Jan 26, 2026: IRS begins accepting 2025 tax returns.

What to Gather Before Your Appointment

Use this tax preparation checklist to help ensure your personal tax return is prepared accurately and efficiently:

Income Documents

- W-2s (all employers)

- 1099s (NEC, MISC, INT, DIV, SSA, R)

- Unemployment income statements

- Retirement or pension income

- Rental income records

Deductions & Credits

- Mortgage interest (Form 1098)

- Property tax records

- Charitable contributions

- Childcare expenses

- Education expenses (Forms 1098-T)

- Medical expenses (if applicable)

Other Helpful Items

- Last year’s tax return

- Photo ID for all taxpayers

- Bank account information for direct deposit

- Notices received from the Internal Revenue Service

Need help organizing this? Our team can assist year-round, not just during tax season, and can provide IRS notices assistance as needed. If you're starting a business, check our business startup checklist for additional guidance.

Key Deadlines for Business Owners

Staying on top of these dates is essential for your business startup checklist, helping you avoid penalties and surprises:

January 31 – W-2s to employees & 1099-NECs to contractors

March 15 – S-Corp tax return due (Form 1120-S)

March 15 – Extension deadline for S-Corp returns

April 15 – First quarter estimated tax payment (if applicable)

Throughout the Year – Payroll tax filings & estimated payments

We provide IRS notices assistance and help with S-Corp tax preparation, payroll filings, and extensions, ensuring you have a comprehensive tax preparation checklist.

Starting a Business? Here’s Where to Begin

If you’re launching a new business, following this business startup checklist is essential:

1. Choose Your Business Structure

Decide whether you want to operate as a Sole Proprietorship, Partnership, LLC, S-Corp, C-Corp, or other entity. Each structure has different tax, liability, and management implications.

2. Register Your Business Name

Choose a unique name and check availability. File a Doing Business As (DBA) if you’re using a name that’s different from your legal business name.

3. Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN)

Apply for an EIN from the IRS — needed for tax reporting, bank accounts, payroll, and more. If you need IRS notices assistance, ensure you keep your EIN information updated.

4. Open a Business Bank Account

Keep personal and business finances separate. This helps with bookkeeping, taxes, and professional credibility.

5. Set Up Business Accounting & Bookkeeping

Choose an accounting system or software (e.g., QuickBooks, Xero). Set up expense tracking and chart of accounts. Decide if you’ll handle it yourself or work with a professional.

6. Register for State & Local Taxes

Identify state, county, and city tax registration requirements. This may include sales tax, payroll tax, use tax, or other business taxes.

7. Obtain Necessary Licenses & Permits

Research what licenses, permits, or certifications your business requires, based on industry and location. This can include general business licenses, professional licenses, health permits, or zoning permits.

8. Set Up Payroll (if Hiring Employees)

Determine payroll schedule, employee classifications, and tax withholdings. Set up payroll tax accounts and deposit schedules.

9. Understand Estimated Tax Requirements

Most business owners must make quarterly estimated tax payments. Know due dates and how to calculate payments, which can be part of your tax preparation checklist.

10. Secure Insurance

Consider General Liability, Professional Liability, Workers’ Compensation, and Property Insurance. Coverage needs vary by business type.

11. Create Foundational Documents

Draft documents like Operating Agreements, Partnership Agreements, Bylaws, or shareholder agreements as appropriate.

12. Build a Financial Plan & Budget

Project startup costs, revenue expectations, and ongoing expenses. Define financial goals and key performance indicators (KPIs).

13. Market Your Business

Create a website, social media presence, and brand materials. Register on directories and list your business where customers can find you.

14. Review Compliance Requirements Ongoing

Stay aware of tax filing deadlines, renewal dates, and reporting requirements. Set reminders throughout the year.

We provide business startup consultations to help you get set up the right way from day one.

Stay Organized All Year Long with Our Business Startup Checklist. Consistent bookkeeping helps reduce stress at tax time, and our services can assist you in preparing your tax preparation checklist. Make sure to keep track of: monthly bank and credit card statements, sales and expense records, payroll reports, receipts for business expenses, mileage logs (if applicable), and reconciled QuickBooks files. In addition, we provide IRS notices assistance to ensure you are covered throughout the year. Our bookkeeping and payroll services are available year-round for small businesses.

And When to Call Us

If you receive an IRS notice, you may want professional help for issues like:

- Missing income documents

- Math or reporting errors

- Identity verification requests

- Past-due tax balances

- Payroll or filing penalties

Before you respond to any notice, don’t panic—contact us for IRS notices assistance. We can help review and resolve many tax issues. It’s also a good idea to refer to our tax preparation checklist or business startup checklist to ensure you’re fully prepared.

Our business consulting services can help you make informed decisions about your finances and grow your business. We will assist you in navigating the business startup checklist and provide IRS notices assistance to ensure compliance. Together, we'll develop a customized plan that meets your unique needs and goals, including a comprehensive tax preparation checklist.