| A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) typically bases | | | | documents. |
| their rates at least partially on an hourly basis. Because | | | | Any notices from the IRS or other taxing authorities - If |
| of this, it's in your best interest to be organized and | | | | you received any letters about your taxes or tax |
| efficient with your paperwork so they don't have to | | | | situation from your city, county, state or the IRS, bring |
| spend a lot of time requesting pertinent documents | | | | these with. |
| and information from you. To help speed along the | | | | Schedule K-1 - This form is for income or loss form |
| process and save yourself some money, make sure | | | | S-corporations, partnerships and other legal entities. |
| your bring all of the following to your first meeting with | | | | State specific forms - Some states require additional |
| your CPA. | | | | forms or documentations for exemptions and |
| A completed tax organizer - This is a form that has all | | | | deductions. For example, Seattle and Bellevue |
| your necessary basic information for your account. | | | | businesses have to pay Business & Occupation (B&O) |
| Some CPAs will have their own form for you to fill out. | | | | taxes according to Washington State tax law. |
| Otherwise, you can find basic tax organizers online. | | | | Aside from these documents, you'll want to bring in |
| Last Year's Tax Return - This is essential for new | | | | any other supporting documents. That includes |
| clients. Always keep your returns on file so your tax | | | | schedules, checkbooks, receipts for charitable |
| preparer has a good starting point. | | | | donations and business purchases, information |
| Form W-2 - Ask your employer for this if you haven't | | | | regarding deductible expenses and any documents |
| received it yet. | | | | relating to self-employment income or other |
| Form 1099 - You'll receive this from your banks and | | | | miscellaneous income. |
| investment accounts or from anyone who's retained | | | | Being organized when it comes to working with a |
| you as an independent contractor. | | | | CPA pays off in many ways. You'll save time and |
| Form 1098 - If you own a home or property, your | | | | you'll ensure that your tax return is filed in a correct |
| mortgage company will forward you this information. | | | | and timely fashion, which decreases your chances of |
| Brokerage statements - Bring these in for each of | | | | paying penalties or being audited. Ask your CPA what |
| your stock, bond or investment accounts for the year. | | | | you should bring to your first meeting and get started |
| Closing statements - If you bought, sold or refinanced | | | | off on the right foot. |
| real estate in the tax year, bring your closing | | | | |