7 Ways to Make Tax Season Easier This Year

February 1, 2022

Tax season can be a stressful time for many people. Small businesses routinely outsource their tax preparation, according to research, 71% of small companies employ accounting services, the most commonly outsourced accounting service, according to Go Remotely.


The good news is that there are ways to make tax season easier. Here are seven tips to help you prepare for tax season and make it less stressful.


1. Start Gathering Your Paperwork Early


The earlier you start, the less stressful it will be. Make sure to gather all of your tax documents, including W-forms, receipts, and bank statements. If you're self-employed or have a side hustle, make sure to track your expenses throughout the year. This will make filing your taxes much easier.


2. Use CPA firm Accountant


If you have a more complex tax situation, it might be helpful to use a CPA firm accountant. They can help you navigate the tax code and make sure you're taking advantage of all the deductions available to you. Keep in mind that using a CPA firm accountant will likely be more expensive than other options. But if you're not comfortable preparing your own taxes, it might be worth the extra cost.


3. File Your Taxes Electronically


Filing your taxes electronically is the fastest and easiest way to file. You can file online or use a tax preparer who offers electronic filing. Electronic filing is safe and secure, and it's also the most accurate way to file your taxes. Plus, you'll get your refund faster if you file electronically. If you're filing your taxes yourself, make sure to use a reputable tax software program. There are many programs available, and most of them are affordable.


4. Use Online Banking to Track Your Tax Deductions


If you're tracking your bank statements and expenses throughout the year, it will be much easier to file your taxes. You can use online banking to track your tax deductions. This will help you stay organized and ensure that you don't miss any deductions. It will also help ensure that your return is accurate. If you're not already tracking your bank statements, now is an excellent time to start. This will make tax season much easier.


5. Make a Budget


A budget is a great way to keep your finances organized. It will also help you during tax season. When creating your budget, be sure to include your taxes. This will help you plan how much you'll need to pay in taxes each year. It's also a good idea to save for taxes throughout the year. This will help reduce the stress of tax season.


6. Make a Backup of Your Data


One of the best ways to protect your data is to back it up. It is essential, especially during tax season. If you're using a tax preparer, provide them with a copy of your backup. This will ensure that information is accessible if something happens to your original files.


7. Get Familiar With the Tax Laws


The more you know about the tax laws, the easier it will be to file your taxes. Be sure to read up on the latest changes to the tax code. If you're using a tax preparer, ask them for advice on saving money on your taxes. They should be able to help you take advantage of any deductions or credits that you're eligible for.


There are many ways to make tax season easier. By following these tips, you can reduce the stress of filing your taxes.

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Growth brings opportunities, but it also brings complexity. One of the most critical and often overlooked areas that becomes increasingly complicated as businesses expand is payroll. What may have started as a simple task, cutting a few checks each month, quickly evolves into a multi-layered responsibility involving tax compliance, benefits management, and technology integration. Errors in payroll can cost businesses more than just money; they can lead to employee dissatisfaction, legal issues, and even reputational harm. For growing companies, it’s essential to get payroll right from the start. This is why so many businesses turn to accounting firms for their payroll services. By leveraging professional expertise, companies gain accuracy, compliance assurance, scalability, and time savings. All of which are critical to sustainable growth. Understanding Payroll Complexity As businesses grow, so does the complexity of their payroll systems. 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Federal laws like the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) dictate wage and overtime rules, while state and local governments impose their own requirements. Then there are tax obligations, reporting deadlines, and employee classifications to consider. Falling out of compliance, even unintentionally, can result in audits, fines, and legal action. The challenge for business owners is that these laws change frequently. Trying to keep up while also running a growing company is nearly impossible. This is why relying on accounting firms for payroll services is a smart move. They monitor regulatory changes daily and implement updates immediately, ensuring that your payroll remains fully compliant at all times. Supporting Growth Scalability One of the most compelling reasons to outsource payroll to accounting firms is scalability. In-house payroll systems often reach their limits quickly as businesses grow. Adding new employees, integrating benefits packages, and handling multiple pay structures can overwhelm internal teams and outdated systems. Accounting firms, on the other hand, are built to scale. Whether you’re adding five employees or fifty, these firms can expand services without missing a beat. They also provide customized solutions for growing businesses, offering tiered packages that align with your needs and budget. This flexibility ensures that payroll never becomes a bottleneck for growth. Enhancing Payroll Technology Technology has transformed payroll processing. From cloud-based systems to mobile apps, today’s payroll solutions offer greater convenience, security, and integration than ever before. However, investing in and maintaining these systems can be expensive for small and mid-sized businesses. This is another area where accounting firms provide a significant advantage. They invest in the latest payroll technology so their clients don’t have to. 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Mitigating Talent Shortages Finding qualified payroll professionals can be challenging, especially as demand for accounting expertise continues to rise. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of accountants and auditors in the United States is expected to increase by 6% from 2023 to 2033, surpassing the average growth rate for all occupations. This means competition for payroll and accounting talent will only intensify. By outsourcing payroll to accounting firms, you bypass the recruitment struggle and gain access to a team of experts without the costs of hiring, training, and retaining in-house staff. Reducing In-House Burden Payroll is time-consuming. From calculating wages to filing taxes and distributing paychecks, the process demands significant administrative effort. For growing businesses, these tasks can pull attention away from core operations like product development, customer service, and sales. Outsourcing payroll to an accounting firm eliminates this burden. Your internal team gains back hours each week, allowing them to focus on strategic initiatives that drive revenue and growth instead of routine administrative work. Driving Business Resilience Business continuity is critical, and payroll disruptions can have severe consequences. If your in-house payroll administrator is suddenly unavailable, who ensures employees get paid on time? What happens if your payroll system crashes? Accounting firms have built-in redundancies, backup systems, and disaster recovery protocols to ensure payroll continuity. By relying on these firms, your business avoids payroll delays that could impact employee trust and morale. Partnering With Riley’s Tax Service Riley’s Tax Service offers a full suite of payroll solutions tailored to growing businesses. Our team combines industry expertise with advanced payroll technology, ensuring your payroll is accurate, compliant, and scalable. By partnering with Riley’s Tax Service, you gain more than a payroll provider. You also gain a trusted advisor committed to your success. Payroll is too important to leave to chance. For growing businesses, the stakes are higher: errors, compliance issues, and inefficiencies can derail growth plans and damage your reputation. By relying on accounting firms like Riley’s Tax Service, you gain accuracy, compliance, scalability, advanced technology, and expert guidance—all while freeing up your time to focus on what matters most: growing your business. As the demand for accounting professionals continues to rise, outsourcing payroll is no longer just an option — it’s a necessity for sustainable success. Partner with Riley’s Tax Service and let our expert team handle your payroll with accuracy, compliance, and efficiency. Contact us today to get started with our services.
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