When it comes to certain very simple tasks, I believe in telling my clients they can do it on their own. I don't think it's ethical to pretend like they're complicated.
For instance, a BOI Report for a single member LLC, or an IRS form 3911 for a lost refund reissue.
Often, clients still want to pay me to prepare things like this, to make sure it's done 100% right. People who hate bureaucracy and technical, tedious stuff often ask for this. But I still make sure to make it clear that they could have done it on their own.
While it may look like I'm missing out on revenue, my business isn't built on doing simple tasks. That isn't my business model. To the contrary, allowing low value tasks to be performed by the clients frees up more time to concentrate on higher value things.
The goodwill created by the fact that I'm honest about what they need a pro for and what they don't is a good way of solidifying a good relationship with clients.
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