The difference between a quick tax appointment and a two-hour scramble? Preparation.
I’ve done this long enough to know what trips people up. It’s usually not the complicated stuff. It’s the basics that get forgotten until we’re sitting across from each other and I ask for something that’s still in a pile on your kitchen counter.
So here’s what I need from you. Print this out. Stick it on your fridge. Check things off as you find them.
The Short List
Your prior year tax return. If I did your taxes last year, I already have it. If not, I need to see what you filed.
- All your 1099s.
hese should be arriving now through mid-February. If you did work for someone and they paid you more than $600, you should get one. Don’t panic if you’re still waiting on a few. They trickle in. - Income records:
Bank statements showing deposits, or reports from your invoicing software. I need to know what came in. - Mileage:
If you track it, great. If you don’t, give me your best honest estimate. How many miles do you drive for work in a typical week? We’ll work from there. - Big equipment purchases:
That truck, trailer, tools, or machinery you bought in 2025. Bring receipts. Section 179 lets you write off equipment purchases, but I need to know what you bought. - Missing 1099s:
You think you have them all, then remember that side job from March. If you’re waiting on one, don’t let it hold up everything else.
What Trips People Up
Mixed expenses. When your business card and personal card are the same card, we have to sort through everything. It takes longer and things get missed.
The “I’ll remember that” receipt. You won’t. Nobody does. That’s why I tell my monthly bookkeeping clients to snap a photo the day they buy something.
The Stress-Free Timeline
Right now: Start gathering documents. Use the list above.
Mid-February: Book your appointment if you haven’t already. March fills up fast.
March: Filed, done, moving on with your life while everyone else is panicking in April.
Here’s What I See All The Time
Contractors who come in prepared are in and out. The ones who aren’t? We spend half the appointment tracking things down.
My monthly bookkeeping clients show up with everything ready because we’ve been organizing it all year. No scramble, no missing receipts, no stress. Just a quick review and we’re done.
If that sounds better than what you’re doing now, I’m happy to talk about it after tax season settles down.
For now, gather your documents and give me a call.
Sue