What to Do After Tax Season: Your Post-Tax Checklist (with a Financial Coaching Twist)
- Lauren Souther
- Apr 10
- 3 min read
Tax season is finally behind us. Whether you're breathing a sigh of relief after filing your return, or still reeling from the rush, this is the perfect time to hit pause, reflect, and plan ahead—not just for next year’s taxes, but for your overall financial health.
Here’s your smart post-tax season checklist—with a fresh focus on financial coaching to help you move from reactive to proactive.
✅ 1. Review Your Return
Even if you worked with a tax preparer, it's worth taking 15–20 minutes to go over your return. Ask:
Did I owe money or get a refund? Why?
Were there any unexpected outcomes?
What could I change in the year ahead?
This isn’t just about taxes—it’s about recognizing financial patterns, which is exactly where coaching can help you create a plan that aligns with your bigger goals.
📁 2. Organize and Store Tax Documents
Create both digital and physical systems that work for you. Need help creating those systems? A financial coach can guide you toward simple, sustainable tools to keep your records tidy all year long.
💰 3. Adjust Withholdings or Estimated Payments
Too much refund? Big surprise bill? Time to fine-tune your paycheck withholdings or quarterly payments. A coach can help you analyze your income, benefits, and budget so you’re not stuck in the same cycle next year.
💬 4. Meet With a Financial Coach
This is the real game-changer. Post-tax season is the perfect moment to zoom out and take a look at the big picture.
A financial coach can help you:
Set long-term financial goals (buying a house, paying off debt, investing)
Build a spending plan that reflects your values
Create accountability around savings and money habits
Understand your numbers without judgment
Unlike tax prep, which looks backward, coaching is about looking forward. If you’ve ever said, “I want to get better with money, I just don’t know where to start,” coaching is for you.
📊 5. Plan for Major Life or Financial Changes
Life moves fast—and taxes often lag behind. If you’re planning a move, career change, new business, or family expansion, talk it through with your financial coach and tax advisor. The earlier you plan, the more options you have.
🗂️ 6. Set Up a Better System for Next Year
If you waited until the last minute or felt overwhelmed by paperwork, let this be your sign to build a better system now. Even simple tweaks—like separating business and personal expenses or automating monthly savings—can make a huge difference. Coaches are pros at helping you build systems that actually fit your lifestyle.
😌 7. Take a Break (You Deserve It)
You’ve made it through the madness. Whether you filed early or just hit submit, give yourself a win. Unplug for a weekend, book that spa day, or simply celebrate the small financial victories.
📅 8. Schedule a Mid-Year Tax & Financial Check-In
This one’s underrated. Book time with your tax advisor and your financial coach mid-year. It’s the sweet spot: enough time to make changes, and close enough to tax season to remember what worked (and what didn’t).
Final Thoughts
Post-tax season is more than cleanup—it’s an opportunity. With the right guidance and a coaching mindset, you can turn this momentum into real, lasting financial progress. Whether you're trying to save more, spend smarter, or just feel more in control, this is your chance to take the next step.
Want a customized financial coaching session or a money plan built just for you? Let’s talk—because your best financial season might just start after tax season.
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