What is the key website feature for accountants that makes their life easier during tax season?

With the UK self-assessment tax return deadline on January 31, many accountants are feeling the pressure. The influx of client requests, document submissions, and appointment scheduling can make tax season feel overwhelming. But here’s the good news: a few smart updates to your website can help streamline your workload and reduce stress.

1. Streamlined Appointment Scheduling: Key Website Feature for Accountants

As the January 31 self-assessment deadline draws near, every minute counts. Having an online booking system allows clients to easily schedule meetings at their convenience, eliminating the hassle of coordinating appointment times.

Consider using scheduling tools like SimplyBook. An integrated booking tool lets clients choose a convenient time while you retain control over your availability—keeping your schedule organised and manageable during the busy tax season rush.

2. Another Website Feature for Accountants: Create a Contact Form That Saves Time

During tax season, the last thing you need is endless back-and-forth with clients about callback times. A “smart” contact form can save time and help you manage communication by including:

• Preferred Callback Time: Clients can select when they’d like a callback, helping minimize missed calls (you can learn more about how to design a form with a callback feature in my previous blog post).
• Reason for Contact: A dropdown for inquiry type (tax questions, bookkeeping, or new client consultation) helps you prioritize and respond efficiently.
• Automatic Success Message: After clients submit the contact form, display a message with a clear response timeline. For example, “Thank you for reaching out! Due to the busy tax season, we’ll respond within 48 hours.” This simple touch sets expectations, reducing follow-up inquiries and freeing you to focus on more pressing tasks.

A well-optimized contact form not only improves response time but also keeps your inbox organized, especially as the January 31 deadline approaches.

Check out this article to learn how to avoid the most common contact section mistakes accountants make on their website.

3. Another Website Feature for Accountants: List Your Prices for Routine Accounting Services

Listing prices for common services on your website can be a game-changer during tax season. For routine offerings like self-assessment filings or monthly bookkeeping, displaying pricing upfront can:

• Qualify Leads: Clients who know your rates are more likely to self-select, saving you time.
• Reduce Pricing Inquiries: Giving clarity on fees for basic services, like self-assessment filings, allows clients to get essential info without reaching out.
• Build Trust: Transparent pricing demonstrates honesty and helps clients understand the value of each service.

To keep it flexible, consider listing starting rates (e.g., “Tax Returns from £150”) or offering service packages. This way, clients have an idea of cost without binding you to a fixed fee.

If you want to display prices on your website and automatically generate quotes for prospective clients, see how 27m did it on their website.

4. Offer Self-Help Courses or Pay-As-You-Go Consultations

Empower clients to tackle basic tax tasks on their own with resources like self-help courses or pay-as-you-go consultations.

• Self-Help Courses: Offer online guides or short courses that walk clients through essential tax return tasks. These can include document prep, filling out forms, or other basics. Platforms like Teachable or Kajabi make it easy to sell these courses directly on your website.
• Pay-As-You-Go Consultations: For clients with quick tax-related questions, consider a pay-per-question model or brief consultations. This approach provides clients with specific guidance while keeping your schedule open for more complex work.

These self-help resources and flexible consultations offer valuable options for clients and lighten your workload during tax season.

Streamline Your Tax Season with a High-Performing Website

The January 31 deadline may be looming, but your website doesn’t have to add to the stress. By implementing these simple updates, you can automate repetitive tasks, improve client communication, and reclaim valuable time to focus on the work that matters most.

As a web designer specializing in websites for accountants, I can help you integrate these features to ensure your website works for you, not against you. From scheduling tools and smart contact forms to pricing displays and resource sections, I’ll make sure your site is optimized for ease, efficiency, and client satisfaction during tax season.

If you’re interested in upgrading your website to handle tax season more effectively, feel free to reach out! Click here to get in touch.