Resources
Free, practical checklists and the federal deadlines that matter. Print them or save them for later.
Key federal tax deadlines
When a date falls on a weekend or federal holiday, the deadline moves to the next business day. State deadlines vary — ask us about yours.
| Date | What's due |
|---|
| January 15 | Fourth-quarter estimated tax payment (prior year) |
|---|
| January 31 | W-2s to employees and 1099-NEC to contractors; Forms 941 (Q4) and 940 |
|---|
| March 15 | Partnership (1065) and S-corporation (1120-S) returns, or extension |
|---|
| April 15 | Individual (1040) and C-corporation (1120) returns, or extension; Q1 estimated payment; FBAR |
|---|
| June 15 | Second-quarter estimated payment; 1040 deadline for U.S. citizens living abroad |
|---|
| September 15 | Third-quarter estimated payment; extended partnership and S-corp returns |
|---|
| October 15 | Extended individual and C-corporation returns |
|---|
Personal tax return checklist
Gather these before your appointment. Bring what applies to you.
- Photo ID for you and your spouse, and last year's tax return
- W-2s from every employer
- 1099s: NEC, MISC, INT, DIV, B, R, G, K and SSA-1099
- Form 1098 mortgage interest and property tax statements
- Form 1095-A if you bought health insurance through the Marketplace
- Childcare costs and the provider's tax ID
- Records of charitable donations
- Self-employment income and expenses (if any)
- Rental income and expenses (if any)
- Foreign bank account balances and foreign income (if any)
Starting a business checklist
The order matters. Getting these steps right early saves money and paperwork later.
- Choose a legal structure (LLC, S-corp or C-corp) — ask us to compare the tax effect
- Register the business with your state
- Get an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS
- Open a separate business bank account
- Register for state withholding and sales tax, if applicable
- Check city and county licences and permits
- Set up bookkeeping software from day one
- Plan quarterly estimated tax payments
Hiring your first employee
What a new employer needs in place before the first paycheck.
- Register for state payroll tax and unemployment insurance accounts
- Collect Form W-4 and the state withholding form
- Complete Form I-9 within three business days of the start date
- Report the new hire to your state's new-hire registry
- Get workers' compensation insurance (required in most states)
- Display required federal and state labour-law posters
- Choose a pay schedule and payroll provider
This information is general and isn't tax or legal advice for your situation.
Want us to work through the checklist with you?
Prefer to talk? Call +1 (317) 252-3817.
