5 year-end tax advisory tips for a smooth season

As the year winds down, it’s time for tax professionals to get a jump on year-end planning. The last thing any practice wants is to be caught off guard when tax season rolls around. That’s why I’m gearing up now—and getting clients to do the same. It can make all the difference. Here’s a practical guide to getting ahead and staying sane during the busiest time of the year for tax advisors.

Tip #1: Kick off early

The earlier you reach out to your clients, the better. Starting conversations in the beginning of the last quarter isn’t just about being prepared; it’s about building trust. When you chat with clients well before the Jan. 1, you get a clear picture of what their year has looked like financially. This gives you a head start on advising them about potential tax savings or new tax laws that could impact their returns. Plus it’s a great way to show your clients that you’re on top of things, which is always good for business.

Tip #2: Get those agreements in place

One of your top priorities should be to lock in client engagements before the end of the year. Why is this so important? It’s simple: It helps you predict the workload that’s coming so you can manage your team’s time and energy effectively. Knowing how many clients you’ll be helping allows you to figure out if you need extra hands on deck or if your current staff can handle the work. This way, every client gets the attention they need, and you won’t be stretched too thin.

Tip #3: Look beyond the basics

Sure, tax planning often focuses on meeting compliance and filing requirements, but there’s more to it than that. A good tax advisor will help clients look at the bigger picture. This might mean thinking ahead to future tax years, suggesting smart moves for retirement savings, or reviewing big financial decisions from the past year to see how they’ll affect tax bills. It’s all about avoiding surprises and finding opportunities to save on taxes, not just now, but also down the road.

Tip #4: Make tech your friend

These days, technology can do wonders for making your job easier. There are tools that can streamline just about every part of the tax planning process, from crunching numbers to securely exchanging documents with clients. Encourage your clients to get comfortable with using tech tools. It will save everyone time and headaches when crunch time comes.

Tip #5: Keep the conversation going

Good communication is the glue that holds everything together. It’s not just about sending out a newsletter or an email here and there. It’s about consistently staying in touch with your clients, giving them friendly reminders, and being available to answer their questions. The more you communicate, the smoother the process will be. And when tax season arrives, you’ll be ready for it—and so will your clients.

Wrapping it up

Getting ready for tax season is all about planning ahead, getting organized, and keeping in touch. By reaching out to clients early, securing your engagements, and planning your staffing needs, you’re setting your practice up for a successful and less stressful tax season.

Remember: The goal isn’t just to survive the tax season rush; it’s to provide top-notch service that keeps clients coming back year after year. Have a great season!