End of Year Tax Preparation - What Does Your CPA Need - Really?

It is that time of year again when you are ready to2 - On menu across top
think about what you need to give to your bookkeeperClick on: REPORTS
or accountant. Here is a simple and easy to3 - On the reports menu
understand list of the paperwork and the reports thatClick on: Company and Financial
person needs to help them prepare your taxes asPROFIT AND LOSS STANDARD
easily and 'pain free' as possible. No need to put things4 - Pick the date range of "last fiscal year"
off this tax season.5 - On the reports menu
Most accounting software programs are very muchClick on: Company and Financial
the same when it comes to running reports so you'llBALANCE SHEET STANDARD
find the steps below similar for other programs too.6 - Pick the date range of "last fiscal year"
The Secret to getting this done is in setting aside a half7 - On the reports menu
day to do it in. If you wait you pay extra for a "Rush"Click on: Company and Financial
job, also known as a PIA fee by all bookkeepers andSTATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
accountants alike. Yes, if you procrastinate then you8 - Pick the date range of "last fiscal year"
are an entertaining and anonymous topic of9 - On the reports menu
conversation at lunch meetings!Click on: Accountant and taxes
End of Year Information To Prepare For YourTRIAL BALANCE
Accountant:10 - Pick the date range of "last fiscal year"
1 - All 1099/1096, W-2, W-3 Information on you and11 - On the reports menu
your businessClick on: Employees and Payroll
2 - December Previous year and January current yearPAYROLL SUMMARY
Bank Statements and reconciliation reports12 - Pick the date range of "last fiscal year"
3 - Petty Cash reconciliations13 - "Run" and "Print" all these reports and make a
4 - Credit Card charges and End of Year Financecopy for your file and your CPA
Charges(This menu example was taken from the reports
5 - List of Inventory and Assetssection of an accounting software program that is
6 - Mileageconsidered the 'industry standard" to most CPA
7 - Home business Use breakoutsprofessionals and bookkeepers).
8 - Payroll Reports from payroll companyNow you can make that appointment with your tax
9 - Quarterly reporting tax formsperson and sit back and enjoy the stories you are
10 - Draw and investment or payroll information onabout to hear from those people who will wait until the
partners or shareholderslast minute to get their paperwork ready and who are
11 - End of Year Balance Sheet, Profit and Lossslamming their heads against a wall trying to get their
Statement and Trial Balancereports done. If you took my advice then about now,
To Retrieve These Reports From Your Accountingyou may be asking yourself... where is that wine
Software:opener anyway!?
1 - Open company