Tax prep is filing. Tax planning is strategy. Knowing the difference helps you avoid surprises and keep more of what you earn. Tax prep Preparing and filing your return based on what already happened during the year. Tax planning Looking ahead to reduce taxes legally—through better tracking, timing, and business decisions. Who benefits most from planning • Self-employed/1099 earners • Small business owners • Anyone with major life changes (new job, new baby, home purchase, et

If you’re self-employed or receive 1099 income, tracking the right items throughout the year makes filing easier and helps you avoid surprises. What to track • Income by client/platform • Business expenses (categorized) • Mileage and/or vehicle expenses • Home office info (if applicable) • Equipment/software purchases • Business meals/travel (if applicable) Quarterly taxes Many self-employed taxpayers need to plan for estimated payments. A simple system and consistent bookkee

Many tax issues come from missing documents, messy bookkeeping, or filing with incomplete information. Here are common mistakes and how to avoid them. Common mistakes • Missing 1099s or other income forms • Not tracking expenses consistently • Mixing personal and business spending • Not reconciling accounts • Forgetting life changes (dependents, address, filing status) • Waiting until the last minute How we help We help you get organized and file accurately. Submit the tax fo

Use this checklist to gather your documents before filing. Being prepared helps reduce delays and missed deductions. Income documents • W-2s • 1099s (INT, DIV, NEC, K, etc.) • Unemployment statements • Social Security statements (if applicable) Deductions & credits • Mortgage interest + property tax • Student loan interest • Childcare expenses • Education forms • Charitable contributions (if applicable) Next step Submit the tax form on our website and we’ll confirm what you n

Use this checklist to get your documents ready and help your tax appointment go smoothly. What to bring • Photo ID • Social Security cards/ITIN letters • W-2s and/or 1099s • Prior-year tax return (if available) • Bank account info for direct deposit • Any tax notices you received • Childcare and education documents (if applicable) • Mortgage interest and property tax statements (if applicable) • Business income/expense records (if applicable) Next step Submit the tax form on