Tax Preparation Checklist
Individuals
Preparing for tax season can be overwhelming, but having the right documents and information ready makes filing smooth and stress-free.
Use this checklist to ensure you’re fully prepared and you are taking advantage of all available deductions.
Personal Information
- Full legal name, Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
- Spouse's and dependents' full legal names, SSNs/ITINs, and birthdates
- Valid government-issued ID (driver's license, state ID, or passport)
- Current mailing address, phone number, and email
Income Documents
- Wages & Salary (Employees)
- W-2 from from each employer
- Self-Employment & Freelancing
- 1099-NEC or 1099-k (for independent contractors, gig workers, freelancers)
- Income records from side businesses (PayPal, Venmo, Cash App, etc.)
- Business expenses & Receipts (home office, travel equipment, advertising, etc.)
- Estimated quarterly tax payments made
- Investments & Savings
- 1099-INT (interest income from banks)
- 1099-DIV (dividends from stocks and mutual funds)
- 1099-B (sales of stocks, bonds, crypto, etc.)
- Investment statements showing gains/losses
- Retirement Income
- 1099-R (pensions, annuities, IRA, or 401(k) distributions)
- SSA-1099 (Social Security benefits received)
- Rental Property Income
- Rental income records
- Mortgage interest, property tax, insurance, repairs, and other expenses
- Other Income
- 1099-G (unemployment compensation or state tax refund)
- 1099-MISC (miscellaneous income)
- 1099-C (canceled debts)
- W-2G (gambling or lottery winnings
Deductions & Tax Credits
(documents that may lower your taxable income)
- Education
- 1098-T (tuition statement for college expenses)
- 1098-E (student loan interest)
- Education expenses for teachers
- Homeownership
- 1098 (mortgage interest statement)
- Property tax bills
- Home improvement receipts for energy-efficient upgrades (solar panels, windows, HVAC, etc.)
- Health & Medical
- 1095-A (if you have Marketplace health insurance)
- Medical and dental expense receipts
- Form 5498-SA (Health Savings Account (HSA) contributions)
- Child & Dependent Care
- Childcare provider's name, address, and tax ID
- Receipts for daycare, after-school programs, or summer camps
- Retirement Contributions
- IRA Contributions (Form 5498)
- 401(k) or other workplace retirement contributions
- Charitable Donations
- Receipts for cash and non-cash donations
- Mileage records if you drove for charity work
- State & Local Taxes Paid
- State and local income tax payments
- Vehicle registration fees
Payments & Refund Details
- Direct deposit details (bank account & routing number for refund - require voided copy of check or bank document)
- Proof of estimated tax payments made (if self-employed)
- Last year's tax return (for reference, accuracy, and compliance)
Having all these documents prepared ensures a hassle-free tax filing experience. If you need guidance, reach out for assistance.
To upload these documents securely, head over to our client portal and sign-up for access if not yet registered.
Businesses
Preparing your business taxes requires gathering essential documents and records to ensure accurate reporting and maximize deductions. Use this checklist to stay organized and file with confidence!
Business Information
- Legal Business Name & Structure (LLC, Sole Proprietor, Partnership, S-Corp, C-Corp)
- Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Social Security Number (if sole proprietor)
- State and Local Business Registration Documents
- Articles of Incorporation/ Organization (for corporations & LLCs)
- Operating Agreement or Partnership Agreement (if applicable)
- Prior Two Years of Business Tax Returns
Financial Records
- Profit & Loss (P&L) Statement
- Balance Sheet
- General Ledger
- Trial Balance
- Business Bank Statements (last 12 months)
- Business Credit Card Statements
Income Documentation
- Sales & Revenue Records (Invoices, Sales Reports, POS Transactions)
- 1099-K Forms (for payments received via third-party platforms like PayPal, Stripe, Square, etc.)
- 1099-MISC or 1099 NEC (for other income sources)
- Rental Income Documentation (if applicable)
- Investment or Dividend Income Statements
Business Expenses & Deductions
- Rent or Lease Agreements (office, warehouse, or equipment rental)
- Utilities (electricity, water, internet, phone, etc.)
- Payroll & Employee Wages (W-2s, Payroll Reports)
- Independent Contractor Payments (1099-NEC issued to freelancers/ contractors)
- Business Loan(s) Statements & Interest Paid
- Marketing & Advertising Expenses (ads, website hosting, branding)
- Office Supplies & Equipment Purchases
- Business Travel Expenses (flights, hotels, meals, mileage logs)
- Vehicle Expenses (if used for business, including mileage records)
- Insurance Payments (Business Liability, Workers' Comp, etc.)
- Professional Fees (Legal, Accounting, Consulting Services)
- Licensing & Permits
Asset & Depreciation Records
- Purchase Records for Equipment, Machinery, Vehicles, or Property
- Depreciation Schedules for Existing Business Assets
- Improvements or Renovation Costs
Tax & Compliance Documents
- Estimated Quarterly Tax Payments (if applicable)
- 1099 Forms Issued to Contractors
- State Sales Tax Filings (if applicable)
- Employer Payroll Tax Filings (Forms 941, 940, W-3, etc.)
Banking & Payment Details
- Business Bank Account Information (for direct deposit refunds or payments)
- Proof of Estimated Tax Payments Made
Providing these documents ensures compliance, maximizes deductions, and helps us deliver the best possible tax outcome for your business. If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out.
We strongly encourage submitting your documents securely via our client portal. Kindly register for access or contact us for assistance.
We look forward to working with you!
If your books require cleanup or adjustments before tax preparation, we offer bookkeeping services at an additional charge. Proper bookkeeping ensures accurate tax filing and maximizes deductions. Let us know if you need assistance!
