updated topline results for busy season 2013 - 卡塔尔世界杯常规比赛时间

flash report as of may 2013

the latest update to the topline results for the 卡塔尔世界杯常规比赛时间 busy season barometer shows additional confirmation of four hey findings, beginning with the across-the-board problems of a late-starting season and buggy software.

how did your season compare? we’d love to hear. send your comments, rants raves, ideas, or questions to me at rickt@www.g005e.com. or add your comments below.

– rick telberg

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key finding #1: most practitioners, across all size firms, report a tougher 2013 than 2012.

key finding #2: the biggest problems stem from: late or erroneous k1s, 1099s, etc.; late or unprepared clients; last-minute tax code changes; irs operations; and software or technology issues.

key finding #3: the number on extension increases significantly at firms of 50 or fewer persons, while total revenue jumps at larger firms.

key finding #4: lessons learned to be applied next year include changing software, improving workflows, additional training, hiring more staff, better marketing and firing clients.

what accountants talk about when they talk about doing things differently next year

sample verbatim responses to: what do you plan to do differently next year?

terminate several clients, cut back on work – ease up the workflow.
better training of staff and review currently
put in more hours to get more work out by 4/15.
push clients to deliver partial information as received.
hire more staff; finish out my contract with software firm and then move to internet based tax software for 2015
hopefully better staffing and also a more firm cut off for clients information.
continue moving paperless, firing atx and moving to ultra tax.
hopefully use better software.
wait to file certain tax returns
train, train, train!!!! then train some more.
do less work myself and delegate more.
perhaps do a little more networking
start planning an exit strategy
starting to semi retire so i will eliminate some clients to reduce work load.
not sure. start filing extensions earlier.
we are making changes to staffing and processes to accommodate an increase in volume. we will also attempt to meet with a greater percentage of our clients in november/december.
try to push to get the information in earlier.
workflow prep and hire someone
hire additional staff
continue to be proactive in getting information timely, and delegate more.
eliminate unneeded steps
continue to make better use of technology, try to stay on top of industry trends to better serve client needs.
continue to watch overhead expenses.
additional contact with existing clients
hire help, thus reducing profits.
send termination letters to several letters. lighten the work load. decide which clients will go on automatic extension and then stick to it. touch base with the brokerage houses and find out which ones will give us excel spreadsheets for the schedule d input.
buy a lottery ticket.
more forward tax planning with clients.
advertise more
do more advertising
not schedule a number of audits during tax season.
pray that congress acts timely instead of so late.
try to further tweak processes, might change software since proseries was buggier than usual. might actually trim client load for the sake of mental and physical health of cpas and staff. hope to recoup lost tax revenues with other products or just quality of life…
plan!
not have as many tax engagements
push clients for info sooner
more marketing to small businesses for monthly work and more marketing to non profits in our target market.
be certain that my staff continue to develop their skills, manage time and projects more effectively, and maintain greater control over operations through efficient and effective delegation of administrative duties to a new operations management super star (1 tax season under the collar.)
hopefully get an earlier start
try to be more proactive
try to manage the workflow better
work less
better planning and staffing for tax season.
fire less profitable clients or the ones that are too difficult to deal with
attempt to process more returns earlier if the irs is agreeable
we will be communicating more often and more clearly of what is expected of them. we will streamline the systems of our larger firm to improve effeciency. more training of staff and reminding client of their responsibility in the process.
no
reducing my client base getting rid of quickbooks clients
not fire someone (hopefully) end of feb
may try to sell
more advanced scheduling and time management
staffing, more emphasis on staff independence
market more.
different tax software.
pursue upgrading clients and shedding time suckers
change from atx
improve computer operations
work fewer hours
change software vendor
a push to get clients to provide their information more timely. continue to replace non-profitable clients with clients that can produce more revenue and be more profitable.
better up front processes.
i will not work as hard.
work on ways to streamline our internal processes to become more efficient.
seek alternative income sources
change software and hire before tax season
i need to fire about 20 clients.
we plan to have a marketing campaign to get more clients. we have added staff, and we have had low customer turnover and we plan to keep it that way.
try to start and let clients know that if information is not in the office to complete the return by 3/31, then an extension is being prepared.
do some advertising
don’t think we can do much different other than hire more part time staff
new software. brace myself.
improve my computer system
continued automation of processes if possible. continued staff training related to workflow. continued client education regarding filing requirements and information.
make sure there is enough staff.
try harder to have clients bring information in earlier. tyr to delegate more.
