What to prepare before you file

A short readiness pass before you open any tax software or meet a preparer saves time and reduces back-and-forth. Here is a compact version.

Gather

• All income forms (W-2s, 1099-NEC, 1099-K) plus your own income total.
• Expense records grouped by category, and a mileage log if you drove for work.
• Records of any estimated tax payments, and last year's return.

Reconcile

• Platform payouts against the forms you received (gross vs net).
• Business vs personal transactions in any mixed accounts.

Flag your questions

Note anything you are unsure about — home office, actual vehicle expenses, a notice you received — so you can raise it with a professional instead of guessing.

Sources

• IRS — Schedule C (Form 1040) Instructions
• IRS — Recordkeeping for Businesses