Identity
Taxpayer name, legal entity name, and taxpayer identification number (SSN or EIN) for accurate matching with IRS records.
Using a checklist reduces missing items, speeds preparation, and supports consistent reporting to the IRS and state agencies while clarifying which documents need signatures, notarization, or specialist review.
Tax preparers, small-business owners, payroll teams, and independent contractors commonly use checklists to collect all required tax inputs before filing.
Checklists also help in-house accounting and external CPAs verify completeness, reduce follow-up, and document the information used to prepare returns.
Taxpayer name, legal entity name, and taxpayer identification number (SSN or EIN) for accurate matching with IRS records.
All income sources including W-2s, 1099-NEC, 1099-MISC, 1099-INT, K-1s, and other statements needed for gross income calculation.
Itemized and above-the-line deductions: receipts, mortgage interest, student loan interest, business expenses, and charitable contributions.
Bank statements, broker 1099s, invoices, receipts, and documentation for credits such as childcare or education.
Who must sign (taxpayer, spouse, preparer), whether e-signatures are acceptable, and any notarization or witness needs.
Destination (IRS, state revenue department), due dates, electronic vs paper filing preferences, and delivery confirmation methods.
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Signer Authentication | Email link, SMS code, or stronger KBA depending on sensitivity |
| Field Types | Required fields, dropdowns for entity type, numeric-only TIN fields |
| Conditional Logic | Show state-specific fields only when relevant to reduce clutter |
| Notification Routing | Auto-send completed checklist to preparer and archive location |
Confirm the platform supports required authentication, audit trail, and the file formats used by your tax preparer or state agency.
No fixed deadline; provide upon payer request
January 31 to employees
January 31 for payer and IRS filing
Paper Feb 28; electronic Mar 31 to IRS
April 15 (October 15 with timely Form 4868 extension)
Gather all payee/payor documents and supporting receipts for the tax period
Confirm names, TINs, and entity types against government records
Complete forms, reconcile totals, and review for missing items
File to IRS/state and store signed checklist per retention rules
| signNow | DocuSign | Adobe Sign | PandaDoc | HelloSign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $8/user/mo | $15/user/mo | $14/user/mo | $19/user/mo | $15/user/mo |
| Free Trial | 7-day free trial | No | No | Yes, limited | Yes, limited |
| Bulk Send | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Envelope Cap | No envelope cap | 100 envelopes/user/year cap | Varies by plan | Varies by plan | Varies by plan |