What to Bring to Your Tax Appointment: A Complete Checklist for Individuals and Small Businesses

By Henderson Roller Partnership Professional Corporation – Oakville, Ontario

Preparing for a tax appointment can feel overwhelming—especially if you’re unsure what documents and information you’ll need. Whether you’re an individual taxpayer or a small business owner, arriving fully prepared ensures your accountant can work efficiently, minimize your tax liability, and identify any eligible deductions or credits. To help you make the most of your meeting, we’ve put together a comprehensive checklist of what to bring to your tax appointment.

Why Preparation Matters

A well-prepared tax appointment streamlines the entire process. It allows your CPA to:

• Accurately assess your income, expenses, and liabilities

• Maximize available deductions and tax credits

• Avoid filing delays or errors

• Provide strategic guidance on financial planning

Now let’s break down exactly what you should bring—both for individuals and for small business owners.

For Individuals and Families

Here’s what to gather before your tax appointment if you’re filing a personal tax return:

1. Identification and Basic Information

• Government-issued ID (e.g., driver's license or passport)

• SIN (Social Insurance Number)

• Spouse’s and dependents’ SINs and birthdates (if applicable)

• Last year’s tax return (especially if you're new to the firm)

• CRA correspondence (e.g., notice of assessment or reassessment)

2. Income Documents

• T4 slips (employment income)

• T4A slips (pensions, commissions, scholarships)

• T5 slips (investment income)

• T3 slips (trust income)

• T5007 (social assistance or workers’ compensation)

• Other income: self-employment, rental properties, foreign income, crypto gains/losses

3. Deductible Expenses and Credits

• RRSP contribution receipts

• Childcare expenses (including provider info and receipts)

• Medical expenses (prescriptions, dental, travel, etc.)

• Charitable donation receipts

• Tuition and education receipts (T2202)

• Public transit passes (if eligible)

• Union/professional dues

• Support payments (alimony or child support)

• Home office expenses (if you worked from home)

For Small Business Owners, Freelancers, and Self-Employed Individuals

Tax season can be especially complex for small businesses. The more organized your financial documentation, the easier it is for your accountant to minimize your taxes and ensure full compliance.

1. Business Income Records

• Sales invoices and revenue summaries

• Bank and credit card statements

• Online platform reports (e.g., Stripe, PayPal, Shopify, etc.)

2. Expense Documentation

Organize receipts and documentation for deductible business expenses such as:

• Office rent or home office expenses

• Utilities and internet

• Vehicle expenses (mileage log, fuel, insurance, lease or loan statements)

• Travel and meals (keep detailed records)

• Advertising and marketing costs

• Business insurance

• Professional fees (lawyers, consultants, accounting)

• Wages or subcontractor payments (include T4 or T5018 if applicable)

3. Capital Assets

• Receipts for equipment, machinery, computers, or vehicles

• Depreciation schedules (if applicable)

• Details of asset purchases or disposals during the tax year

4. Tax Filings and CRA Correspondence

• Last year’s business tax return and notice of assessment

• GST/HST returns or account information

• Payroll records (T4s, ROEs, remittance reports)

Bonus Tip: Digital Organization Goes a Long Way

To save time and prevent headaches, consider scanning or photographing receipts and using digital folders labeled by category. Cloud accounting software like QuickBooks, Xero, or Wave can also help maintain organized records year-round.

Work with Professionals Who Make Tax Season Simple

At Henderson Roller Partnership Professional Corporation in Oakville, we specialize in both personal and small business tax preparation. When you come prepared, we can do more than just file your return—we can offer year-round strategies to help you reduce your tax burden, grow your business, and meet your financial goals.

If you’re unsure about any documents or need help organizing your records before your appointment, don’t hesitate to reach out. We're here to help make tax time stress-free and effective.

Need help preparing for your upcoming tax appointment?Call us at [Phone Number] or [Book Online] to schedule a meeting with one of our experienced CPAs today.