It’s official: Doomsday has arrived.

That’s what we’ve been told for the past few months, anyway. Tax extenders and Obamacare and IRS budget cuts are just a few of the monsters that are supposed to make this one of the worst tax seasons in recent memory.

I’d tell you to take cover, CPAs, but it’s too late now. This year’s busy season officially opens today, and judging from the early activity on the MACPA’s state and federal tax listservs, it’s going to be a busy season, indeed.

Here’s some information that might help you get things rolling:

• Join our state and federal tax communities. The conversations that take place there are unbelievably valuable, especially during tax season. Tax pros asking questions and sharing advice and information with each other — what could be more helpful? This is consistently cited as of the most valuable member benefits for our tax pros. Now’s the time to find out why.
   
• Check out the AICPA’s Tax Practitioner’s Toolkit. There’s lots of good stuff here, including a summary and FAQs related to the Affordable Care Act, details about new tax laws, tips for providing additional services to tax clients, marketing advice, and more.
   
• Read CCH’s year-end tax briefing. If you need to get up to speed in a hurry, you’ll be glad you did.

And whatever you do, don’t — under any circumstances — even consider calling the IRS, except as a last resort.

Knock ‘em dead, CPAs. See you on April 16.