Guides

How to collect documents without chasing

Practical guides for the document-heavy parts of an accounting practice: the monthly close, tax season, onboarding, 1099s and client handoffs. Each guide links to the checklist that does the work.

Download the Month-End Field Guide (PDF) for a worked reconciliation and examples you can use on your next close.

Tax forms
1099-INT and 1099-DIV income forms explained
A box-by-box guide to Forms 1099-INT and 1099-DIV for bank and brokerage income, with the lines and dates that apply to 2026 returns.
7 min read
Bookkeeping operations
Accounting automation software: what to automate in a small firm
Which accounting tasks automation handles well, which still need a person, and when a small firm should not buy a tool.
7 min read
Tools comparison
Accounting client onboarding software for a firm under 50 clients
A test for comparing onboarding tools on the steps that carry tax and identity risk.
7 min read
Firm strategy
Accounting niches: how to pick one and test it on your own clients
Compare six niches on federal filing load and recurring documents, then score them against your own client list.
7 min read
Workflow software
Accounting firm workflow management software: tax calendars
A test script for whether workflow software can run recurring tax and bookkeeping work, including extensions and weekend due dates.
7 min read
State S corp returns
Alabama S corp tax return: what to file and what to collect
The Alabama filings for an S corporation in tax year 2026, with dates, penalties and the documents to request.
7 min read
State S corp returns
Alaska S corp tax return: Form 6000, due dates and documents
What an S corporation with Alaska nexus files for tax year 2026, when, and what to collect.
7 min read
State S corp returns
Arizona S corp tax return: what to file for tax year 2026
What an S corporation files in Arizona: Form 120S, due dates, the PTE election, composite returns and the client documents.
7 min read
State S corp returns
Arkansas S corp tax return: what to file for tax year 2026
The Arkansas forms, due dates, PET election and nonresident withholding rules for S corporations.
7 min read
Audit procedures
3 methods of collecting audit evidence
Inspection, observation and confirmation, with worked examples, PBC tracking columns and the workpaper trail a reviewer checks.
7 min read
Bank statements
Bank statement request form: what to fill in and what to ask for
The fields a bank asks for on its statement request form, and the checks that get the right statement the first time.
7 min read
CRM selection
Best CRM for accounting firms: what to check before you buy
How to test a CRM for entity links, EIN handling, IRS authorizations and tax-deadline reminders at a US accounting firm.
7 min read
Tool comparison
Best document collection software for tax and bookkeeping firms
A comparison of document collection tools on recurring requests, reminder escalation, 1099 sorting and free-tier limits at firm scale.
7 min read
Firm software
Best proposal software for accountants: what to compare
Which proposal tools handle tax and bookkeeping engagement letters, recurring fees and the handoff to onboarding.
7 min read
Software selection
Best tax practice management software for small firms
A buyer's guide for firms of 5 to 50 staff: which features matter at each size and what the software really costs.
7 min read
Workflow software
Best workflow software for accountants
A buyer's test for accounting firm workflow software, covering recurring work, client requests, sign-off and free plans.
7 min read
Niche selection
Bookkeeping niches: how to pick one and what it demands
How to choose a bookkeeping niche by repeatable work, with the e-commerce, restaurant, landlord and trades rules and the 2026 tax dates.
7 min read
Checklist design
How to build a client document checklist
A practical guide to writing a document checklist that is complete, readable and finishable on a phone.
4 min read
Corporate tax deadlines
C corp tax return due date with extension
Calendar-year Form 1120 deadlines for tax year 2026, the Form 7004 extension and how the two penalties differ.
7 min read
Corporate tax returns
C corp tax return form: Form 1120 and its schedules
Form 1120 is the return a C corporation files, and the schedules that follow depend on total assets at year end.
7 min read
Entity tax returns
C corp vs S corp tax return: which form, tax and deadline
What each entity files, what the owner pays, and the pay and election rules that decide between them.
7 min read
Tool selection
How to choose a document collection tool for your firm
A practical evaluation framework for the tools an accounting firm uses to collect client documents.
5 min read
Bookkeeping cleanup
How to clean up a client's bookkeeping
A practical cleanup process for a client whose books have fallen behind or never worked.
4 min read
Software buying guide
Client onboarding software for accountants
A buyer's test for onboarding software at US tax and bookkeeping firms, built on the IRS forms each step touches.
7 min read
1099 season
How to collect 1099 and W-9 information before January
A process for collecting vendor totals and W-9s before the January 1099 deadline.
4 min read
Document collection
How to collect bank statements from clients
Get a complete statement for every account, not a screenshot or a single export.
3 min read
Business loans
How to collect documents for a business loan
A practical process for assembling a business loan package the lender can review without a second request.
