Tax season’s around the corner – are you ready?

There’s always that moment…right before tax season really kicks in, when you pause and think: Did I miss anything last year? Should I handle things differently this year?

I was going through some documents the other day, including tax returns, and it struck me how easy it is to overlook the little things. Not because anyone’s careless, but because there’s just so much to track: forms, contributions, accounts… it piles up fast. And in that moment, it’s easy to feel like you’re playing catch-up before the season even begins.

It reminded me of a few of our guides and masterclasses we’ve been updating – tools I’ve leaned on myself. Things like the 37-Point Checklist for Reviewing Tax Returns or the Form 8606 Guide.

What helps me is keeping things simple. A checklist on my desk, a few key bullet points in front of me, or even a trusted colleague I can call when I need a second set of eyes, those small steps make the difference between feeling overwhelmed and feeling prepared. It’s not about having a perfect system; it’s about having something that gives you confidence to tackle what’s coming.

Sometimes the little reminders are just enough. A note about tricky forms, a mental checklist for contributions, or a prompt to double-check unusual transactions. These small anchors help me slow down, catch details, and feel confident.

Preparation isn’t about doing more – it’s about doing smarter. Take a breath, make a plan for the essentials, and give yourself a little head start. When tax season hits full force, you’ll be glad you did.

Happy Tax Planning,

Steven Jarvis, CPA