Tax Preparation Checklist and Strategy

Prompt

Build a tax preparation checklist and tax minimization strategy for [TAX YEAR] for [YOUR NAME OR HOUSEHOLD].

Personal context:
- Filing status: [SINGLE / MARRIED FILING JOINTLY / HEAD OF HOUSEHOLD]
- Income sources: [W-2 / 1099 / RENTAL / INVESTMENT / BUSINESS]
- Approximate gross income: [AMOUNT]
- Major life events this year: [HOME PURCHASE / MARRIAGE / CHILD BIRTH / JOB CHANGE / RETIREMENT / OTHER]
- Own a business: [YES / NO]
- Itemize vs. standard deduction: [ITEMIZE / STANDARD / UNSURE]
- State of residence: [STATE]

**DOCUMENT CHECKLIST**
Generate a complete list of documents needed organized by income type:
- W-2s and 1099s
- Investment statements (1099-B, 1099-DIV, 1099-INT)
- Mortgage interest (1098)
- Student loan interest (1098-E)
- Charitable donation receipts
- Business income and expenses
- [OTHER RELEVANT TO MY SITUATION]

**TAX MINIMIZATION STRATEGY**

1. **Deduction Maximization** — Should I itemize? What am I potentially missing?

2. **Retirement Contribution Optimization** — Have I maxed 401k, IRA, HSA? Deadline reminders.

3. **Tax-Loss Harvesting** — Any investment losses I can realize before year-end?

4. **Business Deductions** (if applicable) — Common missed deductions for self-employed individuals.

5. **Credits to Claim** — Education, childcare, energy efficiency, EV, etc.

6. **Estimated Tax Check** — Am I on track to avoid underpayment penalties?

7. **CPA Prep Brief** — A one-page summary to give to my accountant to make the appointment efficient.