Tax Season Is Here: What You Should Be Gathering and Looking For
- Jim O'Callaghan, CPA
- 10 hours ago
- 3 min read
Tax season has a way of arriving whether you feel ready or not. Once January turns into February, deadlines feel closer, questions pile up, and missing paperwork suddenly becomes stressful. The good news is that a little preparation now can make the entire process smoother, faster, and far less frustrating.
Whether you are filing as an individual, running a small business, or doing a mix of both, gathering the right documents early helps avoid delays, reduce errors, and prevent last‑minute surprises. Below is a practical guide to what you should start pulling together before your tax appointment.
Personal Information to Confirm First
Before diving into income and deductions, start with the basics. These details seem simple, but even small errors can slow processing or delay refunds.
Before your appointment or filing deadline, make sure you have:
Social Security numbers for yourself, your spouse, and dependents
Dates of birth for all dependents
A copy of last year’s tax return, if available
Your current address, phone number, and email
If anything changed during the year, such as a marriage, divorce, new child, or move, flag it early. Life changes often affect filing status, credits, and deductions.
Income Documents to Gather
Income reporting is one of the most common places where mistakes happen, especially when documents arrive at different times or from multiple sources.
Look for:
W‑2 forms from employers
1099‑NEC or 1099‑MISC for freelance or contract work
1099‑INT and 1099‑DIV for bank interest and investment income
1099‑B for investment sales
K‑1 forms from partnerships or S corporations
Social Security (SSA‑1099) or pension income statements
Even if you did not receive a form, income may still be reportable. Side gigs, digital payments, or freelance work often need to be included even when paperwork is delayed or missing.
Homeownership and Property Tax Records
For New York homeowners, especially those in Queens and on Long Island, home‑related documents play a big role in tax planning.
Be sure to gather:
Property tax statements
Mortgage interest statements (Form 1098)
Records of real estate tax payments
Information on refinances or home equity loans
If you bought or sold a home during the year, bring your closing statements. Those transactions can affect deductions, capital gains, and reporting requirements.
Deduction and Credit Documentation
Deductions and credits reduce what you owe, but only if they are properly documented.
You may need:
Records of charitable donations
Medical expense summaries
Childcare and dependent care expense records
Education expenses (Form 1098‑T)
Energy efficiency or home improvement receipts
Having this information ready makes it easier to determine whether itemizing or taking the standard deduction makes the most sense.
Small Business and Self‑Employed Records
If you are self‑employed or own a business, organization is especially important at tax time.
Bring:
Income summaries or profit and loss statements
Business expense records
Mileage logs or vehicle expense details
Payroll records
Sales tax filings, if applicable
Estimated tax payment records
Clean records help reduce errors, prevent missed deductions, and make tax planning conversations more productive.
Estimated Payments and Prior Notices
If you made estimated tax payments during the year, make sure those amounts are documented.
Also include:
Copies of any IRS or New York State notices
Payment confirmations or account transcripts, if available
Ignoring notices or assuming they were resolved can lead to problems later.
What to Look for Before You File
As you gather documents, take a few minutes to review them carefully.
Check for:
Incorrect Social Security numbers or names
Missing income forms
Duplicate forms
Obvious discrepancies between records
Catching issues early allows time to request corrections before filing.
Start Early, Stress Less
Tax season does not have to feel overwhelming. Starting early gives you more flexibility, more time to ask questions, and a better chance to file accurately.
TaxMaster works with individuals and businesses across Queens and Long Island to make tax season clear and manageable. Whether your return is straightforward or more complex, preparation makes all the difference.
Glendale Office: 718‑326‑0500
Melville Office: 631‑673‑0617
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I am missing a tax document?
If a form is delayed or missing, do not guess. A tax professional can help determine whether to wait, estimate, or request a corrected form.
Do I need to bring receipts for everything?
Not always, but summaries and key documentation help support deductions and reduce questions later.
When should I schedule my tax appointment?
The earlier, the better. Early appointments allow more flexibility and reduce last‑minute pressure.