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Five Ways to Evaluate Your Current Tax Filing Process

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BY Scott Turner
January 28

Five Ways to Evaluate Your Current Tax Filing Process

The tax filing process can be complex, particularly for capital asset management, accounting, and wealth management firms, as well as corporate and tax-exempt institutional investors. Navigating the relentless whirlwind of evolving regulatory requirements, unprecedented staffing challenges, and cumbersome technology can make the process of filing intricate tax data both time-consuming and prone to errors.

To ensure that you’re maximizing returns, reducing liabilities, and staying compliant, it’s essential to evaluate it periodically. That’s why we’re sharing five effective ways to assess your current tax filing process and identify potential areas for improvement.



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1. Assess your internal controls and documentation

The cornerstone of every effective tax filing process is accuracy and compliance with applicable tax laws and regulations. According to K1x’s proprietary research, each year, there is a 33% increase in the complexity and length of filings, as well as the sheer number of tax forms you are required to process – highlighting the importance of comprehensive internal controls and documentation. 

Assess your current documentation and internal controls to determine if they are effective in preventing errors, fraud, or noncompliance. Key aspects to consider include:

  • The accuracy and completeness of financial records
  • Segregation of duties to prevent fraud
  • Regular internal audits and reviews
  • Proper documentation of tax positions

2. Analyze the efficiency of your technology and software

Efficient tax filing processes save valuable time and resources, allowing you to focus on other important aspects of your business. If you aren’t already using technology or software to support your tax filing process, consider finding the right tools to streamline data input, calculations, and reporting. 

If you already have tools in place, evaluate their efficiency and reliability by taking these into account:

  • Does your tax software effectively manage the filing requirements for multiple jurisdictions and tax types?
  • Is your software able to integrate with your accounting and financial systems, ensuring data accuracy and consistency?
  • Are your technology and software regularly updated to reflect the latest tax laws and regulations?
  • Do you have adequate data security and backup measures in place to protect sensitive financial information?

Implementing the right technology reduces errors, speeds up the filing process, and ultimately saves your firm time and money. 

K1x is an AI-powered platform proven to eliminate over 90% of manual data entry and costs and save over 26% in end-to-end data processing task time, restoring over 11 hours each week to each member of your tax accounting team and slashing 6 to 8 weeks for each cycle.

3. Evaluate Your Tax Planning Strategies

Effective tax planning is crucial for firms to minimize tax liabilities and maximize investment returns. Regularly assess your tax planning strategies to ensure they align with your overall business goals and consider the following:

  • Are you taking advantage of all relevant tax credits, deductions, and incentives?
  • Are your tax strategies compliant with current tax laws and regulations?
  • Have you considered the tax implications of recent transactions or changes in your business structure?
  • Are you monitoring potential tax law changes that may impact your tax planning strategies?

4. Review your collaboration and communication processes

Effective collaboration and communication among team members are vital for a smooth tax filing process. Assess your current communication channels and workflow to identify any potential areas for improvement, keeping the following in mind:

  • Are all relevant parties involved in the tax filing process, including management, tax professionals, and other stakeholders, kept informed and engaged?
  • Are tax-related responsibilities clearly defined and understood by all parties?
  • Is there a clear escalation process in place for addressing tax issues or concerns?
  • Are communication channels, such as meetings or electronic platforms, used effectively to share information and coordinate tasks?

Clear, efficient communication ensures that everyone is on the same page and that potential issues are identified and resolved quickly.

 

 

5. Measure the performance of your tax professionals

Whether you have an internal tax accounting team or are working with an outsourced partner, the expertise and performance of your tax professionals play a crucial role in the success of your tax filing process. On top of that, many firms continue to experience high accounting staff turnover, which rose to 17% over the past year, making it hard to find replacements that can keep up with the intense demands.. 

To evaluate the performance of your tax professionals, consider the following:

  • Do your tax professionals have the necessary qualifications and experience to manage your tax needs effectively?
  • Are your tax professionals proactive in identifying potential tax savings and planning opportunities?
  • Do your tax professionals provide timely and accurate advice and guidance on tax matters?
  • Are your tax professionals responsive and accessible when you need their assistance?

About K1x, Inc.

K1x is the leading data distribution platform for alternative investments tax compliance. The fintech company’s patented, AI-powered SaaS solution digitizes and distributes data seamlessly–connecting investors, advisors, tax software, portals, accounting firms, IRS and state taxing authorities–simplifying complex processes, accelerating filings, reducing costs, and delivering greater control, transparency, and accessibility. K1x is battle-tested by the best, and trusted by more than 8000 organizations including 44 of the 100 largest institutional investors in the US, 20 of the top 25 accounting firms, 11 of the top 100 private foundations, 45 of the top 100 university endowments, and 7 of the top 40 health systems. Visit us at K1x.io and follow us on LinkedIn.

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