine everything that could go wrong.) I still like the idea. Have you considered hiring preparers in India? I understand some of the big firms are doing that. (Still haven't figured out how they can make money doing it.) | |
| October 24, 2006 | |
| Nice site, attractive and easy to navigate.
I did not read all of it, but proof read- there are some gramatical errors. Also, the big flag for me as a consumer would be WHO am I giving my confidential information too?? There is no indication of who is doing the returns, what the credentials are, and where the customer is sending their information. You even emphasize the the orgamizer goes to a "PO Box". I think if you are going to make this work, you're going to need to post some address and some more info in the "about us" page. Good luck! | |
Death&Taxes (talk|edits) said: | 24 October 2006 |
| In 1998 I closed my office and moved 250 miles away, coming back for 8 days a season for interviews whereas formerly I had done in person work 7 days a week, 10 hours a day [plus worked on those who dropped their information in the mail or over the transom]. I sent all clients a letter of explanation telling them I would continue to do their returns by mail. 85-90% continued their commitment, so I have some experience at this. I continue to get new business by mail from recommendations and if anything, have broadened my base. What clients like about my service is the time I will spend either on the phone or by email straightening out items that are unclear. I offer the clients an 'appointment' by phone to go over the return before I mail it to them, and send them a pdf copy for review. From my experience, I think the most important factor for you is finding people who can not only prepare returns but speak to your clients on the phone, and also be there the next year or whenever the client calls. It will take a little longer that way, but it will be worth it to give that personal service. Good luck. | |
Bottom Line (talk|edits) said: | 24 October 2006 |
| The advantage D&T had was that he started with a personal relationship then went to mail. The clients were already comfortable with him. | |
| 24 October 2006 | |
| I think it is GREAT!!! Your website is very "friendly" to the point that even people who are less than computer "savvy" can navigate it. Very nice indeed...good luck to you!! Hey...but don't tell MY clients...hehe | |
| October 24, 2006 | |
| Wondering if some enterprising fellow in New Delhi is considering this. He'll do it for $15... | |
Death&Taxes (talk|edits) said: | 24 October 2006 |
| It's not New Dehli, it's Bangalore, or is that the home of all the Dell Tech Support people? | |
| 24 October 2006 | |
| Bangalore? Is a celebrity going to adopt a child from there too? hehehe | |
Msmith7305 (talk|edits) said: | 24 October 2006 |
| Are you a CPA? If so, I think you should take a very close look at cross licensing problems with all of the states and be careful with rules concerning "claims" made in your site advertising. | |
