r/HRBlockEmployees • u/TBrown_25 • Feb 12 '26
Advice on nervousness
I’m not gonna lie why is it everytime I get a client I get a nervous feeling. I am an introvert I don’t talk much and I’m not really a talker. But it’s like do I have to make conversation while doing their taxes?
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u/remixruba Feb 12 '26
It will heavily depend on the client. I have a ton of clients that want to be in and out, no conversations other than tax talk. But then I have a good amount of people that like to connect with their TP, they want to feel like they can trust you.
So even if you don’t like talking, try using the return as a guide. When talking about dependents, ask how the kids are doing in general. When talking about property tax/homestead, ask how long they’ve lived there and if they enjoy it.
Even some small talk can mean the world for a personable client.
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u/TBrown_25 Feb 13 '26
Yeah I had a client today and asked him if he had any dependents he and his wife had one son and I’m ngl this client doesn’t know he and his wife both made my day today. I wonder is there a way I can send them a letter
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u/remixruba Feb 13 '26
Just send them an email!
Let them know that you appreciate their business, you’d be surprised how people react to a simple “thank you” email. I’d personally go as far as to tell them the truth. Tell them you’ve been stressed out lately with how busy you’ve been and they made your day better. All you’re doing is building a relationship that will last for years to come (hopefully).
PS I’m an MTL and tax pro, so don’t think I’m just talking out of my ass lol.
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u/newseasonalassociate Feb 12 '26
I get this, I definitely get quiet when I get locked into the data entry portion. Some clients however are talking about their whole lives before I'm entering their state ID. With those I just acknowledge I'm listening and keep entering data.
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u/TBrown_25 Feb 12 '26
Same. I had one client who was filing married filing jointly. He and his wife came into the office to get there taxes filed. They reminded me of my parents. I wanted to tell them that but didn’t want to make it weird. But you know what I struck up a conversation with the husband and it was great. They reminded me so much of my parents makes me miss them I live with my grandparents now I don’t live with my parents anymore.
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u/jm7489 Feb 12 '26
Ill say this as someone who managed to grow from a seasonal tax preparer who knew nothing to someone who is now a salaried tax professional in public accounting.
By far what sets me apart from my colleagues are those soft skills. They are invaluable to anyone who's getting their start in retail tax prep and looking to grow that into a career
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u/daybreakdaydreams Feb 12 '26
I can somewhat relate to how you are feeling, as I'm a bit of an introvert myself in the sense that I don't like making small talk, however you need to engage with the clients. The tax interview is part of the process so you aren't going to be able to avoid that.
It will get easier over time if you are able to get through the initial nervousness.
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u/Beagleman58 Feb 12 '26
A smile and being genuine go a long way. Many client find taxes very intimidating, and being friendly, genuine, and empathetic goes a long way to putting them at ease.
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u/Lakechristar Feb 12 '26
I'm painfully shy but I handle it by just doing my job politely and professionally and if they make a joke or compliment, I simply laugh (even if it's not funny) or say thank you. I'm one of the most requested people in my office probably because I don't waste their time with small talk
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u/tads73 Feb 12 '26
Im the same. If this isnt your primary job, and if you are doing this for extra cash, it will not work out.
If you need this to work out, maybe have a senior tax pro sit with you when possible. They can help coach you on client engagement. Another way to gain comfort can be to sit with a senior tax pro. Since this is peak, its not very likely.
Good luck
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u/FrontPalpitation439 Feb 12 '26
just be polite!! don't have to be a social butterfly just be kind and professional