Tax season is a stressful time for many people. We all know that the process of filing taxes can be complicated, but it doesn’t have to be. In this article, we will provide five tips on how you can help unhappy clients get through the process with ease at Roseville, CA.
Listen Actively
One of the most important things you can do when helping an unhappy client is to listen to them actively. Don’t let your mind wander, but instead focus on what they are saying and how it makes them feel about filing their taxes.
You may not like paying taxes either. When clients come in feeling upset about filing their taxes, one way to help change that mindset is by putting yourself in their shoes. By understanding where your client is coming from, you will offer better assistance with fewer complaints throughout the process.
Be Empathetic
Another way to help unhappy clients is by practicing empathy. If you are not empathetic towards your client, they will most likely end up feeling worse than when they arrived at the office.
When dealing with an unhappy client, try showing sympathy for their situation instead of solving it immediately. This can be hard when so many things need to be done in a timely manner. But if you understand what your client is feeling before offering any advice or insight into what needs to be done next, it can go a long way in making you a success with clients.
If nothing else, remember these two simple words: “I’m sorry” and let them know they aren’t alone during this difficult time. Not only does saying those two little words show your client that you care, but it also helps them to feel like they are being heard.
Remain Calm
When dealing with unhappy clients, one of the most effective ways to help them feel better is remaining calm. If you are stressed and anxious, then they will pick up on that energy, and it will make the situation more complex than it needs to be.
Try not to get frustrated when working with a client who might be acting in an unprofessional manner. By staying calm throughout the entire process, you set an excellent example for the unhappy client, which in turn will help them stay relaxed. Remember: nobody likes someone who yells at them. So relax and only raise your voice if necessary.
Offer A Solution
One other tip to help an unhappy client when filing taxes is by offering a solution when you can. Even if your answer isn’t the one they were expecting or hoping for, just having someone who will listen and then provide guidance in some way goes a long way towards making them feel better about filing their taxes.
If you notice that the client already has almost everything in order except for small things like forgetting where they put their social security card, then remind them about it in a calm manner, so it doesn’t cause further problems down the line. Having someone to help clients every step of the way helps prevent minor mistakes from turning into more significant issues. If all else fails, just remind your client that taxes are an inescapable part of life, and they will get through it together.
Follow Up
The last thing you can do is follow up with your client a few days after filing their taxes to see how they are doing and if there is anything else that you could have done differently. It’s always better to ask rather than continue wondering what might have been different.
Asking for feedback from both your clients and other colleagues who regularly work with unhappy clients is recommended. It will help you learn best practices so that you can deal with unsatisfied clients when it comes time for the next tax season. When all of your clients feel supported throughout the entire process without feeling stressed out or overwhelmed by everything going on around them, then your business is likely to have repeat clients. If your client feels like their voice was heard, then you are doing a good job.