The Ultimate Tax Prep Checklist
This post may contain affiliate links. Read my full disclosure policy here.
Tax season is here, and it always amazes me how not prepared I am.
You would think that someone who loves being organized would have all her tax ducks in a row. And quacking like the good little ducks they are.
But nope, not me.
I stay far far away from anything that has to do with the government and money. Nothing makes any sense, gives me some pretty bad anxiety, and raises my blood pressure. And no, I’m not joking!
One thing is for sure though, it doesn’t matter whether I do taxes myself or trust a professional…I almost always forget to gather all the right documents. I constantly misplace at least one or two important items, and spend more time trying to find the information I need when our taxes could be done and over with. It’s SO frustrating!
Which is why this checklist has been a lifesaver.
Instead of forgetting what I need to hand off to my CPA each year, I just check off each item and file the corresponding paperwork in a specific tax folder for that year. Then I grab the entire stack for my yearly appointment, drop it off at the CPA office, and it’s DONE.
I thought a resource like this might be helpful to you as well, so be sure to grab your copy of my printable Tax Prep Checklist below!
How to Use the Tax Prep Checklist
Every CPA will have their own list of what you should bring to your tax appointment. But if you are doing taxes yourself or want a basic version that doesn’t have hundreds of “if” scenarios, this is your go-to resource.
This checklist explains the most important items you should remember when compiling your tax documents, with sections broken down based on whether or not you own property, have your own business, or find yourself in other miscellaneous situations.
I even ran the list by my CPA to make sure everything on there was accurate, and he helped me make a few changes. So this is definitely CPA certified!
Of course, I can’t account for every individual’s tax needs out there, {check with a CPA just in case}, but this should give you a fabulous starting point and definitely bring some order otherwise chaotic and stressful time of year.
Psst…and if you receive a refund, don’t forget to spend it smart with 12 Ideas to Help You Be Smart with Your Tax Refund.
Do you file your taxes, or trust a CPA to handle it?
Disclosure: Some of the links in the post above are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. Read my full disclosure policy here.
Thank you for being in my head! I was totally searching all over the google this week trying to find something that would brighten up my tax prep!
Awesome! Glad it could help. 🙂
Thanks for sharing this! It will be a big help getting ours done too. We go to someone, but I still have to have everything in order. I can always just add a few notes to the back for our personal needs.
I think CPA’s are very surprised when they have someone who is super organized with their taxes, but it makes things go so much smoother and faster. The notes on the back is a great idea too!
This sounds great to have for next year. I just brought my bookwork to my CPA this week, but I am getting organized more and more, so this will be a big help.
thanks so much.
Nancy
You’re welcome!
Would yiu send me a tax check list, please?
I will get it to you ASAP! I’m very sorry – the sign up form disappeared when the e-mail service went down.
How do you print it? I can’t find where.
The e-mail sign up system is having technical issues but once it is back up you will receive it in your e-mail to print from there! I’m so sorry for the inconvenience!
I like to be in control when it comes to money so I never let anyone else handle my taxes. I’ve done my own taxes since I was a teenager but this year, it’s a bit more complicated! I own my own business, am an independent sales consultant on the side and my husband is an independent contractor. Makes my job as the in house accountant (not really, but I can use a calculator and read instructions) a lot more interesting this year!
This would be so helpful! Thanks for sharing…(Is this where I leave my email address to receive the download?)
My mailing list that sends out the checklist is currently down. Once it is back up and running I will get it to you as soon as possible!
Could I have it emailed to me as well! Thanks
Should be in your email now. 🙂
I would love a checklist as well
Kim, you should be able to put your email in the box above {in the post}, and it will send one automatically to your inbox. Let me know if it doesn’t work and I will gladly send one your way!
Thanks for your response, I did try my email on the website multiple times and it gave me an error everytime. If you could send me one I would appreciate it!
I am so sorry about that! You should have one in your email now. 🙂
I’ve left my email but have received no access to the form. Please help!
Stacey, I just sent you a new link to try!