4 min read
Client documents
How to collect documents from clients without chasing
A practical process for asking clients for documents once, following up automatically and filing what arrives.
6 min read
State S corp returns
Colorado S corp tax return: what to file and what to collect
The Colorado return, K-1s, composite and SALT parity choices for an S corporation's 2026 return.
7 min read
State S corp returns
Connecticut S corp tax return: forms, deadlines and PE tax
What an S corporation doing business in Connecticut files for tax year 2026, and what to collect.
7 min read
Client portals
CPA client portal: the features that matter and how to roll it out
The features that separate a CPA client portal from generic file sharing, and how to move clients onto one.
7 min read
Crypto tax
Crypto tax documents: what to request from each client
The documents a crypto holder gives the preparer, by tax year, with the fields to check on each one.
7 min read
State S corp returns
Delaware S corp tax return: what to file for tax year 2026
The Delaware filings for an S corporation: SCT-RTN, nonresident tax, extensions and franchise tax.
7 min read
Partnership tax
Do partnerships file tax returns? Form 1065 explained
Multi-member LLCs and partnerships file Form 1065 even when no tax is due, and single-member LLCs usually do not.
7 min read
Tax documents
Documents needed to apply for tax return: a 2026 guide
The documents a first-time filer gathers for a 2026 Form 1040 return, with a rule for each income type.
7 min read
Client agreements
Engagement letter vs contract for tax and bookkeeping work
Scope, liability terms and professional standards for engagement letters, master agreements and statements of work.
7 min read
Estate tax
Estate tax return extension: Form 4768 and New York ET-133
Form 4768 buys six months to file Form 706. A payment extension is a separate request, and New York uses Form ET-133.
6 min read
S corporations
How to file the final S corp tax return when the company dissolves
What a dissolving S corporation files for its last year, in the order the forms require.
7 min read
Florida state tax
Florida S corp tax return: when the F-1120 is required
Florida taxes an S corporation only on the federal built-in gains and passive income amounts, so most S corps owe no Florida corporate tax.
7 min read
Partnership tax
Do partnerships file tax returns? Form 1065 deadlines for 2026
Partnerships file Form 1065 by March 15 for calendar years, and Form 7004 adds six months to file but not to pay.
7 min read
Crypto tax reporting
Crypto tax form 1099-DA: what brokers report and what to send
Form 1099-DA reports crypto sales in two stages, and the basis it shows depends on when the coin was bought.
7 min read
S corp tax returns
Georgia S corp tax return: Form 600S, extensions and withholding
Due date, extension, nonresident withholding and composite rules for Georgia Form 600S, and how the federal Form 1120-S feeds it.
7 min read
Gift tax
Gift tax return extension: Form 709 due date, Form 4868 and Form 8892
How a donor or preparer extends Form 709, and what the extension does not cover.
7 min read
Client offboarding
How to handle a client who leaves your firm
A calm, complete process for the end of a client engagement.
3 min read
Client communication
How to handle a client who will not send documents
A step-by-step process for a client who stalls, with scripts and escalation points.
3 min read
Receipts
How to handle missing receipts for a client
A practical process for the receipts a client cannot find, without guessing or stalling the close.
4 min read
State S corp returns
Hawaii S corp tax return: Form N-35, PTE election and deadlines
What a Hawaii S corporation files for tax year 2026, when, and what to collect first.
7 min read
Starting a firm
How to start an accounting firm in the US
The credential, registration and client intake steps for a new US firm, in the order they need to happen.
7 min read
Engagement letters
How to write an engagement letter for a tax or bookkeeping client
The clauses to include, sample wording for client document responsibilities, and the federal rules that touch the letter.
7 min read
State S corp returns
Idaho S corp tax return: Form 41S, due date and nonresident owners
What an S corporation files with Idaho for tax year 2026, when, and which owner documents to collect.
9 min read
State S corp returns
Illinois S corp tax return: what to file and collect for 2026
How to prepare the Illinois S corporation return, from filing rules to PTE tax and client documents.
7 min read
State S corp returns
Indiana S corp tax return: what to file and collect for 2026
Indiana S corporation filing for tax year 2026: Form IT-20S, due dates, PTET, composite tax and client documents.
7 min read
Iowa state tax
Iowa S corp tax return: IA 1120S, composite and PTET for 2026
Iowa taxes S corporations through the IA 1120S, a nonresident composite return and an optional entity-level election.
6 min read
Corporate e-file
IRS Form 8879-CORP: the officer PIN signing process
The officer PIN signature on Form 8879-CORP for Form 1120 and 1120-S e-files, step by step.
7 min read
Tax season e-file
IRS Form 8879 electronic signature: rules for preparers
Which Form 8879 signature methods the IRS allows and what the firm must keep.
