The weeks before tax season are when disorganized records cost the most. A clear package, delivered early, lets your CPA focus on your return instead of on sorting.
Income
- Every 1099 form you received, matched to your own record of payments.
- A list of income by client or payer, with totals.
- Bank statements for every business account, all twelve months.
Expenses
- Receipts organized by month or category.
- Your mileage log, with dates, purposes and miles.
- Major purchases, such as vehicles or equipment, with purchase documents.
- Loan statements showing interest paid.
Payroll and contractors
If you paid contractors, the 1099 forms you issued and their W-9s. If you have employees, the payroll reports from your provider.
The business itself
Your EIN, entity type, any change in ownership, and estimated tax payments made during the year with dates and amounts.
Send it early
CPAs get busier every week after January. Sending a complete package early is the simplest way to get a careful, unhurried return.
General information, not tax advice. Your CPA decides what is needed for your situation.
This article is general information, not legal, tax or regulatory advice. Rules change; confirm current requirements with the responsible agency or a licensed professional.
