Tax pro hiring checklist & documents to bring

Check the credential before you hand over your Social Security number.

• They have a current PTIN and will sign my return with it
• If they say CPA: the license shows as active on CPAverify.org or the state board's site
• If they say enrolled agent: they appear in the IRS Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers
• If I might face an audit or a balance due, they can represent me (CPA, EA or attorney)
• They work year-round or can be reached after April if the IRS writes to me

No surprises at pickup.

• I know how they charge: flat per form, hourly, or a quote after seeing my documents
• I know what's included: state returns, e-filing, amendments, help with IRS letters
• I know who prepares my return and who reviews it
• Documents go through a secure portal or in person, not plain email
• I know when I'll see a draft and when it will be filed

The IRS warns about each of these. If one can't be ticked, walk away.

• The fee is not a percentage of my refund
• Nobody asked me to sign a blank or unfinished return
• My refund goes straight to my own bank account, not theirs
• They will wait for my W-2 instead of filing from a pay stub
• No one promised a bigger refund before seeing my documents
• Nothing is made up: every dependent, expense and dollar of income is real

Everything needed to prove who's on the return.

• Photo ID for me (and my spouse, if filing jointly)
• Social Security cards or ITIN letters for everyone on the return
• Dates of birth for every dependent
• Last year's federal and state returns
• My IRS Identity Protection PIN letter, if I have one
• Bank routing and account numbers for direct deposit

One form for every payer. A missing form is one of the most common reasons the IRS sends a letter later.

• W-2s from every employer
• 1099-NEC, 1099-K or 1099-MISC for freelance, gig or side income
• 1099-INT, 1099-DIV and 1099-B from banks and brokers
• 1099-R for pensions or IRA withdrawals, SSA-1099 for Social Security
• 1099-G for unemployment or a state tax refund
• Business and rental income and expense records
• Schedule K-1s from partnerships, S corporations or trusts

The paperwork behind every break you claim.

• Form 1098 for mortgage interest, plus property tax bills
• Form 1098-T for tuition and 1098-E for student loan interest
• Child care provider's name, address, tax ID and what I paid
• Form 1095-A if I had Marketplace health insurance
• Receipts for charitable donations
• HSA and IRA contribution records
• Dates and amounts of any estimated tax payments I made
• Mileage log and receipts for business expenses

You are legally responsible for what's on your return, even if someone else prepared it.

• I read every page and asked about anything I didn't understand
• Names, Social Security numbers and bank numbers are correct, digit by digit
• The preparer's name, signature and PTIN are on the return
• I have a full copy of everything that was filed, federal and state
• I know who to call if the IRS or my state sends a letter