A prepared client gets a better return conversation. You spend less time hunting PDFs mid-meeting and more time deciding what matters.
Core items
Photo ID, Social Security or ITIN info for everyone on the return, last year’s return, W-2s, 1099s, 1098 mortgage interest, property tax statements, student loan interest, tuition forms, childcare provider tax ID and amounts, and health coverage forms when required.
Life-change notes
Marriage, divorce, new child, new home, retirement contributions, crypto activity, gig work, and moves between states. Write them down even if you are not sure they matter. They often do.
Business and military
Self-employed: bank summaries, expense categories, mileage, asset purchases. Military: LES samples, deployment notes, and residency questions. Bring what you have. We will tell you what is still missing.
Reviewed August 8, 2026. General educational information only, not individualized tax, legal, accounting, or financial advice. Rules and deadlines can change; verify the current tax year and your facts with a qualified professional.