Tax Season Isn’t a Sprint: How to Prepare Now So April Doesn’t Break You

Growing up in New Orleans, I watched small business owners work with a kind of quiet intensity that stuck with me. Whether it was the corner store owner balancing receipts after closing or the neighborhood mechanic keeping handwritten logs of every job, they understood something many business owners miss today: staying ready beats getting ready every time.

That mindset is exactly what February demands.

A lot of business owners treat tax season like a sprint — a mad dash to gather documents, categorize expenses, and hope everything lines up before the deadline. But the truth is, tax season is a marathon. And February is where the real preparation happens.

If you want April to feel manageable instead of overwhelming, start now. Begin by reviewing your income and expenses for the year so far. Make sure everything is categorized correctly, and check for missing receipts or transactions. The earlier you catch mistakes, the easier they are to fix.

Next, look at your estimated tax payments. Are you on track? Do you need to adjust? February gives you enough time to make corrections without scrambling.

Then, gather your documents — 1099s, W‑2s, bank statements, mileage logs, receipts, and anything else your tax professional will need. Having everything organized now saves you hours later.

Most importantly, don’t wait until April to ask questions. If something doesn’t make sense, or if you’re unsure about a deduction, February is the time to get clarity. At Facts & Figures Accounting, we approach tax season the same way those New Orleans business owners approached their work — steady, consistent, and never rushed. Preparation is peace.