Provide a training plan for staff and independent contractors, concentrating on changes in local, state, and federal tax laws, including Tax Reform and those related to new and expiring tax provisions. Include a timeline for completion. Consider separate training tracks for staff, managers, and partners, whose responsibilities regarding tax return preparation may differ.

1

Review library resources and training materials and ensure that up-to-date resources are available to staff. Verify that staff has access to electronic tools and databases used as reference materials.

2

Revise procedures based upon last year’s post tax-season wrap-up meeting to improve current year processes for managing tax return preparation.

3

Remind the tax department to amend engagement letters for changes in scope. For a refresher on how scope creep can be detrimental to the firm, read Don’t Let Scope Creep Lead You Out of Bounds.

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