Start with the prior year
Your prior-year return gives you a useful reference when gathering current documents and identifying changes.
Group income records
Keep wage statements, independent-work records, and other income documents together. Ask your preparer which documents apply to your circumstances.
Write down changes
Make a short list of household, employment, or financial changes since your last return.
Keep a question list
Bring the questions you want addressed. Confirm an approved document-sharing method before sending sensitive records.