Be kind to your tax professional.
Pros must work through high volumes of complex data and then apply a massive amount of data via complex statutes and regulatory law, and get it all on the proper forms and explain it to the client.
And work with the IRS.
All under time pressure.
What can clients do to help?
Answer phone calls and emails promptly
Keep all of your documents together and in good order
Do not try to take deductions your pro says are not deductible
Do not follow tax advice from Tik-Tok or Instagram
Keep appointments
Pay estimates taxes when scheduled
Try to avoid surprises (if you have major transaction/s during the year which alter your tax profile let the pro know early - buy a business, sell a business, start a business, sell a large amount of investments, sell your house, marriage, baby, get divorced, death in family, etc.)
Be patient
by Tom Ealey, CPA
(c) Plain English Publishing 2026
