The Tax Preparer's Season Checklist

A complete pre-season, in-season, and post-season checklist for independent tax preparers and small firms.

Interactive — check items off as you go. Progress saves automatically in your browser.

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Pre-Season Preparation (November – December · 15 items)
Update tax preparation software to current year version
Review IRS updates and new tax law changes for the filing year
Update engagement letters and client agreements
Send pre-season tax organizers to returning clients
Set up or update FinishTax with this season’s clients
Confirm PTIN renewal for all preparers in the firm
Verify E-file provider ID is active and current
Review and update your fee schedule for the season
Set and communicate office hours and client deadlines
Back up prior year client data (export from FinishTax)
Test e-file system with the IRS before season opens
Send “we’re getting ready for tax season” email to client list
Review and update document checklist templates
Review professional liability insurance coverage
Stock supplies: printer paper, folders, storage drives
Season Kickoff (January · 10 items)
IRS opens e-file — confirm your system is live and working
Begin accepting client documents
Send W-2 / document collection reminder to all clients
Set up client queues and priority order in FinishTax
Confirm appointment schedule and client intake process
Begin collecting: W-2s, 1099s, K-1s as they arrive
Verify Social Security numbers for all new clients
Confirm banking information for direct deposit clients
Create task lists for each active client in FinishTax
Mark documents received in checklist as they come in
Active Filing Season (February – April 15 · 13 items)
Prepare and review returns as documents become complete
Send draft returns to clients for review before filing
Obtain signed Form 8879 (e-file authorization) from each client
E-file accepted returns and confirm IRS acknowledgment received
Send clients a copy of their completed return
Invoice and collect payment per your billing process
Track extension requests — file Form 4868 as needed
File state returns (verify each state’s deadline separately)
Mark tasks complete in FinishTax as returns are filed
Follow up with unresponsive clients after 7+ days
Handle IRS reject notices within 24 hours of receipt
Upload final signed returns to client files in FinishTax
Update document checklist to reflect what was filed and received
Extension Season (April 16 – October 15 · 6 items)
Confirm all extension clients — log in FinishTax
Set October 15 deadline tasks for all extended clients
Follow up and request outstanding documents for extensions
Prepare and file extended returns as documents arrive
File amended returns (Form 1040-X) as needed
Handle IRS correspondence received during this period
Post-Season Wrap-Up (October – November · 11 items)
Confirm every return has been e-filed or mailed
Confirm all balances due were paid by clients
Send year-end thank-you message to your client list
Request referrals from satisfied clients
Archive completed client files in FinishTax
Export and back up all FinishTax data (JSON export)
Document process improvements and lessons learned
Review client list — archive or remove inactive clients
Update client contact info for next season
Review season metrics: clients served, revenue, efficiency
Schedule continuing education for PTIN renewal

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