April 15 Tax Filing Manual for Professionals

The April 15 tax deadline? Yeah, it’s coming in hot, hotter than the wings on Hot Ones. And if you’re a tax professional, CPA, or EA trying to help your clients cross the finish line without breaking a sweat (or triggering an audit), this is your moment to shine. While this year’s tax season hasn’t brought any major shakeups, there are still enough twists, traps, and tax-saving tactics to keep your head on a swivel. Here’s your fast-track guide to owning the final stretch, without burning out.

Don’t Let Missing Docs

Before you start punching numbers, you’ve gotta play Document Detective. Late filings? Nine times out of ten, it’s because something critical is missing.

What to chase down early:

• W-2s and 1099s: Whether your client is a W-2 warrior or a 1099 hustler, make sure all income forms are on deck.
• Receipts & expenses: Think home office write-offs, business subscriptions, medical bills, and charitable donations.
• Investment reports: 1099-INT, 1099-DIV, and IRA contribution forms (Form 5498).
• Last year’s return: It’s like the season recap before a new Netflix drop—always helpful.

Pro tip from Eric Bronnenkant, Head of Tax at Edelman Financial Engines: “There haven’t been any major tax changes that would have impacted this tax filing season.” Translation? It’s a smoother ride, but only if the prep game is tight.

Claim Those Deductions Like a Boss

Even in crunch time, there’s still gold to be mined. Here’s where your clients might save some serious cheddar:

• IRA contributions: Still deductible if made by April 15 for the 2024 tax year. Up to $7,000 ($8,000 if 50+).
• Health Savings Account (HSA) deposits: Tax-deductible and deadline-aligned. Max out to reduce taxable income.
• Education credits: The American Opportunity Credit and Lifetime Learning Credit are often overlooked. Don’t sleep on ‘em.
• Business expenses: From software to travel, it’s deduction season.

“Taxpayers should be mindful that a proposal by the president does not mean legislation will be passed accordingly,” reminds CFP Tipiwa Walker of Lucre Advisory. 

E-File or Risk Getting Ghosted by the IRS

Filing on paper? That’s so 2002. E-filing is safer, faster, and weighs less glitchy.

• Instant confirmation so you know your return didn’t vanish into the void.
• Quicker refunds, especially with direct deposit.
• Fewer math mistakes, because software checks your work.

Plus, the IRS’s Free File program is still a sweet deal for those earning under $84K. And if you’re in one of 25 states, Direct File is back in its second year, and no middleman software is required. President Trump’s executive order also calls for the elimination of paper refund checks by September 30, so it’s e-deposit or bust moving forward.

Extensions Are the IRS’s Chill Pill

Can’t hit the April 15 finish line? File Form 4868 and get until October 15. But here’s the catch: the extension only covers filing, not payment. Make sure your client pays what’s owed by April 15 to avoid penalties or interest stacking up like a bad Netflix binge. For clients in disaster zones, like those affected by the California wildfires or Tax Relief in West Virginia, extended relief applies.

Don’t Let Silly Mistakes Trip You Up

Rushing through the filing process can lead to common mistakes that delay returns and may trigger IRS audits or penalties. As tax professionals, it’s important to double-check the following before submitting returns:

• Incorrect Social Security Numbers or Misspelled Names: This simple error can delay processing and potentially lead to rejections.
• Math Errors: Even minor miscalculations can trigger IRS scrutiny.
• Failure to Sign or E-file: Clients often forget to sign paper returns or miss entering their PIN when e-filing.
• Incorrect Filing Status: Ensure that clients are filing under the correct status, such as "Head of Household" versus "Single," when applicable.

Tyler Horn, head of tax at Origin, says it best: “Don’t panic. While April 15 is the deadline, the IRS isn’t going to come knocking at your door or freeze your assets.” Just make sure what you do file is accurate.

Your Side Hustle and Refund-Tracking

Here’s a spicy update: The 1099-K threshold dropped to $5,000 this year. That means Airbnb hosts, Etsy sellers, and eBay flippers better be tracking every penny. And yes, tips and Social Security are still taxable, despite some proposed changes on the campaign trail. No laws have passed yet, so it’s business as usual.

Are clients bugging you about their refunds? Direct them to the IRS’s “Where’s My Refund?” tool. If they e-filed, they’ll see updates within 24 hours. Paper filters? That takes about four weeks. Most refunds land within 21 days, but only if you e-file and go with a direct deposit. Paper checks? Say goodbye to fast cash.

Plan Now, Chill Later

While preparing for the current tax season is essential, professionals should also take this opportunity to help clients prepare for the upcoming tax year. Effective planning now can reduce stress for both the client and the tax professional next season.

• Maintain Organized Records Year-Round: Encourage clients to keep financial documents organized throughout the year, making tax time less stressful.
• Adjust Withholdings or Estimated Payments: If necessary, adjust tax withholdings or estimated payments to prevent surprises during the next filing season.
• Schedule Mid-Year Tax Planning: Proactively address tax planning during mid-year reviews to ensure clients are on track and avoid last-minute filing issues.

Don’t Get Scammed

IRS scams spike-like interest rates during tax season. Tell your clients:

• The IRS never contacts you via email or social media.
• Never give out personal info to unknown callers or shady sites.
• Use multi-factor authentication on tax software.

Fraud prevention now means fewer headaches later.

Let’s Land This Plane

As tax season hits peak turbulence, CPAs and tax experts can keep things cool by sticking to smart strategies: thorough doc prep, maximizing deductions, pushing e-filing, and avoiding rookie mistakes. Want to keep clients stress-free and your practice running like a well-oiled machine? Stay proactive, plan, and educate clients before panic mode sets in. Want more tips like this for your firm or clients? Subscribe to our newsletter for regular tax season deep dives, compliance updates, and pro strategies made easy.