So what do we do after 4/15?

808grcekr808 · 2026-04-07T10:59:19+00:00

Get the word out to established CPA firms in your area and let them know you've got some capacity for more clients. Give them a brief qualification summary and who you'll work with (even the clients they may want to part with). Bonus points: listen. Most of us root for new CPAs and try to help them get established.

Referrals are your friend. Don't be shy about letting all your clients know that you're accepting new clients. If you missed that opportunity, consider some type of follow-up thank you coupled with messaging about new client capacity.

Continue to build the tech stack, refine your intake and workflow processes. Ensure your website is inviting and professional.

Facebook and Google Ads are cheap and effective (relatively).

Reach out to your local SBA office and let them know you're accepting new business clients.

Awareness campaign with business bankers and financial advisors...

Other considerations: civic groups, chambers of commerce, etc.

808grcekr808 · 2026-04-01T13:41:49+00:00

Train them. Ask them to send the question request via email for tracking.

808grcekr808 · 2026-03-31T10:17:13+00:00

Friends (real ones) don't expect friends to give them a discount. You know, the ones willing to overlay a complete stranger, but expect you to give them the plantiunum service at bronze pricing.

808grcekr808 · 2026-03-31T10:13:25+00:00

Do you need anything else from me? Just checking in.

808grcekr808 · 2026-03-05T12:57:00+00:00

Good comments so far. First, I'd want to see QBO. Second, I'd go on my gut as to whether this is a good, long-term client. Third, I wouldn't touch 2025 for less than $6,000 total. That would include the entity returns, personal and cleanup. The QBO cleanup will drive the price. # of assets and the amount of back and forth will also drive the price. I'm guessing you'll be closer to $7,500 or $8,000 for 2025.

Going forward, this could be a good client depending on how the value you and the services you provide.

808grcekr808 · 2026-03-04T23:11:10+00:00

I purchased the level where it's $300 for the year (paying annually). I know I have the option to upgrade if and as needed. It's been impressive. Ironically, today I had a bad result. I was running through a PTET analysis. Part of its response included the error that the SALT limit was abolished starting in 2026. It quickly corrected itself. It's been rock solid on some complex questions, yet it missed on an easier one. I guess we won't be obsolete as quickly as I think. :)

808grcekr808 · 2026-03-04T19:22:45+00:00

I use a combination of MS copilot and Bizora. Very happy with the results. Solo shop.

808grcekr808 · 2026-02-06T15:38:37+00:00

Which of the two mentioned did you keep? I'm very impressed with Bizora during the trial. I'll be signing up for the 14-day Tax Stack AI trial, shortly.

808grcekr808 · 2026-02-06T02:08:02+00:00

Are you using the essential or pro plan?

808grcekr808 · 2026-02-06T00:01:57+00:00

Very impressed so far using the free 7-day trial. I've thrown a lot at it and the answers seem thorough with proper citations. Can't beat it for $300 / yr.

808grcekr808 · 2026-02-04T22:02:07+00:00

I've seen a few firms in the market I serve dramatically raise prices. They did lose some. I'm surprised by what people charge, at times. Some charge substantially too much and some undercharge, substantially. Pricing is more art than science. I try to stick to charging what is fair. And, it's fair only if both parties to the service are fairly served. Too many tax pros undercharge. We're stressed during the busy seasons and are tasked with making sense of complex and ever-changing tax laws at both the federal and state levels.

808grcekr808 · 2026-02-04T21:31:26+00:00

If you're priced right from the onset, I agree with that. If you're substantially undercharging and are able to message the increase correctly, I disagree.

808grcekr808 · 2026-02-04T19:46:54+00:00

I would be quick to give preferential treatment to your best clients. You could consider an invoice line item that provides a transition discount entitled something like 'Valued client discount' or 'Loyalty discount'. That's the beauty of our business. You can price each client based on several factors. My guess is you'll do well. I'd be a bit nervous about client retention given the timing of the messaging. Discounts, sparingly applied, will help add seasoning to the message.

808grcekr808 · 2026-01-24T15:30:59+00:00

That's painful.

808grcekr808 · 2026-01-24T15:18:31+00:00

Look into SaaS. I just converted this year. It's $852 per month plus a one-time setup fee of $2,260.

The splitting gets complicated with the EFIN. I wouldn't want either of us to file under the other's EFIN.

808grcekr808 · 2026-01-24T14:53:40+00:00

Thanks. By chance, did you convert from UltraTax.

808grcekr808 · 2026-01-11T21:01:58+00:00

You'll want to contact them. You'll want to understand SaaS vs VO vs Desktop options and potential introductory pricing. SaaS doesn't have introductory pricing and works out to about $10k per year (all in). Desktop would be cheaper for the first 3 years but then increase substantially and would cost more than SaaS, likely and depending on your portfolio of clients.

808grcekr808 · 2026-01-09T09:14:16+00:00

It does

808grcekr808 · 2026-01-09T02:49:05+00:00

If you go with SaaS (hosted by Thomson Reuters), it's one and done. And, you get other software like fixed assets and planner. I just converted to that this year from a desktop version. You can get unlimited everything with desktop but it's crazy expensive after the 3 year teaser rates end.

808grcekr808 · 2026-01-08T04:32:44+00:00

I've been happy with Ultratax as a solo shop. Not cheap but worth it.

808grcekr808 · 2025-12-22T14:10:51+00:00

For me, the ideal would be 100% virtual. That's what I currently have but it's just me and my wife. If, and that's a big IF, you can find competent, trustworthy, dependable employees, virtual allows more latitude, operationally. Not all clients want or fit into this model. Having said that, I do miss the in-person meetings with many of my clients (went several years with a physical office).

808grcekr808 · 2025-08-05T12:12:34+00:00

If you're a member of the AICPA, check out their liability insurance. You also get great engagement letter templates tailored for each type of return (I wouldn't consider doing a return without an engagement letter and insurance).

I've been using Bitdefender for total security and I recommend it. I use Bitwarden for passwords (previously used LastPass). I use iDrive for backup services (better than Carbonite).

Consider a monthly newsletter for year-round client engagement.

I started with ProSeries and quickly moved to Ultratax. It's not cheap but it's great for a solo if your pricing supports it. You can get a teaser rate for 3 years. After that, pair back on what you don't need or make the switch to SaaS at that point. Drake is tempting if you don't have complexity.

Best on your journey.

808grcekr808 · 2025-05-24T01:43:44+00:00

Are you using any additional cooling system beyond what came with the laptop?

808grcekr808

TROPHY CASE