Tax preparation starts with gathering records and identifying filing needs. A federally enrolled Enrolled Agent (EA) can assist with tax preparation within an agreed scope. Gather complete supporting records and confirm applicable deadlines. Eligibility, accuracy and outcomes depend on taxpayer facts, applicable law and review; no deduction or audit outcome is guaranteed.
Table of Contents
10 Record Categories for Tax Preparation
- Photo ID, SSNs/ITINs for you & dependents
- Last year’s federal & state returns
- Income forms: W-2, 1099-NEC/INT/DIV/B, K-1
- Rental records: leases, rents received, expenses
- Collect brokerage statements, available Forms 1099-B and 1099-DA, digital-asset transaction records and cost-basis details. Forms depend on the transaction and reporting year; missing forms do not remove the obligation to report taxable activity.
- Deductions: mortgage 1098, property taxes
- Charity receipts & medical totals
- Education: Form 1098-T for tuition information and supporting expense records. Student-loan interest: Form 1098-E and supporting loan records. Each benefit has separate eligibility rules.
- Business: P&L, mileage log, payroll reports
- Health coverage forms 1095-A/C (if applicable)
Key Filing Timeline
Confirm deadlines and the records needed for each return. A filing extension generally does not extend the time to pay; estimate and address the tax due by the original payment deadline. Filing requires complete information, timely approval and the agreed engagement.
Common Credits & Deductions to Explore
- Child Tax Credit, Dependent Care Credit
- Education: American Opportunity & Lifetime Learning
- Energy credits: the energy-efficient home improvement credit is unavailable for property placed in service after December 31, 2025, and the residential clean energy credit is unavailable for expenditures after that date. Federal clean-vehicle credits are unavailable for vehicles acquired after September 30, 2025. Review any permitted prior-year residential clean-energy credit carryforward separately.
- QBI for pass-through businesses
- Home office & accountable plan reimbursements
- Vehicle & depreciation (Sec. 179/bonus)
- Retirement contributions (IRA, SEP, Solo 401(k))
- Rental real estate expenses & travel logs
Tax Preparation Services to Discuss
- Plan: Assess estimated-payment needs and eligible options against taxpayer facts.
- Prepare: Clean, reconciled books; accurate returns; e-file
- Protect: IRS notices & representation, payment plans, penalty relief
- Review: Agree on the frequency and scope of any ongoing guidance.
Explore our related services: Tax Preparation • Bookkeeping • IRS Representation • Controller/CFO
FAQs
Why choose an Enrolled Agent for tax season?
An enrolled agent is federally enrolled to practice before the IRS. IRS representation requires authorization for the relevant tax matters and periods, generally through Form 2848. Ask about experience and the agreed services; the credential does not establish every provider’s service mix.
Do I need perfect books before filing?
Prior-period cleanup may be possible after reviewing records, balances and access. Agree on the periods, work required and schedule; cleanup does not guarantee error-free records, no delay or a particular audit outcome.
Can you help with back taxes or a payment plan?
With appropriate authorization, we can review notices and evaluate available responses, penalty-relief requests or installment agreements. Eligibility and IRS approval determine the options; relief, a payment plan and freedom from future issues are not guaranteed.
Discuss Your Tax Preparation Needs
Use a consultation to discuss filing needs, available records and deadlines. Any detailed document review, cleanup or planning requires an agreed scope and schedule; no particular credit or outcome is promised.
Services: Tax Preparation • Bookkeeping • IRS Representation
Before preparation begins, make a list of missing records and questions about significant changes. Ask who reviews the draft and how you will receive your completed return. The IRS guide to preparer credentials explains qualifications to check. Tax preparation and later notice responses should have clear responsibilities and an agreed scope.