May 20, 2025
What Tax Accountants Really Do After April 15th
What Tax Accountants Really Do After April 15th!
For most people, April 15th is the finish line—the day taxes are filed, refunds are (hopefully) on the way, and life moves on. But for tax accountants, it’s more like halftime. The buzzer may have sounded, but we’re far from done.
1. Finishing Extended Returns
Believe it or not, more than half of all tax returns are now extended past the April deadline. Why? Many key documents—like Schedule K-1s—aren’t even available until well after Tax Day. Extensions also give our clients more breathing room to make smart financial moves, like contributing to retirement plans that can reduce their tax bill and build long-term wealth.
So while the rush may be over, we’re still deep in the trenches, helping clients file accurate, strategic returns through the summer and fall.
2. Recovering from “PTSD” (Post-Tax Season Depression)
Let’s be honest—tax season is intense. Long hours, tight deadlines, and a constant stream of emails can take a toll. So yes, we take a little time to decompress. Whether it’s a long weekend, a vacation, or just catching up on sleep and hobbies, this recovery time is essential. We call it “PTSD”—Post-Tax Season Depression—and it’s real. But a little rest goes a long way in helping us recharge and come back stronger.
3. Sharpening Our Skills
Once we’ve had a breather, it’s back to learning. Tax laws are always changing, and staying current is part of the job. We attend continuing education courses, webinars, and conferences to stay sharp and ensure we’re giving our clients the best advice possible. It’s also a great time to connect with peers, swap ideas, and explore new tools and technologies.
4. Working On the Business, Not Just In It
During tax season, it’s all hands on deck. But after April, we finally get the chance to zoom out and think big-picture. We revisit our goals, refine our processes, and make sure our practice is aligned with our values and vision. This might mean updating systems, improving client communication, or launching new services that better meet our clients’ needs.
5. Proactive Client Planning
With the pressure off, we can have deeper, more strategic conversations with our clients. This is when we help them plan—not just for next year’s taxes, but for their broader financial future. Think:
- Mid-year tax check-ins
- Business entity reviews
- Retirement and investment planning
- Estate and succession strategies
These conversations are where we really get to add value and help clients build wealth intentionally.
6. Team Building and Internal Projects
Finally, we invest in our teams. We train, mentor, and support our staff so they can grow professionally. We also tackle those “someday” projects—like updating our website, improving onboarding, or prepare articles like this to help connect with our community. It’s all about building a stronger, more resilient firm for the future.