The Ultimate Tax Prep Checklist

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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?

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