A little preparation.
A clearer tax season.

Keep the documents that apply to you together. This guide is here to help you prepare—you do not need to check off every item or send the checklist back.

Start with what you have.

Gather records for the tax year you’re filing. If something is missing or you’re unsure whether it applies, let our office know. You can provide documents later or bring them to your appointment.

01START HERE

You & your household

Driver’s license or state-issued ID for you and your spouse, if applicable.
For new clients: Social Security cards for you, your spouse, and dependents; dependents’ dates of birth. Ask the office about alternatives if unavailable.
Your last filed federal and state tax returns, including schedules, if you are new to the office.
Completed client information and engagement paperwork requested by the office.

02IF APPLICABLE

Income & investments

W-2s for wages; interest and dividend statements (1099-INT and 1099-DIV).
Brokerage sales statements (1099-B), digital-asset statements (1099-DA if issued), and transaction / cost-basis records.
Retirement distributions (1099-R), Social Security benefits (SSA-1099), and unemployment or state refund statements (1099-G).
Gambling records and W-2G forms, jury-duty income, canceled debt (1099-C), K-1s, and other income records.

03FOR EACH BUSINESS

Business & self-employment

Income statements, including 1099-NEC, 1099-MISC, and 1099-K, plus records of other business income.
Profit & loss statement, expense records, and balance sheet if requested.
Business mileage logs, vehicle records, and equipment / asset purchase or sale details.
Contractor payment records and copies or filing status of 1099s issued.
For new business clients: EIN documentation, formation documents, and prior business returns / K-1s as requested.

04FOR EACH PROPERTY

Rental properties

Rental income records and property-management statements.
Mortgage interest (1098), property taxes, insurance, and other property / landlord expenses.
Repairs, improvements, and purchase or sale documents, if applicable.

05IF APPLICABLE

Family & education

Childcare statements with provider name, address, telephone number, and EIN or SSN.
Tuition statements (1098-T), education expenses, and student loan interest (1098-E).
Educator expense records; alimony or moving-expense records if relevant to your situation.
Details of household changes, such as marriage, divorce, a new dependent, or a change of address.

06IF APPLICABLE

Health & medical

Marketplace / Covered California coverage statement (1095-A).
Employer or other coverage statements (1095-B or 1095-C), if received.
Unreimbursed medical, dental, vision, and prescription expenses, plus medical mileage records.

07IF APPLICABLE

Home, donations & purchases

Mortgage interest statements (1098) and property taxes, including amounts paid separately.
Closing statements for a home purchase, sale, or refinance.
Cash donation receipts and noncash donation descriptions / supporting records.
DMV registration statements and vehicle, RV, or boat purchase contracts.
Vehicle loan interest statements; solar, home-energy, or electric-vehicle contracts and installation / purchase dates for the office to review.

08BEFORE YOUR REVIEW

Payments & other records

Estimated federal and state tax payments: dates, amounts, and confirmations.
Extension confirmations and payments already made for the tax year.
IRS or state notices, with all pages and response deadlines.
Other records the office requests, including state-specific expense records where relevant.

Ready when you are.

Share requested documents through your private client portal or bring them to the office. Keep Social Security numbers, IDs, and tax documents out of ordinary email.

Open client portal

This is a document-gathering guide, not a determination of deductions or filing requirements. Rules vary by tax year and circumstances. Our team will confirm what is needed.

Adapted from our office’s tax checklist. Reviewed October 8, 2026. IRS document guidance ↗

Questions? 951-251-1130 · 31714 Railroad Canyon Road, Suite 1, Canyon Lake, CA 92587

A little preparation.A clearer tax season.