Shah CPA Firm, PLLC

CHECKLIST for first meeting - income tax preparation:

* I prefer receiving hard copies of the items below instead of soft copies. It makes my life easier and your fee low - a win-win! * So, please don't just email me your stuff before getting my okay - because I will tell you to bring your tax docs in-person or alternatively I will ask you to mail this supporting info in a nice priority mail via USPS. 😊 

General Information:

1. Prior year's completed and filed tax return (all pages, both federal and state)
2. Cover Letter - include short paragraph and let me know any information that I should know or focus on
3. Include all Contact Information - current mailing address, phone number and email address. It is helpful to have phone number and email address for both people, if married. Make sure to put everyone's social security number and date of birth on the cover too. 
4. Married? Dependents? If so, need full name (as it appears on the social security card), social security number, and date of birth
5. Copy of your driver's license (both front and back) - for taxpayer and spouse
6. Bank Routing Number and Account Number (voided check is helpful, but not necessary) - for direct deposit of refund or electronic withdrawal of balance due. 
7. State anything important that I should focus on, such as: 1) moved into or out of the state, 2) purchased a rental property, 3) started a business or received 1099 income, 4) planning to retire, 5) kids getting close to college, etc...

Tax Documents:

1. All tax documents that came in the mail (some places provide online - if so, please print out for me) - W2, 1099, 1098, etc
2. Itemized Deduction information (property taxes, mortgage interest paid Form 1098-INT, charitable donations)

Profit & Loss Summary (P&L) for Sole Proprietorship or Rental Income:

1. One page P&L for sole proprietorship (business)
2. One page P&L for rental income (separate P&L for different property)
3. SEE BELOW for sample P&L statements

* If you have a business or rental, then let's talk so you and I are on the same page of what info I need and how the info should be presented. 

Other Information:

1. Significant cash outflows during the year (just let me know) - often there may be tax benefits
2. Any cash inflows during the year - let me decide whether it needs to be reported

You are probably paying more for your tax preparation than our rates. We are here to support you, and we won't let you down. Don't opt for an inferior product; your refund depends on it!​ Don't wait until you get all your forms.