By RnM Advisory · Updated October 11, 2026
Tax preparation is the process of gathering financial records, reviewing the information needed for a return, calculating the reported tax and preparing the return for filing. A useful review starts with your actual documents and the tax year involved. RnM Advisory provides tax preparation in Fort Lauderdale, with service in English and Haitian Creole.
What does tax preparation include?
- Organizing records. Gather income statements, prior returns, payment confirmations and records relevant to your household or business.
- Reviewing your situation. Tell your preparer about changes such as a move, new income source, new business or change in family circumstances.
- Checking the return. Reconcile the documents, identify missing information and review the items reported before filing.
- Preparing for filing. Review the completed return, ask questions and follow the steps your preparer provides for authorization and submission.
- Keeping records. Retain the return, confirmations and supporting documents so they can be found later.
What should you bring to your tax appointment?
- Income documents such as Forms W-2 and 1099.
- Information about your spouse and dependants, where relevant.
- Your prior-year return and any IRS or state correspondence.
- Relevant health-insurance, education and expense documents.
- For a business, a summary of income, expenses and supporting records.
- Details and confirmations of payments already made.
Start with our tax preparation checklist. Tell us what is missing rather than estimating an amount or assuming every form has arrived.
Tax preparation and tax planning
Preparing a return addresses a particular tax year. Planning looks ahead at changes and the records you will need for future decisions. Discuss new work, business activity or major transactions during your review so the preparer can identify questions to address. Tax planning remains part of RnM Advisory’s client guidance.
How tax preparation differs from bookkeeping
Bookkeeping organizes business transactions and financial records throughout the year. Those records support tax preparation and help explain the figures on a return. If your business records need attention, review our bookkeeping services before the filing appointment.
What if you received an IRS letter?
Bring every page of the notice and identify its response deadline. A notice review may need different records from a routine return-preparation appointment. Read our IRS notice guide and tell us about the deadline when booking.
Questions to ask your preparer
- Which documents are still needed?
- What work is included in the service and how is the final fee determined?
- How will I review the completed return?
- How should I share and retain sensitive tax records?
- Who should I contact if I receive a later notice?
Book tax preparation with RnM Advisory
See tax preparation services and current pricing, visit our Haitian Creole tax preparation page or book an appointment. A free 30-minute consultation is available for IRS matters; tax preparation and other services have their own fees and scope.