6 min read
Partnership e-file
IRS Form 8879-PE: e-file authorization for Form 1065
Form 8879-PE records a general partner's PIN signature on a partnership return, and the firm keeps it.
5 min read
E-file signatures
IRS Form 8879-TE for tax-exempt e-file
Who signs Form 8879-TE for a tax-exempt return, how the PIN works, which Part I line to use, and how long the ERO keeps it.
7 min read
E-file signatures
IRS Form 8879 vs Form 8453: which one your e-file return needs
Form 8879 is the signature record for a PIN-signed return, and Form 8453 transmits paper documents that go with it.
7 min read
IRS transcripts
IRS transcript types and how to order them
Which IRS transcript to request, what each one shows, and how to order it for a client.
7 min read
W-9 collection
IRS W-9 request: what to include and what to do when a vendor refuses
What a W-9 request should ask for, how to handle a refusal and how to store the form for tax year 2026 returns.
7 min read
Partnership tax
K-1 Form 1065: how to read the schedule and when to issue it
How to read the partner-side Schedule K-1 for Form 1065, reconcile Item L, separate box 1 from box 4, and apply the basis limit.
7 min read
S corp filing
Kansas S corp tax return: Form K-120S for tax year 2026
How a Kansas S corporation files Form K-120S for tax year 2026, with dates, elections and the client documents to collect.
7 min read
State S corp returns
Kentucky S corp tax return: what to file and collect
The Kentucky filings behind an S corporation return for tax year 2026, and what to ask the client for.
7 min read
State S corp returns
Louisiana S corp tax return: what changes for tax year 2026
How Louisiana taxes S corporations for 2025 and 2026, with due dates, composite returns, nonresident shareholders and documents to collect.
7 min read
State S corp filing
Maine S corp tax return: what to file for tax year 2026
Maine S corporation filings for tax year 2026: federal return, nonresident withholding, composite and PTET.
7 min read
State S corp returns
Maryland S corp tax return: Form 510, due dates and the PTE election
What an S corporation doing business in Maryland files for tax year 2026, when, and what to collect.
7 min read
State S corp filing
Massachusetts S corp tax return: the state steps for tax year 2026
The Massachusetts S corporation return, from shareholder residency and the receipts bridge to the excise line and the federal date.
7 min read
State S corp returns
Michigan S corp tax return: what S corporations file for tax year 2026
Michigan has no mandatory S corporation return, but the flow-through entity tax election and nonresident shareholders need a decision.
7 min read
State S corp returns
Minnesota S corp tax return: what to file for tax year 2026
Form M8, the extension rule, the PTE election and nonresident shareholder tax for a Minnesota S corporation.
7 min read
QuickBooks Online
Finding missing invoices in QuickBooks Online before close
Where missing invoices hide in QuickBooks Online, how to find deleted and draft ones, and how to clear them in a reconciliation.
7 min read
State S corp returns
Mississippi S corp tax return: Form 84-105 and what applies for 2026
How Mississippi taxes S corporations for 2026: Form 84-105, franchise tax, composite returns and the PTE election.
8 min read
S corporation tax
Missouri S corp tax return: MO-1120S, MO-PTE and the 2026 deadlines
What a Missouri S corporation files for tax year 2026, with the due dates, the PTE election and nonresident shareholder rules.
7 min read
State S corp returns
Montana S corp tax return: Form PTE, due date and nonresident owners
What an S corporation files with Montana for tax year 2026, when, and which owner documents to collect.
7 min read
Monthly close
Month end close checklist for QuickBooks Online
A QuickBooks Online close sequence for bookkeepers, from bank reconciliation through prior-period report comparison.
7 min read
Monthly close
Month-end close checklist software for bookkeeping firms
How to judge close checklist tools on the controls that matter, with a 100-point rubric a firm can score on its own clients.
7 min read
Month-end close
Monthly accounting journal entries for the close
Standard monthly entries for accruals, prepaids, depreciation, leases and payroll, with the reversal rule for each.
7 min read
Monthly reporting
Monthly accounting reports for small business: the core package
The core monthly reports for a small business, what each one is used to decide, and a one-page layout to send the owner.
7 min read
Pricing
Monthly bookkeeping cost and what drives the price
A way to build a monthly bookkeeping price from hours, volume and scope, and to compare quotes on the same terms.
7 min read
Monthly bookkeeping
Monthly bookkeeping services: what you get and what to check
What a monthly bookkeeping engagement delivers, what the client sends, and how to vet a provider.
7 min read
Client portal
How to move clients from email to a client portal
A step-by-step plan for moving one service from email attachments to a client portal without losing clients.
4 min read
State S corp returns
Nebraska S corp tax return: Form 1120-SN, PTET and nonresidents
What a Nebraska S corporation files for tax year 2026, when, and which shareholder documents to collect.
