Top 5 Tips for Working with Your CPA During Tax Season

Every tax season, I see successful professionals lose time, patience, and money because preparation starts too late.

Tax season itself is predictable. The stress is optional. The difference almost always comes down to how prepared and proactive you are before your return ever lands on your CPA's desk.

Here are five strategies that separate clients who simply file taxes from those who actively minimize what they owe.

1. Get Organized Early

Organization is your biggest advantage during tax season. Clean, complete documents mean your return moves faster and your CPA can focus on strategy instead of scavenger hunts.

A little prep goes a long way:

• Gather all tax documents in one place
• Use a checklist to ensure nothing is missing
• Separate personal and business items
• Clearly label files

Those extra minutes up front can save hours of back-and-forth later.

2. Send It Once and Send It Right

Revisions after work has already started slow everything down and increase the risk of errors. Before you hit send, double- and triple-check:

• All W-2s and 1099s
• Investment and brokerage statements
• Charitable contributions
• Business income and expenses

Clean, complete submissions mean fewer delays and fewer errors.

3. Be Responsive

When your CPA asks a question, quick responses keep your return moving. Long pauses often mean your return gets set aside, and picking it back up later isn't always quick.

You don't need to have every answer immediately, but even a quick "I'll have this by Friday" helps keep things on track.

4. Trust the Process

Silence usually means progress. Daily check-ins feel proactive, but they actually slow things down during peak tax season.

If something important changes, absolutely reach out. Otherwise, trust that your CPA is working through your return with care and intention.

5. Think Beyond Tax Season

The clients who get the most value from tax season don't treat it like a once-a-year event.

Year-round communication leads to:

• Fewer surprises
• Better planning
• Smarter decisions
• Real tax-saving strategies

Your CPA can only plan proactively if they know what's happening in your financial world. The better they know your financial situation, the better they can serve you.

A Better Tax Season Starts Before Tax Season

Tax season doesn't have to feel rushed or reactive. With preparation, responsiveness, and the right mindset, it can be efficient and even empowering.

The clients I do my best work for don't show up with a shoebox in March. They plan ahead, ask thoughtful questions, and expect more than just a filed return.

If that sounds like the kind of tax experience you want, let's talk. A proactive approach today can save you time, money, and stress this year and beyond.

About Dark Horse CPAs

Dark Horse CPAs provides an integrated suite of services including tax, accounting, fractional CFO, and wealth management to small businesses and individuals across the U.S. The firm was established to transform the client experience by offering personalized, high-quality services that small businesses and individuals deserve. As Dark Horses in their industries, these businesses benefit from advanced tax strategies and accounting insights typically reserved for larger companies. With a nationwide presence and a team of dedicated professionals, Dark Horse CPAs is committed to your success. Get a quote today.