January has a certain rhythm. Resolutions get made. Calendars get cleaned up. And for accountants? It’s go time.

If you’re working with a CPA or tax preparer, the new year isn’t just about tallying last year’s numbers. It’s also about planning ahead, wrapping up compliance items, and setting you up for a smoother season overall. But to get the most out of the relationship, it helps to know what’s coming—and what your accountant will be expecting from you.

You’ll get asked for documents—lots of them

Expect your accountant to send a request list or a tax organizer sometime in January. It’ll likely include:

• W-2s and 1099s (from jobs, side hustles, investments, and banks)
• Year-end payroll and income summaries for business owners
• Expense records, especially if you’re self-employed or itemizing
• Confirmation of things like charitable donations, IRA contributions, or HSA activity
• Any IRS or state notices you’ve received
  
  

Don’t wait for every piece to arrive before starting your prep. Getting a head start in December—even by gathering what you already have—makes a big difference. The earlier your accountant has what they need, the more attention they can give your return (and any planning opportunities that come with it).

For business owners: 1099 season is here

If you paid independent contractors $600 or more last year, January 31 is the deadline to send them Form 1099-NEC. Your accountant can help, but they’ll need your vendor list and payment totals well ahead of that date.

Heads up: if you’re missing W-9s from your contractors, start chasing those now. It’s one of the biggest slowdowns in January—and the fines for late filing stack up fast.

Your accountant is busy, but still on your side

This is the most demanding time of year for accounting firms, so it helps to be clear and concise when sending questions or documents. Organized files, labeled PDFs, and consolidated folders go a long way.

If you’re a new client or had any big changes (like switching payroll providers or accounting systems), give your accountant a heads-up now so they can flag any gaps early.

Changes in your life? They’ll want to know

The tax return is just math on paper—but it reflects your life. That means if something big happened in 2025, your accountant needs to know. Some common examples:

• You moved, got married, or welcomed a child
• You changed jobs or started a business
• You sold stock, bought property, or closed a business entity
• You made large retirement contributions or withdrawals

These kinds of changes can affect your filing status, deductions, credits, and estimated taxes. Flag them early and you’ll avoid last-minute adjustments.

Planning ahead: Q1 estimates and 2026 prep

Most people are still catching their breath in December, but your accountant is already looking ahead. If your income spiked or dropped last year, or if you’re planning to grow in 2026, this is the right time to revisit quarterly estimates or withholdings.

Good forecasting now can help prevent underpayment penalties or unexpected bills later.

Early filing isn’t just about refunds

If you’re expecting a refund, filing early can get your money back faster. But even if you owe, there may be reasons to move quickly—especially if you’re applying for a loan, financial aid, or just want to reduce the risk of identity theft.

Filing early also gives you more flexibility. If something unexpected comes up (like a corrected 1099 or a delayed K-1), it’s much easier to course-correct when you’re not already bumping up against an April deadline.

How to make December count

Want to make tax season easier on everyone involved? Here’s a quick checklist:

• ✅ Start gathering your docs, even if they’re not complete
• ✅ Make sure your 1099s are ready to go if you run a business
• ✅ Let your accountant know about any major changes
• ✅ Be timely and responsive—it keeps everything moving

January doesn’t have to feel like the start of a scramble. With a little preparation and solid communication, you can turn it into the calm before the (April) storm.