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Your 2025 Tax Filing Checklist: What to Gather Before Meeting Your CPA

Peacock & French CPAs
Jan 01, 2026

Tax season doesn’t have to feel like a scramble. The truth is, filing your return goes a lot smoother (and often saves you money) when you walk into your CPA’s office fully prepared.

So before you pull out the shoebox of receipts or start digging through unopened envelopes, let’s make this simple: here’s your 2025 tax filing checklist — everything you’ll want to gather before meeting with your CPA.

Why a Tax Filing Checklist Matters in 2025
Every tax year comes with small but important changes. In 2025, standard deductions have risen due to inflation adjustments, and reporting requirements for digital payment platforms like PayPal and Venmo continue to evolve.

Showing up to your appointment organized helps your CPA:

  1. File your return faster
  2. Identify deductions and credits you might miss
  3. Avoid IRS penalties from missing income forms

Think of this checklist as your roadmap to a smoother, stress-free filing season.

Essential Personal Information to Bring
Let’s start with the basics. Your CPA can’t prepare your return without these details:

  • Valid identification (driver’s license, passport, or state ID)
  • Social Security numbers for yourself, your spouse, and dependents
  • Last year’s tax return (helps verify carryovers and prior-year info)
  • Bank account details for direct deposit of refunds or payment drafts

Income Documents Your CPA Will Need
If money changed hands, the IRS wants to know about it. Gather all income records, including:

  • W-2s from employers
  • 1099-NEC for freelance or contract work
  • 1099-K for payments received via PayPal, Venmo, or online platforms
  • 1099-INT, 1099-DIV, 1099-B for interest, dividends, and investment sales
  • SSA-1099 for Social Security benefits
  • Schedule K-1s from partnerships, S-corps, or trusts
  • Rental property income statements or ledgers

Pro tip: double-check your mail and email — these forms often arrive staggered in January and February.

Deduction and Credit Documentation
Deductions and credits are where you can really save money, but only if you have proof. Bring copies of:

  • Mortgage interest (Form 1098) and property tax bills
  • Charitable donation receipts (cash and non-cash)
  • Medical and dental expenses (if you may itemize)
  • Education expenses like 1098-T (tuition) and student loan interest forms
  • Childcare records including provider name, address, and tax ID
  • Retirement contributions (IRA, 401(k), SEP IRA) with receipts or statements

These documents can make the difference between a standard deduction and a much larger tax savings.

For Business Owners and Self-Employed Individuals
If you run a side hustle, freelance, or own a business, your tax picture is more complex. Be ready to provide:

  • Detailed income and expense records (spreadsheets, bookkeeping software, or logs)
  • Mileage logs or vehicle expense documentation
  • Home office expense details (square footage and related costs)
  • Business bank statements
  • Payroll records if you have employees
  • Proof of quarterly estimated tax payments

Staying on top of these items can help your CPA find legitimate write-offs — and keep you from overpaying in self-employment taxes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even the most organized taxpayers sometimes miss these pitfalls:

  1. Forgetting small side incomes (freelance gigs, Venmo payments, tutoring)
  2. Mixing personal and business expenses in the same account
  3. Waiting until April to start gathering paperwork
  4. Not reporting life changes (marriage, divorce, new child, selling a home)

A good CPA can help clean up issues, but being proactive saves time and headaches.

FAQs About Tax Preparation (2025 Edition)

Do I need receipts for charitable donations?
Yes — the IRS requires documentation for any donation, even small amounts. For non-cash donations, a written acknowledgment from the organization is best.

What if I didn’t receive a 1099?
You’re still required to report the income. Track down your client or platform if necessary, but don’t skip it.

Can my CPA get missing forms for me?
Sometimes, yes. They can help you request transcripts directly from the IRS, but this can delay filing. Best to gather forms yourself when possible.

What if I can’t get everything before April 15?
You can file an extension, but remember: it extends your filing deadline, not your payment deadline. Estimate and pay to avoid penalties.

Final Tips for a Stress-Free Tax Season

  • Use a dedicated folder (paper or digital) to collect forms as they arrive.

  • Send documents to your CPA early — don’t wait until the last week of March.

  • Keep this checklist handy every year so prep becomes routine.

The bottom line? Tax season doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right documents and a trusted CPA by your side, you’ll save time, reduce stress, and likely save money, too.

Ready to File With Confidence?
At Peacock & French CPAs, we help individuals and businesses in Venice, Florida navigate tax season with clarity and confidence. Bring your 2025 tax documents to us, and let’s make filing simple.

Contact us today to schedule your consultation.