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Tax Season Checklists: New for 2024

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New & Expanded 2024 Edition with 50 [New!] Checklists

BONUS #1: The Getting-Your-Affairs-in-Order Toolkit (25 27 Worksheets)

BONUS #2: Three [NEW!] Client Aids

More than 40 tax seasons distilled into tons of essential tools, tips & techniques
By Edward Mendlowitz, CPA, ABV, PFS
Customizable Word.doc

– Practice-proven, easy-to-use checklists.
– Expanded: More than 250 300 pages of list after list.
– Thousands of important items, street-smart insights, and not-to-be-overlooked details.

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$199.49

New & Expanded 2024 Edition with 50 [New!] Checklists

BONUS #1: The Getting-Your-Affairs-in-Order Toolkit (25 27 Worksheets)

BONUS #2: Three [NEW!] Client Aids

More than 40 tax seasons distilled into tons of essential tools, tips & techniques By Edward Mendlowitz, CPA, ABV, PFS Customizable Word.doc – Practice-proven, easy-to-use checklists. – Expanded: More than 250 300 pages of list after list. – Thousands of important items, street-smart insights, and not-to-be-overlooked details. Purchase and Download Instantly

FREE for PRO Members!

(Login required. PRO Member discount applied at checkout.)

Not a PRO Member yet? Go PRO here.

> > > TAX SEASON 2024 SPECIAL OFFER: SAVE $60 TODAY < < <

 

Portrait of Ed Mendlowitz
Ed Mendlowitz, The CPA Trendlines “Practice Doctor”

About the Tax Season Checklists

These checklists have evolved over the years and are, in some respect, a collaboration of professionals seeking to improve the quality of their practice and create methods to work more effectively and efficiently.

Some of the checklists are formatted to be printed and hung on walls as posters, such as the Key for a “Successful Tax Season,” “CPA Firm Business Model,” and “Advantages of Tax Season” pages.  Since the checklists are in Word format, they can be reformatted and customized to suit a particular practice.

The Word® file is set up so you can copy and paste the checklists and adapt as you see fit. Any checklist can be accessed by searching this document using any keyword.

The Complete Checklist of Checklists

The checklists are in no particular order, but I tried to group them as much as possible. The checklist numbers do not appear on the checklists, and I did not number the pages. This word® file is set up so you can copy and adapt the checklists as you see fit. You do not need to credit me unless you use the checklists externally from your office. – Ed Mendlowitz

GENERAL ISSUES AND POSTERS FOR YOUR OFFICE

  1. KEY FOR A SUCCESSFUL TAX SEASON (Can be posted on your wall)
  2. ACCOUNTING FIRM BUSINE$$ MODEL (Can be posted)
  3. ADVANTAGES OF TAX SEASON (Chart can be reproduced and distributed to staff or posted)
  4. THREE QUESTIONS TO ASK REGARDING QUALITY OF WORK PERFORMED OR TO BE PERFORMED
  5. GOALS OF TAX SEASON
  6. CHOOSE A BEST PRACTICE FOR YOUR TAX SEASON
  7. 10 WAYS TO STAY IN CONTROL
  8. 50 WAYS TO MAKE MORE MONEY DURING TAX SEASON, INCLUDING INCREASING AND IMPROVING PRODUCTIVITY

TAX RETURN PREPARATION AND REVIEW CHECKLIST      

  1. PREPARER’S WORK PROCESS AND PROCEDURES CHECKLIST
  2. REVIEWER’S PROCEDURAL CHECKLIST FOR INDIVIDUAL TAX RETURNS
  3. REVIEWER’S PROCEDURAL CHECKLIST FOR BUSINESS TAX RETURNS
  4. ED’S SUGGESTED REVIEW METHOD [NEW!]
  5. 19 WAYS TO STOP WASTING REVIEWER TIME [NEW!]
  6. REVIEWER’S REVIEW NOTES
  7. TAX SEASON FOLLOW-UP FORM
  8. REVIEWER’S PRE-REVIEW OF COMPLICATED TRANSACTIONS
  9. PURPOSE OF TAX COMPARISON WORKSHEETS
  10. EASING TAX SEASON WORKLOAD COMPRESSION CHECKLIST
  11. TOP 12 TAX RETURN PREPARATION ERRORS
  12. CHECKLIST OF 46 TAX FILING ERRORS CLIENTS SHOULD AVOID
  13. REVIEWER QUALIFICATION TEST
  14. ANSWERS
  15. TAX RESEARCH REQUEST
  16. 20 REASONS FOR OBTAINING EXTENSIONS
  17. TRAINING A NEW TAX SPECIALIST
  18. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE GETTING STARTED CHECKLIST

