Documents to Bring to a Tax Preparer: A Simple Checklist for a Smooth Filing

Education only. This is a general checklist. Your exact documents may vary based on filing status, business type, investments, and life events.

The simplest way to think about tax documents

Your tax return is basically built from three buckets:

1. Income documents (what you earned).
2. Deduction/credit documents (what may reduce your tax).
3. Life-change and identity documents (who you are and what changed).

1) Identity & basic setup

• Photo ID for you (and spouse if filing jointly).
• Social Security numbers or ITINs for everyone on the return.
• Prior-year tax return (helpful for carryovers and consistency).
• Direct deposit info for refund (voided check or bank routing/account numbers).

2) Income documents (employees, contractors, retirees)

3) Business owners: bring your records, not just forms

If you own a business, your return is only as good as your books. Helpful items:

• Profit & loss (P&L) and balance sheet.
• Bank and credit card statements.
• Payroll reports (if you have employees).
• Vehicle mileage logs (business use).
• Large equipment purchase invoices.
• Any 1099s you issued to contractors.

4) Tax credits & deductions documents

• Childcare expenses and provider info.
• Education forms (1098-T) and tuition receipts.
• Mortgage interest (1098) and property tax statements.
• Charitable contribution receipts.
• Medical expense receipts (if potentially itemizing).

5) Health insurance & coverage forms

• 1095-A (Marketplace coverage).
• 1095-B or 1095-C (if provided).

6) Life events that change the return

• Marriage or divorce documents.
• New child documents (birth certificate and SSN).
• Home purchase/sale closing statements.
• Business formation paperwork (new LLC, S-corp, etc.).

1099-K note (because it’s a modern pain point)

If you received a 1099-K, also bring:

• Platform transaction detail or annual summary.
• Documentation separating personal vs business transfers.
• Receipts or cost basis for items sold (especially personal items).

These guides connect directly:

• Form 1099-K Explained
• Got a 1099-K? What to Do
• Payment Apps & 1099-K
• Personal Items: Gains & Losses

FAQs

Do I really need my prior-year return?

It’s not always required, but it helps confirm carryovers, ensure consistency, and avoid missing items that roll forward.

What if I’m missing a 1099?

Bring whatever records you have — bank statements, platform reports, or pay summaries. A good preparer can help you reconstruct a clean picture.

Should I bring receipts in a shoebox?

We can work with that, but you’ll save time (and often money) by grouping receipts by category or by month, even loosely.

What’s the most overlooked document today?

For many modern taxpayers: 1099-K and app-based summaries. The forms are new to many people, but the income rules are not.