Expert: Sammy Mattingly
Company: Mattingly & Ott Financial Accounting
Phone: (502) 974-3819
Website: http://www.mattinglyott.com/
Published on January 9th, 2026
Owning a business is incredibly stressful with all the hats business owners are asked to wear and tax season is no exception. But what if the mad scramble to pull together a year’s worth of finances wasn’t necessary? The difference between chaos and calm is transforming accounting from an annual chore into a simple, continuous monthly activity. Here are a few essential steps you can take today to make your life more serene this tax season and throughout the year.
Establish a Continuous Recordkeeping Rhythm with an Accounting Software
Recordkeeping has never been easier to do. The majority of modern accounting software is available online and stores your information in the cloud. By keeping track of incoming and outgoing transactions on a somewhat continual basis (think weekly or monthly, not yearly!), this will not only save a ton of time doing manual, meticulous tasks in April, but it will also provide real-time information on how your business is actually doing.
Treat Receipt Management as a Monthly Task
Receipts are a necessary evil. The IRS requires a receipt for any transaction over $75 that makes up your business tax return. That doesn’t mean scouring around for that large Amazon purchase 10 months ago. I recommend putting a system in place to keep track of receipts digitally. This can be as simple as uploading receipts to a Google Drive folder that you will eventually share with your CPA.
Prioritize Communication with Your Tax Expert
It is very important to meet with your CPA/tax preparer throughout the year. Continual communication often leads to more tax savings and overall comfort, making tax season more enjoyable and smoother for both parties. Your preparer can give you advice on estimated taxes or year-end adjustments well before the last minute.
Know When to Delegate: Value Your Time
If taxes and accounting stress you out, please talk to your current CPA or a qualified bookkeeper and find a solution that saves you time to focus on what you do best, which is running your business. A continuous, clean set of books is the best investment you can make in your financial peace of mind.
Ultimately you know your business best, cater these tips to fit your life and make tax season a breeze!