8 min read
State S corp returns
Nevada S corp tax return: what to file for tax year 2026
Nevada has no S corp income tax return, but four other filings still apply to the client.
7 min read
State S corp returns
New Hampshire S corp tax return: forms, taxes and due dates
New Hampshire taxes S corporations as corporations, so the state return is Form NH-1120, not a pass-through return.
7 min read
New Jersey filings
New Jersey S corp tax return: CBT-100S, due dates and minimum tax
The CBT-100S is the New Jersey S corporation return, with its own due date, extension form and minimum tax tiers.
7 min read
State S corp returns
New Mexico S corp tax return: what to file for tax year 2026
The New Mexico return for an S corporation, its due date, the PTE election and nonresident withholding.
7 min read
S corporation tax
New York S corp tax return: CT-3-S, NYC-4S, and the 2026 deadlines
The state CT-3-S, city NYC-4S and federal Form 1120-S filings for a New York S corporation, with 2026 deadlines and document lists.
7 min read
State S corp returns
North Carolina S corp tax return: CD-401S, PTE tax, nonresidents
What a North Carolina S corporation files for tax year 2026, when, and which client documents the return depends on.
7 min read
State S corp returns
North Dakota S corp tax return: Form 60 and nonresident withholding
What a North Dakota S corporation files for tax year 2026, when, and which shareholder documents to collect.
7 min read
Ohio state tax
Ohio S corp tax return: what CAT filers owe for 2026
Ohio has no separate S corp income return; the state filing is the commercial activity tax, with a $6 million exclusion for 2026.
6 min read
State S corp returns
Oklahoma S corp tax return: what to file and what to collect
Form 512-S, due date and extension rules, nonresident withholding and the PTE election.
7 min read
Client onboarding
How to onboard a new bookkeeping client
A step-by-step onboarding process that gets a new bookkeeping client to a clean first close.
4 min read
Payroll onboarding
How to onboard a new payroll client
A step-by-step payroll onboarding process, from the first call to the first quarter.
3 min read
State S corp returns
Oregon S corp tax return: what to file for tax year 2026
The Oregon forms, dates, owner payments and client documents for an S corporation's 2026 return.
7 min read
Firm operations
How to organize client documents
A simple folder, naming and access system for client records that stays useful at tax season.
3 min read
Partnership extensions
Partnership tax return extension form: Form 7004 for Form 1065
Form 7004 gives a partnership six more months to file Form 1065, but it does not extend the time to pay.
7 min read
Payroll forms
Payroll deduction forms: what to collect and how long to keep it
The forms that set payroll deductions, the rules behind each one, and how long to keep them.
7 min read
Payroll onboarding
Payroll documents: what a payroll client sends and when
A categorized list of payroll documents, who supplies each one and when it is due, for tax year 2026 returns.
7 min read
Payroll onboarding
Payroll forms for new employees: the new-hire packet
The forms to collect from each new hire, the deadline for each one and the wording to send.
7 min read
Payroll recordkeeping
Payroll records retention requirements by record type
Federal retention periods for each payroll record, the rule behind each one, and what to collect from the client.
7 min read
Payroll tax
Payroll tax forms for 2026: due dates, deposits and corrections
The federal payroll forms a firm files for 2026, with due dates, deposit rules and the Form 941-X correction process.
7 min read
Income verification
Payroll verification forms: letters, stubs and Form 4506-C
Which payroll document answers a lender or landlord's income question, and what the employer should produce quickly.
7 min read
Pennsylvania S corporations
Pennsylvania S corp tax return: PA-20S/PA-65 filing guide
What a PA S corporation files, what it withholds for nonresident owners, and what an extension does not cover.
7 min read
Audit preparation
How to prepare a client for an audit or review
A practical preparation process for an audit or review, from scope to the closeout meeting.
4 min read
Tax season
How to prepare an accounting firm for tax season
A practical tax season preparation plan, from the client list and organizer waves to reminders, missing items and extensions.
5 min read
CAS pricing
How to price a client accounting services engagement
A step-by-step process for pricing a monthly or quarterly client accounting services engagement.
3 min read
Firm operations
How to price bookkeeping services
A scope-first pricing process that protects the firm's margin and the client relationship.
3 min read
Client documents
Proof of identity for IRS Form 4506, Form 8821 and Texas DPS
The IDs Texas DPS accepts, the IRS signer rules and the client documents that get rejected.
7 min read
Security
How to protect sensitive client documents
A practical process for handling the records that carry Social Security, bank and tax identifiers.
3 min read
Client follow-up
How to reduce late client documents
A diagnostic and practical guide for firms whose clients consistently send documents late.
