Tax practice resolutions for 2024

Welcome to a new year! On behalf of the Intuit® Tax Pro Center, we wish you the very best for 2024!

Did you know that New Year’s resolutions originated in the spring some 4,000 years ago in Mesopotamia when life revolved around agriculture? Citizens would make promises to the gods for the new year, and use this as a moment to return borrowed tools, supplies and equipment.

So when did it change to Jan. 1? You can attribute that to Julius Caesar in 46 BC, who established Jan. 1 as the start of the year. At the same time, government officials would make promises to the emperor to show loyalty, while the courts would close for half a day.

Fast forward quite a few years and we now make resolutions as a way to begin fresh for the new year. Have you made any resolutions, particularly with regard to your tax and accounting practice? We asked members of the Tax Council to share their 2024 resolutions. Here’s what they came up with:

Dawn Brolin, CPA, CFE—Powerful Accounting LLC: Making rules, setting boundaries, and not taking anyone’s bull anymore. I am determined to calm the chaos in my firm by sticking to my rules and saying no more often.

Louise Cochrane, CPA—L.F. Cochrane & Associates: This year, I plan to streamline services, and running a dollar and time-efficient personal and professional life. My mantra for 2024 is K.I.S.S.—Keep it Simple Stupid. I am focused to reduce the time commitments that aren’t bringing me joy, and simplify my personal and business financial statements.

Randy Crabtree, CPA—Tri-Merit: My resolution is to continue deleting as much as possible to allow me to concentrate on the things I am truly passionate about. I also resolve to show gratitude and appreciation to everyone I work with.

Al-Nesha Jones, CPA, MBA—ASE Group: Here are two of my business resolutions this year: 

1. Care for the chief. I spend a lot of effort caring for those around me, be it family, clients, or team members. And while that brings me joy, I can’t pour from an empty cup. This year, I’m making an intentional effort to ensure I am also consistently a top priority and taking good care of my whole self.
2. Purposeful abandonment. We’re moving offices at the end of the month. I see this move as an opportunity not only to shift physical spaces, but to also declutter aspects of our work life. As we clear out unnecessary physical items, I want to enter 2024 with the same mindset when it comes to time and energy. I want to be deliberate and intentional in leaving behind the actions, activities, and services that don’t align with our professional goals, making room for more strategic decisions.

Kristen Keats, CPA—Sherwood Tax & Accounting: My New Year’s resolution is to strengthen my processes and documentation so I can better leverage my amazing support staff and work LESS!

Tatiana Tsior, CPA—Linza Advisors: My business resolution is to not force anything and go with the flow; not push clients to give more work and to leave it up to them, and deal with new work my way when we get there. This sets me in the power position because then I have a choice on whether to take on the work.

Terrell Turner, CPA—TLTurner Group: For 2024, our New Year’s resolution is to help at least 10 accounting firms enhance their social media content strategy. In 2023, the TLTurner Group experienced tremendous success and profitable growth after we studied and enhanced our social media strategy, so we will create a whole new suite of tools and resources to help others. Far too many firms are experiencing challenges when it comes to profitable growth, so we want to give back and help support the profession. Throughout the year, I will be speaking at accounting conferences, and publishing articles, videos, and resource tools to ensure that 2024 can be a more productive year for other accounting firms.

Timothy Wingate Jr, EA—G+F Business & Financial Consulting LLC: My resolution is to finish tax season by May 2024 and take my family on a much needed vacation.

What are your New Year’s resolutions? Leave a comment below and share your ideas with others.