3 Types of Clients You Shouldn't Take Without Clear Boundaries

When you’re building or growing a firm, it’s tempting to say yes to every opportunity.

Every client feels like momentum. Every engagement seems like a win.

But over time, certain types of clients can drain your time, stretch your scope, and cause more stress than they’re worth—unless you establish clear boundaries upfront.

 

Because not every “yes” is worth it.
And some clients only work with a well-drawn line in place.

Here are three types of clients you shouldn’t take (or keep) unless you have clear boundaries in place—and how to protect your firm when you say yes.

1. The "Always Behind" Client

They’re months late on prep. Their trial balance never ties. You request documents… and get crickets for weeks.

Then suddenly, when the deadline is three days away, everything becomes urgent.

🔎 What they need:

Accountability and structure—not last-minute heroics.

🛡️ Set these boundaries:

• A clear pre-audit timeline with milestone due dates

• A policy that fieldwork won’t begin until key documents are received

• Late fees or scope adjustments for out-of-scope cleanup

• A drop-dead date for materials (with consequences for missed deadlines)

✅ Say this:

“We want to help you meet your deadline, but we need full documentation by [X date] to stay on track. If that isn’t possible, we’ll need to adjust the schedule and scope.”

 

2. The "Everything Is Urgent" Client

This client doesn’t understand priorities—and treats every question, form, or missing receipt like a crisis.
They email at 8 p.m.
They call during your other engagements.
They expect same-day turnaround, even when the deadline is weeks away.

🔎 What they need:

Clarity on response times and communication norms.

🛡️ Set these boundaries:

• Office hours or reply windows (e.g., “We respond to all emails within 2 business days”)

• A shared task tracker or request list (so everything isn’t buried in email)

• Prioritization guidance during kickoff (“Here’s what we need first…”)

• Communication escalation process (“If urgent, call—otherwise email”)

✅ Say this:

“To make sure we stay focused and accurate, we’ll respond to non-urgent requests within [X] days. If something is truly urgent, just call.”

 

3. The "Scope Creep Risk" Client

They ask for “just a quick favor.”
They assume every new form, schedule, or entry is included.
And when you try to raise your fee, they say, “But we’ve always done it this way.”

🔎 What they need:

Clarity on what’s included—and what’s not.

🛡️ Set these boundaries:

• A clearly defined engagement letter with fee scope

• A written change order process for additional work

• A list of “frequently out-of-scope” items (like 1099s, SEFA drafting, budget prep)

• A firm policy on additional billable services

✅ Say this:

“We’re happy to help with that—let’s put together a change order so we can schedule it and keep your audit on track.”

 

You Don’t Need to Say No—You Just Need to Say It Right

Not every client needs to be turned away.
But every client needs boundaries.

✅ Boundaries protect your time
✅ Boundaries protect your profit
✅ Boundaries protect your team
✅ Boundaries protect your client relationship

Because the right boundary doesn’t push people away—it keeps the relationship healthy.

And the best way to grow your firm isn’t by saying yes to everything.
It’s by saying yes on your terms.