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Why I Always Hand Off My Taxes
Freelancers wear a lot of hats—but this is one many of us need to take off. This week, I revisited the habit of stopping DIY tax prep, and it reminded me why hiring an accountant has been one of the smartest decisions I’ve made for my business.
What Worked Well
I’ve never filed my own taxes. In college, my parents used an accountant, and when I got married, my husband and I followed their lead. Having a trusted accountant from the start gave me peace of mind and allowed me to stay focused on my business—not the tax code.
Challenges: Staying Organized Year-Round
Just because I don’t file my taxes doesn’t mean I’m hands-off. I still need to prep, organize, and review my records throughout the year. I usually file an extension in April and submit everything by October, which gives me the breathing room I need to stay accurate without rushing.
A Surprising Benefit: Reliable Guidance When I Need It
This week, I reached out to my accountant to confirm my estimated payment slips were correct. Knowing I have someone to turn to for timely advice and support has been invaluable. I even still mail paper checks for quarterlies—it’s simple and it works for me.
Tools & Resources That Helped
- FreshBooks – For invoicing and estimates: https://www.freshbooks.com
- Monarch Money – For tracking bank activity and expenses: https://www.monarchmoney.com
- Monthly Bookkeeping Routine – I review and categorize transactions monthly, so tax season never sneaks up on me.
Lessons Learned
Hiring an accountant is like hiring a mechanic—I know enough to understand what’s happening, but I’d never try to do it all myself. My time is better spent serving clients and growing my business than navigating tax law.
Moving Forward
I’m sticking with this system. I’ll keep up with my monthly bookkeeping, save for quarterly taxes, and check in with my accountant as needed. This process works—and it keeps stress to a minimum.
How You Can Implement This Habit
Start by asking friends or colleagues for accountant recommendations. Look for someone who understands freelancers and isn’t nearing retirement. Don’t wait until January—start your search in May. Find someone you feel comfortable with, and make tax prep something you no longer dread.
about the author
Cami MacNamara is a web designer and owner of WebCami LLC, a Seattle-based agency since 2002. She created Web Designer Habits to help web designers build smarter systems, stay productive, and run a business that works for them.