A good tax handoff provides complete reports, supporting documents, and context. Sending a folder of statements without explanation shifts bookkeeping work to the accountant at the most expensive time of year.
Core financial reports
- Year-end profit-and-loss statement and balance sheet.
- General ledger and trial balance.
- December bank and credit-card statements with completed reconciliations.
- Loan statements and year-end interest information.
Payroll, tax, and contractor records
Include annual payroll reports, owner compensation details, sales-tax summaries, estimated-tax confirmations, contractor payment reports, and W-9 information. Explain any late, amended, or disputed filings.
Assets and major changes
List equipment and vehicles purchased or sold, with dates and amounts. Describe new loans, new locations, ownership changes, new states served, major legal matters, and changes in business activity.
Make the handoff easy to review
- Use the accountant’s secure delivery system.
- Name files consistently.
- Provide one written list of questions and unusual items.
- Identify the person who can answer bookkeeping questions.
- Confirm deadlines and the missing-item process.
Organization does not replace professional judgment, but it allows the accountant to spend more time applying it.