If you want your tax team to go above and beyond, give them a reason to. Incentive programmes aren’t just about bonuses but about creating a culture of excellence, drive, and appreciation. Here’s how to make incentives work for your team and with your business goals: 1. Set Clear, Trackable Goals: Define what “exceptional” means, whether it's the number of returns filed, client satisfaction, upsells, or turnaround time. Make it measurable and transparent. 2. Tailor Rewards to What Matters: Cash is great, but so are gift cards, time off, lunch perks, or even a “Tax Star of the Week” title. Know what motivates YOUR team. 3. Make It Ongoing, Not Just Seasonal: Consistent incentives throughout tax season keep energy high. Consider weekly, biweekly, or milestone-based rewards. 4. Celebrate Publicly: Shout out top performers in your team meetings, community group chats, or social media (if they’re cool with it). Recognition fuels momentum. 5. Tie Rewards to Team & Individual Goals: Encourage collaboration and personal performance. A good mix drives loyalty and healthy competition. Happy, motivated teams = more returns, better service, and less turnover. What incentive has worked best for your team? Share it below, we're all growing together.

A strong team will help your tax business thrive, but keeping them motivated and loyal is where the magic happens! Here are tried-and-true techniques to keep your tax team fired up and in it for the long haul:- ✅ 1. Recognize & Reward: Celebrate wins, big or small. A simple shout-out, bonus, or even lunch can go a long way. People stay where they feel seen and appreciated. ✅ 2. Provide Growth Opportunities: Offer training, mentorship, and pathways to leadership roles. Team members who grow with you are more likely to stay with you. ✅ 3. Create a Fun, Supportive Culture: Tax season gets intense; lighten the mood with games, incentives, and wellness breaks. A healthy environment = better performance. ✅ 4. Communicate clearly & often set expectations, give feedback, and listen. A team that feels heard is a team that feels valued. ✅ 5. Pay Fairly & On Time: Motivation fades quickly when people feel underpaid or unappreciated. Keep your team paid, on time, and aligned with your success. What’s one thing you do to keep your team motivated during tax season? Drop your favorite strategy below! Let’s build and keep strong teams together 💪

Behind every successful tax office is a powerful team. Whether you're a solo preparer scaling up or a tax pro ready to lead a firm, building your team strategically is your next power move. Here’s why your team matters more than you think: ✅ More Hands, Less Stress. You can’t be the preparer, marketer, customer service rep, and compliance officer all at once. Build a team that supports your vision and frees you to grow your business. ✅ Client Experience Is Everything. When your team is trained and aligned, your clients feel it. Fast response times, smooth filing processes, and expert service create a reputation that keeps clients coming back. ✅ Revenue Grows with StructureDelegating = multiplying your income streams. When team members handle key areas (like intake, appointment setting, or follow-ups), your office can take on more clients without sacrificing quality. Tips to Start Building Smart: - Recruit professionals with great communication skills - Train early and consistently - Define clear roles and expectations - Use tools to stay organized (CRMs, project boards, shared calendars) Already have a team? What’s your biggest lesson from managing them? Thinking of building one? Drop your questions below! Let’s grow together

Ask yourself: Do you want to work with individuals, self-employed folks, small business owners, or all three? Are you focusing locally or offering virtual tax prep nationwide? List Your Services Start simple and scale up: Personal tax filing (Federal & State) Self-employed returns Prior year or amended returns Tax planning Bookkeeping Plan How You’ll Market Yourself You don’t need a big budget to get noticed: Use social media to drop tax tips or behind-the-scenes content Ask friends & family to refer others Offer early bird discounts or referral bonuses Create a Google Business profile for local visibility

Know Your Tools & Budget Make a list of what you need to run smoothly: - Tax software (e.g., Drake, TaxSlayer Pro) - Secure file storage - A basic website or client portal - A CRM to manage clients - Business insurance Budget for: - Software fees - Business registration - Marketing - Training or continuing education Stay Legal & Compliant Don't forget: - PTIN from the IRS - Apply for EFIN - Register your business (LLC, sole prop, etc.) - Understand state/local requirements A business plan doesn’t need to be complicated. Start with your vision, stay consistent, and revisit your goals often. Need help getting started? Ask your questions below or join one of our community workshops to map out your tax business blueprint! Let’s grow together.