Four Items to Bring to Your Tax Preparation Meeting
Preparation for CPA Meeting
It’s tax season, and if this is your first time utilizing a CPA to prepare your taxes, you want to be sure you are adequately prepared prior to your first meeting with your accountant. Most CPAs generally charge for their services by the hour, and the more time you waste attempting to prepare items on the spot, the less time your CPA has to help you. While each tax situation is unique, many CPAs suggest that you come with a few particular items in order to ensure that your meeting is maximally effective and efficient.
Pen and Notebook
Be prepared to take notes. If this your first time meeting with your CPA, you are going to want to make sure that you listen very carefully and take note of everything that is said to ensure that you are prepared during your next meeting with them.
Employment Forms
If you have W-2, 1099 or any other employment verification forms, please bring them along with you to your first meeting. This is vitally important because your accountant will need to input this information into his or her computer system in order to determine what your tax refund is or if you owe any money.
Charitable Donations
Are you a giver? Do you give money to local charities or to your local church? Make sure you bring documentation with you to substantiate this giving during your first meeting with your CPA. While you may have given in good spirit, charitable donations are actually tax deductions which could save you from a plethora of tax penalties.
Dependent Care
Do you take care your own, or perhaps someone else’s, children? Do you have a parent that lives with you? If you take care of anyone else’s expenses, then make sure you bring all bills and documents associated with such expenses. Taking care of these expenses could land you additional tax credits or put you in a position to file as head of household.
Have you met with your CPA recently to go over your tax information? What forms were you asked to bring? Leave your comments below.
Image credit: Leslie Richards
