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 during tax season
5
things to remember when testing tax software
Tax software is a tool to assist CPAs in the preparation of tax returns, but the CPA remains responsible for its output. Take the time to ensure that the tax software is working properly and that staff are properly trained on its use.
1
Test new or updated tax software to ensure that it is working properly, and test integration with other applications.
2
Review new forms issued by the IRS and instructions concerning how to enter information in the software for accurate completion of the forms.
Check the software website for updates throughout the tax season.
Address all updates immediately. Determine if any programming errors noted last year or earlier in the tax season have been corrected.3
Train all tax professionals on the use of the software
,
4
Restrict and monitor access to tax software and client tax returns
to defined, authorized users.5