Filing taxes each year can be daunting for clients who may not have an accurate understanding of what information or paperwork they need. A client organizer removes any guesswork; these handy forms break down for clients the essential information and documents they need to have for their tax-filing scenario.
In addition to keeping your clients organized, these forms streamline the filing process and can boost your efficiency.
Successful tax seasons need organization
Delivered to your client with an engagement letter before you begin filing, organizers prompt each client to think critically about their needs, situation, and tax-filing requirements.
Changes to the U.S. tax code also increase the need for organization. H.R. 1, commonly referred to as OBBBA, marks some of the most significant tax changes to the U.S. tax code in recent history — and clients are still navigating its impact. As questions continue to surface, staying proactive is key. Our AICPA® Tax Section’s Annual Tax Compliance Kit is designed to help you stay ahead — in addition to the client organizers, the kit features customizable engagement letters, checklists, and practical guides to streamline your workflow and support confident client conversations.
A lot can change for a business or an individual in a year, and reviewing each step listed in the organizer could prompt clients to provide information they might not have thought of as pertinent or which they simply forgot. Organizers can signal whether a client needs to file in an additional state, whether a recent property purchase qualifies for the energy credit, or whether the client needs to account for a newly started business. As you review the organizer and begin planning, you may need to send your client an addendum to the engagement letter to expand the scope of work.
Organizers act as an additional tool for communication. They can detail deadlines, partnership instructions, future meeting dates, client portal login instructions, and other information needed to keep all parties organized and on track.
These forms are robust and thorough. When you present the form to the client, walk them through the pages and explain why these early preparations benefit both of you. Remind them that because all the important documentation will be presented to you before you start filing, time won’t be wasted chasing down any missing forms or information later.
With your client’s answers documented, the organizer sets a foundation of due diligence. Along with other engagement documentation, this helps ensure that information from the client has been captured completely and accurately.
Increase your efficiency and value
When you have all the information and paperwork you need to serve your clients, you can operate at maximum efficiency and provide them with the most value.
You and your clients deserve to head into the upcoming tax season confidently. In addition to organizers suited for different tax situations, the resources in the AICPA Tax Section’s Annual Tax Compliance Kit can help you manage your tax season.
Download a corporation income tax return organizer to sample what the Annual Tax Compliance Kit offers. Not a member? Join the AICPA Tax Section today to access the compliance kit and many other invaluable resources.