Encourage business clients to do a post-tax season checkup with you

June 10, 2026 - 18:22

The rush of tax season has passed, and your business clients are likely breathing a sigh of relief. But for a forward-thinking accountant or advisor, the weeks after April 15 are the real opportunity. Instead of letting those completed returns gather dust in a file cabinet, you can turn them into a powerful planning and business development tool. Here are 10 tactics to encourage your clients to schedule a post-tax season checkup.

First, reframe the conversation. Call your client and say the return is done, but the real value comes from reviewing what the numbers mean for the next 12 months. Second, highlight hidden opportunities. Look for a pattern of large estimated tax payments and suggest adjusting withholding to free up cash flow. Third, identify risk areas. A sudden jump in inventory or a thin profit margin on a new product line can signal trouble.

Fourth, use the return to benchmark performance. Compare their key ratios against industry averages. Fifth, discuss entity structure. A profitable year might mean it is time to switch from an LLC to an S Corp. Sixth, review owner compensation. Is the salary too high or too low for retirement plan contributions? Seventh, plan for major purchases. Show how a new piece of equipment can be timed to maximize bonus depreciation.

Eighth, revisit the budget. Use the actual numbers from the return to build a more realistic forecast. Ninth, start a year-round tax planning calendar. Mark key dates for estimated payments, inventory counts, and retirement contributions. Tenth, and most importantly, ask about their personal goals. A tax return is just a scorecard. The real game is building wealth, reducing stress, and growing the business. By framing the checkup as a strategic session, you move from being a compliance clerk to a trusted advisor.