Free tool guide

Tax preparation and records

A clear filing process starts with the records and assumptions behind each answer. Organize income, accounts, assets, residence facts and family changes before a preparer begins work. Keep official sources, dates and unresolved questions with the result that produced them. These tools help you build a useful handoff without collecting tax returns, bank logins, account numbers, passport numbers or other sensitive identifiers.

  1. Which documents should I gather?

    Build a practical record list from your income, foreign accounts, assets, entities, and life changes.

  2. How long should I keep these records?

    Build a federal recordkeeping plan for returns, property basis, losses, employment, and international forms.

  3. Questions to ask your tax preparer

    Create a focused question pack for scope, international experience, assumptions, forms, security, timing, and fees.

  4. Organize an IRS notice response date

    Enter the notice code and printed dates to organize the next action without uploading a sensitive notice.

  5. What does this international tax form do?

    Look up a common U.S. international form’s purpose, filing route, current instructions, and related free check.

  6. What changed in U.S. federal expat tax guidance?

    Review a limited, human-checked log with publication dates, effective dates, source links, and the tools affected.

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How to use this guide

Each tool gives a complete first-pass result from the facts you enter and keeps its official sources and review date visible. It is general information, not tax or legal advice. Check unusual facts with a qualified professional.

Guide updated .