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How to Talk to Your CPA Now to Avoid a Mess in March
If you’re a law firm owner who hasn’t had a serious sit-down with your CPA this quarter… you’re not planning — you’re gambling.
March isn’t when you start preparing for tax season. It’s when you start paying for the mistakes you didn’t catch in October.
And by then? The best strategies are already off the table.
So let’s talk. Not just about taxes, but about the conversations lawyers should be having with their CPAs right now — before deadlines hit and your options disappear.
Lawyers, This Is Your Q4 Wake-Up Call
Every year, I get those frantic calls:
- “Can I still deduct this?”
- “Why is my tax bill so high?”
- “Wait — we didn’t pay enough quarterly taxes?”
And every year, I give the same response: we needed to talk months ago.
If you’re reading this in Q4, you still have time. But the window is closing.
Here’s how to start that conversation — and what to bring to the table — before the clock runs out.
Step 1: Ask Better Questions
If you’re waiting for your CPA to “bring up” tax strategy, you’re already behind. Here are the real questions you need to be asking right now:
✅ “Where am I likely to owe more than expected?”
Most lawyers don’t track income in real time. Your CPA can’t guess unless you provide current numbers. Ask them to forecast your year-end tax liability based on actual data.
✅ “What can I still do to reduce my 2025 taxes?”
It’s not about retroactive cleanup. Ask about forward-looking strategies: retirement contributions, prepaying expenses, bonuses, and equipment investments that qualify before December 31.
✅ “Are we caught up on estimated payments?”
If you’re not sure what you’ve paid or when — that’s a red flag. Quarterly tax underpayments can lead to costly penalties. Ask for a reconciliation of what’s been paid and whether you’re still short.
✅ “Have I maxed out all available deductions?”
Don’t assume your CPA is automatically taking everything you’re entitled to. Talk through specific areas: home office, education, tech, marketing, travel. Lawyers often miss thousands in legit write-offs.
✅ “Is my entity structure still the most tax-efficient?”
If your income has changed significantly, or if your firm has grown, your PLLC/S-Corp/Partnership setup might need a second look. Your CPA should be reviewing this annually — or you need a new one.
Step 2: Don’t Show Up Empty-Handed
A CPA is only as effective as the data you give them.
Before your tax planning meeting, here’s what to pull together:
🗂 Up-to-date profit and loss statement (P&L) — don’t just rely on what’s in your bank account.
📑 Trust account reconciliations — especially if you’re in a state that audits annually.
📋 Payroll reports — including bonuses, draws, or distributions taken so far.
🧾 Estimated tax payments — proof of what was paid, when, and for which period.
📈 Projected income for Q4 — if you’re closing big contingency fees or collecting overdue invoices, that affects strategy.
Showing up prepared saves time and money — and helps your CPA do their job proactively, not reactively.
Step 3: Use This Meeting to Align on Strategy
Don’t just talk numbers. Talk strategy. This is where the right CPA becomes your growth partner — not just a tax preparer.
Ask about:
- Timing income vs. expenses — Should you defer revenue or accelerate costs?
- Strategic investments — Is now the time to buy that equipment, redo your website, or upgrade software?
- Bonus planning — Can you reward your team in a way that’s tax-advantaged and cash-flow smart?
- Owner compensation — Are your draws or W-2 wages optimized for both tax savings and financial health?
If your CPA can’t answer these questions with clarity and confidence… you may not have a tax strategist. You may just have a form-filler.
But What If You Haven’t Had Any of These Conversations Yet?
Then the red flag isn’t your tax bill — it’s your advisory team.
You shouldn’t have to beg your CPA for strategic guidance.
You shouldn’t feel unsure about what to pay, when, or why.
You shouldn’t enter tax season with crossed fingers and confusion.
💬 Let’s Get You on Track — Before It’s Too Late
At Prestige Accounting & Consulting, we work exclusively with lawyers and law firm owners. Our clients don’t wait for tax season. They plan for it — with clear forecasts, real strategies, and proactive support all year long.
🎯 If you haven’t had your year-end CPA meeting yet… this is your sign.
Let’s talk before your options vanish.
