Most tax clients pick a firm in a few busy weeks, and your best leads are people who already know you. Prepare in the fall, answer every inquiry fast in tax season, use the extension months, and build year-round bookkeeping revenue.
Updated October 12, 2026
Most new tax clients choose a firm in a few busy weeks, and most of your best leads are people who already know you. Get ready before January, answer every inquiry fast during the season, use the extension months, and sell year-round bookkeeping so revenue is not all in April.
| When | Focus |
|---|---|
| October to December | Bring past clients back, fix your Google listing, ask for reviews, set up intake and booking |
| January to April | Answer every call and inquiry, book fast, collect documents through your portal, ask happy clients for referrals |
| April to October | Extensions, late filers, IRS notices, and new business clients setting up for next year |
| All year | Bookkeeping, payroll and advisory clients who pay every month |
See: Section 7216 and CPA marketing: what you can send without consent.
The individual filing deadline is generally April 15, and extended individual returns are generally due October 15. The months between are a good time to take on late filers, people with IRS notices, and small businesses that want help before next season. Your marketing can say so plainly on your website and Google listing.
Monthly bookkeeping, payroll and advisory clients smooth out your revenue. Market these services to new prospects freely. To market them to existing tax clients using their tax return information, get the client's written Section 7216 consent first, ideally as part of your engagement process.
See: AI visibility for CPA firms.
General information, not legal, tax or marketing-compliance advice. Deadlines can shift when they fall on a weekend or holiday; confirm current dates with the IRS.
On a free call, we'll map your calls and show you what we'd automate first and what stays with your team.
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Generally in October through December, so your past-client outreach, Google listing, reviews and booking are ready before January.
Usually past clients and referrals. A tax-prep reminder to your past client list and a simple referral ask cost very little.
Generally yes. Section 7216 rules allow a basic client list to be used to offer tax return preparation. Other services need written consent first.
Market bookkeeping to new prospects, and offer it to existing tax clients only with their written consent. Position it as year-round help, not a tax-season add-on.