Tax Season: A Time of Stress, Frustration but also...Hidden Opportunities

For those of us in the public accounting world, tax season typically conjures up images of high stress, long hours, and being buried under a pile of endless work. However, a colleague recently posed the question, “what if we were to reframe this period as ‘opportunity season’?” and this got me thinking about what I could do both personally and in my role at Dark Horse CPAs to change the narrative and set a new standard for this busy time. This perspective shift isn't just motivational psychology; research shows that reframing challenges as opportunities triggers different neurological pathways, reducing stress hormones and activating our problem-solving capabilities. This shift in mindset could transform the way we approach our work and have a tremendous, positive impact on our personal lives. Here are several ways I am working to seize the opportunities that tax season presents this year:

Hone Your Workflows

Tax season is the perfect time to refine and optimize your workflows. With the increased volume of work, inefficiencies become more apparent. Here is a pro tip that we incorporate with our team at Dark Horse: consider implementing a "workflow journal" where you (and your team) document pain points as they arise; these real-time observations often contain the most valuable insights that might otherwise be forgotten when the season ends. Every inefficiency discovered in the heat of the season can be beneficial if you take the opportunity to recognize them and further refine your processes post-season. We often find small items that make a big impact that can be adjusted mid-season, but I also understand that isn’t possible for everyone. My recommendation, if you are making changes during tax season, start small and leave the big stuff for a post-season project.

Find Balance, Recharge & Put the Work DOWN

Amid the hustle and bustle, I have found it crucial to carve out time for activities that bring me joy and relaxation. Whether it's picking up a new hobby or dedicating time to an existing interest, finding balance outside of work can help you recharge and maintain your well-being. This balance is essential for sustaining productivity and avoiding burnout. I've personally found that scheduling these activities with the same commitment as client meetings (literally blocking the time in my calendar) transforms them from "nice-to-haves" into non-negotiable self-care. Even 20 minutes of deliberate focus on something enjoyable can reset your mental state and boost productivity when you return to work. We have all been that midnight CPA dreading the next day's workload and ignoring ourselves. This is the worst state you can be in during tax season. Take back control and give yourself the time necessary to be your best self.

Prioritize Mental Health

I don’t care how cliché this sounds, mental health should always be a top priority, and it becomes even more vital during tax season. I’m incredibly lucky to work in a company that encourages open communication about stress and workload and provides resources for mental health support. We have monthly breathwork sessions, chair yoga, and even virtual company happy hours. Simple practices like mindfulness, regular breaks, and team-building activities can make a significant difference in maintaining a positive and healthy work environment. One trick I use is my "mental health toolkit" that is specific to tax season – over the years, I’ve curated a “Tax Season” playlist and collected several fidget/stress relief toys to keep close at hand. I also have an app that reminds me to take occasional 5-minute breaks for movement or mindfulness exercises. I like to share toolkit ideas like these with my team to not only normalize focusing on mental well-being but also to increase performance and focus, which in turn helps me and my team feel more successful in our work and more pleasant to be around when we get OFF work!

Streamline Client Communications

Effective communication with clients is crucial during tax season. Use this time to evaluate and improve your communication strategies. Implementing tools like web-based organizers such as Soraban, automated reminders (also Soraban), and AI-based document sorting (we use a combination of in-app AI and Copilot), as well as establishing clear guidelines can enhance the client experience and reduce the back-and-forth that often accompanies tax preparation. Another Dark Horse Pro-Tip: We create client education materials NOW. Things like FAQs, process flowcharts, or short explanation videos (this is the most powerful), can dramatically reduce repetitive questions and empower clients to provide better information upfront. These assets become valuable intellectual property that strengthen your practice beyond just this tax season.

Find New Efficiencies

Tax season is an excellent time to discover new efficiencies in your work. As Director of Tax, I explore new software, tools, and technologies as well as work with our current technology partners to make improvements that can automate repetitive tasks and improve accuracy for our Principals. Investing in these resources now can lead to long-term gains in productivity and client satisfaction. Whenever you encounter a task that takes longer than expected, invest 10-15 minutes searching for automation tools or shortcuts that could streamline it. This micro-investment approach ensures continuous improvement without overwhelming your schedule. Even finding one solution per week during tax season can significantly transform your productivity landscape by year's end.

By viewing tax season as an opportunity season, we can turn a traditionally stressful time into a period of growth and improvement. Embrace the chance to hone your workflows, find balance, prioritize mental health, streamline client communications, and discover new efficiencies. This positive approach will not only benefit your work but also enhance your overall well-being. The practices you develop during the intensity of tax season can become your competitive advantage throughout the entire year. By documenting what works and deliberately carrying these lessons forward, you transform seasonal stress into sustainable excellence. Here’s to this year’s Opportunity Season!

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.