From Sandra Koch, CEO of Aurora Consulting Group LLC
Hi Friends,
🎙️ Featured Podcast Appearance
Before we jump into this month’s updates, I’m excited to share that I was recently featured on the “Who’s Really the Boss?” Podcast hosted by Rachel and Marcus Dillon.  In this episode, we talk about the history of Aurora, my journey, our incredible team, and how we work together to support and serve our clients.
If you’d like a behind-the-scenes look at how Aurora operates and what drives us, I’d love for you to take a listen.
👉 Running a Remote Accounting Firm From a Mexican Beach
A Note From Sandra
March is one of the most focused months of our year. As we approach the March 16 deadline for Partnerships and S-Corporations, our team is finalizing entity returns, preparing extensions where needed, and continuing preparation of individual returns.
This season always brings a high level of intensity, but it also brings clarity. It reminds us what matters most: strong systems, accurate work, thoughtful communication, and protecting the sensitive information our clients trust us to handle.
At Aurora, our internal theme for this year is Refine • Define • Align.
Refine – Continuously improving our internal systems and processes to ensure the highest level of service and security.
Define – Clearly defining responsibilities, expectations, and scope so communication is seamless.
Align – Ensuring our team, systems, and technology work together to deliver a consistent client experience.
That theme shows up in everything we do — especially in tax season, when precision and protection matter most.
Warmly,
Sandra L. Koch
Founder, Aurora Consulting Group
Tax Season Update
Right now, our team is deep in the final review cycle for Partnership and S-Corporation returns, while also preparing extensions and continuing work on individual returns.
Key Filing Deadlines
- March 16 – Partnerships & S-Corporations
- April 15 – Individuals & C-Corporations
- May 15 – Not-For-Profit Organizations
If your return requires an extension, please remember:
Taxes owed are still due by the original filing deadline.
Extensions prevent late filing penalties, but not late payment penalties.
Because this is such a high-volume time of year, accuracy matters just as much as speed — every return goes through our full review process before filing.
And because busy seasons are when bad actors tend to strike, this is also the perfect time to talk about protecting yourself.
Protect Yourself: IRS “Dirty Dozen” Tax Scams
Each year, the IRS releases its list of the most common tax scams known as the “Dirty Dozen.” These schemes tend to spike during filing season.
Some of the most common scams we’re seeing include:
Phishing & Smishing Messages – Fake emails or text messages pretending to be the IRS or a tax professional requesting personal information.
False Tax Advice on Social Media – Misleading “tax hacks” encouraging people to claim credits that don’t exist.
Fraudulent Tax Preparers – Preparers who refuse to sign returns or invent deductions.
Fake Charities – Scammers posing as charitable organizations to collect donations and personal information.
Refund Manipulation Schemes – Filing false income or withholding to generate larger refunds.
The IRS never initiates contact by email, text message, or social media requesting personal information. Â If anything feels off, please reach out before responding. Â One of the easiest ways to protect yourself is to create direct access to your IRS records.
Important: Create Your IRS Online Account
Setting up your IRS Online Account is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect yourself.
With an account, you can:
- View transcripts
- Monitor balances and payments
- Verify IRS notices
- Catch suspicious activity early
👉 Create your account:
https://www.irs.gov/
Having this in place ahead of time can significantly speed up resolution if any issues arise.
Security at Aurora + Tech Tool of the Month: EasyLlama
Data security is one of Aurora’s highest priorities.
Last year, every team member completed extensive training focused on protecting client data. We’ve also implemented systems specifically designed for secure accounting operations.
At Aurora we utilize:
- Practice Protect
- WISP-compliant procedures
- Secure document and communication systems
Our team regularly completes training on:
- Cybersecurity
- Data Privacy
- Responsible AI use
- Remote workplace security
- Phishing awareness
Because threats continue to evolve, we believe ongoing training is critical.  That’s why this month’s featured tool is EasyLlama — a platform we’ve used for over a year to support compliance and team development.
EasyLlama offers training in:
- Sexual Harassment Prevention
- Cybersecurity & Data Privacy
- Leadership & Communication
- Custom training modules for your business
👉 Follow the link to EasyLlama here!
For any business with employees, this kind of training is no longer optional — it’s part of protecting your company.
Smart Tax Planning Strategies for 2026
Even while we’re filing returns, we’re already thinking ahead.
The best tax outcomes come from planning early and consistently. A few key strategies include:
- Maximizing retirement contributions
- Tracking mileage and business expenses
- Documenting equipment purchases
- Capturing home office deductions
- Maintaining clean, current books
The most impactful tax decisions are made throughout the year — not at filing time.
Team Spotlight – Alannah
This month we’re highlighting Alannah, our Client Service Manager, who joined Aurora in October 2023.  Alannah supports nearly every client in some way — coordinating projects, maintaining communication, and helping ensure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes.  She is also a single mom raising three boys, balancing family life while excelling in her full-time role.  When she’s not working, you’ll likely find her at the climbing gym or singing on stage Friday nights at Wine Tails in Coarsegold.  Her energy, dedication, and positivity make her an incredible part of the Aurora team.
Sandra in Visalia — March 25–31
I’ll be visiting clients from March 25 through March 31, and I’d love to connect in person.  If you’d like to meet for coffee, breakfast, lunch, or dinner, please reach out directly to schedule time.  Face-to-face connection is always something I value, and I hope to see many of you while I’m there.
Closing Thoughts
Tax season is demanding, but it reinforces something we believe deeply at Aurora:
When your systems are refined, your expectations are defined, and your team is aligned — everything works better.
Our commitment is simple:
Protect your information.
Prepare your returns carefully.
Help you make smarter decisions year-round.
Thank you for trusting Aurora with your business.
With appreciation,
Sandra L. Koch
Founder, Aurora Consulting Group
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