The Green Sheet Online Edition
April 4, 2025 • 25:04:02
Turning the tax-time scramble into next year's success
For many payment professionals, April 15 wasn't just tax day—it was a stress test. Maybe you pulled a few late nights pulling together paperwork. Maybe you filed an extension with a sigh and a promise to do better next year. Or maybe you're reading this and still haven't filed.
Wherever you are in the process, take heart: If you are not fully satisfied with your tax prep experience so far, today is a chance to turn a scramble into a strategy.
Smart steps for better results
The first step is simple: face what's unfinished. If you filed an extension, use the extra time wisely. Get those receipts sorted, meet with your tax adviser and ensure you're not delaying out of dread. If you haven't filed or extended, do so immediately. The longer you wait, the higher the penalties.
Next, shift your mindset from crisis management to proactive planning. Begin by setting up a system—whether it's an app, a spreadsheet or cloud-based accounting software—that tracks income and expenses weekly. Schedule time, even 20 minutes a week, to update it. Make it a habit, like checking email or reviewing reports.
Then, build a team. A good bookkeeper or accountant isn't just for April—they're year-round allies. Look for someone who understands your business model, your clients and the evolving payments landscape. Their insights can save you time and money and significantly reduce stress down the road.
Finally, revisit your structure. Is your business entity still the best fit for your revenue and growth goals? Are you setting aside enough for quarterly taxes? These are strategic decisions. Reviewing them midyear—rather than in a springtime panic—can make a world of difference.
Step into mastery
Tax season 2025 might have been messy. But that doesn't define you. Resilience is an earmark of our industry, and this is just another form of it. Organizing now isn't just about staying compliant. It's about freeing up time, space and energy for what you do best: growing your business, serving your merchants and navigating the future of payments with confidence.
Let this be the year you stop surviving tax season—and start mastering it. 
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