President Christine Freeland’s February 2019 Message

A Message from the President, February 2019

I love tax season.  I know that sounds like a crazy statement, but I do.  I truly enjoy most of my clients and look forward to seeing them. I’m also a problem solver and I genuinely enjoy helping my clients with whatever concerns they may have.  And what’s not to love about the cash flow that goes with tax time. However, this year, I am approaching the season with a little more dread and uncertainty.  My original concern was TCJA, with all its complications, but now we have added a month-long IRS shutdown to the equation.  While IRS may have reopened it will be months before the backlog is caught up. How do you spell S-T-R-E-S-S?

So, while I love tax season and my clients, I have also learned a few things along the way that helps me to remember why I love tax season as I get bogged down in countless phone calls and late nights.  I try to keep stress to a minimum and want to share a few of the things I have learned along the way.

I am a big believer of taking charge of your practice and not letting the clients run the show.  Set a schedule and stick to it.  Don’t cave in when a client wants an appointment that doesn’t fit in your schedule.  When setting appointments, don’t ask your client what time they would like, offer them times you have open.  Not every client is a good fit for your practice, be selective.  Know the client you are looking for and choose wisely.

When planning your schedule make sure you allow times to stop and have a meal and maybe even schedule in some exercise or meditation time. It is amazing how much more energy you will have.  A few years ago, I learned from a Tax Talker that he had healthy meals delivered so he didn’t end up eating fast food and junk.  I have done this for the last 3 years and while it can be a little pricey, it is so worth it.  So, take care of yourself and tax season will flow a little smoother.

Don’t forget that NSA has resources that can help with this crazy season.  If you need a quick question answered, post it to Tax Talk.  It never ceases to amaze me how quick they are to respond, especially during tax season.  If Tax Talkers can’t help you, use one of your five free tax research questions, at the Tax Help Desk.  Let us spend the time on the research while you work on more important things.  Don’t forget you have access to CCH Tax Center with its online library and searchable database.  You can look up information to help you make those research decisions.  We even have the two page 2018 Key Facts and Figures cheat sheet on the website, in case you didn’t receive one of those slick laminated ones.

And don’t forget,  while you are working on that cash flow, check out the NSA Income and Fees Survey to see if your fees are in line with others in your area.

As your love for tax season dwindles and the stress builds, remember NSA is here for you, our member. If you need help, we are an email, members@nsacct.org or phone call, 1-800-966-6679, away.

Here’s to a less stressed tax season.

Chris

Christine Z Freeland

NSA President