
Guide | Tax Season Checklists
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Table of Contents
What to do now … before the big rush

7 ways to help clients prepare

4 steps to review e-file requirements and processes

5 ways to update engagement letters

3 must-do’s to review client acceptance and continuance

7 steps to prepare the firm for tax season

5 data security concerns

4 ways to assist staff in preparing for tax season
What to do during tax season
13 items to cover in a pre-tax season staff meeting


4 items to memorialize in a control log to help avoid missed deadlines
4 things to remember when testing tax software


9 tasks that should be perfomed for each client

3 ways to plan for deadlines and help avoid careless errors

2 keys to survival
How to Address COVID

4 COVID-related items to keep in mind
what to do now … before the big rush
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What’s another critical risk management tool? Selecting the right client. This section helps you identify clients that may become troublesome.
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Review the firm’s client list from the prior tax season. Consider terminating the firm’s professional relationship with unprofitable and "problem" clients, such as those who do not provide information in a timely manner, and those who are overly aggressive, as discussed in Avoiding Fallout from Aggressive Tax Strategies. Consider the client’s risk profile and whether it continues to be the right fit for the firm. If you remain unsure, read, Take a Hike: Ending Client Relationships, for additional considerations. If the decision is made to terminate the client, Client Termination Letters explains how to write a termination letter and provides sample content.
Identify and address clients that may create a potential conflict of interest for the firm. Review the firm’s existing client list at least annually to determine if conflicts exist. Once identified, follow the guidance in A Framework for Maintaining Ethics Compliance, to evaluate the potential conflict and determine if the threat to objectivity can be reduced to an acceptable level and services can be provided. If services can be rendered, review the articles, Managing Conflicts of Interest and Considerations to Help Avoid Becoming a Casualty in the Divorce Wars.
Establish protocols to address potential conflicts that may arise after the annual review has been completed.
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Update the firm’s client acceptance checklist and conduct due diligence on prospective clients. Inquire why they are changing accountants. Does a potential conflict of interest exist with an existing client? Conduct an internet search on the prospect. Request the prospect’s consent to contact the predecessor accountant. Consider obtaining a retainer fee from new clients as a condition of engagement. The article, Client Acceptance: A liability gatekeeper, includes other criteria to consider in balancing the risks and rewards of accepting a prospective client.
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