New Client
Checklist
To help us prepare efficiently and identify the issues relevant to your situation, please gather the items below that apply to you. You do not need every item—only the ones relevant to your tax year.
Before You Begin
Gathering a few key documents in advance helps us prepare efficiently and ensures we can provide you with accurate and comprehensive tax guidance.
Provide Documents Relevant to Your Situation Only
You do not need every possible document—only the items that apply to your tax year.
Complete Statements Are Preferred
Whenever possible, provide full statements rather than summary pages so important details are not missed.
Please Include Prior-Year Returns
If this is your first year working with us, prior-year federal and state returns help us understand your tax history.
Organize Information by Category
Grouping related documents together helps streamline review and makes follow-up more efficient.
Checklist Categories
Click on each category below to see examples of the documents that may be relevant to your situation.
Personal & Prior-Year Information
Identification, prior-year returns, tax notices,
estimated payments, and residency information.
- Prior-year federal, state, and local income tax returns
- Government-issued photo identification
- Social Security numbers or ITINs for you, your spouse, and dependents
- Dates of birth for individuals included on the return
- Current address and details of residency or address changes during the year
- IRS or state tax notices received during the year
- Estimated tax payment records, including dates and amounts paid
- Direct-deposit or payment information, if applicable
Sensitive information such as Social Security numbers and banking details should be provided only through the secure method requested by our office.
Income, Investments & Brokerage
W-2s, 1099s, K-1s, brokerage statements,
cost basis, equity compensation, and other income.
- Forms W-2 from all employers
- Forms 1099-NEC, 1099-MISC, and 1099-K
- Forms 1099-INT and 1099-DIV
- Complete year-end brokerage tax package, including corrected statements
- Schedules K-1 from partnerships, S corporations, estates, or trusts
- Form SSA-1099 for Social Security benefits
- Form 1099-G for unemployment benefits or state tax refunds
- Cost-basis records when basis is not reported to the IRS
- Stock option, RSU, ESPP, and other equity-compensation documents
- Section 1256 contract or options statements, if applicable
- Prior-year capital-loss carryforward information
- Digital asset and cryptocurrency transaction records
- Foreign income statements and foreign taxes paid
- Records of other taxable income not reported on a tax form
Homeowners & Co-op Owners
Mortgage interest, real estate taxes, closing documents,
home sales, improvements, and co-op statements.
- Form 1098 mortgage interest statement
- Real estate tax bills and proof of payment
- Purchase or refinance closing statements
- Form 1099-S and closing documents for a home sold during the year
- Records of capital improvements made to the property
- Home-office information when applicable
- Annual co-op tax deduction statement
- Allocated share of co-op real estate taxes and mortgage interest
- Number of shares allocated to the apartment
- Co-op purchase or sale closing documents
- Records of capital assessments and qualifying improvements
Family, Education, Retirement & Health
Education expenses, childcare, dependents,
retirement distributions, IRA activity, HSA, and health coverage.
- Form 1098-T and qualified tuition, fees, books, and required supplies
- Form 1098-E for student loan interest
- Childcare provider name, address, tax ID, and amount paid
- Adoption-related expense records, if applicable
- Documents supporting dependent eligibility when requested
- Residency records for a qualifying child when needed for EITC documentation
- Forms 1099-R for retirement plan or IRA distributions
- IRA, Roth IRA, rollover, conversion, and nondeductible contribution records
- Prior-year Form 8606, if applicable
- HSA Form 1099-SA and contribution information
- Form 1095-A for Marketplace health insurance
Deductions & Tax Credits
Charitable contributions, medical expenses, taxes paid,
investment interest, and applicable prior-year energy
and clean vehicle credits.
- Charitable contribution receipts and acknowledgments
- Medical and dental expenses when substantial in relation to income
- State and local income or personal property taxes paid
- Margin interest or other investment interest expense records
- Prior-year home energy credit records and carryforwards
- Eligible clean vehicle records under 2025 rules
Self-Employment & Rental Property
Business and rental income, expenses, mileage,
assets, depreciation, repairs, and property records.
- Business or rental income records and related Forms 1099
- Categorized business or rental expenses
- Business bank and credit-card statements
- Business mileage log and vehicle expense records
- Home-office measurements and related expenses, when applicable
- Equipment, furniture, software, and other asset purchase records
- Rental property mortgage interest and real estate tax statements
- Rental repairs, insurance, utilities, and property-management expenses
- Prior depreciation schedules
- Purchase, sale, and capital-improvement documents for rental property
Foreign Accounts & International Information
Foreign accounts, maximum balances, foreign income,
foreign taxes, gifts, inheritances, entities, and prior filings.
- Foreign bank, investment, pension, and financial account statements
- Maximum account balances during the year
- Foreign income and foreign tax payment records
- Foreign gift or inheritance documentation
- Information regarding ownership in foreign businesses, entities, or trusts
- Prior FBARs and other foreign information returns, if available
Please Note
Not every item applies to every client.
Additional documents may be requested during review.
Incomplete records may delay preparation and filing.
Questions are welcome before your appointment.