Most CPAs have mixed feelings about busy season.

Everyone wants the boost in client payments, which often amounts to a sizable piece of the company’s yearly revenue. On the other hand, a good many let themselves come apart at the seams during these crazy months, ignoring their accountant websites and other critical marketing efforts and letting employees suffer in both body and spirit.

To get the most out of busy season and leave the stress behind, successful CPA firms follow these 5 steps:

1. They Don’t Skimp on Their Accountant Websites

In filing season, every minute counts toward the bottom line. Taking precious time to file paper returns and fix broken printers slows accountants down – and ultimately equals less revenue.

To cut down on needless waste, smart CPA firms choose accountant websites that are loaded with time-saving tools and features. Consider the following, all of which help firms work smarter:

• Electronic tax prep forms
• Frequently asked questions page
• Client portal
• Google map and directions for car and public transport
• Pay by credit card

2. They Update Their Accountant Websites BEFORE Busy Season Hits

Disorganization in the workplace (and at home for that matter) really adds to people’s stress. Especially in a business like accounting, piles of papers and files quickly get out of control, spilling all over the floor and teetering on the edges of crowded desks. Important documents can get lost in clutter mountains – leading to angry clients.

Accountants who prepare for busy season before the first of the year are more relaxed and more effective in their client work. These CPAs arrange files, update their accountant websites, and clean out inboxes. They also set aside an area for projects that can wait until after busy season.

Another favorite trick enjoyed by successful CPAs and accountants is taking a few minutes to tidy up the office at the end of the day. Nobody likes coming to work when it looks like a construction site. A few touch-ups at the end of a workday will give the next day a much better shot at a smooth start.

3. They Aren’t Afraid to Fire a Client

All accountants have clients who trigger ulcers when they walk through the door. They complain, haggle over fees, even leave nasty comments on firms’ accountant websites.

It may be hard to do, but it’s okay to fire obnoxious clients, and smart CPAs terminate these relationships. When accountants “let go” of the troublemakers, they realize they can put more energy into cultivating their relationships with the better clients who bring in more revenue and are actually fun to work with.

4. They Hire Outside Help

Historically, accountants have been the biggest administrators. They answer e-mails, handle returns, manage their accountant websites, field phone and website inquiries, and other tedious tasks. But this work doesn’t make money, and it’s not hard – so why not hire an assistant or two for these pesky duties?

This is a great opportunity to bring in a couple interns who can take on these important but distracting details. Many interns are fresh from schooling and more than happy to get real-life office experience. It’s a win-win situation that can greatly diminish CPAs’ workload.

5. They Protect Their Health and Happiness

During busy season, many accountants work 10, 12, 14 hours a day – or more. But not all of them. The most successful CPAs set boundaries for themselves.

Take a page from their playbook. Instead of burning the candle at both ends, set a fixed time at the end of the day when you power down your computer and go home – no matter what. Getting enough rest and taking a break each evening only makes the next day that much more productive.

Be willing to set some boundaries for clients as well. They should know that they MUST hand in their materials by a particular date or you’ll be filing for an extension on their behalf. Period.

This year, try out some of these tips – and most important of all, make your health and well-being a priority. On a regular basis – at least one day a week – put aside all thoughts of taxes, numbers, and difficult clients. Go to a movie or play, take a hot bath, or catch up with friends. Once you do, your company will thank you!