The paperless firm is no longer just a concept. It is fast becoming a reality in many firms, specifically in relation to the tax process. A traditionally paper-heavy process, many firms are implementing technology and procedural improvements to automate and streamline the tax workflow and significantly reduce the use of paper. Firms that have been successful in implementing a paperless tax workflow are using high-end scanners; scanning at the beginning of the tax process; and using dual monitors, editing software and a document management system.

Well here it is, the start of another new year. Most CPAs are already rolling up their sleeves in anticipation of another tax season, business as usual. On the contrary, many business owners have been running for their business life for more than a year and are likely struggling to find a reason to celebrate anything as they struggle with their recession hangover.

If you are small local accounting firm looking to grow your business, you want to be found on Google when someone enters a search into Google for an accountant in your area. People tend to search for an accountant within the context of a particular location. A small business owner in Austin will be looking for an accountant based in Austin. Thus, it's crucial for CPAs and accountants to rank prominently in local search results and, in this case, "Austin CPA."

LinkedIn is the most popular social network among accounting professionals according to the SocialCPAs 2010 Social Networking Survey. Accounting professionals have joined LinkedIn, built profiles and connected with colleagues. However, I keep hearing that they don't see the benefit from their time spent on LinkedIn.