Tax Season is Over… Now What? 8 Things Accountants Should Do Before Next Tax Season

Tax season might be in the rearview mirror, but that doesn’t mean your work is done. In fact, now is when smart firms prepare to make next season less chaotic and more profitable.

Whether you want to optimize your internal processes, upgrade your client experience, or simply avoid burnout next time around, these strategies will help you set the stage. And if you’re looking for a better system to manage your workload and improve productivity year-round, TPS Cloud Axis is built for exactly that.

Here are 8 things to do now that tax season is over:

1. Conduct a Post-Tax Season Debrief

Take time to reflect:

• What worked well?
• What bottlenecks slowed you down?
• What tasks kept falling through the cracks?

Whether you run a solo practice or manage a team, carve out time to review what could be improved. Document the lessons now, while they're fresh, so you can build smarter systems before next season hits.

2. Update Your Processes

Once you've identified inefficiencies, act on them.

• Are your client onboarding forms outdated?
• Is your document collection process still manual?
• Did your team lose time jumping between software tools?

TPS Cloud Axis allows you to automate repetitive admin tasks, streamline client communication, and customize workflows that actually match how your firm operates.

3. Clean Up Your Client List

Now is the perfect time to:

• Remove inactive clients
• Reassess difficult ones who cost more than they bring in (you know that really annoying one who comes to mind…)
• Identify VIP clients and explore upsell opportunities (e.g., advisory, bookkeeping)

A clean, organized client list makes space for more aligned, profitable work.

4. Request Reviews and Referrals

Clients are most appreciative right after you’ve helped them navigate a stressful season. Capitalize on that goodwill:

• Send a simple follow-up email asking for a Google or Software Advice review
• Offer a referral bonus or discount
• Encourage happy clients to share your info with peers

This is a low-effort, high-impact way to build trust and grow your base organically.

5. Analyze Your Capacity and Profitability

Use this time to look at:

• Your effective hourly rate
• The ROI of each service type
• Where your team’s time actually went

If you found yourself underwater, TPS Cloud Axis can help you track time, streamline billing, and visualize where your most profitable work comes from—so you can do more of that and less of what drains you.

6. Create a Content and Outreach Plan

Now that you’re not buried in 1040s, it’s time to:

• Update your website
• Share insights on LinkedIn or Facebook
• Send a value-packed newsletter to your list
• Educate clients on year-round services (and stay top of mind)

If you're not sure where to start or what works best for accounting firms on social, we break it all down in this guide to social media marketing for accountants.

These efforts don’t just build visibility—they help you shift from seasonal survival to steady growth.

7. Upgrade Your Tech Stack

Tax season exposes every weak spot in your systems. So:

• Replace clunky tools
• Consolidate scattered processes
• Choose software that works together, not against you

TPS Cloud Axis is an all-in-one practice management platform that helps firms stay organized, reduce manual tasks, and deliver better service—without the chaos.

8. Take a Break!

You’ve earned it. Really. After months of long hours, late nights, and endless client questions, it’s not just okay to rest—it’s necessary.

Whether it’s a weekend getaway, a full vacation, or even a tech-free staycation, unplugging helps you reset mentally and physically so you can come back stronger. Check out our article on how to take a real vacation as an accountant (without checking emails every hour!) for practical tips to truly unplug.

Because sustainable success isn’t just about working smarter. It’s about resting better, too.

Set Yourself Up for a Smoother, Smarter Tax Season Ahead

Don’t let the off-season slip away. The best time to prepare for next tax season is right now.

TPS Cloud Axis gives your firm the tools to scale smarter, serve better, and stop drowning in disorganized processes. Explore how we can help and get ahead before the next rush begins.