What to Bring to Your First Meeting with a CPA

When meeting with a CPA, preparation makes all the difference. Walking in organized doesn't just save time, but it can actually save you money and help ensure you're getting every deduction you qualify for.

Whether you're a first-time client navigating a complex tax situation or a business owner looking for expert guidance, showing up with the right documents means your CPA can focus on what matters most: maximizing your tax outcome and keeping you compliant.

Here's a checklist to make that first CPA meeting count.

The Essentials

Completed Tax Organizer 

Think of this as your CPA's roadmap. It captures your basic personal and financial information and helps us understand what forms, deductions, and credits may apply to you.

At Denise Stubbs, CPA, we send you a personalized tax organizer through TaxDome once you're onboarded. Completing it before your appointment ensures we can hit the ground running.

Prior Year Tax Returns 

Your last one or two years of tax returns give your CPA important context. They show filing history, reveal trends, highlight carryovers, and help catch anything that might otherwise be missed. If you're switching CPAs, this is especially important.

Income Documentation 

Gather everything that shows the money you earned during the year:

• W-2s from employers

• 1099 forms for contract work, freelance income, investment earnings, or retirement distributions

• Rental property income statements

• Unemployment compensation documents

• Cryptocurrency transaction records

Investment and Brokerage Statements 

If you sold stocks, earned dividends, or had capital gains, bring your Form 1099-B or year-end brokerage statements. This includes any crypto trades as well.

Real Estate Documents 

Own a home? Bring your Form 1098 showing mortgage interest paid. If you bought, sold, or refinanced property this year, include closing statements and property tax documentation.

Business Owners: Schedule K-1 

If you're a partner in an S-corporation, partnership, LLC, or trust, your Schedule K-1 reports your share of income, deductions, and credits. Your CPA needs this to accurately report pass-through income.

IRS or State Notices 

Received any letters from the IRS or your state tax agency? Bring them along. Whether it's a balance due, an adjustment, or a simple notice, your CPA needs to see it to handle your return properly.

Supporting Documents That Help

While not always required, these items can reveal additional deductions and give your CPA a complete financial picture:

• Charitable donation receipts

• Business expense summaries and receipts

• Mileage logs for business use

• Self-employment income records (Etsy, freelance platforms, etc.)

• Medical expenses (if itemizing)

• Receipts for energy-efficient home improvements

• Educational expense documentation

Having these ready means your CPA can identify every opportunity to reduce your tax bill.

How We Make It Easier

At Denise Stubbs, CPA, we use TaxDome—a secure client portal that simplifies the entire process. Once you're onboarded, we send a personalized tax organizer tailored to your situation. It walks you through exactly what you need and lets you upload documents securely from anywhere.

You can also message our team, track your return's progress, and access prior-year documents all in one place. New clients can request portal access before their first meeting to get a head start.

Why Organization Matters

Coming prepared does more than lower your bill. It helps you:

• Avoid errors that could trigger IRS notices or audits

• File faster—especially important if you're expecting a refund

• Maximize deductions by giving your CPA the complete picture

• Reduce stress during an already busy season

• Set the foundation for year-round tax planning and financial strategy

Your CPA isn't just here for tax season. A well-organized first meeting establishes a relationship that supports smarter business decisions and fewer surprises down the road.

Make Your First CPA Meeting Count

Use folders or labeled envelopes to organize documents by category. Missing something?

Don't worry—we can work with what you have and follow up through TaxDome later.

The bottom line: preparation empowers your CPA to work efficiently and advocate for your best financial outcome.

Ready to get started? Contact us today to schedule your appointment. We're here to make tax season straightforward and stress-free.

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This blog post is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute personalized financial, tax, or investment advice. Tax laws are complex, change frequently, and vary based on individual circumstances. Before implementing any strategies discussed, please consult with qualified financial advisors, tax professionals, or CPAs who can assess your specific situation. This content should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional consultation.