There are over 110,000,000 tax returns filed annually with the IRS. Many returns are prepared by professionals such as yourself.

Some of these returns have a liability and the client needs a monthly installment plan or the filling of an Offer in Compromise.

Some of these returns will be audited and need professional representation.

Some individuals haven't filed in ten years and need help. And much, much more.

Here are some ideas on how to market your practice:

Television

The following television commercial was prepared by my local cable station. I aired it on my local television channels. The cost was between $3 & $20 per spot. I have also aired commercials on the local networks such as KCBS, The Fox, TV, just to mention a few. Television commercials reaches many homes and they work well. Ask a professional producer to produce one for you or your local cable station can help you. They are only thirty-seconds long. Here are some samples:

Radio

If you purchase radio commercials during the week and during rush hours, they are expensive. So, I decided to run mine overnights and on Sundays throughout the day. They are the best prices I could get for my dollar. Watch the television commercials above and create the same message. Most all radio stations will create your commercial for you and for FREE!

Print

Print ads could be inexpensive if you purchase it locally such as the Pennysaver in my local area. Or it could be expensive if purchased in a major newspaper such as the Los Angeles Times. Print ads do work. they do bring in customers. Here is a sample:

Business Cards

You're in business to make money. Make sure you always cary your business cards and pass them along to anyone you meet. Be careful! If people know you're an IRS expert, they'll ask many questions. Invite them to come see you at the office. Free advise makes no money. You can print your own! You may purchase business cards ready to print in several finishes from Office Depot. Here is a template I use for mine. "My Business Cards"

Speaking Engagements

Boy, have I done my share on this topic. The Lions Club, the Kiwanis Club, and many others. They are always looking for speakers. Search for clubs in your area and contact them. Tell them what you do and that you'd like to be invited as a guest speaker. Prepare your topics on IRS audits, Offer in Compromise, or anything that pertains to income taxes.

Canvassing Your Area

Prepare a nice brochure and go knocking on doors. Tell your neighbors who you are and what you do. Hand them a business card as well. It works good particularly right before tax season!

Ask for Referrals

Referrals were my biggest asset. When you make a client happy, ask them to refer their friends, members of their family, colleagues at work, and so on. Hand them business cards or brochures to pass out. It works!

Web Site

If you don't have one yet, you'd better get one. Find a local web designer in your local area to help create one. To begin with you need to purchase a domain name. Make sure it is catchy and easy to remember. if I as to file taxes in the city of Pasadena, I might want to acquire a domain name that spells, "taxhelpinpasadena.com". Search engines will capture the name and will relate that taxes are being done in Pasadena. Also, make sure to inform your programmer to pay close attention to the Meta Tags such as the "Title", "Description", and "Keywords". Make sure to make your site optimized for search engine. They call it SEO. Make sure that your content on the home page relates to the Meta tags. It is important. To purchase a domain name and to establish a hosting service, you might want to try godaddy.com.

Note: With all this knowledge, there should be one question remaining; How much should you charge for these services? Make sure to review the IRS Representation Engagement Agreement study material!