It seems like we only just finished up with tax season but now is the time to get ready for Tax Season 2014. Is your office ready? Now is the time to prepare your year-end letters, update your computers and software, train your staff, update your marketing plan and much, much more.
In our office we have just installed new computers, installed updated software programs, launched a new practice management system and hired a new full time employee. We also contacted last year's temp employee to be sure everyone is in place. Our updated engagement letters are in place and the year end letter is ready to go out. Staff has taken all tax update classes and blogs for the upcoming season are being written. Staff training day is set for January and employee schedules are in place.
We try to plan for the unforeseen bumps in the road. There are enough emergencies we cannot control, such as government shutdowns, we do not leave anything else until the last minute.
My advice to you is to take this slow time in the month of December to plan out your next three and a half months. It will make tax season much more bearable. Take some time off at the end of the month. My office will be closed from December 20 - January 1. Our clients all know this so any tax planning must be done well in advance. This time off enables my staff to spend time with their families and to get their own homes in order before the craziness begins!
For those of you who would like some more year-end tips, be sure to attend the "Gearing up for Tax Season" sessions that are being held by many of the chapters during the months of December and January. Good luck and good tax season. May this be your most prosperous ever!