In today’s digital-first world, having a strong online presence isn’t just optional – it’s essential for tax professionals looking to grow their businesses. Whether you’re focused on attracting new clients, retaining existing ones or positioning yourself as an expert in your community, your digital footprint plays a critical role. This guide will walk you through proven strategies to build and optimize your online presence, ensuring your services are visible and accessible when clients need you most.

1. Build a professional website

Your website is often the first impression potential clients will have of your business. Make it count!

• Focus on first impressions: Ensure your website is clean, modern and easy to navigate.

• Key features to include:

  • Clear descriptions of your services
  • Contact information and online appointment scheduling
  • Client testimonials and reviews
  • Secure portals for document uploads

• Optimize for mobile: Many clients will access your site on mobile devices, so make sure it looks great and functions smoothly on all screen sizes.

• Search engine optimization basics: Use keywords that potential clients might search for, like “tax preparation services near me” or “small business tax advisor.”

2. Leverage social media marketing

Social media isn’t just for personal use anymore. It’s a powerful tool for marketing your tax services and building relationships.

• Choose the right platforms: Focus on LinkedIn for professional networking, Facebook for community engagement and Instagram for visual marketing.

• Engaging content ideas:

  • Tax tips and reminders about filing deadlines
  • Updates on tax law changes or deductions
  • Client success stories

• Stay consistent: Post regularly and respond to comments and messages to build trust and visibility.

3. Optimize your Google Business Profile

A well-optimized Google Business Profile can make your firm stand out in local searches.

• Claim and verify your profile: Make sure your listing is accurate and up to date.
• Enhance your profile: Add your services, hours and professional photos.
• Collect and respond to reviews: Positive reviews build credibility and attract more clients.
• SEO tips for local visibility: Use phrases like “tax preparation in [city name]” to rank higher in local searches.

4. Create valuable content

Position yourself as a trusted resource by producing content that educates and informs clients.

• Highlight your expertise: If your practice has a specialty, focus your blog on topics that distinguish your services from other firms in your community
• Video content: Create short videos explaining deductions, filing tips or industry changes
• Email newsletters: Use newsletters to stay connected, share updates and remind clients about deadlines

5. Invest in paid advertising

Digital advertising can help you reach clients who are actively searching for tax services.

• Google ads: Target keywords like “tax help near me” to show up in search results.
• Social media ads: Use Facebook and LinkedIn ads to target specific demographics, like small business owners.
• Retargeting campaigns: Re-engage visitors who’ve checked out your site but haven’t booked an appointment.

In today’s competitive market, a strong online presence is one of the most effective ways to grow your tax practice and connect with clients. From building a professional website to leveraging social media and paid advertising, these strategies can help you stand out and stay ahead of the competition.

Looking for more tips and resources to grow your practice? Explore NATP’s resource center for tools and training to help you succeed.

Here’s to a successful tax season and a thriving online presence!

The 2025 NATP Board of Directors is officially announced. These dedicated individuals bring a wealth of experience and a shared commitment to advancing the tax profession. This term runs Jan. 1, 2025, and ends Dec. 31, 2025.

2025 NATP Board of Directors:

• President: Jaimee Hammer, EA
• Vice President: Richard Moring III, EA
• Secretary: Jackie Sanders, AFSP
• Treasurer: Jim Vann, CRTP, AFSP
• Members: Debbie Holladay, AFSP; Mark Miller, CPA; Dorothy Havey, AFSP; Charles Markham, EA, MST, CPA; LaVeta Scherer, EA; and Anna Stevens, EA

The NATP Board plays a crucial role in guiding the organization’s mission to support and educate tax professionals nationwide. Board members are responsible for setting strategic direction, ensuring the association’s financial health and upholding the values that make NATP a trusted resource in the tax community.

Serving on the NATP Board requires a significant commitment. Board members are elected to serve a three-year term and may run for re-election at the end of those three years, with a maximum of nine years of service within any 14-year period. The NATP bylaws allow for the election of 9 to 11 National Board members. (natptax.com)

To be eligible for the board, individuals must:

• Be at least 25 years old and work full-time or part-time in the tax preparation industry
• Be a voting member in good standing and have been a member of NATP for a minimum of three of the last five years, including the year preceding their nomination
• Complete at least eight hours of NATP-provided education per year for each of the past two years
• Attend at least one in-person educational event provided by NATP national within the last two years (natptax.com)

These requirements ensure that board members are well-equipped to represent the interests of NATP members effectively.

NATP members vote each year for the next year’s National Board of Directors. The nomination process for the 2026 board will begin later this year. We encourage all members to engage with the board, share your insights and contribute to the ongoing success of our association!

Question: Jason regularly gambles at the local casino. He is not considered engaged in the trade or business of gambling but does spend a large amount of money pursuing the activity of gambling at one specific casino.

The casino gives Jason perks such as vouchers for free meals or drinks, complimentary overnight stays and tickets to attend shows at the local comedy club to encourage him to continue spending money at their casino rather than going to the larger casino in the next town. The total value of all the perks Jason received from the casino is $2,500.

During the year, Jason’s gambling pursuits have resulted in gambling winnings of $10,000, which he will report on his Form 1040, U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, as taxable income. He also keeps a log of all his wagers and has allowable documented gambling losses of $20,000. Assuming Jason is able to itemize his deductions on Schedule A (Form 1040), Itemized Deductions, what amount of gambling losses may he deduct?

Answer: Jason may deduct $12,500 of his gambling losses. He would report $12,500 in winnings and be allowed to offset that income with a deduction for an equal amount. The remaining $7,500 in losses are not deductible and can’t be carried forward.

Gambling losses are deductible on Schedule A as an itemized deduction up to the amount of the taxpayer’s gains from gambling (wagering) transactions. The perks, sometimes referred to as “comps,” Jason received from the casino are treated as gambling winnings for tax purposes because they are closely related to his gambling activity, and he would not have received them had he not gambled exclusively at that casino.

Therefore, the comps are considered gains from the gambling activity and must be treated as gambling winnings for purposes of reporting the income and determining how much of the gambling losses will be allowed as a deduction on Schedule A.