Accountants: how to tackle the toughest moments of tax season

The final weeks of tax season can be a struggle.

The finish line is tantalisingly close – but you’re juggling figures, tasks and clients more than at any other time of the year.

When that happens, take a deep breath; you’re not alone.

Let’s look at how to navigate this demanding period without burning out.

Remember, there is only so much you can change

At your busiest time of tax season, you have no time to rethink your plans, reassess your software, or set out bold new processes.

So don’t try to do that. Instead, do everything you can to maintain peak performance.

Tip #1: Share and delegate

Your focus right now is on facts, figures, and filing. You’re not looking around the office (or through the online team chat if you’re at home).

It’s easy then to assume that everyone is at full capacity.

But that might not be the case. It might be possible to share (or delegate) some of your work.

And I’ll stop you before you say it – no, most of the time, it isn’t easier to “get on with the job” rather than brief a colleague. When you’re stressed, it feels like that, but it’s rarely true.

Remember outsourcing

Are you a sole practitioner? You can still consider outsourcing, which can be implemented quickly and doesn’t tie you to long contracts.

Tip #2: Stop and recharge

Don’t work until you burn out. It’s the easiest way to lose clients, upset work colleagues, and go completely off-track in terms of productivity.

Instead, establish boundaries and take a moment for you.

Set out times in the day when you might go to the gym or get some shopping. Crucially, set a red line after which you’ll stop work and go spend time with family.

If there’s one rule of thumb, it’s to work to a schedule. Try to do the things you cut out when you get stressed – like getting enough water, exercising, or (yes) having fun. These are not “nice to haves”; they keep you going.

Signs of burnout

Check in with yourself. There are signs you are slipping, and you can miss them.

Start by thinking about any physical symptoms. For example, are you tired, losing sleep, getting headaches, or suffering tummy issues? Perhaps you are more poorly than usual and have high blood pressure or breathing problems.

On the other hand, the red flags might be emotional. Are you feeling trapped, overwhelmed, or demotivated? Maybe you’re losing your sense of joy. Is there a general feeling of unease? Impending burnout can manifest that way, too.

The vital thing to remember is that if you don’t stop out of choice, your body or mind might just force the issue.

Don’t let stress take over

Remember, being busy doesn’t have to mean feeling bad, and high workloads shouldn’t mean you have zero boundaries. You have loyalty to your clients, but loved ones always come first.

Nobody will say at your funeral that you were good at taxes, even if you are amazing at them.

Tip #3 – Lunch (and other small team-building exercises)

There’s a time and place to pull the team together, and that’s when the chips are down.

During peak periods, it is advisable to avoid holding an “away day” but it can be a suitable time for small team-building activities such as going to lunch. Plan these activities well in advance and ensure that all staff members, especially the junior ones, are not left to cover expenses themselves.

These small morale-boosting activities during the day are the perfect pick-me-up for this time of year. On the other hand, evening events might be less advisable. After completing their work for the day, employees may prefer to disconnect from their busy schedule and spend quality time with loved ones rather than attending a mandatory night on the town with colleagues.

Are you struggling with tax season? Get the guide.

IRIS software and services have helped accountants work faster for 45 years and counting.

Who better to write an expert guide packed with practical tips to reduce stress and manage your workload?

We will help you think clearly and move quickly during this busy time.

This guide offers you:

• Realistic advice you can use
• Resources that will help relieve any strains and pains
• Quick software fixes that keep you on track

So, what are you waiting for?

Click here to get your guide to one of the most hectic times of the year.