Keep this list with your folder
What to bring.
What can wait.
Start with the items below. Bring what applies to you; we’ll identify anything else needed at the appointment.
For everyone
- Photo identification and identification details for everyone included on the return, brought to the appointment.
- A complete copy of last year’s federal and state returns.
- Income forms you received, including W-2s and 1099s.
- Any tax letters or notices received during the year.
- A short list of changes: a move, a new business, a marriage or a change in your household.
If you run a business
- Year-end bookkeeping reports, or your income and expense records.
- Business bank and credit card statements.
- Payroll summaries, if you have employees.
- Records of equipment purchases and business mileage, if applicable.
If we’re starting monthly books
- A list of business bank and card accounts, without passwords.
- Your most recent reconciliation and bookkeeping reports, if available.
- The month you want us to start and any earlier months that need attention.
The office calendar
Busy season, in plain words.
- January–February
- Collect incoming documents and request an appointment. You can meet with us while you are still waiting for a form.
- March–April
- Our busiest appointment period. We confirm your return’s filing and payment dates, plus our cutoff for complete records. An appointment by itself does not mean a return is ready to file.
- If time is getting short
- Tell us at intake. We review the work still needed and discuss the next step for your return, including whether an extension request is appropriate. We confirm payment timing separately.
- May–December
- Monthly bookkeeping continues. We also schedule catch-up work and preparation appointments for returns that still need attention.
Your questions belong in the folder too.
Choose a weekday that usually works for you. We’ll agree on a time after reviewing your request.