The one action all Accountants should take before June 30

It’s that time of year again when many of your personal clients should start thinking about their end of year tax matters – June 30. So are you going let another marketing opportunity pass you by? Here’s an idea to help you win more business and clients by taking advantage of this seasonal event.

The action: Write a letter or send an email to all of your clients right now.
Develop your service orientation by writing to your clients before June 30. Let them know you are thinking about them and offer a few pre-June 30 tips. Also let them know you’re open to helping their family and friends to encourage them to refer business to you.

Here’s an example letter, to help you get started.

Feel free to personalise it to your own adviser style and accounting service model.

 – – – – – –

25 May 2013

Mr and Mrs Smith

123  Service Street,

Suburbville State 2000

.

Dear Jim and Margaret,

.

We’re here to help you both get through tax time.

It’s almost the end of another financial year and tax time will soon be with us once more.
I wanted to take this opportunity to write to you before we meet to complete your tax return, to make sure you are making the most of your opportunities.

Claiming work related expenses
Make sure you keep track of all of the expenses you can claim that relate to your employment. Common items include union and professional membership fees, tools and equipment, seminars, training and educations costs. Uniform costs also can be claimed. Increasingly we are seeing clients work from home, so don’t forget to include telephone, internet expenses and other home office expenses if applicable.  If you have been using your car for work its important you track all of your expenses and keep a log book for a minimum of twelve weeks.

If you are unsure if something can be claimed, simply keep a record of it and we will assess it for you as a part of completing your return.

Boost your superannuation and save tax
There are a couple of tax effective ways to help your superannuation savings grow before June 30. By making a salary sacrifice contribution to your super before June 30, you will pay only 15% tax on your contribution instead of your marginal tax rate which for many people is between 22% and 45%. The government however places limits on the amount of money you can contribute to your superannuation. The amount you can contribute also depends on your age.

To make the most of your superannuation please contact us for personal assistance as every client’s situation will be different. We will put you in touch with our financial planner.  You might also be able to claim a tax offset by making a contribution to super for your spouse.

Tax time is a very busy time for our office. To make sure we can see you at a time that suits you, please do not hesitate to make an appointment with us. Of course, we are also delighted to help your family and friends, should they require tax time assistance – so please don’t be afraid to pass on my details.  To make an appointment or to speak with me directly, simply call Kate our receptionist on 1234 5678.

I look forward to seeing you soon.

Kind regards,

A Smith
<signoff>

PS. There are new rules about to coming into effect next year for claiming education expenses. I will tell you about these when we meet.

– – – – – –

With your letter, you might also supply a checklist of ‘what to bring’ when they come to meet you. This can help make sure you have everything that you need.

Would you like more ideas on how to improve your service? Order a copy of my book, Service 7 . And best of all – as a business expense – it’s most likely to be tax deductible this financial year!

photo credit: Property#1 via photopin cc