I remember at the end of April 2019 that I felt like it had been one of the wildest tax seasons in memory. The TCJA (“Trump Tax Code”) had thrown a ton of curveballs our way, and we were looking forward to implementing tax planning strategies for our Cleveland clients with an entire year under our belts.
And we did, and have done so.
But then 2020 came like a tsunami.
And we have faced it together, haven’t we?
Through it all, we’ve held together — and I hope we’ve been a small part of you and your family holding it together too.
Today is an extremely busy day for us here at Hinckley Tax Service — we’re still working on behalf of our Cleveland clients.
But I’m taking the time to write to you, because I had to say this.
I want to make sure you heard this from me (though you are likely to be actually receiving it later in the week, especially depending on how this day goes)…
THANK YOU for your trust.
It is no small matter to place your financial life in front of another, and that’s especially true during a season of so much disruption and pain. That’s why we work so hard to be people that you can trust for more than a mere “filling out some forms” service.
It’s why I make it a point to write these notes every week, sometimes more (even when we are slammed with work) — and it’s why we work so hard to stay up-to-date on all of the latest tax code updates and regulatory changes that come like clockwork, every year.
But dare I say this? I believe that the future is bright. We WILL get through this COVID and cultural disruption, and we will do it together.
We take your trust seriously. THANK YOU for it, and for your business.
I also want to add this: throughout this donkey of a year, we ALSO got to see remarkable lives of generosity, love and integrity laid out before us with regularity. For some, this was reflected by their financial statements — and for others, this was displayed by the warmth, kindness and delight by which you communicated with us during this process.
This much is clear: No matter the state of your financial life, nobody (not the IRS, not the governor, not the CDC, not anyone) can take from you the strength derived from a life lived with gratitude and joy.
You’ve reminded us of that once again, this year. What a privilege it has been to serve you this extended tax “season” … and we look forward to years of service to come.
Lastly, and as I mentioned above … we’re not letting up. We’re committing the “offseason” to continuing our education in all of what has come at us this year, and to serving you and your family in ways well beyond simple tax preparation. Ask us about how we can help you be better prepared for next year, and you may really like what we can do for your family’s bottom line.
With a grateful heart,
Rich Rhodes
(330) 225-3928
PS — If you have filed your taxes with us would you …
A) Write something of your experience for people to know about in the future? You can find us on Yelp and Google, as they seem to be the place where many people are looking these days.
Make us smile with a review on Google
Leave us a review on Yelp
(And if for some reason you weren’t satisfied with our service, please write me back personally. I will do everything within my power to make it right, and will make it a priority, even this week.)
B) Share us on YOUR Facebook wall…?
Here’s something you could post on your profile, if so inclined:
“I had my taxes prepared by Rich Rhodes’ team, and had a great experience. And even now, they’re willing to review your tax return to make sure that everything was done right for you … Give them a call at: (330) 225-3928 and let them know I told you to call.” www.facebook.com/HinckleyTaxService
Or some such … thanks again.
Warmly,
Rich Rhodes
(330) 225-3928
“CRISIS Action Plan” for my Cleveland tax clients and friends:
1) Don’t marinate in other people’s panic. Be mindful of your social media consumption.
2) Continue to stay financially and logistically prepared for worsening situations.
3) Make sure you have some ready, liquid assets, if you are able. (I.e., cash in the bank, and in hand.)
4) Set aside plans for any big spending until the dust settles — but especially look out for your small business owner friends and vendors.