push more small business clients to provide interim financial data rather than get a whole year’s worht of activity at yaer end. start following up sooner on those returns that have not arrived.
push more small business clients to provide interim financial data rather than get a whole year’s worht of activity at yaer end. start following up sooner on those returns that have not arrived.
more focus on improving current client service and value.
plan to be available earlier and more often
strengthen employees’ training and do more tax planning with clients during 2013 fall and winter.
encourage my clients to bring their tax stuff in earlier.
retire after next year’s tax season. it’s not worth it any longer. too many preparer penalties
different/improved software and staff
probably will do more returns myself.
continue to hire new staff.
research other software vendors
change software vendors; file more extensions
workflow/planning/process analysis this summer to impact how we handle next year
try to eliminate undesirable clients
plan for workflow and staffing even more.
search for better/more qualified employees.
charge more for our services. divest ourselves of smaller tax returns, hire one more staffer.
increase staffing levels
change software
try to work on returns sooner after receipt.
planning
raise fees if the economy continues to improve.
consider retiring
reduce my client responsibility and therefor my workload — turning 68 and its time to slow down.
try to be staffed a little better and encourage our clients to bring info in sooner.
target new business clients
had no control over late tax changes this year. may evaluate more staff next year
hope for improved software
possibly more staff that is more experienced.
nothing. i think this year was an anomaly
i am getting another up to date computer so that i can network my assistant to me. this year’s system was created on the fly.
staffing changes to better service clients and spread the internal workload.
reach out to clients earlier, and request those with 1099-rs come in early even if they have not received their 1099-r as of yet.
better prep time always helps
more preplanning, newer technology
we are still working through this
i haven’t decided yet.
hire additional help earlier and trained them in changes in laws and forms
try to plan a better workflow system.
add staff
try to better leverage technology savings
try to find some seasonal help
retirement is beginning to look good!!
hold the line on new business.
organization. work flow. tech. possibly staff. do as much prelim as possible
probably retire.
continue to discover more ways to help our clients. perhaps bring in a small amount of help (subcontract) for some tasks.
hire more staff to keep up with admin duties
i hope no issues regarding irs forms and processing, otherwise keep on clients to get their info in early
better organization of workload and processes.
considering new software, better processes, new hires.
prepare earlier!!
i might not accept new clients. i semi-retired about 4 years ago, but accepted a few new clients this yeaar.
coach clients to communicate through the internet rather than by phone. advise clkients to provide documentation when available and not wait until they “have it all.”
spend a great deal of time on the new tax law changes impacting the returns.
looking to have a retired man who is experienced. making appointments with clients for planning for taxes & other.
market to a better level of clients
not sure but will nopt be the same as this year
will not travel during tax season
more advertising
maximize efficiency.
more planning.
asking business clients to get accounting records done before tax season so we have more time to prepare taxes.
look at fee structure
we are changing our tax preparation software and will be using more integrated technology for our virtual office workers.
i do not usually enter information in when clients are dropping it off; but i am going to try it to better utilize my time.
i will continue to serve my clients as i have in the past, the present; in the hopes of strengthing their businesses
plan and prepare a little bit better maybe increase staffing
try and start earlier, delegate more to staff
more cpe
train staff to work more efficiently
order more red arrows, work more hours at beginning of season.
send tax organizers out early, and get started on data entry immediately.
i will be hiring a new corporate tax preparer.
going to have to have more manager level employees.
we are presently evaluating options. those include, firing clients, hiring employees, refocusing marketing efforts and specialization
focus on quicker turn around and client satisfaction more.
more experienced staff; contact clients for info much sooner and more often; consider scanner that inputs some forms directly into tax package
not much, if anything other than trying to get client information to me sooner.
earlier cut-for returns coming in that can be completed.
we are looking to hire a bookkeeper that can help with year-end accounting clients
scream louder at the software provider if they are late again
get information to my client’s about new healthcare rules, and tax implications of foreclosures and short sales.
i am expecting to hire 2 or 3 additional staff for next year.
meet with clients after receiving their data and working on their return to cut down on unnecessary time spent on non-tax related discussion.
get clients to submit majority of information before final 1099s
hopefully get an earlier start.
i fired 39 difficult clients and will fire even more next year. difficult clients are not worth the stress.
turn away some new clients, for the first time ever…my firm is large enough to be picky.
