KNIGHT BOOKKEEPING · SOUTHERN NEW HAMPSHIRE
How to prepare your bookkeeping for a tax professional
A useful handoff gives your tax professional organized records and a clear list of unresolved questions. Begin by asking what they need for your business and the period they are preparing.
By Alexander Knight, owner of Knight Bookkeeping
Agree on the period and requested records
Confirm which year or other reporting period is involved, the accounting basis they want, and their preferred document process. Requirements vary with the business and engagement. Do not assume that last year's checklist covers every change in the current year.
Check completeness before exporting reports
Review whether all business bank and credit-card accounts are represented and whether statements are available for each relevant period. Confirm which accounts have been reconciled and the last completed month. Missing accounts or incomplete periods should be disclosed rather than hidden behind a finished-looking report.
Gather support for unusual activity
Keep records for loans, equipment purchases or disposals, owner transactions, and other items that may require explanation. Do not guess at a tax classification to make the handoff appear complete. Identify the transaction, amount, date, and supporting document, then ask the appropriate professional to resolve the treatment.
Keep open questions visible
A short exception list can include unmatched transactions, missing receipts, uncertain opening balances, and requested adjustments. State what has been checked and what remains unresolved. If changes are made after reports are shared, label the updated version and tell the recipient which period changed so everyone works from the same records.
Use an agreed secure workflow
Ask the receiving professional how to share records and grant any necessary access. Avoid sending credentials or sensitive financial attachments through an unagreed process. Knight Bookkeeping can help organize QuickBooks Online records, complete overdue work, and prepare bookkeeping reports within the agreed scope. Tax filing and tax advice belong with the tax professional you engage. This checklist concerns record preparation and does not establish filing or retention requirements.
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