How to Prepare this November for a Streamlined January Tax Season

reading time: 6 minute(s)

November means January is right around the corner, and that means tax season is almost here. For CPAs and business owners alike, the pressure of reporting can quickly turn into last-minute filings and corrections. It’s easy to assume January will always be this hectic, but that doesn’t have to be the case.

With proper preparation, January can become a streamlined filing experience. When you begin organizing, planning, and verifying information now, you reduce the January workload and enter the tax season with accuracy in your submissions.

A strong starting point is to organize information and clarify responsibilities now. Review team members’ or clients’ classifications (W-2 vs. 1099) and confirm both federal and state deadlines, which don’t always align. 

Outline who handles each part of the process, including collecting information, verifying data, completing forms, and communicating with employees, clients, and vendors. This will help prevent confusion and avoid rushed work that can lead to amended filings.

Collecting and verifying taxpayer information early also supports a simplified tax season. Ensuring W-9s and W-4s are current, and confirming addresses, TINs/EINs, names, and payment totals now, significantly improves filing accuracy. When details are correct in advance, rejections, delays, and compliance problems can be avoided in January.

Setting clear expectations benefits both internal teams and CPA clients and is a key part of filing season success. Outlining what information is needed, when it’s due, and how to submit corrections helps everyone stay aligned. If you’re managing a team, offering additional training and process reminders further reduces errors and strengthens the overall workflow. 

Whether you’re a CPA or a business owner, taking the time now to prepare means IRS compliance is streamlined and there’s less pressure to face in January—letting you focus on your business and other critical work.

For more resources to get ready for tax season today, visit our preparation webpage.