Getting your taxes done doesn’t need to feel confusing. Most people stress out because they walk into their appointment unsure about what they should bring. When you show up prepared, everything moves faster, your return is more accurate, and you reduce the chance of IRS problems later.
This guide breaks down exactly what you should gather before your appointment. It’s designed for freelancers, 1099 workers, and small business owners in Los Angeles County, but it applies to almost anyone filing taxes.
Income Documents
Anything that shows money you earned needs to be included. Missing just one form can delay your return or trigger a mismatch later.
Bring:
- All 1099-NEC and 1099-MISC forms from clients
- 1099-K forms if you accept payments through PayPal, Venmo, Stripe, Square, Shopify, Uber, DoorDash, Airbnb, eBay, or other platforms
- W-2s, if you also work a traditional job
- Records of cash payments
- A list of Zelle, Cash App, or direct-deposit payments from clients
- Bank statements showing business deposits
- Sales summaries or payout reports from online stores like Etsy, Amazon, eBay, or personal websites
If a client never sent you a 1099, bring your own records. The IRS still expects that income to be reported, even if you never received the form.
Expense Records
Your expenses play a big role in lowering your business income for tax purposes. Good documentation makes a big difference in how much you owe.
Bring any records of:
- Mileage driven for business or gas receipts if you’re using the actual-expense method
- Home office expenses, including rent amount, square footage, electricity, internet, and phone bill
- Equipment purchases like cameras, laptops, tools, monitors, drones, or printers
- Software and app subscriptions
- Advertising and marketing costs
- Business meals with clients (include dates and purpose)
- Insurance for the business
- Professional services like legal or accounting fees
- Supplies, small tools, or materials
- Bank and credit card statements, if you don’t have itemized receipts
If your expenses aren’t organized, bring what you have. Your preparer can help you sort through it.
Business Information
If you operate a formal business structure, make sure you have the right documents. These help your tax preparer file your return correctly and match IRS records.
Bring:
- Your EIN
- LLC formation documents
- S-Corp registration or election paperwork
- Prior-year business and personal tax returns
- A list of assets purchased for the business that cost more than $2,500 (for depreciation rules)
- Any bookkeeping reports you have from QuickBooks, Wave, or another program
Even if you’re a sole proprietor, having your old returns and income summaries helps your preparer avoid mistakes.
Personal and Family Documents
Most business owners forget that their business and personal returns are tied together unless they’re structured as an S-Corp or C-Corp. Bring the personal items too.
- Your ID
- Social Security numbers for yourself, spouse, and dependents
- Health insurance forms (1095-A, 1095-B, or 1095-C)
- Childcare expenses
- Education forms like 1098-T
- Banking information for direct deposit
- Mortgage interest statements if you own a home
- Property tax receipts
These items help your preparer complete the full return and check for any deductions or credits you might qualify for.
Special Cases That Require Extra Documents
Some taxpayers forget these, but they matter:
- IRS letters, notices, or past-due reminders
- Proof of quarterly estimated tax payments
- Records for rental properties
- Cryptocurrency transaction history from Coinbase, Crypto.com, Binance, or Webull
- Unemployment forms
- Investment income documents (1099-INT, 1099-DIV, 1099-B)
- Stock sale summaries
- Retirement account contributions or withdrawals
If anything unusual happened during the tax year, bring documentation.
Why Preparation Matters
When you arrive with everything ready, the appointment is smoother, faster, and more accurate. Missing forms often lead to:
- Amendments
- Delays in refunds
- IRS matching notices
- Extra fees
- More stress
Taxes are always cleaner when handled the first time.
How Local Tax Makes This Easier
Local Tax has been serving clients across Los Angeles County since 2009. A lot of your clients aren’t huge corporations. They’re small business owners, freelancers, contractors, barbers, rideshare drivers, cleaners, and people who run their own side gigs. Those clients often worry about taxes because they don’t know what to bring or how to stay organized.
Your service fills that gap because you combine tax preparation with bookkeeping knowledge. People come to you because they want:
- Clear explanations
- Affordable pricing
- Help with both business and personal taxes
- Guidance on 1099 income
- Support with payment plans or IRS letters
- A place that doesn’t judge them for being disorganized
If you’re filing taxes in Los Angeles County and want help getting everything ready, Local Tax offers in-person and remote appointments. Call (562) 925-2203.
