Things I Learned During This Tax Season

It's done....for now.

Extensions still have to be done, but I like to relish the small victories such as the passing of a deadline, or the compliment of a client on how calm our office is today.  It's the great feeling of NOT having my hair on fire.  That's a new one for me, and I guess that's where my lessons will begin.

I learned that my wife, Meghan, is the most incredible COO (even though she hates terms) I have ever had the pleasure of working with.  She calls me on my BS, she learns new things like web-based applications very quickly and trouble shoots them for me, and our clients love her.  I can't operate the firm without her.  Period.

I also learned that Meghan's head explodes when she has to talk on the phone, scan and answer e-mail simultaneously.

I learned that Meghan's choice of jazz music for the front office was genius.  Clients like to sit and talk more, and they complimented her numerous times on the musical selection.

I learned that my clients like coffee in to-go cups and chocolate chip cookies, but no one helps themselves when they come in.  It's almost as though they don't want to bother us.  But, once we offer it, they partake.  It was great to have the goodies this year to offer.

I learned that challenging the status-quo is easier than I thought.

I learned that SC gives out debit cards for refunds if you don't elect for direct deposit, and everyone hates it.

I learned that taxpayers' identities can be stolen for fraudulent filings, and that IRS was immediately helpful in the situation.

I learned that in some pending divorce cases, Married Filing Separately is clearly the only way to stop a murder from occurring.

I learned that holding yourself out as the guy who works a million hours a week makes you look sort of foolish, and not at all like a tax god.  My clients like the fact that I'm not a zombie, and they also like the calmness.  Work less, make more money, look like you have your act together...because you do.

I learned that some states have the craziest rules that will force you to paper-file a tax return with them.  Then, I remembered how much I hate paper-filing anything.  Remembering to attach the W-2's was a killer.

I learned that offering more value is FUN!  For the clients that have been with me for 10 years to come in and thank me for doing more was a great feeling.  For our new Elite and Premier clients to have the "Wow" expression when they were told how we will work together all year on planning and advisory was also amazing.  See my lesson above about challenging the status-quo.

I learned that while most people think of a CPA for taxes, we are changing the perception....one client at a time.

I grew to love and admire the companies that we hired to clean our house and our office.  I may add them to my will.  Coming home to a clean house every other Thursday night = the best money I ever spent.

I was reminded yet again that we have the best clients in the world!  Thank you for allowing us the pleasure of assisting you!