Our goal as an accounting firm has always been to help business owners make more money and keep more of it.
We want to give you the insight you need to run an awesome business. We do this by providing systems and guidance so that your back-office support (us) becomes a true extension of your business.
This article is really for our clients because we believe it’s important to deliver financial insight in an accurate and timely manner—and there are many ways you can help us do that efficiently.
It’s hard to know what you don’t know, right?
This isn’t meant to be a client call-out session (we can do that behind closed doors!). Instead, this is a list of things we, your accounting team, wish you knew so we can provide you with the best possible service.
Tax Season: Getting Us the Right Documents at the Right Time
Our biggest challenge as an accounting firm isn’t the actual work. Our biggest challenge is getting your documents in the door—on time, in the right format, and with all the necessary information.
At the same time, we also don’t need extra, irrelevant documents that clutter the process. The more organized you can be, the easier it is for our team to support you.
Why Format Matters
We ask for certain documents in specific formats (PDF, Excel, Word, etc.) for a reason. But we understand—you’re busy running a business, and sometimes emails get skimmed.
When this happens, we often receive:
- Only part of what we requested
- Documents in the wrong format
This creates delays because our team has to decide whether to:
- Decipher what was sent, or
- Chase down the missing items
We know you don’t want to pay us for email tag or phone tag—you want us to focus on your finances. That’s why organization matters.
How to Make Document Submission Easier
- If we request four different items, send them in one email—not four separate ones.
- If you need help gathering documents, we’re here to help! We can jump on a Zoom call or phone call to assist with formatting issues or login problems.
Timeliness: Why Deadlines Matter
We operate on tight deadlines, balancing multiple clients and government agency requirements—all of which have a hand in your pocket.
When we request documents by a certain due date, it’s important to send them in as soon as possible. If that’s not possible, let us know so we can adjust our schedule.
Once a deadline passes and we haven’t received your documents, we have to rework our schedule to fit them in later. Keep in mind:
- The day you submit your documents is not the day we work on them.
- We request documents early so we can properly schedule and process them.
- Our quality control process takes time, and we want to make sure your work is handled accurately and efficiently.
Ask More Questions: We’re Here to Help!
The most important thing we wish you knew? Ask more questions.
If you don’t understand something, need clarification on a number, or have an idea for growing your business—talk to us.
No Question Is Too Small
We don’t always know what you don’t know. That may sound silly, but it’s okay if you don’t understand:
- Debits and credits
- Why some expenses go on a balance sheet and others don’t
- How certain numbers impact profitability
That’s why you hired us. What matters most is understanding how your numbers impact your business decisions.
Understanding Your Financials
- Review the financial statements or tax returns we provide.
- Ask questions, even if they seem basic. Clarity is key.
- If our answer doesn’t make sense, tell us! We may have explained it in accountant-speak instead of plain English.
Know What You’re Signing
When you sign your tax return, you’re doing so under penalties of perjury (JAIL!). That’s a big deal! You need to understand what you’re signing—because “I didn’t know” isn’t a great legal defense.
Help Us Help You
To get the best service from your accounting team, remember these three things:
- Ask questions—the more you understand, the better decisions you’ll make.
- Send your documents in the requested format—this eliminates delays.
- Submit your information on time—or communicate if you can’t meet a deadline.
If for some reason, you cannot do those things, be diligent to communicate with us, so we can adjust our schedule and accommodate your work.
You’d be surprised how these small changes can make a big difference for your accountant. Our number one goal is to serve you as efficiently and effectively as possible.
If you have questions, reach out to us! We’d be happy to set up a call to talk about your accounting needs. Like we always say: You don’t know what you don’t know—so let us help you ask the right questions!
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