Getting Ready for Tax Season: What Your Accountant Needs From You

Tax season feels stressful for many business owners, but most of that stress comes from feeling unprepared.

The good news is that preparing for taxes does not have to be overwhelming. When your information is organized and your books are accurate, tax season becomes a smoother, more predictable process.

Here is what your accountant actually needs from you and how you can make the process easier on everyone, including yourself.

Clean and Up-to-Date Financials

Your accountant relies on accurate bookkeeping to prepare your tax return correctly.

This includes:

• Reconciled bank and credit card accounts
• Properly categorized income and expenses
• Clear separation between business and personal transactions

If your books are behind or messy, tax preparation takes longer, costs more, and increases the risk of errors.

Income Documentation

In addition to your bookkeeping records, your accountant may need:

• 1099 forms you received
• Records of other business income not processed through your main bank account
• Details about new income streams or services added during the year

Missing income information can lead to notices and penalties later.

Expense and Deduction Support

Some deductions require extra documentation. Be prepared to provide:

• Mileage logs
• Equipment or large purchase details
• Home office information, if applicable
• Loan interest statements

The more organized this information is, the easier it is to claim deductions confidently.

Payroll and Contractor Records

If you have employees or contractors, your accountant will need:

• Payroll reports
• W-2 and 1099 filing confirmations
• Details about any new hires or pay changes

Accurate payroll reporting is essential for both tax compliance and avoiding penalties.

Changes in Your Business or Personal Situation

Your accountant is not just filing forms. They are applying tax rules to your specific situation.

Be sure to communicate:

• Major purchases or asset sales
• New loans or lines of credit
• Changes in ownership
• Big life changes that could affect taxes

These details can impact deductions, credits, and tax planning opportunities.

Why Organization Matters

When your information is organized and complete:

• Your return can be filed more quickly
• You reduce back-and-forth emails and stress
• You lower the risk of mistakes or missed deductions

Preparation turns tax season from a scramble into a process.

Make Tax Season Easier on Yourself

You do not have to do everything alone, but you do need to know what your accountant needs in order to do their job well.

When your bookkeeping is accurate and your documents are organized, tax season becomes far less intimidating.

If you want help getting your books tax-ready and making sure your financials are accurate before filing, this is exactly what we support our clients with. A little preparation now can save a lot of stress later. Click here to set up a time to chat: https://aem-accounting.com/contact