Be ready for tax time.
Checklists, key deadlines and quick links to help you get organized — and answers to the questions we hear most.
Your tax appointment checklist
Bring what applies to you. Not sure about something? Bring it anyway — we'll sort it out.
Personal information
- Photo ID for you and your spouse
- Social Security cards for everyone on the return
- Last year's federal & Colorado returns
- Bank routing & account number for direct deposit
- Childcare provider name, address & tax ID
Income
- W-2s from every employer
- 1099-NEC, 1099-MISC & 1099-K
- 1099-INT, 1099-DIV & 1099-B
- 1099-R and SSA-1099 (retirement, Social Security)
- K-1s from partnerships, S-corps & trusts
- Rental income and expense records
Deductions & credits
- Form 1098 mortgage interest & property tax
- Charitable donation receipts
- Medical & dental expenses
- 1098-T tuition and 1098-E student loan interest
- IRA / HSA contribution records
- Estimated tax payments made this year
Farm & ranch
- Livestock & crop sales records
- Co-op & government program payments (1099-G, 1099-PATR)
- Feed, seed, fertilizer & fuel costs
- Equipment purchases & sales
- Land rent and custom hire
Small business
- Profit & loss or QuickBooks file
- Business mileage & vehicle expenses
- Home office square footage
- Asset purchases & disposals
- Payroll reports and 1099s issued
Notices & life changes
- Any letters from the IRS or Colorado
- Marriage, divorce or new dependents
- Home purchase or sale (closing statement)
- Health coverage forms (1095-A)
- Moved, retired or started a business
Key tax dates
When a deadline falls on a weekend or holiday, it moves to the next business day. We'll keep you on track.
Final estimated tax payment for the prior year.
Employers send W-2s; most 1099s due to recipients.
Forms 1120-S and 1065 due, or extend.
Form 1040, Colorado 104 and Q1 estimate due.
Second-quarter federal and Colorado estimates.
Q3 estimate; extended S-corp & partnership returns.
Final deadline for extended Form 1040.
Monthly or semi-weekly deposits plus quarterly 941s.
Questions we hear often
When should I schedule my tax appointment?
As early as you can once your documents arrive — usually late January or February. During our busy season (January 15 to April 15) appointments fill quickly, so we recommend calling ahead. Evening and Saturday times are available by appointment.
Do you only do taxes during tax season?
Not at all. We're open year-round for payroll, bookkeeping, business accounting, estimated payments, IRS letters, and planning for life changes like starting a business, buying rental property or retiring.
Can you help if I haven't filed in a few years?
Yes. We prepare prior-year returns regularly and can help you get back into compliance with both the IRS and the Colorado Department of Revenue.
I got a letter from the IRS. What should I do?
Don't ignore it, and don't panic. Bring or send us a copy right away. Many notices are routine, and we can represent you before the IRS and the Colorado Department of Revenue to respond and resolve the issue.
Do you prepare farm and ranch returns?
Absolutely. Farm and ranch income, equipment depreciation and agricultural schedules are a regular part of our work here in Northern Colorado.
Can you work with my QuickBooks file?
Yes. We can set QuickBooks up for your business, clean up an existing file, answer questions as they come up, or take over the bookkeeping entirely.
Do I need an appointment to drop off documents?
No — feel free to stop by during business hours, Monday through Friday from 9 to 5, to drop off paperwork. We'll call you if we have any questions.
Do I need to make estimated tax payments?
If you have substantial income without withholding — self-employment, rentals, investments or retirement distributions — you may need quarterly payments to both the IRS and Colorado. We'll calculate them for you.
Helpful IRS & Colorado resources
Let's talk about your taxes — before April does.
Call, email or stop by our Cleveland Avenue office. Evening and Saturday appointments are available when you need them.