As tax preparers navigate the final stretch of an "active" tax season, they are balancing client needs with regulatory updates amid encroaching deadlines.
"This season stands out as one of the most active I've seen in my career," observed Brian Schultz, leader of the Plante Moran wealth management tax practice. "It's rare to have major legislative changes, evolving IRS processes, and increased reliance on new technology all happening at once. Compared to prior years, there's simply more to manage on every front, which makes this a particularly complex — but important — tax season for both practitioners and clients."
Preparers have been ready for the onslaught, with many proactive about staffing and scheduling for peak times.
"We started extra hours on Feb. 1 to get ahead of tax season," explained Sandra Johnson, CEO of Bellmore, New York-based Johnson CPA. "We also brought on additional staff."
Johnson also aims to tip the work-life balance scales when she can.
"We have a tax season calendar to bring fun activities to the office," she added. "This helps keep us from getting burnt out. Tomorrow is Wine-down Wednesday. We will close at 4:00 to go to happy hour. This helps with morale and team building."
Stephen Mankowski, founder of Hatboro, Pennsylvania-based Mankowski Associates CPA, refers to this time of year as a "giant juggling act."
"I do a lot of individual returns, 600-plus," he said. "While waiting on getting information from business clients, I'm really pushing to stay on top of individual clients as much as possible, knowing that those that sent information in, a lot are going to be basic returns, so I can get them knocked out during free periods of time. It's just a win-win, to keep those clients happy before I really get swamped."
Constant communication is also a priority for Schultz.
"We're navigating significant tax law changes at the same time clients are managing new IRS processes and technology requirements," he said. "That combination has led to more questions, more touchpoints, and a greater need for proactive communication to make sure clients feel confident and informed throughout the process."
Many preparers began their informational efforts months ago, sending out emails, hosting webinars, and speaking at live events, like the local chamber of commerce talk where Johnson shared her expertise in January.
"Many business owners did not understand all the changes that were going on," she said. "They felt unprepared at year-end, especially regarding overtime and tips."
Of course, some timelines are beyond the control of tax professionals, as Schultz lamented.
"A key focus this season is managing expectations around IRS processing timelines," he explained. "The IRS handles an enormous volume of filings, and at times, system timing or processing workflows can result in notices even when returns are accurate. While resolution can take time during peak periods, our focus is on helping taxpayers navigate the process and minimize uncertainty along the way."
Preparers like Neil Fishman, principal of Boynton Beach, Florida-based Fishman Associates CPAs, can count on the timing of some clients, for better or worse.
"Certain clients are going on extension, their writeup work is not caught up and need to go on extension," he said. "Even with personal returns, certain clients always go on extension."
Andrea Parness outlined busy-season strategies she has used and honed over the years as owner of Belle Harbor, New York-based A. Parness Co. CPA:
- weekly huddles;
- 90-day action plans;
- tax processing date cut-offs for appointments and extensions; and,
- limit of new clients acceptance — they must fill out a Google doc and have a discovery session to see if we/they are a good fit.
Of course, even the most meticulous planning cannot account for the unpredictability of any tax season.
Schultz stressed that as a challenge for his clients.
"Clients are primarily concerned about uncertainty — whether that's around IRS notices, payment timing, or correctly applying payments to the right tax year," he said. "New requirements like electronic payments and direct deposit have also raised questions, especially when small errors can take significant time to correct. Even when clients do everything right, the fear of delays or follow-up letters can create anxiety."
Still preparers forge — and look — ahead. As March turns into April, and engagement letters and checklists give way to finalized paperwork, another season comes to a close.
"Once we have received and input all or 90% of the documents, we set up an exit appointment," Parness explained. "The exit appointment should culminate with the completion of the tax return and upload of digital tax return and e-file signature documents to the client's portal."
Preparers then focus on extensions, the October deadline, and even looking to next season, starting with keeping apprised of yet the next new rounds of legislation.
Prior to this season, Johnson was focused on staff "learning all the new tax law, spending a lot of time in my office on training and education," she said. "We had lunch-and-learns all the time, bringing [the information] back to my staff all during the off-season. Every other week was a lunch-and-learn to stay on top of everything. I try to be very proactive. Not reactive."