4 min read
Rental income
Rental income tax return deadline for tax year 2026
The April 15 due date, the Form 4868 extension, the filing rules and the estimated tax dates for a 2026 rental return.
7 min read
Rental property tax
Rental property tax deductions form: Schedule E lines and records
Which Schedule E line each rental expense goes on, how depreciation works, and what to collect for each category.
7 min read
Rental property tax
Rental property tax form: Schedule E Part I, line by line
Which rental income and expenses go on Schedule E Part I, when a partnership or LLC uses Form 8825 instead, and when Form 8582 applies.
7 min read
Tax pricing
Rental property tax return cost for tax year 2026
Cost ranges for Schedule E, multi-property, Form 4562 and short-term rental returns, and the collection steps that cut hours.
7 min read
Sales tax
How to review sales tax nexus for a client
A step-by-step review of where a business has sales tax nexus and what to do next.
4 min read
State S corp returns
Rhode Island S corp tax return: RI-1120S, due dates, nonresidents
What a Rhode Island S corporation files for tax year 2026, when, what it pays and what to collect first.
7 min read
Advisory
How to run a client advisory meeting
A repeatable agenda for a monthly or quarterly advisory meeting with a business client.
2 min read
Monthly close
How to run a monthly bookkeeping close
A repeatable process for closing a client's books every month without a last-minute scramble.
5 min read
Firm operations
How to run a remote bookkeeping firm
A practical operating model for a firm that works from several locations.
3 min read
Payroll year end
How to run a year-end payroll close
A step-by-step year-end payroll close for the firm and the business client.
3 min read
S corp extensions
S corp tax extension: Form 7004, payment and K-1 timing
The March 15 deadline for the 2026 Form 1120-S, the six-month Form 7004 extension and what the extension does not cover.
7 min read
S corporations
S corp tax return: what the Form 1120-S requires
How the Form 1120-S is built, who can see it, and the documents to collect for each part of the return.
7 min read
S corp filing
S corp tax return by state for 2026 returns
A state-by-state map of S corp filing rules for 2026 returns, with the federal date and the state checks that catch most errors.
7 min read
California S corp returns
California S corp tax return: Form 100S, tax and due date
Form 100S, the $800 minimum or 1.5% tax, the 15th day of the third month deadline and the LLC check for California S corps.
6 min read
S corp returns
S corp tax return cost: what drives the fee
How preparer fees for a Form 1120-S scale with shareholders, schedules, states and the condition of the client's records.
7 min read
S corporation deadlines
S corp tax return due date: Form 1120-S for 2025 and 2026
Original and extended Form 1120-S due dates for tax years 2025 and 2026, fiscal-year rules, weekend shifts and state date differences.
7 min read
Late filing
S corp tax return late filing penalty under IRC 6699
What a late Form 1120-S costs per shareholder, which rate applies to which year, and how to get the charge removed.
7 min read
Sales tax
Sales tax filing: registration to return, step by step
A state-by-state walk through registration, filing frequency, the return, marketplace sales and exemption certificates.
7 min read
State sales tax
Alabama sales tax filing: how to run it for a client
Alabama filing frequency, due dates, the timely-pay discount, penalties and the records to collect.
7 min read
Sales tax
Sales tax filing in Arizona: TPT, AZTaxes and city rates
How Arizona transaction privilege tax returns get their frequency, due date, e-file rule and city rates.
7 min read
Sales tax
Arkansas sales tax filing: ATAP, due dates and penalties
How to file Arkansas sales tax through ATAP, with 2026 due dates, prepayments, penalties and the records to collect.
7 min read
Sales tax
Sales tax filing in California: CDTFA returns and due dates
How California sellers file CDTFA sales tax returns, which due dates apply to 2026 periods, and what late filing costs.
7 min read
Sales tax
Colorado sales tax filing: the state return, Denver and Pueblo
How the state, Denver and Pueblo sales tax returns differ in frequency, due dates and documents.
7 min read
Sales tax filing
Sales tax filing Connecticut: how to file Form OS-114
Connecticut sales tax is filed on Form OS-114, through myconneCT, on the frequency DRS assigns to each business.
7 min read
Sales tax
Sales tax filing deadlines and quarterly returns
How states assign sales tax filing frequency, the due dates for each schedule, and a calendar method for multi-state clients.
7 min read
Sales tax by state
District of Columbia sales tax filing for bookkeepers
How to register, assign a filing frequency, hit the 20th and collect the right records for DC sales tax returns.
7 min read
Sales tax
Sales tax filing in Florida: how to file and pay on Form DR-15
How Florida assigns your DR-15 filing frequency, when each return is due and what the timely-payment discount is worth.
7 min read
Sales tax
Sales tax filing in Georgia: ST-3 returns, due dates and penalties
How to prepare and file the Georgia ST-3 sales and use tax return, with 2026 due dates and penalty math.
