Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility
September 23, 2023

Wait, Are Paper Tax Organizers Still a Thing?

Look, I admit that I’ve been out of the game for awhile, so forgive me if I sound, um, supercilious, but are paper tax organizers still a thing?

Look, I admit that I've been out of the game for awhile, so forgive me if I sound, um, supercilious, but are paper tax organizers still a thing?

Seriously, I have to ask because I read this slightly amusing essay over at the Wall Street Journal that reminded me that paper tax organizers sent by snail mail were actually something used by CPAs:

Every year my accountant sends me a thick package, something called a Tax Organizer. I’m supposed to fill out the questionnaire, paper-clip my various tax documents and send the whole thing back to him for a timely and orderly tax filing.

But what I really do, as I work my way through the Tax Organizer 2015, is reflect on the drab and colorless life that I lead.

My first job out grad school was at a boutique CPA firm almost 13 years ago and we used tax organizers. I thought it was archaic thing to do then. Maybe I shouldn't assume that the author's CPA is still rubbing flint and steel together to heat his home every night, but tax organizers? Sent by the US Postal Service? In 2016? You know we're launching and landing rockets now, right? Sure, cars aren't flying, but they are driving themselves. And blockchain! That's even accounting related. That's going to do…uh…something!

Again, not to be a jerk, but tax organizers are monumental waste of time and paper and don't most clients just dump them right in the trash? I mean, maybe this is an isolated incident, but I don't know because I just figured the accounting profession at large would've realized, at some point, that there's a better way to get a client's information. If I'm wrong, then just let me know and we'll drop it.

And, once again, sorry if I'm offending anyone or everyone with my disbelief, but paper tax organizers? Is this really still a thing? It can't be, right? Come on. Really.

[WSJ]

Latest Accounting Jobs--Apply Now:

Have something to add to this story? Give us a shout by email, Twitter, or text/call the tipline at 202-505-8885. As always, all tips are anonymous.

Comments are closed.

Related articles

Upset stressed woman holding cellphone disgusted shocked with message she received isolated grey background. Funny looking human face expression emotion feeling reaction life perception body language

6 Ways Email is Secretly Destroying Your Accounting Firm

Email: The word itself sounds innocent, doesn’t it? Kind of like “snail mail,” but faster, sleeker, and without the slimy trail. But don’t be fooled—email is secretly a sinister beast, hiding in the shadows as it plots to destroy businesses—including your accounting firm. If your accounting firm still relies heavily on email for client communication […]

an empty office to represent talent shortage

Research: The Talent Shortage is Starting to Take Its Pound of Flesh From Corporate Tax Departments

This morning, Thomson Reuters released new research that reveals both corporate tax and global trade departments state they are under-resourced for technology and talent. This, naturally, is increasing risk in the form of penalties and audits. The latest research piggybacks a bit on what was revealed in their Future of Professions report released last month. […]