If you’re thinking about becoming a tax preparer, you may wonder what the tax season looks like once you get started. In this article, we’ll outline the year-round workflow for tax professionals – including pre-season preparations, the pace of the early season, activity during the peak season, and the often-overlooked off-season that follows. We’ll also cover important tax preparation deadlines to keep in mind throughout the year.
When does tax season begin?
Tax season begins in late January. The exact start date can vary from year to year, due to factors such as weekends, holidays, or newly enacted tax legislation which may require the IRS to update its systems. However, the starting date usually falls between January 20th and January 31st. While this date marks when the IRS begins accepting tax returns, tax professionals begin preparing well in advance. Tax preparers typically begin client outreach and system updates as early as Q4, with peak readiness by January. Ealy engagement with clients and proactive document requests can reduce bottlenecks once tax season kicks off.
When is tax season over?
Tax season typically ends on the tax filing deadline, usually April 15th. However, if April 15th falls on a weekend or a federal holiday, the deadline is extended to the next business day. Taxpayers can also request a six-month extension to file their tax returns, extending the deadline to October 15th.
However, for tax professionals, the work doesn’t stop in April. After the main filing deadline, the nature of a client needs shift. Preparers may see an increase in business returns, amended returns, and support for estimated tax payments. This evolving workload makes tax preparation a year-round profession , with ongoing opportunities to assist clients beyond tax season.
What does the tax season timeline look like for preparers?
Tax preparation isn’t just a sprint to the tax filing deadline. It is a year-long workflow with distinct phases that shape the work schedule for tax professionals. Each part of the year brings its own priorities, from onboarding early filers, managing peak season volume, to supporting off-season needs like amended returns and estimated payments. We’ll walk you through the full tax year cycle, broken into four key phases, to help you understand the rhythm of tax work across all 12 months.
December – February: Early tax season
For tax preparers, tax season usually starts in December as clients begin to reach out. Then, the IRS usually opens around January 28. Tax preparers often spend these first two months ramping up for tax season and reaching out to clients to encourage their returning business.
The first few days of tax season may not be particularly busy as many taxpayers are still waiting on tax forms from their employers, which they won’t receive until around January 31. However, for anyone with an established tax practice, tax season gets busy quickly as clients fill their early calendars to get their refunds as soon as possible.
March – April: Peak tax season
For most tax preparers, the tax season rush is begins to intensify in March and doesn’t slow down until Tax Day . This is the busiest stretch of the year, as a wide range of clients scramble to meet the deadline to file. Some individuals wait until the last minute to file, while many businesses (with returns due March 15th) request extensions, adding to the complexity and volume of work. During this high-pressure period, experienced tax preparers can rely on smart strategies to stay focused and efficient through the busy season:
- Set priorities and minimize any unnecessary work.
- Practice self-care and stress management techniques.
- Encourage clients to go virtual. Clients can upload their documents with the TaxesToGo mobile app, speeding up the filing process. The app streamlines communication and eliminates the need for in-person meetings, saving even more time.
- Reward yourself to increase motivation. Sometimes, it’s tough to take an entire day off during peak tax season. Small breaks and treats like ordering your favorite meal for lunch or taking an evening off will help sustain you through the rush.
May – September: The off-season
After the tax season rush, many tax preparers tend to enjoy the slower pace by scheduling vacations during these months. The off-season will look different for every tax preparer depending on the types of tax clients they work with and whether they offer other services.
Some tax professionals stay busy by providing year-round support such as bookkeeping, payroll management, or helping clients with amended returns and estimated tax payments. This period can also be a great time to review internal processes, invest in professional development, administer employee training, or prepare for the next filing season.
October – November: Prepping for tax season
Around October, tax professionals will typically start planning for the upcoming tax season. It may seem soon, but thorough preparation prevents much stress come tax season. Some of the most critical tax season prep tasks include:
- Computer networking and resources. You should always have the latest tax software to help you stay up to date with changing tax laws. You’ll want to download it well before tax season begins, so you’ll have plenty of time to get familiar with the software and transfer clients’ data from prior years.
- Updating and testing all technology in the office, such as scanners, printers, internet speed, anti-virus software, etc.
- Applying with a bank to offer bank products to your clients during tax season.
- Renewing your PTIN.
- Getting familiar with any tax law changes that will affect the upcoming season.
- Reaching out to past clients and marketing to potential clients.
For more details on these and other tax season preparation tasks, see our complete Pre-Tax Season Checklist series on the following topics:
What are the key tax preparation deadlines for preparers?
Tax professionals juggle a variety of deadlines throughout the year, not just the April filing date. These include both annual deadlines (like Tax Day and extension filings) and quarterly estimated tax payment due dates for self-employed clients and businesses.
The table below outlines the most critical due dates tax preparers should keep top of mind:
| January 15 | Fourth quarter estimated taxes due. This is the last day for self-employed clients to pay estimated taxes on income from Sept. 1 through December 31 of the previous year. |
| January 20-31 | IRS begins accepting federal tax returns. |
| January 31 | Deadline to send out W-2, 1099, and other forms. |
| April 15 – Tax Day | Deadline for all tax returns to be submitted to the IRS. It is also the deadline to file an extension if more time is needed. First quarter estimated taxes due. This is the last day for self-employed clients to pay estimated taxes on income from Jan. 1 through March 31. |
| June 16 | Second quarter estimated taxes due. This is the last day for self-employed clients to pay estimated taxes on income from Apr. 1 through May 31. |
| September 15 | Third quarter estimated taxes due. This is the last day for self-employed clients to pay estimated taxes on income from June 1 through Aug. 31. |
| October 15 | Tax filing deadline for extensions. If a tax return is not filed by this deadline, the IRS will consider the return late, and penalties will start to accumulate. |
What do tax preparers do in the off-season?
Tax preparers may use the slower time of year to continue their education, refine their processes for the next tax season, or focus on administrative tasks and marketing opportunities. While tax preparers are busiest from October to April, their work is still year–round. Even in the off-season, businesses and individuals need some amount of tax assistance.
What should preparers take away from the tax season timeline & deadlines?
Being a tax preparer is a year-round profession, requiring continuous engagement with clients and being on top of deadlines. Tax season kicks off in January, with preparers starting their work as early as October to connect with clients. The peak season occurs from March to April, leading up to the filing deadline on April 15, where tax preparers often experience a hectic rush.
The off-season from May to September allows preparers to take a breather, while October and November are focused on preparation for the next tax season. If considering a career in tax preparation, our Ultimate Guide to Starting a Tax Preparation Business can help you decide if it’s the career for you.
TaxSlayer Pro simplifies your tax season and helps you stay on top of deadlines throughout the year. Try our cloud-based or desktop software for free!