7 min read
Sales tax by state
Hawaii sales tax filing: how bookkeepers file the GET return
Hawaii has no sales tax, so you file the general excise tax on Form G-45 through Hawaii Tax Online.
7 min read
Sales tax
Idaho sales tax filing: TAP, due dates and Form 850
How to file Idaho sales tax in TAP: assigned frequency, 20th-of-the-month due dates, Form 850, penalties and records.
7 min read
Sales tax
Illinois sales tax filing: Form ST-1, ST-2 and location reporting
Filing Illinois Form ST-1 for a client: frequency, due dates, the state and local rate split, and location reporting.
7 min read
Indiana sales tax
Sales tax filing in Indiana through INTIME
How Indiana sales tax filing works in INTIME, from filing frequency to Form ST-103 and county food and beverage returns.
7 min read
Sales tax
Sales tax filing Iowa: schedules, due dates and local option tax
Which Iowa schedule a client files on, its 2026 due dates, how local option tax follows delivery and which exempt-sale records to keep.
7 min read
Sales tax
Sales tax filing in Kansas: online returns, due dates and local rates
How to file and pay Kansas sales tax online, which due date applies to each filing frequency, and how local rates go on the return.
7 min read
Sales tax by state
Sales tax filing in Kentucky: MyTaxes and exempt-sale records
How to file and pay Kentucky sales tax in MyTaxes, what the 6% rate covers, and which records support exempt sales.
7 min read
Sales tax
Sales tax filing in Louisiana: LDR online returns and parish layers
Louisiana sales tax is due the 20th after each period, filed electronically since 2026, with parish tax via Parish E-File.
7 min read
Sales tax
Maine sales tax filing: due dates, rates, penalties and client records
How to file Maine sales tax for a client: the 15th due date, weekend rule, rates, penalties and records.
6 min read
Sales tax by state
Sales tax filing in Maryland through Maryland Tax Connect
Maryland sales tax is filed in Maryland Tax Connect, and this guide covers periods, rates, the discount and exempt sales records.
7 min read
Sales tax
Sales tax filing in Massachusetts: schedule, meals, marketplaces
How a Massachusetts seller picks a filing frequency, reports meals separately and handles marketplace sales.
7 min read
Sales tax
Sales tax filing in Michigan through Michigan Treasury Online
How Michigan sales tax returns, due dates and marketplace facilitator rules work for 2026 sales.
7 min read
Minnesota sales tax
Minnesota sales tax filing: frequency, due dates and records
Minnesota sales tax filing for bookkeepers: frequency bands, 2026 due dates, local rates, penalties and client records.
7 min read
State sales tax
Mississippi sales tax filing: TAP, due dates and the discount
How to file Mississippi sales tax for a client, from filing frequency to the discount you lose by filing late.
7 min read
Sales tax by state
Sales tax filing in Missouri through MyTax Missouri
How Missouri sales tax returns are scheduled, filed in MyTax Missouri and corrected after a wrong jurisdiction code.
7 min read
Sales tax by state
Nebraska sales tax filing: Form 10, due dates and records
How to file Nebraska Form 10 on time, keep the collection fee and gather the right records.
7 min read
Sales tax by state
Sales tax filing in Nevada: due dates, rates and nexus for 2026
The 2026 Nevada sales tax due date, filing frequency, combined rates and nexus rules for out-of-state sellers.
7 min read
New Jersey sales tax
Sales tax filing New Jersey: ST-50, guest access and exempt sales
How a New Jersey business files its quarterly Form ST-50 in the Tax Portal and documents resale and exempt sales.
7 min read
State sales tax
New Mexico sales tax filing: TAP, due dates and the TRD-41413
How to file a client's New Mexico gross receipts tax return on TAP, with due dates, penalties and records.
7 min read
New York sales tax
Sales tax filing in New York: ST-100, ST-809 and NYC
Which New York sales tax return a client files, when it is due, and how the NYC rate fits in.
7 min read
State sales tax
Sales tax filing North Carolina: Form E-500 and local tax
Due dates, filing status rules and county allocation for North Carolina sales and use tax returns on Form E-500.
6 min read
Sales tax
North Dakota sales tax filing: due dates, ND TAP and local tax
How to file North Dakota sales tax in ND TAP: assigned frequency, 2026 due dates, local tax, penalties and monthly records.
7 min read
Sales tax
Sales tax filing in Ohio through the Ohio Business Gateway
How an Ohio sales tax return gets filed, when 2026 periods are due, and what to file when no taxable sales occurred.
7 min read
Sales tax
Oklahoma sales tax filing: OkTAP, due dates and what to collect
How a bookkeeper files Oklahoma sales tax in OkTAP, which due date applies, what late filing costs and what to collect each period.