nothing major. our software provider fixed many of the issues by april, 15th. have decided not to change for next year, since we know what issues are still there and know the workarounds. i can’t even imagine going into busy season next year with new software and all the inherent learning curve; especially if congress could potentially do the same thing to us again.
attempt to pre-plan clients tax objectives even earlier in the year
we are committed to continuing to improve efficiencies in our work flow.
overhire…
continue to try and build our team by recruiting experienced personnel
i’m thinking about selling my 1040 practice and concentrating on small business
looking at hiring and changing tax software.
yes. better technology.
hopefully that business software will work as it should.
i hope to send out a mailing over summer regarding importance of tax planning for certain clients. next jan’s mailing will specify that i cannot guarantee returns by 4/15 for return clients who don’t 1)get me all their info by 3/30, 2)notify me of additional deductions by 4/7. i had a fair number of return clients provide additional info to reduce their balance due very close to 4/15.
i won’t change much for next year. most of the issues we encountered this year were external and things we couldn’t control very much.
will consider and test a lower cost tax software. also, i have recently joined a business networking club in my area, will see if it brings referrals for more clients.
work smarter and continue to maintain a good reputation
look for ways to increase operational efficiency. evaluate and procure new software focus more on cpe and professional preparation for the busy season.
just stay the course
pray the congress doesn’t delay tax changes until january. work on improving staff production and issue awareness. plan to solicit client information earlier in the tax season.
hire a full time administrative assistant instead of filling the position for only 4.5 months.
nothing, i couldn’t control this yea, and i will be unable to control next year.
still tweaking staff, as one partner moves into full retirement & another begins the process of scaling back. will spend much of my time making sure we make the right hires to replace them.
change software
different organizational strategies
possibly get an assistant
trying to figure out a way to automatically bill a minimum of a flat amount for each form–not necessarily move to a total by form billing system but i need to make some adjustments there.
look for ways to increase operational efficiency. evaluate and procure new software focus more on cpe and professional preparation for the busy season.
might be more aggressive with marketing.
upgrade technology and call customers early to get their information in earlier. i will be proactive with corporations in getting them done before the end of february.
more staff and start processing returns earlier
perhaps hire someone
more planning/preparation and allow for contingencies.
shop for a new tax software provider
make a better decision re hiring for tax season
continue to look for experienced tax staff.
try to find a part time job
prepare clients for the possibility of extensions early.
better staffing or sell
get on clients to deliver information sooner.
improve processes.
charge more for clients after a certain date. charge for extensions after a certain date. charge more for clients not utilizing planner.
hire a preparer
raise prices again on some forms
more staff
start earlier, schedule better, invest in training
i am currently reflecting back on client accounts and actively culling and inviting the problem ones to find someone else so that i can replace them with more enjoyable/profitable/appreciative ones
get out of the business!!!!!
still working on that…expand?merge?sell practice?sublet office space?
i’m still too stressed to be able to think about next year at this point.
reduce my working hours. unable to work 70 to 75 hours per week for 3+months.
provide better training to our staff & not change software packages again.
we will get our training done much earlier and start as early as the software becomes available for the year.
not much different next year as i already have an efficient process for handling compliance.
work smarter not harder. advertise the online scheduler to more clients to reduce overhead costs.
making sure checklists are completed and used!
hire better
look for more help in the office. possibly train receiptionist as a preparer. continue with more education.
increase overtime earlier to help avoid end of season crunch. also, may change tax software. we are evaluating.
more planning.
plans are about the same on time management and being prepared during march and april
not sure. don’t know who is.
don’t know yet. more tax season staff. looking for a reviewer.
try to get more clients.
try to get messages out to clients to get tax info in earlier to the firm
get more clients and raise rates.
efile all extensions. i am through with paper.
better work flow and more help
we will not change tax programs in january. tax works software company went out of business.
possibly add a staff.
raise prices
not sure yet about the staffing issues. looking at different software options.
more technology – e-filing, correspondence, etc.
age gracefully.
restructure firm and how we handle tax season.
check on new tax software.
staff more tightly
we will revise our invoicing process which created some confusion for clients.
extend hours sooner
plan for growth
limit my customer brown-nosing
less per diem work (possibly none). push harder to attract higher-quality clients through network marketing.
need to release problem client
focus more on business owners and professional individuals. concentrate more on tax planning.
try to prepare my clients for other tax law changes and obamacare issues.
be geared up more for the most extension change in tax law in the 30 years i have been doing this.
change tax software, look into scanning software for client information.
raise fees and continue to fire unprofitable clients