TAX CLIENT RELATIONS AND SERVICES

  1. TOP 10 CLIENT PET PEEVES
  2. WHAT MAKES A GOOD CLIENT
  3. FOR CLIENTS: HOW TO MAKE YOUR TAX RETURN EASIER TO DO & REDUCE TAX PREPARATION FEES
  4. THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN ACCEPTING A NEW CLIENT AND ESTABLISHING A FEE ARRANGEMENT
  5. ADDITIONAL SERVICES CHECKLIST FOR CLIENTS
  6. SAMPLE LISTING OF ADDITIONAL SERVICES FOR TAX CLIENTS
  7. SUBSCRIPTION MODEL SUITE OF SERVICES TO BUSINESS CLIENTS [NEW!]
  8. TAX DEPARTMENT SERVICES
  9. SAMPLE: TAX NOTICE SERVICE LETTER
  10. BILL ACCOMPANYING THE TAX NOTICE SERVICE DESCRIBED IN THE LETTER
  11. PREPARING BILLS FOR TAX RETURNS
  12. LETTER TO INFORM A CLIENT OF A FEE INCREASE FOR THE COMING YEAR
  13. LETTER TO INFORM A CLIENT OF A MINIMUM FEE THAT IS HIGHER THAN THEY SHOULD PAY
  14. WAYS TO GET ADDITIONAL TAX CLIENTS
  15. WAYS TO GET ADDITIONAL BUSINESS CLIENTS
  16. ACTION CHOICES WHEN A CLIENT IS INTRODUCED TO AN ESSENTIAL EXTRA SERVICE
  17. 1/20TH TAX CLIENT MARKETING RULE [NEW!]
  18. 21 REASONS FOR LACK OF TAX CLIENT RETENTION
  19. WHY SHOULD A CLIENT USE YOU TO PREPARE THEIR TAX RETURN?
  20. WHY A CLIENT SHOULD USE YOU TO PREPARE THEIR TAX RETURN?
  21. ADVANTAGES OF A CPA PREPARING TAX RETURNS
  22. CHECKLIST OF QUESTIONS TO ASK A NON-FILER WHO WANTS TO FILE THEIR DELINQUENT RETURNS
  23. ANYTHING LESS THAN A 10 IS AN F [NEW!]
  24. PREPARING FOR A CLIENT MEETING [NEW!]

POST TAX SEASON RETROSPECTIVE

  1. POST TAX SEASON RETROSPECTIVE CHECKLIST
  2. CLIENT SERVICE SURVEY COVER LETTER [NEW!]
  3. SURVEY FOR TAX CLIENTS [NEW!]
  4. SURVEY FOR BUSINESS CLIENTS [NEW!]
  5. GETTING RID OF TAX PREPARATION CLUTTER

STAFF MANAGEMENT

  1. ADVICE TO A BEGINNER EVERY TAX PREPARER
  2. WAYS TO MAKE TAX SEASON BETTER AND MORE FUN FOR YOU AND YOUR STAFF
  3. ADDITIONAL WAYS TO EXCITE STAFF THAT ARE NOT DURING TAX SEASON
  4. THINGS TO CONSIDER WHILE TRAINING STAFF
  5. STAFF DEVELOPMENT AND GROWTH CHECKLIST
  6. 16 WAYS TO INCREASE PRODUCTIVITY [NEW!]
  7. STAFF CAREER MANAGEMENT [NEW!]
  8. STAFF SHADOWING BENEFITS [NEW!]
  9. WAYS TO EVALUATE STAFF TAX SEASON PERFORMANCE
  10. CHECKLIST OF KEY ATTRIBUTES TO USE TO EVALUATE STAFF PERFORMANCE [NEW!]
  11. 5-POINT STAFF EVALUATION [NEW!]
  12. BEST PRACTICES FOR TRAINING AND RETAINING STAFF [NEW!]
  13. DECIDING WHO TO LET GO
  14. COMMON ATTRIBUTES OF STAFF AT ANY LEVEL [NEW!]
  15. INSTRUCTOR REVIEW PROCESS  [NEW!]
  16. TIPS TO BE A BETTER PLACE TO WORK AND A BETTER BOSS TO WORK FOR  [NEW!]
  17. WHAT STAFF NEED OR WANT [NEW!]
  18. WHAT YOU DO NOT WANT IN STAFF [NEW!]
  19. 30:30 TRAINING METHOD CRIB SHEET

