Small Business Tax Preparation Guide

Resource overview

Organize income, expenses, and business records before meeting your preparer. Use it to organize the information you already have, identify gaps, and prepare a more useful conversation with your adviser.

Who is this for?

This resource is designed for small business readers. If your filing structure, employment situation, or business activities are more complex, review the official references and seek tailored guidance.

What's included?

• Reconcile bank and card activity with bookkeeping records
• Separate business expenses from owner transactions
• Gather payroll and contractor records where applicable
• Review your entity's filing responsibilities with a professional
• Keep support for amounts reported on the return

How to use this resource

1. Download the PDF and save a working copy.
2. Work through the listed items using your own statements, receipts, and records.
3. Check missing information against the official references below.
4. Keep the completed file and original source documents securely.

Common mistakes to avoid

Do not assume that a checklist determines eligibility, that last year's rule still applies, or that a template replaces a required government form. Reconcile amounts to original documents and verify current instructions before filing or paying.

Document preview

Official references

Use these authoritative pages to verify time-sensitive tax details and find current forms.

• IRS Small Business and Self-Employed Tax Center
• IRS: What kind of records should I keep?