It’s that time of year again! Oklahoma CPAs are bracing themselves for the tax preparation deluge. These weeks are the figurative calm before the storm when everyone expends a lot of energy and resources in getting ready.
This article offers some tips on how CPAS can use technology to their advantage before and even during the rush to prepare and file. With the right technological partner, it is possible to be proactive and organized even during a traditionally chaotic time.
Getting Clients Prepared
Even the heaviest workload is less stressful when a CPA is adequately prepared. Scheduling software and content management systems can be specially configured to automatically contact clients and remind them to book their tax appointment in advance.
Establishing times to meet will eliminate the hassle of trying to fit people in during the height of the paperwork rush, leaving the CPA free to focus on preparing returns.
CPAs know what information they need to successfully complete and file a return, but not all clients do. As a result, valuable time is wasted chasing down people for missing information, documents and receipts.
A business-grade scheduling software or content management system can attach a detailed checklist to each email reminder, letting clients know what needs to be included in their tax package.
Tax Software Updates
Most tax professionals use one form or another of tax preparation software. In addition to complying with IRS tax laws, the best-integrated solutions do the following:
- Communicate with clients
- Manage digital documents
- Process e-files
- Check completed returns for errors
Some web-based software can take digital financial documents and organize them, clearing the way for the CPA to start preparing the returns. Having this type of solution fully implemented before tax season begins will reduce the time it takes to organize financials.
Each year, there are usually software updates that accommodate new changes to the tax laws, but some CPAs forget to install them. To save the time and hassle of correcting inaccurate returns, Oklahoma CPAs need to confirm that all updates have been installed before work begins.
Bottom Line
Planning and preparation will help the tax season run much more smoothly. Afterward, CPAs should carry out a post-season review to determine what worked for them, what didn’t, and what should be improved upon before next year. Tax time will always be hectic, but being tech-ready keeps the volume manageable.
How do CPAs in your firm use tech resources to prepare for tax season? Is there anything they should be doing better? Let us know your thoughts in the Comments box below.
And to follow up on the tips introduced in this article, be sure to download your free Information Technology Guide for Oklahoma City CPAs.
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