How to Remain Calm During the Busy Tax Season

The April 15th tax deadline is fast approaching, and if you are an accountant, there is no busier or more stressful time of year. The influx in business may be nice, but the toll that it takes on you mentally and physically can affect you in and out of the office. Use these simple tips to help you get through the busy season.

Prepare Your Clients
As early as possible, encourage your clients to begin collecting and organizing their financial records. Creating and distributing a simple guide can help ensure that nothing important is missed. That way, when clients come to you for tax help, you have all the records you need in an accessible form rather than a massive box of receipts to wade through.

Eat Regularly
Meals are an easy thing to sacrifice when you have a busy schedule. But if you are hungry, or relying on junk food, you will ultimately feel more sluggish and cranky. Try to eat three meals a day, and keep snacks on hand in the office. Taking 45 minutes off for lunch can help you stay productive all afternoon.

Stay Active
Long hours in a desk chair can leave you feeling uncomfortable, unfocused, and unmotivated. Be sure to get up and move around every few hours. A 15 minute walk in the middle of the day can help you reduce stress, relieve aches and pains, and return to work with a new clarity.

Make Time for Family
If you feel like your work/life balance has become all about work, it can leave you feeling frustrated with the work you are doing. Take the time to call home and talk to your spouse and kids. Make sure you have time for a family meal at least a few times a week, and don’t hesitate to tell your closest relatives about the stress you are under. Family is an amazing source of support, and connecting with them regularly can remind you why you are working so hard.

Plan a Reward
If your schedule allows it, plan to take some time off or go on a vacation right after tax season. Knowing you have a respite coming up can keep you motivated through the busy times.

Delegate Responsibilities
You may have the tax expertise, but that doesn’t mean you have to handle everything yourself. Whenever possible, have junior accountants or administrative assistants tackle as much of the work as they can handle. Your clients will still get their taxes filed, and you can focus on the responsibilities where your experience matters most.

Tax time is never easy on accountants, but it doesn’t have to be a nightmare. Take some time for yourself and remember to focus on the things that really matter. If you really get swamped, think of how relieved you will feel on April 16th. Consult the employment resources offered by The Squires Group to learn more about staying sharp during the busy times of the year.


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