Preparation
By Lilian Oyama, Tax Preparer, FounderReviewed 5 min read
How to Prepare for Your Tax Consultation
A good first consultation should leave you knowing exactly what happens next. You do not need a pile of documents to get there. A few minutes of preparation will make the conversation faster and far more useful.
By Lilian Oyama, Tax Preparer, FounderReviewed 5 min readThink through the big picture
- Which tax years do you need help with?
- Is this a personal return, a business return, or both?
- Did you live, work, or earn income in more than one state?
- Did anything change this year, such as a marriage, a new child, a move, a new job, or a new business?
- Did you receive any letters from the IRS or your state?
Documents you may need later
You do not need to send these for a first conversation. Once you decide to move forward, you will receive a personalized checklist. Common items include:
- W-2 forms from each employer
- 1099 forms for contract work, interest, dividends, retirement distributions, or other income
- Last year’s federal and state tax returns
- Form 1098 for mortgage interest, 1098-T for tuition, or 1098-E for student loan interest
- Business income and expense records if you are self-employed
What never to send in a first inquiry
Three questions to bring
- Which returns will I need to file this year?
- What will this cost, and when will I know the final price?
- What happens after today, and how will I share my documents?
