Tax Preparation Checklist
A jurisdiction-neutral organization checklist before preparing or filing a tax return.
- Confirm the tax year and filing deadline from the relevant official authority.
- Gather identification and taxpayer information required in your jurisdiction.
- Collect wage, business, investment and other income records.
- Organize records for potentially eligible deductions and credits.
- Collect records of taxes already withheld or paid.
- Review investment sales and relevant cost-basis records.
- Gather property, retirement and other tax documents where applicable.
- Compare entries with prior-year records for missing items.
- Use current official forms, rates and instructions.
- Keep copies of filed returns and supporting records as required.
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This checklist is general education and cannot identify the filing requirements that apply to a specific taxpayer or jurisdiction.