I use to do our own taxes…but then everything started to change and I couldn’t keep up with it all…and I started keeping a baby…I was so surprised at the deductions that I wasn’t getting…at the time I was doing our taxes my husband was a fire fighter, there were things we could use that I didn’t know about, along with the baby sitting expenses….anyway all that said we use a “tax man” now and he is GREAT…saves us lots of $$…even my oldest son who is living with us uses him….I try to make sure I have all the papers but this list will sure help….thanks and I really like your site 🙂
Thank you for your sweet comment, Gerri, and I hope the tax checklist helps! I have found my stress level reduce drastically just by hiring out.
Can’t access the Tax Prep Checklist but would love to. Can you send a direct link. Note: I can access other printables. Thanks for all your info.
Just sent you an email! 🙂
Submitted my email but where is the downloadable checklist?
John, I just emailed it to you! Thanks so much for your patience.
i clicked on the link to confirm my subscription, but never got the Tax Sheet Checklist, can you please send to me?
Just sent you an email, Virginia!
Hi! I tried to download a copy of the checklist, submitted my name and email but didn’t get the form!
It sounds great! I’d like to try it this year.
Thanks!
Em, I just sent a copy to your email. Enjoy!
I have been looking for a better way to organize my taxes during the year. I like the plan to mark items off as you get them. I will be trying this checklist out this year for sure.
Tax Season is no fun. Thanks for sharing
Oh, I remember my first time of doing tax preparation after coming out of high school and being in an actual full time job. It sure was quite an experience that got me thinking about why it wasn’t taught in high school. I guess it’s a part of life in growing up and becoming an adult.
I’m starting to set up at Craft Shows again after more than 20 years. Just want to make sure I keep everything for those taxes! Thank you so much for this printable. It’s really sweet of you to bless others with your efforts. We hope you have a happy and blessed New Year!
You’re welcome, Tammy!! I hope you really enjoy your “new” {‘repeat’ may be a better word?} adventure and I’m glad the printable will help you make the paperwork a little bit easier.
I signed up for your blog but have not received the checklist. I would greatly appreciate if you could email me the file at your earliest convenience. Thanks for all your great work.
You should see it in your inbox shortly!
looks like its exactly what I need
Hello
Thank you for the information it was very helpful and it confirmed I have been correctly completing my tax clients returns in accordance with irs code. I requested a copy of your tax checklist to my email didn’t let me submit. Would you send me a copy please to my email listed.
Have a question that I can’t seem to find anybyoubtub videos on or anyone who bus willing to help me without charging an consult fee. My question is have a client who have a net loss on their schedule c and she asked if I new anything about the not carry forward or carry back rule. I couldn’t find the and of what’s the requirements and how to process the nol is there anyway you could post something about that or may a website I could go to . I looked on irs pub but I was very confused.
Thank you
Maxine Upchurch
I filled out the form, but I haven’t received anything. Could you send it to me? Thank you in advance for your help!
I just sent it to you now – Let me know if you don’t get it!
It won’t let me download anywhere. I’ve actually had this problem with another download as well. Is it because I’m on my cell? Thanks so much!
Hi Maddie,
Joseph just sent you an email! Hopefully it will fix the problem. 🙂
Kalyn
I cant figure out how to download the form. I actually had this problem on another post as well. Is it because I’m on my cell? Thanks so much!
Hi Maddie,
Joseph just sent you an email! Hopefully it will fix the problem. 🙂
Kalyn
It’s good to know that there is a basic version that I can start with when it comes to a tax prep checklist. I’m thinking about changing jobs soon so I might get confused about filing my taxes later down the line. Hopefully, I can find a CPA that will be able to help me out when the time comes.
Oh yes having multiple types of income in the same year can make things more complicated! A CPA can definitely help.
Can you please sent me a copy of the tax checklist to me as well? The link doesn’t work. Thanks in advance!
You should have received it in your inbox! If not, please email [email protected] and we’ll do our best to get it figured out.