Now is actually the best time to make next year’s taxes easier—because you’re not under pressure. The people who have smooth, low-stress filings usually aren’t doing anything heroic in April… they’ve just been organized all year.

Here’s what makes the biggest difference if you’re working with an accounting firm:

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1. Set up a simple system now (not next March)

Don’t overcomplicate this. You just need:

• One digital folder (Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.)

• Subfolders like:

  • Income (W-2s, 1099s)

  • Expenses

  • Donations

  • Investments

  • Medical

As documents come in, drop them in immediately. That alone eliminates 80% of tax-season stress.

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2. Track income and expenses monthly

If you wait until year-end, things get missed.

• Business owners: use something like QuickBooks Online or Wave Accounting

• Individuals: even a simple spreadsheet works

Spend 20–30 minutes once a month keeping things current.

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3. Adjust your withholding or estimated taxes early

Right after filing is the perfect time to fix:

• Underpayment (owing a big bill)

• Overpayment (getting a huge refund)

Your accountant can help you adjust:

• W-4 (employees)

• Quarterly estimates (self-employed)

This prevents surprises next April.

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4. Keep a running list of “tax questions”

Instead of trying to remember everything at tax time:

• Keep a note on your phone or doc

• Add questions as they come up (new job, side income, home purchase, etc.)

Then send one organized list to your accountant mid-year.

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5. Log major life or financial changes as they happen

These have big tax implications:

• Marriage/divorce

• Buying or selling property

• Starting a business

• Large investment activity

• Retirement contributions

Documenting them early helps your accountant plan—not just react.

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6. Separate personal and business finances

If applicable, this is huge:

• Separate bank accounts and credit cards

• No mixing expenses

It makes bookkeeping cleaner and reduces audit risk.

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7. Do a mid-year check-in with your accountant

A quick June–August check-in can:

• Catch issues early

• Identify deductions you’re missing

• Adjust tax strategy before year-end

This is where good firms add real value.

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8. Store last year’s return somewhere accessible

Keep a clean PDF copy handy. Your accountant will often reference:

• Carryforward losses

• Depreciation

• Prior elections

It saves back-and-forth later.

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9. Be responsive during tax season

When your accountant asks for something:

• Send it quickly

• Send it completely

Delays and missing pieces are one of the biggest causes of stress (and higher fees).

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10. Think “year-round partnership,” not once-a-year transaction

The smoothest clients treat their accountant as an advisor, not just a filer.