# Answer a client's tax question clearly without overstepping

Drafts a plain-language reply to a client's tax question that is accurate, flags what depends on facts, and knows when to refer.

- Topic: Email & Workplace Communication
- Framework: RTF
- Level: Standard
- Tags: Finance, Explain & Teach, Fill-in Template
- Source: https://www.thinkwithprompt.com/prompts/answer-a-client-s-tax-question-clearly-without-overstepping

## Prompt

```text
Help me answer a client's tax question.

**The client's question (as asked):** [PASTE]
**Client situation that matters:** [entity type, country/state, filing status, income range, prior treatment of this item]
**My role and credentials:** [bookkeeper / EA / CPA / accountant - and whether I prepare their returns]
**What I already think the answer is:** [MY VIEW, if any]

Steps:
1. Restate the question precisely and list the facts the answer depends on.
2. Give the general rule in plain language. Mark any figure, threshold, rate, or deadline as [VERIFY CURRENT YEAR].
3. Explain how the answer changes under the facts I don't know yet.
4. Flag if this is outside a bookkeeper's scope or needs a licensed tax professional, an attorney, or a specialist (e.g. multistate, international, estate).

Return:
1. **Short answer** - one or two sentences, with "it depends on X" if true.
2. **Reply to the client** - under 200 words, warm, no jargon, clear next step.
3. **Facts I still need from them** - as quick questions.
4. **Internal note** - the reasoning and what to verify in official guidance before sending.

Don't cite specific code sections, publications, or cases unless I provide them; use [CITE SOURCE]. This is general information, not tax advice - verify against current official guidance before relying on it.
```

## What to fill in

- PASTE
- MY VIEW, if any
- VERIFY CURRENT YEAR
- CITE SOURCE

Free to copy and use. From ThinkWithPrompt (https://www.thinkwithprompt.com/), a library of 2,663 curated AI prompts.