Busy season is just a stone’s throw away- but there’s no need to worry. A few simple techniques will help your firm get through tax season with less stress and improved efficiency…

Many CPAs have mixed feelings about the crazy months leading up to April 15. No one wants to opt out of the influx of money that’s part of the deal, which funds their firm for the rest of the year. But on the flip side, a good many simply fall apart during these months, forgetting about their accountant websites and other marketing channels and letting everyone suffer physically and emotionally.

Check out how shrewd accountants maximize the profits of busy season while minimizing the stress:

1. They Don’t Skimp on Their Accountant Websites

During busy season, time is money. Taking precious time to file paper returns and fix broken printers slows accountants down – and ultimately equals less revenue.

Keeping the office simple is the name of the game, which is why well-prepared accountants use expertly designed accountant websites to increase efficiency. Consider the following, all of which help firms work smarter:

• Secure file exchange
• Electronic tax prep forms
• PayPal or another credit card processing program
• Automated newsletter
• Frequently asked questions page
• Map and driving directions

2. They Take Time NOW to Get Organized

One of the greatest contributors to stress is a disorganized work space. Especially in a business like accounting, piles of papers and files quickly get out of control, spilling all over the floor and teetering on the edges of crowded desks. And what happens when a client calls and the CPA can’t find their information easily? Even when they’re confident they can locate any piece of paper quickly, they’re foolish to take a chance with client data.

The most successful firms take time before busy season to prepare for the onslaught of work. These CPAs arrange files, update their accountant websites, and clean out inboxes. They also set aside an area for projects that can wait until after busy season.

Once work starts coming in, it helps to spend a couple minutes at the end of every day to tidy up the office. Folks who do this report feeling empowered and well-prepared for the next day.

3. They Let Go of Dead Weight

It’s part of the package to have some clients who just make life miserable for the whole staff. These difficult folks might take issue with every single fee, leave nasty comments on firms’ accountant websites, or just come across as highly unpleasant and antisocial.

It may be hard to do, but it’s okay to fire obnoxious clients, and smart CPAs terminate these relationships. The time accountants waste dealing with these troublemakers is better spent working with the clients who are easy and problem free.

4. They Search Out the Brightest Interns

Historically, accountants have been the biggest administrators. They answer e-mails, handle returns, manage their accountant websites, field phone and website inquiries, and other tedious tasks. But this work doesn’t make money, and it’s not hard – so why not hire an assistant or two for these pesky duties?

Busy season is the perfect time to hire interns. Interns are typically eager to gain some accounting experience, and they don’t usually cost much. Both accountants and interns benefit – and busy season can become much more manageable.

5. They Aren’t Married to the Job

During busy season, many accountants work 10, 12, 14 hours a day – or more. But not all of them. The most successful CPAs set boundaries for themselves.

Follow their lead. Decide in advance each day what time you’re going to leave the office, and stick to it. Getting enough rest and taking a break each evening only makes the next day that much more productive.

And remember to tell your clients that you can’t work miracles. They should know that they MUST hand in their materials by a particular date or you’ll be filing for an extension on their behalf. End of story. Don’t let a client’s procrastination be the cause of a panicked rush on April 14th.

This year, try out some of these tips – and most important of all, make your health and well-being a priority. On a regular basis – at least one day a week – put aside all thoughts of taxes, numbers, and difficult clients. Indulge in a movie or play, enjoy a bubble bath, or go out with your buddies. When you do, you – and your business – will find much success in the accounting world for many years to come!