Template

Client Document Checklist Template

How to use this

This is a starting checklist to send clients so they know exactly what to gather — copy it into your intake email or portal message, delete anything that doesn't apply to this client, and add anything specific to their situation. It is organized by identity, income, deductions, and credits. Our document collection guide explains how to personalize it from last year's return.

Send it alongside our engagement letter template to start the file and the paperwork together.

This template is a starting point, not legal advice — have it reviewed by a professional familiar with the rules in your state before you use it.

A document checklist isn't usually something you e-sign — but you can send the engagement letter above for e-signature and use FinishTax's document requests to collect what's on this list.

Client Document Checklist — [Tax Year]

Client: [Client Name] Prepared by: [Firm Name]

Identity

[ ] Government-issued photo ID for each filer
[ ] Social Security card or ITIN letter for each filer and dependent
[ ] Prior-year tax return (if a new client)
[ ] Direct deposit information (voided check or account and routing numbers)

Income

[ ] W-2 from each employer
[ ] 1099-NEC / 1099-MISC (self-employment or contract income)
[ ] 1099-INT / 1099-DIV (interest and dividends)
[ ] 1099-B and year-end brokerage statements (investment sales)
[ ] 1099-R (retirement distributions)
[ ] 1099-G (unemployment or state refund)
[ ] SSA-1099 (Social Security benefits)
[ ] Schedule K-1 (partnership, S-corp, or trust income)
[ ] Records of any other income not listed above

Deductions

[ ] Form 1098 (mortgage interest)
[ ] Property tax statements
[ ] Form 1098-E (student loan interest)
[ ] IRA or HSA contribution records
[ ] Charitable contribution receipts
[ ] Medical expense records
[ ] Self-employment expense records (mileage, home office, supplies)

Credits

[ ] Form 1098-T (tuition statement)
[ ] Childcare provider name, address, and Tax ID (for the dependent care credit)
[ ] Records of energy-efficient home improvements
[ ] Adoption or other credit-related documentation

Notes

[Space for anything specific to this client's situation.]

Turn this checklist into a document request

FinishTax tracks what's still missing and lets you send a reminder naming exactly what's outstanding. Free for up to 3 clients; client uploads from $29/mo.

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