What can accountants and their clients do now to prepare for January?

From setting internal deadlines to avoid last-minute rushes, to encouraging clients in their digital transition, here’s what accountants are up to.

The January tax deadline, not to mention getting ready for another year, makes December a stressful month. But being prepared and organised in December can help accountants and their clients ease into 2026 with a fresh outlook.

Four accountants shared their advice for preparing for the new year with minimal anxiety.

Setting deadlines throughout the year is crucial

Susan Perry, Accountant and Founder, Cooper Accountancy

The aim is always to get client returns done as early as possible. This allows time for review, to gather all the necessary information ahead of the deadline and be able to go through everything together properly. I work with my clients throughout the year to ensure their returns are prepared in ample time. We set interim deadlines that clients need to hit throughout the year to keep them on track.  After all, no one wants a rush to get everything done in the new year. 

It’s the same story every year – we know the deadline is looming, but some clients will always leave it to the last minute. If every client gave me their information on January 30, there is no way we could get everyone’s return completed, approved and submitted in time for the deadline.

As a firm, we share regular reminders with our clients and have our own deadlines in place to ensure that returns are not left too close to the submission date. Keeping accounts up to date throughout the year, either monthly or quarterly is the best practice. This makes final accounting returns easier.

This way business owners have a clearer and more accurate overview of their business throughout the year. If our clients know their numbers, they can make more accurate decisions.

Accountants and clients cannot ignore the digital transition

Mohammed Sidat, Associate Product Technology Director, Wolters Kluwer Tax & Accounting UK

Preparing for January’s busy season is a year-round process that demands strategic planning and adaptability for UK accountants. With regulatory changes such as Making Tax Digital for Income Tax, on the horizon, many firms are encouraging clients to transition to digital bookkeeping well ahead of deadlines.

Early preparation includes reviewing client records, updating software and clearly communicating key dates to clients. Increasingly, practices are leveraging automation and cloud tools to streamline workflows, track submissions and reduce last-minute pressures. Proactive communication, such as quarterly check-ins and regular reminders, has become essential to ensure clients are ready and to minimise bottlenecks when January arrives.

Get ahead in December, but don’t forget to take a break

Romesh Jeyaseelanayagam, Founder, The FD Consultant

In December I review the year to understand what went well and what could be improved, while taking time to reflect on and celebrate the business’s achievements. Progress deserves recognition.

December is also when I look forward. I think strategically about the challenges and opportunities ahead, using this quieter period in my business to devise a clear plan so we can hit the ground running in the new year. An important part of this is comparing our performance against last year’s plan, which helps ensure the new plan strikes the right balance between being achievable and stretching.

Crucially, I’m going to rest and enjoy time with family and friends over the festive period. Recharging is essential for starting the year with energy and focus.

All this applies to our clients, too. They should take time in December to review, reflect and plan strategically. If it’s a quieter month for them, they should get on the front foot for the new year. If our clients are anticipating any major decisions or transactions in the new year, giving us a heads-up in December allows us to provide better guidance from the start.

Businesses with a busy December should focus on getting through the seasonal burst of activity and pushing those sales up!

Finally, clients should give themselves permission to switch off too. A well-rested business owner makes better decisions and is more enjoyable to work with in the busy months ahead.

Work with clients to be proactive and make a fresh start in 2026

Jon Chartres, co-founder of Fresh Eyes Finance, specialising in accounts for CICs and charities

January is the perfect opportunity for clients to make a fresh start with their finances. We can help clients review the year that has passed and form a realistic budget for the coming year. This will enable clients to strategise and make proactive decisions.

Advise clients to reconcile their accounts regularly, analyse their accounts for any variances and react accordingly. Meeting filing deadlines in plenty of time alleviates stress and helps with cash flow for any tax bills that are becoming due. When we can help our clients approach their finances like this, it won’t be a burden and will help them add value to their operational goals.

Georgia Lewis is a journalist who has worked in Australia, the Middle East and the UK. Over 30 years, Georgia has covered a diverse range of subjects and industries, including business, insurance, technology and logistics..