Helpful tips for turning in tax documents to your CPA

Preparing taxes can be a time-consuming and stressful task for both individuals and their Certified Public Accountant (CPA). However, there are steps you can take to help your CPA prepare your taxes more efficiently, reducing the time and effort required and potentially lowering the cost of the service.

1. Be organized: Gather all the necessary documents and records related to your income, expenses, deductions, and credits. This includes W-2s, 1099s, receipts, bank statements, and investment records. Organize them in a logical and easy-to-follow manner to save your CPA time and help ensure nothing is missed. Fill in totaled information on your provided organizer.

2. Communicate clearly: Make sure you clearly communicate any changes in your financial situation, such as new income sources, investment gains or losses, or major life events such as marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child. The more information your CPA has, the better prepared they will be to accurately and efficiently prepare your taxes.

3. Use technology: Consider using technology to streamline the tax preparation process. Many accounting software programs such as QuickBooks and Xero allow you to easily import and categorize transactions, generate reports. Additionally, you can use our cloud-based storage service Sharefile to securely share documents with your CPA and eliminate the need for physical paperwork.

4. Submit documents electronically: PDF format can be a great way to help your CPA prepare your taxes more efficiently. Here are a few reasons why:

a. PDFs are universally recognized: PDF is a widely recognized format that can be opened and viewed on almost any device or platform, including computers, tablets, and smartphones. This makes it easy for your CPA to access and review your documents without worrying about compatibility issues. b. PDFs are easy to create: Creating PDFs is a straightforward process that can be done with just a few clicks. Most modern operating systems and software programs allow you to easily convert documents, spreadsheets, and other files into PDF format. c. PDFs are searchable: PDFs can be made searchable, which means that your CPA can quickly find and extract information from your documents without having to manually search through them. d. PDFs are easy to share: PDFs can be easily shared via email, file-sharing services, or cloud-based storage platforms. This means that you can quickly and easily provide your CPA with the documents they need without having to physically hand them over.

5. Start early: Don't wait until the last minute to start gathering documents and meeting with your CPA. Give yourself and your CPA plenty of time to review your financial situation, identify any potential issues, and prepare and file your taxes accurately and on time.

6. Keep accurate records: Accurate record-keeping throughout the year can save you and your CPA time and stress during tax season. Keep receipts for expenses, track your mileage, and maintain detailed records of any charitable donations or other deductions.

7. Be responsive: If your CPA requests additional information or clarification, respond promptly to ensure there are no delays in the preparation process. Your CPA may need additional information or documentation to properly prepare your return, so be sure to provide whatever is needed in a timely manner.

8. Consult with your CPA regularly: It's important to stay in touch with your CPA throughout the year, not just during tax season. Consult with your CPA regularly to review your financial situation, identify opportunities for tax planning, and discuss any changes that may affect your tax liability.

In conclusion, preparing taxes can be a daunting task, but by following these tips, you can help your CPA prepare your taxes more efficiently, accurately, and stress-free. By being organized, communicating clearly, using technology, starting early, keeping accurate records, being responsive, and consulting with your CPA regularly, you can help ensure a smooth tax preparation process and potentially reduce the cost of the service.