A little preparation before your tax appointment saves time, reduces stress, and helps your preparer find every legitimate deduction and credit. Use the checklists below so you arrive ready — whether you're an individual filer or a small-business owner.

Checklist for Individuals

Personal and identity information

• Social Security numbers (or ITINs) and dates of birth for you, your spouse, and all dependents
• Prior-year tax return (federal and state)
• Photo ID and any IRS or state notices received during the year
• Bank routing and account numbers if you want a refund direct-deposited

Income documents

• All W-2s
• 1099 forms (NEC, MISC, INT, DIV, B, R, G, SSA, etc.)
• K-1s from partnerships, S-corps, or trusts
• Records of unemployment, pensions, Social Security, or alimony (if applicable)
• Cryptocurrency transaction summaries or Form 1099-DA
• Rental income and expense summaries
• Any other income not reported on a standard form

Deductions, credits, and adjustments

• Mortgage interest (Form 1098) and property-tax statements
• Charitable contribution receipts
• Medical expense totals (if potentially deductible)
• Student loan interest (Form 1098-E) and education expenses (Form 1098-T)
• Childcare provider details (name, address, provider's telephone number, EIN/SSN, and amount paid)
• HSA, FSA, or dependent-care FSA contribution records
• Energy-efficient home improvement receipts
• Estimated tax payments made (dates and amounts)
• Records supporting any other itemized deductions or credits you claim

Life events

• Marriage, divorce, birth, adoption, or death of a spouse
• Purchase or sale of a home
• Move to a new state
• Large gifts made or received

Checklist for Small Businesses

Entity and ownership information

• Business name, EIN, and entity type (sole prop, LLC, S-corp, partnership, etc.)
• Prior-year business tax return and any relevant schedules
• Ownership percentages and any changes during the year
• State and local business licenses or registration numbers

Income and sales records

• Year-end profit-and-loss statement
• Balance sheet (or detailed asset and liability listing)
• All 1099-NEC and 1099-MISC issued to contractors
• Sales records, merchant statements, and any 1099-K forms received
• Records of loans received or forgiven (including any remaining PPP or similar documentation if still relevant)

Expenses and deductions

• Categorized expense reports or general-ledger export
• Receipts or statements for major purchases (equipment, vehicles, software, etc.)
• Vehicle mileage log or actual expense records
• Home-office measurements and related expenses (if claiming)
• Meals, travel, and entertainment documentation
• Insurance, rent, utilities, and professional-fee invoices
• Inventory records (beginning and ending inventory, cost of goods sold)

Payroll and contractor payments (especially important)

• Payroll reports showing gross wages, withholding, and employer taxes for the year
• Forms W-2 and W-3 (or confirmation they were filed)
• Forms 1099-NEC for independent contractors and proof of filing
• Records of any employee benefits, retirement contributions, or HSA contributions made through the business
• Unemployment insurance and workers' compensation payment records
• If you process ACH/direct deposit or use a payroll service, year-end summaries and any related compliance documentation

Other business items

• Asset purchase and disposition records (for depreciation and Section 179)
• Records of estimated tax payments made on behalf of the business or owners
• Any notices from the IRS, state tax agency, or Department of Labor
• Health-insurance premium documentation if claiming the self-employed health insurance deduction or small-business health-care credit

Quick Tips for Both Individuals and Businesses

• Organize documents digitally when possible (clearly labeled PDFs in folders).
• Note any questions or goals in advance ("Can I deduct…?", "How will this sale affect me?", "Should I adjust estimated payments?").
• Bring or upload everything at least a few days before the appointment so your preparer can review it.
• New clients should also bring identity documents and be prepared for a brief prior-year review.

Arriving with these items in hand lets your tax preparer focus on strategy and accuracy instead of chasing missing paperwork. If something is unavailable, let them know early — most issues can be resolved with IRS transcripts or an extension, but complete records almost always produce a better result.

Use the checklists above, and your appointment will be efficient and productive.

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Automated Business Service is a CTEC-registered tax preparation firm serving Hesperia, Victorville, Apple Valley, and the greater High Desert. Contact us or schedule an appointment to work with a qualified tax professional.