What should I ask my CPA before year-end?

Ask three things before November: what my profit looks like for the year, what decisions would change my tax picture if I made them before December 31, and what you need from me to close the books quickly. Those questions turn a filing appointment into a planning conversation.

Why it matters

Most of what changes a tax bill happens before the year ends. After December 31, your CPA is mostly reporting history.

Example

An owner books a 30-minute October check-in, brings a year-to-date P&L, and leaves with two decisions to make and a list of documents to gather. April is calm.

Take this to your CPA

1. Where will my profit land this year, roughly?
2. Which decisions should I make before December 31?
3. What do you need from me, and by when?

These are my opinions, not gospel. Take this to a CPA who cares about you.