@PATAX 

I just used a version of that.

Client - why is refund less?

Me - no EIC this year, tax law changed, your income is higher, withholding increase didn't track the increase in wages, yada, yada.

Client -  the ?? here in the office says I should get it (EIC)

Me - perhaps she should do your return?

Seconds of dead silence, that I did NOT try to make less awkward.

I can't charge enough to put up with this crap, on a simple return, at the end of March.  You either trust me, or you don't.