Did you know that by making a few changes to your workflow, you can reduce the amount of time you spend on administrative tasks during tax season better? This will allow you to spend more time preparing returns and less time managing your office! To summarize, some changes you can make include:
- Automation
- Client Follow-Up
- Going Paperless
- Going Virtual with a Software for Tax Preparers
- Website Optimization
Automation
The beauty of using electronic workflows is that you can automate your computations ahead of time! Excel allows users to set formulas in each cell to arrive at the correct result depending on the values placed. Thus, all you need to do is input your earnings for a particular month or quarter; then, the formula will automatically calculate it for you! Amazing!
You can also set up electronic reminders through your email or computer calendar, so it automatically updates you on whose taxes you need to prioritize.
Client Follow-Up
One of the best ways to increase returning clients and maximize profits during tax season is to follow up with former clients. However, this can be very time-consuming, especially if you have to track who has and hasn’t returned this year and send reminders. This is also why it’s better to automate client reminders so you can track them electronically from the moment you power on your device!
Going Paperless
Analog interrupts, or paper-based workflows, are a considerable time black hole for businesses. They’re inefficient and can interrupt productivity. Plus, if you lose track of them, your official records can go missing! However, filing, organizing, and ensuring client security are much easier when you have a paperless document management system!
You can start with Microsoft Office or Google Docs to get a feel for this style before transitioning to something more permanent, like software for tax preparers.
Going Virtual
Many clients, especially younger ones who are used to the convenience of online filing, will be happy to avoid an in-person meeting and send you their documents electronically. You can communicate with them through various messaging or social media apps like:
- Facebook Messenger
- Gmail (or any email app)
- Slack
- Telegram
- Viber
- Zoom
Through any of these apps, clients can take pictures of their records and send them to you securely through the app. They’ll get automatic updates when you start and finish their return, and the messaging feature lets you answer any questions quickly. Clients love how easy it is to file and view documents this way since they occur in real-time.
Website Optimization
We separated this tip from the fourth because you should already have an up-and-running website before social media accounts! This is your central virtual real estate where customers can find you, especially if they’re leads! Having a good website makes it easier for clients to see you and get the answers to their questions. You can also embed scheduling software so clients can automatically schedule appointments with you.
Use PNG files for photos to maximize quality and size (they’re not large) and also have content like tax-related articles to boost your SEO!
Need All These in One Go? Get a Software for Tax Preparers Now
If you want to consolidate all these workflows in one platform, get in touch with Keystone Tax Solutions today! We create software for tax preparers so you can work with clients seamlessly and efficiently even before the taxman comes a-knockin’! Check out our solutions on our website!
