When a client asks you to review his or her tax return for free, what is the appropriate action?

When a client asks you to review his or her tax return for free, what is the appropriate action?

• A. Terminate the relationship
• B. Tell Tim reviewing his tax return is not part of your mutual agreement to provide services
• C. Ask Tim for permission to talk to his CPA about the 1040 return
• D. Tell Tim you will review the tax return and come back with an answer

Answer: (D)

Clear expectations about scope and fees before providing services is the principle at play. When a client asks for a free tax-return review, the appropriate response is to treat it as a paid service and outline how you’ll proceed under a defined engagement. Saying you will review the return and come back with an answer communicates that you’re willing to perform the work, but you will do so under a structured plan—you’ll assess the work, determine the time and effort involved, and then provide a billable result or a formal fee arrangement before delivering final guidance. This approach respects professional standards by avoiding unpriced or informal advice and ensures transparency for both you and the client. This isn’t about cutting off help; it’s about setting professional terms up front. It also avoids implying that free, off-the-cuff advice is standard practice, and it keeps you aligned with ethical expectations for fair compensation and clear client engagement.

Clear expectations about scope and fees before providing services is the principle at play. When a client asks for a free tax-return review, the appropriate response is to treat it as a paid service and outline how you’ll proceed under a defined engagement. Saying you will review the return and come back with an answer communicates that you’re willing to perform the work, but you will do so under a structured plan—you’ll assess the work, determine the time and effort involved, and then provide a billable result or a formal fee arrangement before delivering final guidance. This approach respects professional standards by avoiding unpriced or informal advice and ensures transparency for both you and the client.

This isn’t about cutting off help; it’s about setting professional terms up front. It also avoids implying that free, off-the-cuff advice is standard practice, and it keeps you aligned with ethical expectations for fair compensation and clear client engagement.