Ultimate Guide to Survive Tax Season for CPAs

CPAs can survive and even thrive during tax season by effectively managing their time and adopting measures to reduce their stress levels.

Here are some tips on how to succeed despite the demands of the hectic season:

Before Tax Season –

• Inform your friends and family in advance – That your time will be mainly dedicated to clients during tax season.
• Pass on Your Social Group Leadership to others – If you’re the person responsible for any social group, you should pass on your responsibility during this period so as not to disappoint anyone if you can’t allocate your time to them.
• Ask clients for the documents in advance – Taking documents in prior to the season will allow you to manage well

During Tax Season –

• Keep everything that distracts you aside – No need to check your phone every now and then. Entertainment can wait, but your clients can’t!
• Don’t miss important messages – Inform everyone about your communication methods and be less likely to miss important messages.
• Stay fresh to handle the workload – It is very important to manage your energy level throughout the season as working long hours every day will take a toll on your health. Keep taking small breaks.
• Prioritize Your Tasks Every Day – Start your day by setting your task priorities. This will help you manage your tasks in a better way.
• Delegate Tasks – Working nonstop in the tax season can have adverse effects on your health. Get help whenever you feel too stretched.
• Learn to say ‘No’ – Stretching yourself too much will lead to cumbersome tax filing as it will become practically impossible to handle the data.

After Tax Season –

• Take a break – After a busy season, treat yourself to a break. You deserve it!
• Analysis – After the end of the busy season, analyze what worked, what didn’t and why, and what you would do differently next time.
• Technology Upgradation – Check for the new updates and be prepared for the next tax season with the latest technology.
• Professional Development – Work on developing new skills and elevating your existing skills.
• Improve Client Experience – Take clients’ feedback, discuss it with them and work on improving their experience