CONTROLLERSHIP AND ATTEST WORK

  1. CONTROLLER’S CHECKLIST
  2. CFO RESPONSIBILITY CHECKLIST
  3. QUESTIONS FOR INTERVIEWING A BOOKKEEPER
  4. RESPONSIBILITIES OF AN IN-HOUSE BOOKKEEPER
  5. RUBEN’S A.U.D.I.T. ACRONYM
  6. FOR STAFF: WHAT YOU SHOULD DO BEFORE STARTING TO WORK ON AN AUDIT
  7. FOR STAFF: WHAT YOU SHOULD DO WHEN YOU FINISH WORKING ON AN AUDIT
  8. INITIAL AUDIT PLANNING FOR NON-MANAGERIAL STAFF
  9. QUESTIONS TO ASK A CLIENT THAT WANTS A FIRST AUDIT
  10. FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN ESTIMATING THE COST OF A REVIEW REPORT
  11. CHECKLIST FOR ESTABLISHING A FIXED PRICE
  12. SAMPLE TERM SHEET DESCRIPTIONS FOR BANK LOAN

BANKRUPTCY

  1. SERVICES AN ACCOUNTANT CAN PERFORM TO ASSIST FINANCIALLY TROUBLED CLIENTS or CLIENTS THAT HAVE FINANCIALLY TROUBLED CUSTOMERS
  2. INFORMAL ARRANGEMENT IN LIEU OF A CHAPTER 11 FILING
  3. PROTECTING A CLIENT FROM A CUSTOMER PLANNING A BANKRUPTCY

SUCCESSION PLANNING

  1. NEEDED FOR EVERY SUCCESSION PLAN
  2. 30 WAYS TO TRANSFER OWNERSHIP TO A SUCCESSOR

BUSINESS VALUATION

  1. 50 REASONS FOR A BUSINESS APPRAISAL
  2. 64 WAYS TO INCREASE AND ENHANCE THE VALUE OF A BUSINESS
  3. PRELIMINARY DOCUMENT REQUEST FOR A BUSINESS VALUATION OR A CONSULTATION ENGAGEMENT

MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS SERVICES FOR CLIENTS

  1. TASK LIST FOR WHEN A CLIENT WANTS TO SELL THEIR BUSINESS
  2. TASK LIST FOR WHEN A CLIENT WANTS TO BUY A BUSINESS
  3. REASONS FOR AN OWNER TO WANT TO SELL

FINANCIAL PLANNING AND INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT

  1. FINANCIAL PLANNING ENGAGEMENT DOCUMENT REQUEST
  2. INITIAL FINANCIAL (AND/OR ESTATE) PLANNING MEETING CHECKLIST
  3. REASONS FOR PURSUING A LIFE SETTLEMENT CHECKLIST
  4. WHY A CURRENT WILL IS NECESSARY AND HOW TO GET STARTED
  5. GETTING MARRIED FINANCIAL PLANNING ISSUES CHECKLIST
  6. PRENUPTIAL AGREEMENT CHECKLIST
  7. CHANGING STATE OF RESIDENCE CHECKLIST
  8. ED’S STOCK MARKET INVESTING BELIEFS (A “HOW TO INVEST” SUMMARY)
  9. 10 INVESTING WATCH-OUTS
  10. 15 INVESTING AXIOMS
  11. HOW TO BE YOUR OWN FINANCIAL PLANNER
  12. A CLIENT’S PERSONAL INVESTING VISION AND MISSION STATEMENTS
  13. QUESTIONS A CLIENT SHOULD ASK THEIR FINANCIAL ADVISOR
  14. INVESTMENT POLICY STATEMENT TEMPLATE
  15. FAMILY BUDGET WORKSHEET
  16. ELDER CARE AND FAMILY BILL PAYING AND PLANNING CHECKLIST OR FOR FAMILY OFFICE SERVICES
  17. GETTING STARTED AS AN EXECUTOR CHECKLIST [NEW!]

