A how-to guide to a successful client interview
The client interview is just as important as the actual preparation of your clients’ return. The questions you ask are almost just as important as their answers. The interview and their responses can give you cues from what to expect from your clients throughout the remainder of the year and if you need follow up about anything on their current return.
Below, you’ll find a few of the top questions from a recent webinar on this topic and their accompanying answers. If you choose to attend the on-demand version of this webinar, you’ll have access to the full recording and the entire list of Q&As.
Q: Are §7216 notice and privacy policies required even if you don’t offer bank products?
A: Yes. The regulations under §7216, Disclosure or Use of Tax Information by Preparers of Returns, gives taxpayers greater control over their personal tax return information. This limits the use and disclosure of information tax preparers obtain during the return preparation process to activities directly related to the preparation of the return.
Q: Do you keep documents on file that allow one spouse to sign for the other spouse?
A: Yes, keep documentation for the tax year that the spouse would sign the return for the other spouse.
Q: Can you explain the term “custodial parent”?
A: A custodial parent is the parent the child spent the most nights with during the year. The custodial parent can change every year depending on which parent had the child for the most nights during that year.
Q: Is a birth certificate required for claiming dependents?
A: Though it is not required, it can be a good document to have for due diligence purposes.
Q: Do we have to ask clients whether they have assets outside the United States?
A: Yes, the questions on the bottom of Schedule B need to be answered.
To learn more about performing effective client interviews, you can watch our on-demand webinar. NATP members can attend for free, depending on membership level! If you’re not an NATP member and want to join our completely free 30-day trial, visit natptax.com/explore.