How to stay ahead during the last two weeks of tax season 

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By Conrad Emmett

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C

By Conrad Emmett

Author

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For a lot of accountants, it’s difficult to enjoy January. 

Tax Season is in full force – and even with some serious planning, there can still be a lot of heavy lifting to do for HMRC. 

Here are some tips that will help you keep a clear head – and give you that all-important edge in this final straight. 

Tip #1 - Don’t reinvent the wheel when you’re pedalling furiously 

We’ve said this before, but it’s worth reiterating: a common mistake many make is trying to fix a system at a time when so much is relying on it.  

The more control you have over your systems, the more likely this could happen. That means owners of small accountancy practices and team leaders are probably most susceptible. 

The problem is that, yes, there are systems that can make you go faster, but be careful what you choose during the worst of tax season. You don’t want to put yourself or your team on a steep learning curve with new tools when they need to get tax returns off their desk. 

In February you can start changing things – and we’ll have a whole guide dedicated to that. 

For now, our tips will revolve around things that give you perspective and keep you sharp. 

TIP #2 - View webinars to get workflow insights on Tax Season  

Even if you’re sat in a home office, you’re not alone. 

For example, we have a range of fantastic webinars packed with the latest industry insights – like this one.  

Our webinars are a must-see for accountants.  We have a range on Tax Season and beyond. To book your place on a live, upcoming event or watch on demand, click here.  

 And follow us on LinkedIn, where we have live discussions on ways to quickly and effectively optimise your accountancy workflows using advice from special guests. For example - there's this special LinkedIn Live about handling tax season here.

Get industry insights with IRIS

View our webinars
Click here
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TIP #3 - Read news and blog sites to keep up on the latest trends 

Blogs are a great way to get a fresh perspective on what you do best, allowing you to take a fresh angle on tried and tested processes. 

Our blog section covers a wide variety of topics, giving you quick-to-read perspectives, insights and updates.  

Highlight – Tax season and the secret to a winning mindset  

Eva Mrazikova talks you through what the winning mindset is for tax season. In this myth-busting article, she talks about:  

  • Why a winning mindset isn’t about bravado.  
  • Why it’s hard to keep perspective during tax season.  
  • How to escape the “tunnel of stress”.  
  • How systems can help you carve out some much-needed extra time.  

Get more tips, tricks and intelligence. Click here to browse decades of articles in our IRIS blog section.  

Tip #4 – Read free guides that help you keep up with industry best practice   

IRIS has a treasure trove of FREE guides filled with industry know-how and best practices so you can keep ahead of the game.  

Highlight – The IRIS guide to outsourcing for accountants and bookkeepers  

This handy guide looks at all the ways outsourcing can support your practice:   

  • Evaluate whether outsourced accounting could benefit your business.   
  • Get answers to the most common outsourcing questions.   
  • Find out what you might need to ask when picking an outsourcing partner.  

Visit our guides section to find answers to all the challenges you and your firm might face.  

Click here to browse our full selection of guides 

View industry best practice

Read IRIS guides - written by experts for experts
Click here
Blog late working accountant | How to stay ahead during the last two weeks of tax season 

Tip #5 Top up your energy levels 

If ever there’s a moment to look after all those good habits you might have built up, it’s when you feel you “don’t have the time”. Whether it’s going to the gym, enjoying a trip to a show with friends or spending time with loved ones – don’t let these essential pillars in your life fall away. 

Quick fixes for a busy life 

In fact, maybe it’s time to add a few more good habits to your roster of self-care. These don’t take much time: 

  • Mindfulness and meditation: For the sake of a few minutes, meditation can be a powerful well-being tool. It can reduce stress, improve focus, and enhance your general happiness. 
  • Digital detox: After staring at a screen at work, doing the same from your sofa is perhaps not the best way to unwind. Swap the TV meal for catching up with loved ones around a table.  
  • Hobbies and interests: Engage in hobbies or activities that you enjoy. Whether reading, painting, or playing a musical instrument, doing something you love can be a powerful way to take your mind off work. 
  • Nature walks: Weather withstanding, spend time outdoors and connect with nature – it’s also a good time to practice some mindfulness. 
  • Sleep hygiene: Ensure you get enough quality sleep. That means winding down and watching things that impact nap time – like caffeine and alcohol. If you can, lock in a regular sleep schedule and create a relaxing bedtime routine to improve sleep quality. 

Find more tips for now and every tax season 

Get our FREE Tax Season guide now – click here. 

See our special Tax Season LinkedIn discussion

Hosted by IRIS industry expert Eva Mrazikova
Click here