Gather your prior return, current income documents, payment records, and information about changes during the year. Keep a missing-items list and ask for secure sharing instructions before sending sensitive documents.
Start with a picture of the year
Write a brief summary of changes in work, family, residence, investments, or business activity. A new state, a side business, a home sale, or retirement can change the questions your preparer needs to ask.
Bring the prior-year return and relevant notices so your preparer can identify carryovers and unresolved items. Prior-year paperwork is a starting point, not a substitute for current-year records.
Organize income and tax payment records
- Group wage statements, information returns, and other income records by source. Include corrected documents and identify what changed.
- Collect business or rental activity records if applicable, including the supporting income and expense detail.
- Keep a record of estimated payments and withholding, with dates and the tax year to which each payment applies.
- List expected documents that have not arrived. Income may still need to be reported even when an information return is missing.
Gather support for the items you want to discuss
Depending on your circumstances, relevant records may include education, dependent care, charitable contributions, health coverage, retirement contributions, or a property transaction. The documents needed and the tax treatment depend on your facts.
Use clearly named folders and avoid sending multiple unexplained versions of the same file. If you are unsure whether an expense or event matters, include it on your question list instead of assuming a tax benefit.
Prepare for the conversation
- What changed most from last year?
- Which documents are missing or corrected?
- Are any federal or state notices still unresolved?
- Do you expect a major income or life change in the coming year?
- What filing and payment questions need attention now?
Share information securely
Keep the first inquiry general. Request instructions before sharing identification numbers, tax returns, account details, or supporting financial records. This checklist organizes the conversation; your preparer may request additional documents for your particular return.
Official references
References checked September 24, 2026. Follow the linked agency guidance for updates.
General educational information. This guide does not determine the treatment of your particular tax, accounting, or financial situation. Contact us to discuss the facts and applicable requirements.
Let’s discuss your next step.
Contact us with the type of return you need prepared and a general description of any major changes. We will discuss the scope and how to provide records securely.
Discuss this with us