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

  1. BUY-SELL AGREEMENT ISSUES TO CONSIDER CHECKLIST
  2. STARTING A BUSINESS CHECKLIST
  3. SETTING UP AN OFFICE CHECKLIST
  4. PREPARING A BUSINESS PLAN CHECKLIST
  5. CHECKLIST FOR PREPARING FINANCIAL PROJECTIONS FOR A BUSINESS PLAN
  6. NOT-FOR-PROFIT BOARD MEMBER RESPONSIBILITY CHECKLIST OF TIPS
  7. “ABSENTEE” OWNER TECHNIQUE AND CHECKLIST
  8. DAILY FLASH NUMBERS REPORT (3 VERSIONS)
  9. 40 CONCERNS OF BUSINESS OWNERS
  10. 25 BENJAMIN FRANKLIN MAXIMS

MANAGING AN ACCOUNTING PRACTICE

  1. ANNUAL PRACTICE MANAGEMENT & GROWTH CALENDAR
  2. SWOT ANALYSIS
  3. CHECKLIST OF REASONS FOR A CPA FIRM MERGER OR ACQUISITION
  4. WHAT TO HAVE AVAILABLE FOR CPA FIRM MERGER EXPLORATORY MEETING [NEW!]
  5. SAMPLE FACT SHEET FOR A SALE OR CONTINUATION AGREEMENT OF A PUBLIC ACCOUNTING PRACTICE [NEW!]
  6. LETTER BETWEEN PARTNERS IF A SIMULTANEOUS DEATH. TO BE USED IF IT IS NOT COVERED IN THE PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT [NEW!]
  7. CRITICAL ISSUES IN RUNNING AN ACCOUNTING FIRM CHECKLIST
  8. PARTNER OR OWNER NON-CHARGEABLE ACTIVITIES [NEW!]
  9. OWNER AND PARTNER SELF-COACHING AND SELF-MENTORING [NEW!]
  10. WHAT HAPPENS TO YOUR PRACTICE WHEN YOU DIE [NEW!]
  11. ADMINISTRATIVE FUNCTIONS IN AN ACCOUTNING PRACTICE [NEW!]
  12. SEVEN EGO BUILDERS TO AVOID [NEW!]
  13. 12 TIPS TO INCREASE BILLING AND COLLECTIONS
  14. PREPARING A PROPOSAL CHECKLIST [NEW!]
  15. PRICING A FIXED PRICE ASSIGNMENT TIPS [NEW!]
  16. SCOPING OUT A FIXED PRICE ENGAGEMENT [NEW!]
  17. QUOTING ON AN ENGAGEMENT: THINGS TO CONSIDER [NEW!]
  18. CREDIT CARD AUTHORIZATION WORKSHEET
  19. SAMPLE EMPLOYMENT POLICIES CHECKLIST
  20. LETTER TO SOMEONE YOU INTERVIEWED AND DID NOT HIRE (SAMPLE) [NEW!]
  21. LETTER OF REFERENCE [NEW!]
  22. CHECKLIST OF ITEMS TO PUT IN PERMANENT FILE
  23. ORGANIZATION MINUTES CHECKLIST [NEW!]
  24. RUNNING A MEETING CHECKLIST
  25. CHECKLIST FOR CHANGE PROJECTS
  26. WHY AM I TALKING?
  27. BOOKS TO BOOST YOUR PRACTICE
  28. TOP 10 ALL-TIME LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT BOOKS
  29. WHAT YOU NEED TO SUCCEED [NEW!]
  30. WHAT CLIENTS PAY US FOR [NEW!]
  31. VALUE-ADDED BENEFITS OF YOUR SERVICES[NEW!]

BONUS: CLIENT AIDS [NEW!]

  1. TAX RECEIPT LETTER PROVIDED BY A CHARITY FOR A CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION [NEW!]
  2. MOTION TO NFP BOARD OF DIRECTORS TO ACCEPT RESTRICTED CONTRIBUTION [NEW!]
  3. FACT SHEET FOR A CLIENT SELLING A BUSINESS [NEW!]

