Tax Preparation Checklist – What You’ll Need to Get Started

Tax Preparation Checklist – What You’ll Need to Get Started | Cornerstone Tax & Books

What We’ll Ask For – Your Tax Preparation Checklist

Preparing for tax season doesn’t have to be stressful! To help us complete your tax return accurately and timely, we provide a Tax Preparation Checklist outlining the most common documents and information we’ll request after you become a signed client. This helps you get organized, saves time, and ensures all relevant income and tax documents are included.

  • Legal name(s), date(s) of birth, and Social Security number(s)
  • Filing status (Single, Married Filing Jointly, Head of Household, etc.)
  • Current address, phone, and email
  • Preferred method of communication
  • Full name, date of birth, and Social Security number for each dependent
  • Relationship and months lived with you
  • Childcare or education expenses
  • Special circumstances, such as disabilities or higher education
  • Employment income (W-2 forms)
  • Self-employment or contract income (1099-NEC, 1099-MISC)
  • Investment income (1099-DIV, 1099-INT, 1099-B)
  • Rental income and property earnings
  • Retirement distributions (1099-R) and Social Security benefits
  • Unemployment or other miscellaneous income
  • Business name, structure, and EIN
  • Overview of operations and income streams
  • Business expenses (advertising, office supplies, home office, vehicle, professional fees, insurance)
  • Equipment or asset purchases over $2,500
  • Accounting records or bookkeeping summary (e.g., QuickBooks, spreadsheets)
  • Education costs (tuition, student loan interest)
  • Healthcare expenses and HSA contributions
  • Retirement contributions (IRA, Roth IRA, SEP, Solo 401k)
  • Mortgage interest, property taxes, and charitable contributions
  • Casualty or theft losses, if applicable
  • Marriage, divorce, birth, adoption, or death in the family
  • Job change, loss of employment, or relocation
  • Purchase or sale of a home
  • Significant medical or education expenses
  • Previous year’s tax return
  • Documentation of prior deductions, credits, or losses
  • Estimated tax payments made

Important Notice: All documents and sensitive information are collected only after engagement through our secure client portal. Do not send personal tax documents or sensitive information before receiving portal access.

Download a free .docx copy (linked below) to help your process