Choosing a professional to assist with your tax preparation isn’t a decision you should make lightly. You need to work with someone who has the experience necessary to minimize your taxes while remaining in compliance with IRS rules. If you choose an inexperienced tax accountant, you may end up paying more than you have to in taxes, and if you choose a careless or unscrupulous accountant, your tax return may raise red flags that lead to an audit.

The purpose of preparing to get your tax return done is to ascertain that you report all income earned and that you are able to receive all applicable and allowable deductions available

Tax preparation is the process of gathering, organizing and reporting your final taxable income. Items necessary to begin your tax return include all proof of income forms such as W-2, 1099, and information on capital gains. You will also need any forms received with interest income paid to you, rents, and any other form of income you might have received during the tax year. In addition, you should gather all receipts for expenses such as mortgage payments, taxes paid, medical expenses, and more. If you own a business, there is an extensive list of items you will need to have ready to prepare for your tax return filing.