7 min read
Sales tax
Sales tax filing in Pennsylvania through myPATH
How Pennsylvania sales tax filing works in myPATH, with the 2026 due dates and the local taxes that come with it.
7 min read
Sales tax
Rhode Island sales tax filing: due dates, meals tax, records
The monthly Rhode Island return, the quarterly exception, the 1% meals tax, penalties and what to collect each period.
7 min read
Sales tax
Sales tax filing software and portals: how the data reaches the state
Which state portals take QuickBooks sales tax data by e-file, which take a CSV upload, and which need keyed entry.
7 min read
State sales tax
South Carolina sales tax filing: how to run it for a client
South Carolina filing frequency, due dates, the ST-3 and ST-389, the timely-filing discount and penalties.
7 min read
Sales tax
South Dakota sales tax filing: due dates, portal, penalties
How to file South Dakota sales tax for a client, with due dates, municipal codes, penalties and the records to collect.
7 min read
Sales tax
Sales tax filing in Texas: Webfile, due dates and records
How to file a Texas sales and use tax return through Webfile, with 2026 due dates, the discounts and the records to keep.
7 min read
Sales tax
Sales tax filing in Utah: TAP, due dates and marketplace sales
How Utah sales tax returns are filed in TAP, how the filing status is set and how marketplace sales are reported.
7 min read
State sales tax
Vermont sales tax filing: frequency, due dates and local option tax
How a bookkeeper files Vermont sales and use tax: frequency, due dates, local option tax and records.
7 min read
Sales tax by state
Sales tax filing in Virginia: due dates, rates and Form ST-1
How a Virginia seller files sales tax for 2026, from the monthly and quarterly calendar to the locality rate on each invoice.
7 min read
Sales tax
Washington sales tax filing: due dates, excise return, penalties
How a bookkeeper files Washington sales tax with DOR, which 2026 due dates apply, and what late filing costs.
7 min read
Sales tax by state
West Virginia sales tax filing for bookkeepers
How to file the CST-200CU in MyTaxes, with due dates, frequency rules, municipal tax and penalties.
7 min read
Wisconsin sales tax
Sales tax filing Wisconsin: how to file in My Tax Account
Wisconsin sales tax filing: frequency, due dates, rates and the portal steps for 2026 periods.
7 min read
State sales tax
Wyoming sales tax filing: WYIFS, due dates and vendor credit
How Wyoming sales tax returns are filed, when they are due, and how the vendor credit changes the payment.
7 min read
Sales tax filing
Sales tax return extension: most states will not give you one
Most states do not extend sales tax return due dates, so the work is checking each state's rule and documenting a penalty request.
7 min read
Partnership tax
Schedule K-1 (Form 1065): what it is and what it takes to issue one
What the partnership K-1 reports, when tax year 2026 K-1s are due, and what the firm needs from each partner and the partnership.
7 min read
Client portals and data security
Secure client portal for accountants: what a US tax firm must check
The controls a US tax firm needs in a client portal, mapped to FTC Safeguards Rule duties.
7 min read
Document security
Best secure file sharing for accountants
The controls a tax firm needs for client documents, and how common sharing options measure against them.
7 min read
Tax season pricing
Small business tax filing cost: what drives the bill
How preparers price business returns, which add-ons raise the bill, and which documents cut the hours.
7 min read
Business taxes
Small business tax form Schedule C: which federal forms apply
How Schedule C links to Schedule SE, Forms 4562 and 8829, and which forms belong to employees rather than the owner's return.
7 min read
S corp tax returns
South Carolina S corp tax return: SC1120S, withholding and extensions
What an S corporation files in South Carolina for tax year 2026, when, and what to collect from the client.
7 min read
S corporations by state
South Dakota S corp tax return: what to file for 2026
South Dakota has no state S corporation return, so the work is the federal Form 1120-S and a few state filings.
7 min read
State taxes
State income tax filing basics for individual clients
Which states need a return, how residency changes the form, and the documents to send your preparer.
7 min read
Tax intake
Tax client intake form: what to ask and what to collect
The fields a US tax firm needs on a client intake form, the consents to collect and the rules for tax year 2026.
7 min read
Retirement tax
Tax documents for 401(k) contributions and withdrawals
The forms and records to send a preparer for 401(k) contributions, rollovers, loans and hardship withdrawals.
7 min read
Tax documents
Tax form for health insurance: 1095-A, 1095-B, 1095-C and Form 8962
Which health coverage form a client should expect, when it arrives, and what to keep for the return.
7 min read
HSA tax forms
Tax documents for an HSA: what the client receives and what to file
The forms an HSA trustee issues, how Form 8889 uses them, and the contribution limits for 2025 and 2026.
