When it comes to tax season, your employees are either dreading the process of filing or actively putting off the unsavory task until the last minute. Tax time can be a stressful one.


Changes in the tax code and benefits with tax-related implications can make the whole process confusing. As an employer, you can help to make tax season easier. Here’s how.


Distribute a Tax Timeline


Everyone knows that taxes need to be filed by April, but it’s easy to get so wrapped up in work and other obligations that filing falls by the wayside. Before you know it, the deadline is looming and nothing has been done to prepare.


You can help keep your employees on track by creating and distributing a tax timeline. Let them know when you will create a w2 and when they can expect to receive it. Indicate when they should meet with a tax professional and when they should start gathering necessary documents. Don’t forget to include a reminder of the filing deadline, as well as deadlines to file for an extension.


Host a Tax Preparation Seminar


Filling out forms, knowing what documents are needed, and submitting payments can be confusing and frustrating. You can help to make the process simpler (and alleviate a lot of unnecessary frustration) by hosting a tax preparation seminar.


Your seminar can teach your employees how to fill out the most common tax forms or how to navigate the latest tax software. By teaching your employees how to better understand what goes into tax preparation, they will be less stressed when it comes time to file.


Make Resources Readily Available


You don’t have to advise your employees yourself. Instead, you can bring in outside help.


Consider bringing in a vendor who can consult with your employees one on one. Or, you can negotiate a discount with a tax preparation service.


You can also leverage relationships with your existing vendors. The same vendors you use can provide your employees with access to websites, chat services, and phone services that can help to boost their financial knowledge. Ask your vendors what sort of help they can provide for your employees, and compile everything together.


By providing more resources (and actively letting your employees know about them), you can turn a stressful time into a more positive one. Make sure that your employees know that you are there to make the process as simple as possible. You can help your employees become more proactive about filing their taxes, which can then help to reduce tension and boost their happiness.


Review W-4 Forms with Employees


Most of your employees look forward to a large tax return every Spring. But by withholding as much as possible, those same employees may be stressed out throughout the rest of the year.


One way to help reduce financial stress throughout the year is to reduce tax withholdings. Offer to go over the W-4 forms with your employees and see where they can make reductions. Just be sure to explain to your employees that they are more likely to receive a smaller return. In exchange, they will get more money on every paycheck rather than waiting all year to get that money back.


Go Over Options for Healthcare and Retirement


It’s not uncommon to offer a cursory overview of healthcare and retirement options before enrollment. The problem is that these overviews can sometimes create more questions than answers, which can leave your employees more confused and unsure. You can help to alleviate this confusion by offering a deeper dive into healthcare and retirement options. The better your employees understand their options, the easier it is for them to make confident decisions.


Tax season can be overwhelming for your employees, but you can help to make it easier. By preparing your employees to file their taxes, you can help alleviate their stress and increase their overall work satisfaction.

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