Bad News Delivery (Tax Owed or Audit Notice)
Professional email for delivering difficult news to clients such as unexpected tax liability, audit notices, or other unfavorable findings.
Important: {{situation_type}} - Action Needed
Dear {{client_name}},
I need to discuss an important matter regarding your {{tax_year}} {{return_type}}.
**The Situation:**
{{situation_summary}}
**What This Means:**
{{impact_explanation}}
**Amount/Details:**
{{amount_or_details}}
**Why This Happened:**
{{explanation}}
**Your Options:**
{{options}}
**Deadline:**
{{deadline}}
**Recommended Next Step:**
I suggest we schedule a call to discuss this in detail and determine the best path forward for your situation. I have availability {{available_times}}.
I understand this may not be the news you were hoping for. My goal is to help you navigate this situation and minimize any negative impact. Please don't hesitate to reach out with questions before our call.
Best regards,
{{preparer_name}}
{{firm_name}}
{{phone_number}}
{{firm_email}}Tip: Replace the variables in {{brackets}} with your specific information before sending.
Template Details
- Industry
- Accountants & Tax Preparers
- Email Type
- Client Communication
- Variables to Customize
- 15 fields
Customizable Fields
Pro Tips for This Template
Never deliver very bad news (large tax bills, audit notices) solely by email - always follow up with a call
Present the facts clearly without softening them so much that the urgency is lost
Always provide options and next steps - clients need to feel there's a path forward
Explain the 'why' briefly but don't over-explain or make excuses
Schedule the follow-up call within 24-48 hours while the information is fresh
When to Use This Template
This Bad News Delivery (Tax Owed or Audit Notice) template is designed for accountants & tax preparers professionals who need to general client communication.
Simply replace the placeholder variables with your information and send. For even better results, use our AI email generator to customize the tone, length, and messaging to perfectly match your brand voice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I use this email template?
Copy the template above, replace the variables in {{brackets}} with your specific information, and paste it into your email client.
Is this template really free?
Yes! This template is completely free to copy and use.
Can I modify this template?
Absolutely. Feel free to adjust the tone, add or remove sections, and customize them to match your brand voice.
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