Today, discerning clients expect more from a modern practice than just bookkeeping and annual accounts. Tax advisers are becoming service providers who supply their clients with important information and added value. At WIADOK, firms can commission bespoke communication services. These include their own firm newsletter, which is individually tailored, or a firm app featuring their own design. In „hsp live at 11“, Bastian Klasvogt from WIADOK, which is why his company is a member of the Tax Tech Alliance.

WIADOK specialises in the tax consultancy sector. The company now supplies firms of all sizes, although this was not always the case. Originally, it focused on WIADOK larger law firms, as these tend to have more extensive marketing departments. Gradually, the client portfolio expanded to include smaller law firms. Essentially, these are clients who wish to keep their clients regularly informed about news and useful information.

Client communications are not a standardised firm newsletter sent out to everyone as a PDF. On the contrary: they consist of personalised information in the firm’s own style and format. Each recipient receives individually tailored information that is relevant to them. Bastian emphasises that this is done across multiple media. The information is therefore sent via the channel preferred by the recipient and/or the firm. After all, what matters is not that the information is sent, but that it reaches its destination.

Inform clients first, then provide them with tools

Paul would like to know what sort of information this involves. Bastian begins by stating that the client newsletter is still primarily intended to provide information on topics relating to day-to-day professional practice in the tax sector. This means it will mainly cover tax updates, economic issues and, in a broader sense, matters of general policy. WIADOK has no intention of restricting its client base in any way. After all, the tax adviser is the first point of contact for clients, not only on tax matters.

But WIADOK is not a software developer. So how did the company come to co-found the Tax Tech Alliance? It all began just over a year ago with the topic of property tax. As usual, WIADOK set about providing its clients with important information on the property tax reform. At some point, Paul joined the discussion and suggested linking the client information to a direct feedback channel. The recipients of the WIADOK Information were given the option to start completing their property tax return by clicking on a link and entering their property details. To this end, an interface was created with hsp’s Opti.Tax platform.

When it comes to client information, it’s important to strike the right balance

Bastian sees similar potential in all members of the Tax Tech Alliance. In future, information about the respective software tools can be distributed via WIADOK, with interfaces ensuring they can be used directly. Furthermore, information from the tools can be displayed within client records, such as an analysis. When it comes to communication, WIADOK must ensure that the focus remains on the information itself. Otherwise, there is a risk that the integration of cooperation partners will come across as a sales pitch.

Bastian sees multifaceted benefits for himself and his company in the Tax Tech Alliance. In his view, all members benefit from mutual inspiration. Ideas are constantly being put forward, discussed and put into practice. Bastian also values the human element. There is a good rapport between all those involved. He also reports that, over the past few weeks, several software manufacturers have approached him to enquire about the Tax Tech Alliance. The current founding members will discuss potential new members at their next video meeting.