Tax season is finally behind you… relief, at last. But if you’re a business owner, you know that filing your return isn’t the finish line. It’s more like a checkpoint. What you do now can make all the difference in how smoothly your business runs for the rest of the year.

The post-tax season is a unique window of opportunity. Your financial data is fresh, and the challenges and wins of the past year are still top of mind. It’s the perfect time to review, realign, and set smarter strategies in motion.

At ACap, we work with business owners who want to move forward, not just recover. Whether you’re aiming to improve cash flow, reduce surprises next April, or scale with confidence, these next steps can lay the foundation for a stronger financial year ahead.

Here are 7 smart moves to make now that will position your business for success in 2025 and beyond.

1. Review Your Tax Return for Insights

Your tax return isn’t just paperwork, it’s a roadmap of your financial year. Now is the time to dig in. Were your tax payments aligned with expectations? Did you face an unexpected bill or see surprising income or expense trends?

Take this opportunity to analyze what worked, what didn’t, and what could be improved. Look at year-over-year changes, spot inconsistencies, and start asking “why.” This review is the first step toward better planning, and avoiding repeat surprises.

2. Plan for Estimated Taxes Early

If you’re self-employed or running a business, estimated taxes are a regular part of life. Instead of scrambling each quarter or risking underpayment penalties, set up your 2025 estimated tax payment schedule now.

Work with your CPA to estimate your tax liability based on last year’s return and current-year projections. Setting this up, and automating payments if possible, takes a recurring task off your plate and helps protect your cash flow.

3. Schedule a Mid-Year Strategy Session with Your CPA

Tax planning shouldn’t only happen in March. A mid-year check-in allows you to compare projections with actuals, adjust estimated payments, and make proactive moves before year-end.

This is also the perfect time to discuss changes in your business: new hires, major purchases, revenue shifts, or even a possible change in your business structure. Keeping your accountant in the loop helps them provide the best guidance, tailored to your evolving needs.

4. Realign Business Goals with Financial Realities

Whether you’re aiming to grow, reduce expenses, or prepare for a large investment, your financials tell a story. After tax season, revisit your goals with a clearer perspective.

Are your current efforts aligned with what you want to achieve? Do you need to reallocate resources, adjust your pricing strategy, or rework your budget? Business goals and financial planning should move together, this is the time to make sure they’re in sync.

5. Optimize Your Bookkeeping

If this year’s tax prep was more chaotic than you’d like, your bookkeeping system may be part of the problem. Disorganized records create unnecessary stress, not to mention missed deductions.

Evaluate how you’re tracking income, expenses, invoices, and receipts. If you’re not already using accounting software, or if your current system isn’t working efficiently, it’s worth investing in something that scales with your business. A well-organized financial system pays off all year long.

6. Consider Fractional CFO Services

Running the day-to-day of your business is a full-time job. But who’s helping you see the big picture? Partnering with a part-time CFO can give you access to strategic financial insights without the overhead of a full-time hire.

From managing cash flow to scenario planning and growth strategies, CFO services can offer the support you need to make smarter, more informed decisions. It’s not just for large companies, small and growing businesses can benefit significantly from high-level financial guidance.

7. Get Organized for Next Year

Yes, it’s early, but organizing now means less stress later. Create a system for keeping receipts, categorizing expenses, and tracking business-related mileage or travel. Store your tax documents from this year in a clearly labeled digital folder so they’re easy to access.

Getting organized post-tax season saves you time, reduces errors, and makes next year’s process much more manageable.

Looking Ahead

Tax season may be over, but that doesn’t mean your financial strategy is on pause. Taking a few proactive steps now can transform your business operations and help you reach your long-term goals with more clarity and confidence.

At ACap, we don’t just help clients during tax time, we’re here for the full journey. Whether you need help reviewing your return, planning your estimated taxes, or getting expert CFO advice, our team is ready to support your business every step of the way.

Contact ACap to schedule a check-in with our advisors.