7 min read
Property tax records
Tax documents for property: Form 1098 and Schedule E
The forms and records a homeowner or landlord needs for mortgage interest, points, property taxes and rental Schedule E.
7 min read
Roth IRA tax forms
Tax documents for a Roth IRA and backdoor conversion
The forms a Roth IRA owner receives, which one carries the taxable amount, and the records that prove basis for 2026 returns.
7 min read
Education tax
Tax form for student loan interest: Forms 1098-E and 1098-T
Which form the lender and school send, what to do when Form 1098-T does not match what was paid, and how to choose the AOTC or LLC.
7 min read
Benefits and taxes
Tax documents for unemployment and disability benefits
Which tax form each unemployment or disability payment produces, where it goes on the return, and how to fix a missing 1099-G.
7 min read
Vehicle deductions
Tax documents for a vehicle: mileage, loan interest and registration
The documents a client needs for vehicle mileage, auto loan interest and registration fees, by tax year.
7 min read
Software category
Tax practice management software: what it is and what it solves
A definition of tax practice management software, its four core functions and how it differs from tax preparation software.
7 min read
Tax season
Tax season timeline for accounting firms
A month-by-month plan for the tax season, from the client list to the extended return deadline.
4 min read
Switching platforms
TaxDome alternatives: how to compare them and move your firm
How the main TaxDome alternatives compare on export, portal, pricing and bookkeeping sync, and how to move a firm without losing files.
7 min read
State S corp filing
Tennessee S corp tax return: what to file for tax year 2026
What a Tennessee S corporation files for 2026, when it is due, and which documents to collect first.
7 min read
State S corp filing
Texas S corp tax return: what to file and when for tax year 2026
Texas has no S corp income tax return, but every S corp still files a franchise tax report or PIR.
7 min read
Firm operations
Time tracking for accounting firms: codes, rules and realization
How to set billable codes, task-level entry rules and the reports that connect time to pricing.
7 min read
State S corp returns
Utah S corp tax return for tax year 2026: what to file and collect
The Utah return, due dates, nonresident withholding and elective tax for a 2026 S corporation.
7 min read
State S corporation returns
Vermont S corp tax return: what to file and what to collect
The Vermont return for an S corporation, its dates, nonresident payments and the client documents to gather.
7 min read
State S corp returns
Virginia S corp tax return: Form 502, PTET and nonresident withholding
What a Virginia S corporation files for tax year 2026, when, and what to collect first.
6 min read
State S corp returns
Washington S corp tax return: what to file for tax year 2026
Washington has no S corporation income tax return, so the work is Form 1120-S, B&O tax and owner-level items.
7 min read
State S corp returns
West Virginia S corp tax return: what to file and collect for 2026
Form PTE-100, extension rules, nonresident withholding and the elective tax for West Virginia S corporations.
7 min read
Tax filing
What documents do I need to send with my tax return?
A split between what the IRS needs attached, what goes with a paper return, and what the firm keeps.
7 min read
Client onboarding
What is a client consent form? The types a tax firm needs
Which client consents the law requires, which are only good practice, and what to keep.
7 min read
Tax software
What software do tax preparers use, function by function
Which products tax preparers use for returns, workflow, documents, e-signature and the bookkeeping ledger, by firm size.
7 min read
Software buying
Which is the best document management software for a tax firm
No single product wins on the evidence, so pick by workflow, retention, security and pricing per client.
7 min read
State S corp returns
Wisconsin S corp tax return: what to file for tax year 2026
Form 5S, the 7-month extension, entity-level tax, PW-1 withholding and composite Form 1CNS for tax year 2026.
7 min read
Client emails
How to write a client document request email
The structure of a document request email that a client can act on, plus the follow-up sequence.
4 min read
Records
How to write a document retention policy
A practical structure for a firm's document retention and destruction policy.
3 min read
S corporation tax
Wyoming S corp tax return: what a Wyoming S corporation files for 2026
Wyoming has no income tax return for S corporations, so the work is Form 1120-S, the annual report and any other-state filings.
7 min read
Year-end close
Year end accounting adjustments: a checklist with journal entries
A year-end checklist of adjusting entries, the journal entry for each, and the documents that support them.
8 min read
Year-end close
Year-end accounting close: a dated timeline for tax year 2026
A dated close timeline for tax year 2026 returns, plus the client documents that most often hold up the books.
7 min read
Outsourcing
Year-end accounting outsourcing: what to buy and how to check it
The three scopes a provider can sell, how the quotes are built, the client inputs that set the timing, and the controls to test.
7 min read
Year-end close
Year end Sage accounting: Sage 50 close and trial balance
Sage 50 US year-end steps, the Waiting on Bill blocker, what closing locks, and how to export the trial balance for the preparer.
7 min read

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