We follow up with clients on many things, mostly concerning things that have a time deadline such as tax filings.

The problem is, we have many clients that we have to repeatedly follow up with on getting us information. I lose track of how many emails and text messages I send to some of them reminding them to get me paperwork, documents, etc. that I need to file and complete their returns and some times weeks, if not months go by.

This is a massive waste of time and I'm tempted to just follow up with them a few times and if they still can't take the hint, leave their returns unfiled which leaves them facing penalties.

I can imagine this would make them furious but my time is limited and I feel like I have done my part to inform them repeatedly way ahead of time. They are adults and should be able to understand, especially since we go through this every year.

Am I being too harsh here? What do you all do in situations like this?