PERSONAL CHECKLISTS

  1. AUTOCORRECT SHORTCUTS
  2. BENJAMIN FRANKLIN’S TOP 15 ITEMS TO TAKE ON A CRUISE
  3. CHECKLIST FOR TRAVELING
  4. THINGS TO PACK FOR A TRIP
  5. CHECKLIST FOR GOLF
  6. CHECKLIST FOR CARD GAME
  7. CARD GAME RULES
  8. BBQ CHECKLIST
  9. FRAMING AND ATTENDING VIRTUAL MEETINGS
  10. READING A SPEECH CHECKLIST [NEW!]
  11. CHECKLIST FOR USING OUTSOURCED ART SERVICES
  12. 10 DO NOT’S
  13. PERSONAL RISK MANAGEMENT CHECKLIST [NEW!]
  14. RELATIONSHIPS MOSTLY NEVER END WELL PROTECTIVE CHECKLIST [NEW!]
  15. HOW TO CREATE A FAVORABLE IMPRESSION WHEN NEGOTIATING [NEW!]
  16. THINGS TO DO TO START THE YEAR ON A HIGH NOTE
  17. START THE NEW YEAR WITHOUT CLUTTER
  18. TAX AND OTHER FINANCIAL RECORDS YOU SHOULD KEEP FOREVER —AND THOSE YOU SHOULD TOSS
  19. SUSTAINABILITY – 12 EASY THINGS YOU CAN DO
  20. ED’S “K” RULES

BONUS: GETTING YOUR AFFAIRS IN ORDER – TOOL KIT

This is a separate file I provide to clients, and I included it here for my colleagues.

  • WORKSHEET 1 – CHECKLIST OF ESTATE PLANNING THINGS TO DO
  • WORKSHEET 2 – PEOPLE TO CALL ABOUT MY DEATH OR PERMANENT DISABILITY
  • WORKSHEET 3 – DESIGNATION SHEET
  • WORKSHEET 4 – PEOPLE TO INCLUDE IN WILL OR TRUST
  • WORKSHEET 5 – SPECIFIC BEQUESTS
  • WORKSHEET 6 – OBITUARY QUESTIONNAIRE
  • WORKSHEET 7 – CHECKLIST TO PREPARE FOR THE DEATH OF A SPOUSE OR PARTNER OR A CLOSE PERSON YOU WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR HANDLING THEIR AFFAIRS
  • WORKSHEET 8 – IMPORTANT PAPERS LISTING AND CHECKLIST SHORT FORM
  • WORKSHEET 9 – IMPORTANT PAPERS LISTING AND CHECKLIST LONG FORM WITH SPACE FOR COMPLETE DETAILS
  • WORKSHEET 10 – BALANCE SHEET
  • WORKSHEET 11 – CASH FLOW AND INCOME
  • WORKSHEET 12 – ESTIMATED ASSETS TO BE INCLUDED IN ESTATE AND POTENTIAL DISTRIBUTION TO BENEFICIARIES
  • WORKSHEET 13 – TERMS OF TRUSTS
  • WORKSHEET 14 – LIFE INSURANCE
  • WORKSHEET 15 – CRUMMEY LETTER
  • WORKSHEET 16 – LETTER TO GIVE A GIFT OF MARKETABLE SECURITIES TO A CHILD OR GRANDCHILD OR ANYONE ELSE
  • WORKSHEET 17 – PENSIONS AND ANNUITIES
  • WORKSHEET 18 – FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS
  • WORKSHEET 19 – PASSWORDS
  • WORKSHEET 20 – ESCHEAT OR UNCLAIMED FUNDS REQUEST FORMS
  • WORKSHEET 21 – WARNING LETTER TO IRA BENEFICIARIES
  • WORKSHEET 22 – HOW TO PROTECT YOUR CHILDREN AGAINST IDENTITY THEFT
  • WORKSHEET 23 – 10 NON-TAX REASONS FOR ESTATE PLANNING
  • WORKSHEET 24 – FORMS OF OWNERSHIP
  • WORKSHEET 25 – MANAGING OTHER PEOPLE’S MONEY
  • WORKSHEET 26 – HOW TO GIVE TO CHARITY FROM YOUR IRA (AND AVOID TAXES)
  • WORKSHEET 27 – WHAT YOU SHOULD TELL YOUR FAMILY ABOUT YOUR WILL

 

 

 

You are welcome to use the checklists in your office without attribution.
If you use them in a speech handout or presentation outside your firm, you are also welcome to use them, but I would appreciate an acknowledgment of the source, such as:
Prepared by Edward Mendlowitz, CPA, Partner, WithumSmith+Brown, PC.

Enjoy, use, and have a great tax season!

– Edward Mendlowitz, CPA

Tax Season Checklists: New for 2024

$199.49

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