Prepare for Tax Season

A Simple Guide for Individuals

Tax season doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right preparation, you can file accurately, avoid delays, and uncover opportunities that protect your financial well-being. At Forensics CPA Tax, we encourage clients to view tax season as a chance to gain clarity while remaining compliant. Here’s how to get ready.

Gather Your Essential Income Documents Early

Create one place, either digital or physical, where all your income-related tax documents are filed as they arrive. Key documents include:

• Form W-2 from employers

• Forms 1099 for other income sources (interest, dividends, contract work, retirement distributions, Social Security)

• Form W-2G for gambling or lottery winnings

• Schedule K-1 for income from partnerships, S corporations, estates, or trusts

• Investment gain/loss statements

• Records of estimated tax payments

• Prior-year tax return for reference

Having these ready prevents that last-minute scrambling and ensures nothing is overlooked.

Track Deductible Expenses and Credits

Many taxpayers miss valuable deductions simply because they didn’t track their expenses. Review possible deductible items and credit-related documents, such as:

• Forms 1098 (mortgage interest, property taxes, tuition statements, student loan interest)

• Form 1095-A (Marketplace health insurance statement)

• Form 5498 (IRA contributions reported by your financial institution)

• Charitable contributions

• Medical expenses

• Education expenses

• Energy-efficient home improvements

• Childcare expenses

• Retirement contributions

If you’re unsure what qualifies, keep the documentation anyway; we can advise you on what is needed or not when we assist with filing your return.

Organize Business or Side-Gig Income

If you earn freelance, contract, or small-business income, your recordkeeping matters. Gather:

• Income logs

• Bank and credit card transaction records

• Business expense receipts

• Mileage records

• Home office expenses:

  • Home insurance

  • Repairs and maintenance to your home office (or a proportionate share of repairs or maintenance done on your home)

  • Utilities

  • Furniture or fixtures purchased  

Clean, well-organized records reduce your audit risk and help you maximize allowable deductions.

Review Changes in Your Life

Major life events often affect your taxes. Let your tax preparer know if you:

• Got married or divorced

• Had a child

• Bought or sold a home

• Started a business

• Moved to a new state

• Inherited assets

These changes can impact filing status, credits, withholding, and more.

Protect Yourself from Fraud

Tax season is peak time for scams. Stay cautious:

• The IRS will never call, text, or email demanding immediate payment

• Use secure portals for sharing documents; avoid sending sensitive files by email

• Shred old financial documents you no longer need

A forensic tax review helps identify inconsistencies, missing forms, or unusual activity.

Book Your Tax Preparation Early

Don’t wait until the deadline rush. Filing early:

• Reduces the risk of identity-theft related tax fraud

• Gives you more time to correct issues

• Helps you plan for payments or refunds

Work With a Practitioner Who Looks Beyond the Numbers

At Forensics CPA Tax, tax preparation isn’t just data entry. Our approach focuses on accuracy, risk reduction, and strategic planning, giving clients peace of mind and protection long after the return is filed.