more competition for diminishing volume of clients, due to economy and age of owners closer to retirement
try to take a few more vacation days from my real job so i can spend days doing taxes from home. that way i can spend more time with family.
change software!!!
ramp up marketing to boost number of clients.
better trained staff, better scheduling. add a per diem person
try to get work in the door earlier.
look for new software
have the staff in place sooner
i will continue to try to marketing strategies to acquire new clients while weeding out low quality existing clients
better advertising
less business returns.
add administrative staff
change software
increase number of current staff members that will be preparing tax returns.
spend more time in training
increase fees to so that amount of work doesn’t get out of control.
more marketing
more staff better planning. follow up with clients earlier on.
increase efforts to mine more business and prices from existing clients.
hire more temporary staff
add extra staffing.
adding new services, reducing underperforming services and marketing
limit intake of engagements and attempt to price more reasonably to get the best clients.
not much we can do differently. perhaps add a temporary tax preparer to our staff.
change my advertising and promotions.
try to increase efficiency and get client information in earlier.
increase service and marketing
campaign to replace them
have additional staff.
different software company and changes to office procedures to create a better work flow.
planning – staffing will be better and focus on clients we want to get vs clients referred to us.
starting my own practice
change software vendors
hire staff?
better training of employees
streamline services and work more efficiently
more staff training on technology
better planning and maybe hire another staff person
increase staffing
more data capture for tax returns
in general, i’m cautiously optimistic
will be comfortable with new tax software
add staff, possibly change software, work with potential clients to gain revenue from good clients.
more staff. more constant client contact to get info in sooner.
we will have training in advance for the new software
plan and hire experienced people
look for more efficient e-file solution.
better planning and organization work to be done in november and december
advise clients that i will not wait to the last minute to do returns
get a better tax return program.
nail down office procedures better. more detailed training; repeat staff
look for and test new accountant / tax preparer earlier in fall. continue more so with the 10% discount for going on extension (for individuals only).
more checklists and better processes
make all efforts count.
push clients to start early. change fees for late client
try to perform more client work prior to 12/31, quarterly business closes, and other activity with clients to minimize the workload after year end.
partially retire
file more extensions for the people who “show up” in our office in april. there is too much to do to squeeze them in, also.
will be using different tax software & hopefully they won’t decide to totally redo it as taxworks did to us last year. we will also attempt to hire more clerical staff so that the professional staff will be able to concentrate more on client work.
more part time staffing. look at technology for answers.
better staffing during tax season.
more planning and communication. different staffing. more education.
be prepared for it to be as bad as this year and hoping it will not!
hopefully, we will be able to start the returns timely with no stall out from the government, and the staff will be prepared for the returns, and we will not have any “bottle necks” when it comes to corp deadlines.
provide more bookkeeping and consulting services.
additional staff
acquire different tax software.
assign engagement teams to every client to help us effectively leverage. focus on niche marketing.
pray that congress makes no changes to the tax law after october 1 so all computer software can be updated timely.
about the same.
add staff, increase training
not use atx
will be reworking business process systems to attempt to reduce time per return.
call clients and personally urge them to get in earlier… and then call them back when they do not show up in a month.
more effective advertising
more time per planning tax season
a complete check of my software going in.
deeper market assessment
advertise more, maybe hire an employee.
hire another skilled preparer
hopefully we won’t have tax laws passing in january and states finalizing in march.
know my new tax preparation software better
evaluate software options; advise clients in advance about amended brokerage statements;
unsure. can’t focus on that at this point.
raise fees, hold work on clients until all information is in, impose strict cutoff date on business clients
get the word out.
plan ahead and begin preparing returns in january
focus on the business we can do most efficiently; refer the less-efficient clients elsewhere.
increase staff for e-filing purposes specifically,
planning sessions in advance; seek additional clients
increase staff and fees
hire more staff and cut late and unprofitable clients.
keep costs from rising.
add staffing
restructure our method workflow, causing the client to have more responsibility in having their work in on a schedule time and deadline their time to respond if they want it on a timely basis
more communication (maybe even a postcard) to clients when organizer is available on portal. more backbone on dealing with late clients instead of trying to get it all done, but hard to do when they may owe taxes.
i plan on selling (after 28 years as an enrolled agent) and doing something (anything) else.
i may switch software vendors.
more guidance for clients to get organized, hire more people, new it personnel
staff with some part time seasonal workers.