Most ecommerce owners talk to their CPA once a year in April, right before the tax deadline, when there’s nothing left to actually do about the bill.

Based on my experience with ecom clients, you should actually be talking to them way earlier.

The best time to talk to your CPA is now, while there’s still a full quarter left to make adjustments that actually change the outcome.

Estimated payments can be recalculated based on how the year is actually tracking, not just how it looked like it might go back in January.

Entity structure decisions, retirement contributions, equipment purchases, timing of income and expenses all have to happen before December 31st.

None of it can happen retroactively in April, so your CPA can’t help you with any of this at that time. They can only tell you what already happened.

Here’s What To Do Instead, Starting This Month

Get fifteen minutes on your CPA’s calendar.

Bring your year-to-date numbers and ask one question: based on where we are right now, is there anything I should be doing differently before year end?

That way you can make changes now, instead of wishing you had when April rolls around.

While you’re at it, make sure your Profit First Tax account is actually funded for what’s coming.

I’ve unfortunately seen a lot of owners find out in April that the account was never allocated correctly in the first place, and by then there’s nothing to do but write the check.

Quick Summary

• Waiting until April to talk to your CPA means the year is already locked in — nothing can change retroactively.
• Q4 is the window for adjustments that actually move the needle: estimated payments, entity structure, retirement contributions, equipment purchases, and income/expense timing.
• Book fifteen minutes with your CPA now and ask what you should be doing differently before year end.
• Confirm your Profit First Tax account is funded correctly so April doesn’t bring a surprise bill.

FAQ

When should I check in with my CPA about taxes?
Before year end, ideally in Q4, while there’s still time to make adjustments. Waiting until tax season means your CPA can only report what already happened, not change it.

What can I still change before December 31st?
Estimated tax payments, entity structure decisions, retirement contributions, equipment purchases, and the timing of income and expenses can all be adjusted before year end but not after.

How do I know if my Profit First Tax account is funded correctly?
Review your year-to-date numbers with your CPA and compare them against your current Tax account allocation. If the two don’t line up, adjust your allocation percentage now rather than finding out in April.

If you’d like help getting ahead of your year-end tax picture, reach out and let’s chat.

Cyndi