Workspace Blog

We’re always interested in learning about new ways Skype is being used in the day-to-day business world. While we’ve heard many great Skype for business use stories from companies in a variety of industries around the globe, even we still occasionally get surprised.

Recently, we were intrigued to read that some tax consultants are making the filing process easier for current and potential clients by using Skype to conduct remote tax-preparation sessions. Although we’ve heard from professionals using Skype previously, post-tax season this year it appears to be emerging as an industry trend.

R&G Brenner Income Tax Consultants, a New York-based tax consultancy, uses Skype to connect with clients for remote and overseas appointments. Dennis Grogan, an Enrolled Agent and self-proclaimed ‘oldest trend setter’ at the firm, said he does a lot of remote consultations for clients both domestically and outside of the U.S.

“With our international customers especially, it’s actually an expectation for them that we use Skype, as it’s already a comfortable part of their day-to-day business,” he said. “Skype is very easy to use, and since our international customers often have the most difficult taxes to file it helps simplify the process.”

Several of the largest tax preparation service providers now offer video conferencing as a way to connect with their customers. Mark Ciaramitataro, vice president of products at H&R Block, recently told Investors Business Daily that the company “sees videoconferencing as a good way to engage technically savvy taxpayers,” and predicts that “in two years, videoconferencing will be a common way that individuals file their taxes.”

Would you consider connecting with a tax professional via Skype next year? Tell us in the comments below.