Why You Should Work with Your Accountant Year-Round—Not Just at Tax Time

Introduction: Many home builders only think about their accountant when tax season rolls around. But waiting until the last minute can lead to financial surprises, missed deductions, and unnecessary stress. In this blog post, we'll explore the difference between two builders—Sammy the Star and Bob the Bad Builder—and how working with an accountant year-round can save you time, money, and headaches.

Bob the Bad Builder’s Costly Mistake

Bob only checks in with his accountant once a year, right before taxes are due. He believes he can handle most of his finances on his own and doesn’t see the need for regular check-ins.

• At year-end, Bob scrambles to gather receipts and fill in financial gaps.

• His accountant has little time to correct errors or plan for deductions.

• Since Bob didn’t make estimated tax payments, he’s hit with a massive tax bill—including penalties and interest.

• Worse, he missed deductions that could have saved him thousands, but by tax time, it’s too late to go back and fix them.

Sammy the Star’s Smart Strategy

Sammy takes a proactive approach. She works closely with her accountant all year to keep her financials in order and avoid tax surprises.

• She schedules regular check-ins, ensuring her books are accurate and up to date.

• Every quarter, her accountant helps her adjust for estimated tax payments and optimize deductions.

• At tax time, she already knows what to expect—sometimes even receiving a refund instead of a big bill.

• With her finances in order, Sammy can confidently make business decisions without the stress of last-minute tax panic.

The Key Benefits of Year-Round Accounting

✅ Avoid Last-Minute Scrambles: Keeping up with financial records throughout the year prevents the stress of gathering everything at tax time.

✅ Optimize Tax Payments & Deductions: Regular check-ins ensure you’re making estimated payments on time and taking advantage of all available tax-saving opportunities.

✅ Gain Financial Clarity: Knowing where your business stands year-round helps you make informed decisions for growth and profitability.

✅ Reduce Stress & Surprises: No unexpected tax bills or rushed corrections—just smooth, predictable finances.

Final Thoughts

Bob learned the hard way that meeting with an accountant once a year isn’t enough. His procrastination led to a huge tax bill, lost deductions, and unnecessary stress. Sammy, on the other hand, avoided surprises by working with her accountant year-round.

Be like Sammy. Stay ahead of your taxes, schedule regular financial check-ins, and build your business with confidence.

For more insights, watch our latest video where Jon Markee, your Builder CPA, discusses these key takeaways in detail.