The holiday season has finally arrived, providing a wonderful opportunity to spend time with family and loved ones. But what about those who aren't as fortunate? There has never been a better time to volunteer and give back to the community, serving those who are less fortunate. And as a CPA or tax accountant, volunteering during this season of giving could also benefit you during the upcoming tax season by boosting your reputation within the community.

Ideas for Giving Back

Not sure where to start when it comes to volunteering this holiday season? The possibilities are truly endless, and you can certainly find a volunteer opportunity that aligns with your own interests and beliefs. Soup kitchens, for example, are always looking for volunteer servers this time of year. Organizations such as Toys for Tots and The Angel Tree also have a high demand for volunteer donation collectors. Or, if you're more of an animal person, why not look into volunteering your time at a local pet shelter?

Another option for "giving back" is to volunteer your expertise and services to the community. Does a local charity need some help in balancing their books or preparing for the upcoming tax season? Consider providing them with a free consultation service. No matter where your interest may lie, there are ways to give back—and doing so will not only help those in need but will make you feel good about yourself and potentially help your business.

Why Document and Share?

So, how can you use your volunteer experience to help your tax business out in the new year? For starters, make sure you carefully document your volunteer experience. You can do this by taking lots of pictures to share on social media (with permission by the organization, of course), writing a series of blog posts about your volunteer experience, or even putting together a video to post on your business website.

From there, by sharing your volunteer experience, you will spread awareness of the cause that you believe in while also demonstrating to the local community that you cared enough to give back this holiday season. This can drastically improve your social signals and reputation within the community you serve, making potential clients more likely to turn to you for their tax-preparation services in the coming months.

By sharing your volunteer experience on social media, you can also enjoy a little "free advertising" of sorts, especially as people see your story and "share" it with others on their social media pages. In this sense, everybody involved benefits from your volunteer experience.

There is no better time of year to volunteer than the holiday season, so what are you waiting for? Whether you choose to volunteer your time at a local soup kitchen, homeless shelter, or anywhere in between, remember that you will be representing the face of your business and potentially encouraging others to get out and make a difference, too.