Client resources.
A clearer next step.

Use this as a starting list, then confirm the records needed for your particular year and situation.

• Set aside your prior-year return and any tax notices or letters you have received.
• Gather the tax documents you received and keep a short list of anything still missing.
• Collect records of tax payments already made, including the date, amount, and tax year shown.
• If you run a business, gather the year-end financial reports and supporting account statements.
• Write down major personal or business changes and the questions you want to discuss.
• Confirm the document-sharing method with your accountant before sending sensitive records.

A regular review makes it easier to spot missing information while the details are still fresh.

• Gather the month’s bank, credit card, loan, and payment-processor statements.
• Check that expected transactions are present, then review for duplicates or missing entries.
• Reconcile each account to its statement and flag any difference you cannot explain.
• Review uncategorized transactions and attach supporting receipts or a useful note.
• Review unpaid customer invoices and vendor bills, noting anything that needs follow-up.
• Read your financial reports, record unusual changes, and bring open questions to your accountant.

A consistent folder and naming routine helps you and your accountant work from the same records.

• Keep a separate folder for each person or business, then organize records by year.
• Use clear subfolders such as statements, receipts, tax documents, and correspondence.
• Name files consistently with a date and a short description, such as 2026-08-bank-statement.pdf.
• Keep the original document and mark revised copies clearly so the current version is easy to identify.
• Store a short missing-items list alongside the records instead of relying on memory.
• Review who has access to shared folders and use the sharing method agreed with your accountant.