Why Tax Season Feels Like a Panic Attack (And How to Fix It Before It Hits Again)
Tax Season Doesn’t Have to Feel Like a Crisis
But for many small business owners—especially creatives—April rolls around, and panic sets in.
You’re digging through receipts, trying to remember login credentials, and emailing your accountant with a mix of guilt and apologies.
Sound familiar?
You’re not lazy. You’re not bad at business. You just don’t have a system yet.
The Sign: You Only Face Your Finances When You Absolutely Have To
Your books stay buried until tax time.
Then everything becomes urgent.
You scramble to piece together a year’s worth of expenses. You promise yourself you’ll be more organized next year… but the cycle repeats.
Why This Happens
Tax-time stress often stems from:
Avoidance patterns – “If I don’t look, I don’t have to deal.”
Lack of systems – “Everything’s in a box… somewhere.”
Shame spirals – “I should have done this earlier.”
(Explore tax prep steps for business owners)
(IRS tips for small businesses)
When you only engage with your numbers in crisis mode, your brain associates finances with panic.
What to Try Instead
💡 Start before it’s urgent.
Try a Monthly Finance Date—a 30-minute block once a month where you:
Reconcile expenses
Review income
File receipts
Check cash flow
Light a candle. Put on music. Make it feel good.
(Learn how to make money dates a ritual)
How the CLEAR Method™ Helps
The “E” in CLEAR Method™ stands for Establish a Routine—something your future self will thank you for every April.
Small, consistent touchpoints help rewire your relationship with your finances.
📘 Download my free guide, “7 Signs You’re Avoiding Your Books,” to start shifting these patterns one tiny, doable step at a time.
🎯 Or book a free 20-minute clarity call if you’re ready for some judgment-free support.
The CLEAR Method™ is a proprietary framework created by Limbach Bookkeeping. All rights reserved.
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