Pretty Things, and an Updated auto-resp
It’s a new week, and I was introduced to so many things in that time. It’s been a whirlwind. But, what week isn’t a whirlwind in Marchternity. Besides being introduced to several new bits of software (two of them below), I’ve written a new auto-responder, failed to get all the need-info requests out by 9/25 like I wanted to (don’t panic for me; there’s only 3 or 4 and they’re all reminders of things I’ve been saying for months).
Software Loves
There’s more out there that gets the job done than software designed for tax and accounting professionals. Here’s two I’m excited about right now.
Infogram - it’s like Canva (or Desgygner, which is what I use) for infographics. You can connect those infographics to spreadsheets and have it pull data in to present in a pretty manner. The free version requires everything to be seen publicly. The intro-level paid version (I think it’s $25-ish; I’m about to eat lunch and not going to click all the links) keeps all of your designs private and gives you much more capability of creating these things. It’s not that this is too high, but I’m not trying to produce pretty infographics right now. It’s a little more confusing to use than Canva or Desygner, especially for the not-graphic-artist.
Figma, and more specifically, their FigJam boards. It’s a giant whiteboard with more control than Google’s JamBoard, and can be free. Figma itself is intended for UI/UX designers to build out the customer experience. It’s likely not terribly useful for tax and accounting folx. Maybe it is. I’ve been using the white boards to keep my thoughts a bit more organized (think digital sticky-notes).
Planning
For as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to not have the hot mess of 4/15, 9/15, and 10/15 that always happens. Sure, I had the best of intentions this year, but I had minimal expectations for this. Next year though, next year is going to be different. I’m leaving myself notes in ClickUp (it’s what I use for project management) to go through after 10/15 and draw out boundaries, seasons, and things I need clients to do, and how I’m going to make these things happen. That last bit is super important. Because without a plan, none of those best-laid intentions will happen.
Part of that planning is auto responders. When do they go on? When do they go off? Why do I use them? Right now, it’s mostly the seat of my pants. I had wanted to write a new one over the weekend, but, it just didn’t become the priority until this morning. The updated auto-responder is below. It’s not terribly different. I do highlight a different problem - MMIWG2S. Why do I do this? Most of the people I work with (clients and collaborators) are progressive, and hear something reflected of what they’re feeling in the words I leave them. I’ve found if I leave context in these auto-responders, clients are happier. It starts a conversation.
Besides updating the dates and timelines in this auto-responder, I’ve also tried to answer some of the questions I’ve received this week from clients who’s questions were not answered in last week’s responder.
If you choose to use this auto-responder, please be sure to update it with context and information that is relevant to you, your firm, and your practice. Don’t be afraid to talk about what’s happening in the world. But be prepared for consequences, both good and bad, for making statements.
The Auto Responder
Hello!
It's an updated auto-responder on 9/27/21. Specific new information from the auto responder that started going out on 9/16 is highlighted in yellow with green text. The October 15th deadline is just over three weeks away. And even as it approaches, the news media and many true crime folx are obsessed with the disappearance of one Florida woman while they ignore the disappearance of thousands if Missing and Murdered Indigenous Womxn, Girls, and Two Spirt (MMIWG2S). September 30th is Orange Shirt day, which commemorates this tragedy and works to raise awareness as well as fight for justice. You can find out more information here.
As a general rule, and especially as deadlines approach, I will not and do not respond to emails asking about the status or timing of delivery on a tax return. I am well aware of the deadline, of special circumstances, and that you need your tax return done. Payroll and you getting paid by your clients are always the priority. If your question is related to one of these items, you can expect a response within 24 business hours. Otherwise, I am taking up to a week, and sometimes more, to respond. It's not ideal, but it's where we're at. And I’m catching up.
If you are asking about what information I need, please refer to any emails you have already received and make sure I have everything I've requested. I do still have a few requests that are going out today and tomorrow.
If you are trying to send me a file via email, I can't get it here. Please upload it to:
Suralink (if this one doesn't make sense to you, that's okay. It's pretty new and not everyone is in there yet. Onvio isn't going anywhere).
What if this doesn't address your concerns? Read through below, find who/what you are, and you may find some answers.
Current Advisory Clients
If you're a current advisory client, my responses may be shortened and/or slower. The best thing you can do is read all of the email and/or watch all of the video, provide all of the documentation, and ask specific questions. I do respond to questions during the day as well as late at night.
Individual Tax Clients
This includes if you file a Schedule C. If you're an individual tax client with a tax return due on 10/15, you are the priority. Through 9/28, I'll be focusing on getting reminders out about information I do not have.
If I've sent you questions, please be sure you've responded to each and every one of them.
If I've not sent you questions yet, you can expect them no later than 9/28. This does not mean I am not working on your tax return.
There are some returns that are completed with no additional information required. This does happen. I will deliver tax returns as soon as I complete them.
I am also rolling out tax projections. How this happens will change significantly next year.
C-Corporation Clients
If you're on a calendar year-end, your tax return is due on 10/15. As corporate clients, you generally work with me on an advisory basis as well. As a result, I tend to get the information I need to prepare a tax return while working through your accounting.
New Clients
If you're a new client/have not spoken with me yet, please head to the New Client Packet to get started. I will not be conducting new client introductions that have not already been scheduled until after the 10/15 deadline. My calendar is already set up for this with openings after 10/15.
Stay safe. Wear a mask. Get a vaccine unless your doctor and/or medical team specifically tells you not to. Fight for equality. Even better: fight for equity.
Cheers