What Your Accountant Needs From You This Tax Season

Tax season rarely goes off the rails because of complicated tax law.

It usually breaks down because of missing information, slow responses, or assumptions that someone else is handling it. A smooth tax season is less about perfection and more about being prepared and responsive.

Show Up Early

Even in a digital world, you cannot disappear and expect your accountant to magically fill in the gaps. You have to raise your hand and say, I’m ready.

That might be a quick email, a short call, or a scheduled drop-off. The goal is simple. Let your accountant review what you have and tell you early if anything is missing.

That one step can save weeks.

Bring What Matters

Your accountant does not need every document you have ever touched. They need clean, complete financials.

Start with:

A full-year Profit and Loss statement, ideally compared to the prior year
A full-year Balance Sheet, also compared to the prior year

Make sure bank and credit card accounts are reconciled.

Then include tax items like W-2s, 1099s, and year-end loan statements so balances and interest are accurate.

If you made large purchases during the year, vehicles, equipment, or major assets, bring the purchase agreements or receipts. That is often where tax savings are found.

Remove Friction

If you use QuickBooks Online, giving your accountant access makes everything easier. They can verify balances and pull reports without waiting on you.

Also, handle the administrative pieces quickly. Sign the engagement letter and submit the deposit when requested. Until those are complete, work cannot officially start, and delays stack up fast during tax season.

Be Easy to Work With

Clients who stress less during tax season tend to do a few things well.

• They get information in early.
• They respond quickly when questions come up.
• They stay patient during busy weeks.

Tax season is intense. Accountants are doing a year’s worth of work in a short window. Clear communication and timely follow through help keep things moving and reduce mistakes.

And yes, kindness counts. Being prepared and respectful goes a long way.

The Bottom Line

A smooth tax season is not about luck.

It comes down to preparation, responsiveness, and teamwork.

• Show up.
• Bring clean information.
• Handle the paperwork.
• Follow up when asked.

When you do your part well, your accountant can do theirs, and tax season becomes a lot less painful for everyone involved.

At Bookkeeping Academy Online, we help business owners build clarity and confidence around their finances. Our 4 Weeks to Better Bookkeeping program is designed to help you understand your numbers and build habits that make tax season easier every year.