Tax Preparation Checklist for the 2027 Filing Season

By RnM Advisory · Updated October 11, 2026

Getting ready to file your 2026 tax return in 2027? Use this tax preparation checklist to organize your records before your appointment. A complete file helps your preparer ask the right questions and reduces last-minute requests for missing information.

RnM Advisory provides tax preparation in Fort Lauderdale and remote support for clients across all 50 states. Keep this checklist with your tax folder and mark the sections that apply to your household or business.

Start your 2027 filing-season folder now

The 2027 filing season covers income and expenses from January through December 2026. Begin organizing records now, then add your final tax forms as they arrive. Year-end pay statements can help you prepare, but they do not replace final information returns. Check that names, addresses and taxpayer identification details match your records.

Personal information and prior returns

• Photo identification and taxpayer identification information for everyone on the return.
• Your most recent federal and state returns, including amendments.
• Current address, contact information and any IRS Identity Protection PIN issued for the filing year.
• Verified bank routing and account details if you request direct deposit.
• Details of marriage, divorce, births, deaths, moves or changes in dependent care during 2026.

Income documents to gather

• Forms W-2 from every employer.
• Forms 1099-NEC, 1099-MISC and 1099-K, plus records of self-employment income.
• Forms 1099-INT, 1099-DIV and investment sales statements, including purchase-cost records.
• Forms 1099-R and SSA-1099 for retirement and Social Security income.
• Forms 1099-G and W-2G, and relevant partnership or S corporation Schedules K-1.
• Rental income records and digital asset transaction histories.

Make a list of employers, banks, brokers and other payers so you can track which forms are still missing. Ask your preparer about corrected forms or statements received after an earlier return was filed. See the IRS document checklist for additional examples.

Family, education, healthcare and deduction records

Collect dependent residency and support information, childcare provider details and amounts paid, education statements and receipts, and Form 1095-A if you had Marketplace coverage. Include mortgage statements, property tax records, charitable contribution documentation, retirement contributions and other records your preparer requests. Having a receipt does not automatically mean an expense qualifies for a deduction or credit.

Extra records for self-employed and rental clients

Organize your income and expense totals by category, with the supporting statements and receipts. Add mileage logs, equipment purchase details, prior depreciation schedules and estimated tax payment confirmations. For rental properties, organize records separately for each property. If your books are incomplete, our bookkeeping services can help you prepare records for tax review.

Documents related to recent tax-law changes

If tips, overtime, a qualifying vehicle purchase or age-based deductions may affect you, keep the relevant payroll statements, purchase and loan records, and dates. Eligibility depends on the specific rule and your circumstances. Our updated OBBBA tax guide explains what to discuss with your tax expert.

Keep notices and protect your documents

Include IRS and state letters, payment records and prior correspondence in a separate folder. Share documents through the secure upload method provided by RnM Advisory; do not post Social Security numbers or tax documents in website comments or social media messages.

There is no single three-year rule for every record. Retention depends on the return and the type of document; some situations require longer retention or keeping records indefinitely. Keep property basis records through the relevant period after disposal. Review the IRS record-retention guidance before discarding records.

Common tax preparation questions

Can I book before every tax form arrives?

Yes. Book your appointment and tell us which documents are outstanding. Your preparer will explain what is needed before the return can be completed.

What if I worked or lived in another state?

Bring the dates and locations of work and residence, along with prior state returns and state withholding records. Your preparer will review which state filings apply.

How is my final preparation price determined?

See our Tax Return service page for basic starting prices. Your tax expert determines the final price after all documents have been uploaded and reviewed.

Book your tax preparation appointment

Ready to organize your 2026 return? Book an appointment with RnM Advisory. Tell us whether you prefer English or Haitian Creole and which sections of this checklist apply to you.