Turn tax talks into CAM audit work
Your next CAM audit client may be on your client list. You already have trust and useful records. A few clear questions can lead to paid audit work.
CAMAudit helps you add this service without building the engine. It reads the files and runs 20 checks. It builds the report and dispute letter draft. Your firm reviews and sends the work.
Ask these five questions
- "Can I see your latest CAM bill?"
- "What changed from last year?"
- "Did the landlord give you backup?"
- "Does your lease have a CAM cap?"
- "Did your pro-rata share change?"
These questions fit a year-end review or close. They also work when a new CAM bill arrives.
Listen for client cues
A client may not use the words "CAM audit." Listen for plain signs:
- "The landlord wants more money."
- "The true-up was a surprise."
- "The CAM bill looks high."
- "We do not know what this fee is."
- "The landlord did not send backup."
Ask for the lease and CAM bill. Do not promise a finding. Tell the client you will check the bill against the lease.
Use facts, not sales claims
Do not quote a market error rate. Do not guess a recovery amount. Do not promise that the audit will find an error.
Say this instead:
"Your CAM bill changed. We can compare it with the lease and backup. We will show you any finding the file supports."
This keeps the offer clear. It also keeps your firm's trust intact.
Price the work from scope
Start with public audit-pack pricing. Add staff review time and delivery work. Then set a client fee that fits the file.
Good scope questions include:
- How many sites are in the review?
- How many lease changes are in each file?
- Does the client have the full CAM backup?
- Will the work include a past-year review?
- Does counsel need to review the draft letter?
Use the firm margin tool to model the service. Do not quote client recovery before you have a cited finding.
Keep conflict checks in place
Your firm may also work for the landlord. Treat that as a conflict question. Follow your firm's rules. Tell the client when needed.
Use counsel or another firm when needed. CAMAudit does not replace those checks.
Make the service repeatable
Add one CAM question to your year-end checklist. Give staff a short file list. Use one review and sign-off step before delivery.
If the service helps, offer it again next year. This adds billable work from current clients.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should a CPA ask first?
Ask to see the latest CAM bill. Then ask what changed from last year.
When should the firm ask?
Ask during year-end review or a close. Ask again when a new CAM bill arrives.
Which client comments matter?
Listen for a surprise true-up or new fee. Missing backup is another clear cue.
How should the firm price the work?
Start with public audit-pack pricing. Add review time and delivery work. Set the client fee from that scope.
What if the firm has a conflict?
Follow your firm's conflict rules. Tell the client. Use counsel or another firm when needed.
What does CAMAudit automate?
It reads the files and runs 20 checks. It builds the report and dispute letter draft. Your firm reviews the work.