Dear Clients and Friends:
It's time to get geared up for another exciting tax season. I look forward to helping each of you achieve your tax and financial goals for the coming year.
Before getting started, I wanted to share with you some of the accomplishments you have helped build and news for 2007:
--In 2006, Ryan Ellis and Associates served 135 clients, a record and double the prior year figure.
--Gross revenues were up 67%, a credit to all of your referrals and good words. Thanks again.
There are lots of exciting new developments for this tax season. I want to continue to add features for my clients:
--In a bit of good news for you, my preparation and strategy fees are unchanged for the third consecutive year. Rather than squeeze my clients like some of my competitors do, I want to pass along productivity increases to you in the form of keeping prices frozen for the forseeable future.
--Referral credits will continue to be applied at 25% of your fee. Credits earned during the offseason apply to the subsequent filing season.
--My business model has gotten a lot more client-friendly with the addition of my new laptop. All of the software I need is on the laptop, and I can go where you are (home, business, etc.) to get your taxes done. If everything is in order, we can get your taxes squared away in one session. I estimate this will cut down the time between meeting a client and executing his or her tax return and strategy by about 67%. That's more time for you to do more enjoyable things (what's unenjoyable about tax prep I'll never know), and allows me to be more efficient and keep your fees frozen.
--Many of you have seen the new super-blog, www.taxplaya.com. I urge all of you to visit it. I'm convinced it's one of the top five tax-related websites on the entire Internet. Please send in questions, look up tax facts, and subscribe via email or RSS. Your friends will think you are on the cutting edge of tax knowledge, which is always fun at parties.
--I wanted to remind you again of my service on business entity formation. For a flat fee of $150, I will advise you on a proper business structure, help you get your business off the ground, and get you ready for a turnkey tax operation for the business. This is obviously easier to do after April 15th, but feel free to contact me anytime.
--This year, I am adding a new service for clients and prospective clients that do not feel that they need the whole preparation and strategy package. If you go to www.ryanellisassociates.com or www.taxplaya.com anytime after February 1st, you will find a link to an online filing page. Here, someone with a simple tax situation and not needing advice can go and e-file taxes themselves--all for about the same price as other tax software. If someone changes their mind and decides they want the full package, they can always contact me and upgrade.
--Answering a joke I've heard from many, I now have "associates"--two, in fact. Adam Radman (aradman@ryanellisassociates.com) and Brian Hull (bhull@ryanellisassociates.com) have joined the team this year as Tax Strategists. They each received over 90% scores on their 11-week H&R Block "tax boot camp," and have been personally-drilled by me. Adam and Brian have also worked with me at Americans for Tax Reform, so I can vouch for their professionalism and work ethic. This year, they will be helping to prepare about fifty returns each, all at the less complex end of the spectrum. All returns will be personally-reviewed and approved by me before being e-filed.
--Because of the exploding rate of growth of clients, I'm forced this year to be mindful of the finite nature of time. As a result, I will be implementing a client minimum for personal tax return preparation. If your fees are expected to meet or exceed $300, I will be assigned your return. If your fee is expected to be less than that, then your return preparation will be assigned to Adam or Brian. If you would prefer that I continue to prepare your return, you have the option of "buying in" at a $300 level. In all cases, the returns will be personally reviewed by me before e-file, and I will be available for any subsequent consulting and strategy at no additional charge (as usual).
It's my hope that some of you can develop a relationship with Adam and Brian similar to what you have built with me. In the coming years, they will acquire more skills and experience and take on more complicated returns, so I want to make sure you get a chance to meet and interact with them.
So, let's get rolling for 2007:
--Today is Monday, January 15th. BTW, this is the fourth quarter estimated tax payment deadline, for those of you paying quarterly.
--I will begin scheduling tax prep meetings between you and either myself, Adam, or Brian on Monday, January 29th. Please don't ask me to set up any tax meetings before then without good reason. Like you, my schedule doesn't really firm up until about a week out. Tax meetings should take approximately one hour per client.
--Tax sessions will begin on Saturday, February 3rd. I will be looking to have tax meetings every Saturday afternoon, Sunday afternoon, and Monday-Thursday evening. If the Patriots make the Super Bowl, I may knock off early on Feburary 4th (so sue me).
--Anyone getting us their materials on or after Sunday, April 1st (in the case of corporations, Thursday March 1st) will be required to file an automatic six-month extension with us. This is to make sure your return is not hurried or rushed leading up to the deadline.
As always, please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns.
Have a great rest of January.
Ryan Ellis--President
Ryan Ellis & Associates, LLC
1021 Arlington Blvd.
Ste. 221
Arlington, VA 22209
202-302-3158
rellis@ryanellisassociates.com
www.ryanellisassociates.com
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