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Learn as you file

Tax guides

What each form in your packet is, what to show a CPA, and practical filing tips. Educational only — not tax advice.

What to show an accountant

The packet is a filled draft, not a filed return. A CPA still needs the original issuer documents. Contact them yourself — we do not hire CPAs or handle their fees. Reviewing a filled 1040 can be less work than starting from a shoebox, but that is their pricing, not a promise from us.

  1. 1

    The PDF packet you downloaded

    Form 1040 plus every schedule we attached, in one file. That is the draft they review — not a filed return.

  2. 2

    Original tax documents

    W-2s, 1099s, 1098, brokerage 1099-B, crypto year-end reports. CPAs want the issuer copies, not just our PDF.

  3. 3

    Expense records for Schedule C

    Receipts, mileage, home-office notes. If we had few expenses, say so — they may find more deductions.

  4. 4

    Last year’s return

    Helps them spot carryovers, estimated payments, and filing-status issues.

  5. 5

    Photo ID

    Many CPAs are required to verify who you are before they sign or advise.

  6. 6

    Anything we did not generate

    Foreign employment (2555 / FBAR / FATCA 8938), rental Schedule E, and incomplete crypto lots. Tell them what is missing so they do not assume the packet is complete.

Say this in the first email

“I used AutoFileTax to fill Form 1040 and matching schedules. I am sending the PDF packet plus my W-2s and 1099s. Please review before I file. I did not e-file.” Mention freelance, crypto, rental, or foreign income so they know what to look for.

Find a listed CPA · Form-by-form guide

AutoFileTax prepares forms. We do not e-file with the IRS. This is not tax, legal, or accounting advice.