Tax template

1040 document checklist for tax preparers

Use this as a starting point for individual tax-return document requests. Edit the checklist for each client before sending.

Inside the request builder

Individual 1040 packet, preloaded and ready to send

Income, business income and expenses, and supporting items grouped so the client sees a clear, itemized checklist instead of one big ask.

  • Income forms (W-2, 1099, etc.) up front
  • Schedule C items grouped under Business Income & Expenses
  • Send by email or SMS in one click
SendMeDocs request builder with the Individual Tax Return (Self-Employed / Small Business) template loaded, showing income forms and business expenses grouped into named sections.

Starter checklist

The exact request depends on the client, but these are the common items for individual tax preparation.

Use this list as a base, then add the edge-case items per client (rental income, K-1s from partnerships, foreign accounts, IRS notices). A request with named items beats a paragraph in an email: the client sees what is still missing without you sending a follow-up. The tax document collection page covers how this fits the broader tax-season workflow.

Photo ID and taxpayer details

W-2s, 1099s, K-1s, and other income forms

Prior-year return and IRS/state notices

Deduction support, dependent details, and banking information

How to send it

Turn the checklist into a SendMeDocs request so each item is visible and trackable.

Save it as a template after the first send and reuse it for every individual return. Edit per client (remove items that do not apply, add notes for unusual circumstances), send by email or SMS, and watch the dashboard for uploads. The for tax preparers page walks through the full season workflow.

Save the checklist as a reusable template

Remove items that do not apply

Add custom explanations or follow-up fields

Starter checklist

Identity

Photo ID, Social Security details, spouse and dependent information.

Income

W-2s, 1099s, K-1s, unemployment, interest, dividends, and other income forms.

Deductions and credits

Mortgage interest, charitable giving, education, childcare, medical, and business expense support.

Prior records

Prior-year return, IRS notices, state notices, and estimated-tax payments.

Questions

Is this tax advice?

No. This is a starter collection checklist. A qualified tax professional should decide what each client actually needs.

Can I customize the checklist?

Yes. Every request supports custom items, notes, and follow-up fields. Templates are starting points, not constraints.

How do clients return signed forms?

SendMeDocs collects files. For true e-signature, use DocuSign or similar and have the signed PDF uploaded back through the request link.

What does it cost?

Pay-as-you-go is $0.50 per request. Monthly commitments start at $12 if you send more than about 24 requests in a month.

Related pages