If you have not started, now is a good time to begin gathering and organizing your tax documents. Before you send your materials to your tax professional, a few simple steps can help ensure your information is complete, secure, and easy to process. These small efforts can save time, reduce errors, and keep your tax filing on track.
1. Open Every Envelope
It sounds simple, but unopened envelopes are among the most significant sources of missing or overlooked forms. Before sending your tax documents to your tax preparer:
- Open all mail from banks, investment firms, mortgage lenders, or employers—do not assume you know the contents
2. Organize without using staples
Staples jam scanners, and removing them can sometimes damage the forms, which slows down the preparation process. Instead:
- Use paper clips or binder clips to group physical documents
- Organize papers by category (e.g., Income, Deductions, Charitable Contributions) and label each section clearly
3. Watch for Late or Corrected Forms
While most tax forms arrive by the end of January, some—like brokerage statements or Schedule K-1s—are typically not available until mid-February or later and can be corrected.
- Maintain a checklist of expected forms to track what’s received and still pending
4. Include Key Supporting Documents
To ensure accuracy and avoid IRS inquiries, provide your preparer with:
- Year-end paystubs, especially if claiming deductions under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), such as qualified overtime or gig economy income
- Proof of estimated tax payments, like IRS Direct Pay confirmations, bank statements, or cancelled checks
- Summarize receipts or logs for deductions, such as charitable donations or business expenses, to substantiate claims
5. Label and Organize Digitally or Physically
Clear organization reduces back-and-forth with your preparer:
- For electronic documents, use descriptive file names, such as “2025 W-2 – XYZ Corp” or “2025 1098 – Mortgage Interest”
- Avoid highlighting or writing notes directly on official forms. Instead, include a separate summary sheet or digital note for context
- To protect your sensitive personal information, do not email tax documents to your preparer. Instead, upload them to your preparer’s secure client portal
6. Flag Major Life Changes
Life events can significantly impact your taxes. Notify your preparer about:
- Marriage, divorce, or new dependents
- Home purchase or sale
- Job changes, including new side hustles or gig work
- Cryptocurrency transactions or other complex investments
Final Tip
A little preparation now goes a long way. Before submitting your tax documents, take a moment to open, review, and organize everything—no staples, clear labels, and secure uploads. These steps ensure a faster, more accurate filing process, giving you peace of mind and more time to focus on your financial goals.