BUSY SEASON MANAGEMENT

What CPA Firms Could Do Better

By

Businessman looking thoughtful

Survey respondents have specific suggestions.

By CPA Trendlines Research

People at CPA firms generally think their practice is pretty effective at meeting its objectives with consistency over time.

But only 5 percent think their firm’s doing a great job. And about that many think their firm’s doing a somewhat lousy job.

MORE Barometer: SURVEY: Which Client Industries Will Grow This Year | Tax Preparers Share Advice for Your Clients | Staffing, Tech, Prices Top Tax Pros’ Concerns | Tax Pros Gear Up for a Better Busy Season | Tax Season 2025 Begins. Ready or Not.
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The 2025 Busy Season Barometer is finding that on a scale of 1 to 10, 45 percent of respondents would rate their firm at an 8 or better, and another 25 percent give their firm a so-so 7.
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Take the Time to Coach Your Tax Staff

By

two businessmen looking at documents

True tales about the busy season.

By Frank Stitely
The Relentless CPA

Your first role as CEO is chief strategist. That means putting the right people in the right roles with the right resources.

Your second role is trainer and coach. This role is closely related to your role as chief strategist. You can’t put the right people in the right positions without the right people. This second role is about creating and keeping the right people.

MORE by Frank Stitely
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Unfortunately, few of the people you hire will be the right people immediately. You have to grow them. They aren’t necessarily slackers or stupid. They have never worked in a forward-looking, well organized firm like yours. If you have made it this far through our discussions, you are well on your way to creating an extraordinary firm.
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Picking Up the Phone Helps Retain Tax Clients

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Businessman talking on phone in the office

Personal touches matter.

By Ed Mendlowitz
Tax Season Opportunity Guide

Clients are not numbers on a list that needs to be reduced. They are all individuals and consider themselves very important people and want professionals who treat them accordingly.

MORE by Ed Mendlowitz
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It is attitudinal and accountants must adopt that mindset and transmit that through to their culture. So you need to know when it’s essential to pick up the phone.
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You Don’t Have Time for Every Client Question

By

businessman with eyes closed, head on hands

Not this time of year.

By Frank Stitely
The Relentless CPA

A well-known practice management expert, whom I greatly respect, advises CPAs to never tell clients that you don’t have time for them. I disagree with the never part. You know how it starts. On March 25th, the call comes in.

“I know you’re busy but …”

MORE by Frank Stitely
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A request follows that could most certainly wait until after tax season. You are hip deep reviewing all the personal tax returns that got stuck in process while you climbed out of the March 15th corporate tax ditch.

“I need to know if I’m paying unemployment taxes to the right states. I think I should be paying taxes to the People’s Republic of California, but I’m not. I’ve been paying unemployment taxes to Uzbekistan instead.”
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Tax Preparers Share Advice for Your Clients

By

Man and woman at table in client meeting

Help them prepare for what’s to come.

Join the Busy Season Barometer. Get the results.

By CPA Trendlines Research

Accountants sound worried. When the 2025 Busy Season Barometer survey asked if anyone had advice on how small businesses should prepare for the next 12-18 months, almost half took the time to respond.

MORE Barometer: Staffing, Tech, Prices Top Tax Pros’ Concerns | Tax Pros Gear Up for a Better Busy Season
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Here’s a list of some of the more meaningful responses. Which would apply to your clients? Which should you share with them?

___ Figure out which labor-intensive functions they can automate ASAP. (Andrew Schwartz)

___ Take advantage of near-term opportunities with post-Tax Cuts and Jobs Act legislation (as they become clearer) and provide services/planning for more probable changes in taxes/economy for 3-5 year, 5-10 year and 10 year+ timeframes. (Anthony Aleta) READ MORE →