Your first CPA consultation: a practical preparation checklist

Prepare a one-page brief

Describe what you want the conversation to resolve. Examples include planning your first U.S. filing, reviewing a notice, or finding ongoing support for a small business. Separate urgent questions from topics that can wait. Note relevant dates and the tax years involved, but do not assume a consultation itself extends a filing or response deadline.

List the records you have

Make an inventory of the documents already available, such as prior returns, income statements, business summaries and correspondence. Mark anything missing. At this stage, a list can be more useful than an unstructured folder containing hundreds of files. Ask the professional which documents are needed for the meeting and which can wait until an engagement is agreed.

Describe changes clearly

Prepare a timeline of important changes: moving between states or countries, beginning self-employment, opening or closing a business, or changing ownership. The aim is to give the adviser context, not to decide the tax treatment yourself. If you are unsure whether something matters, place it on a separate questions list.

Agree on the next step

Before the conversation ends, ask what has been answered and what requires additional research or paid work. Request a clear next action, responsible person and expected date. Keep notes on the proposed services, documents requested and fee arrangements. Do not mistake an introductory conversation for a completed return or a written tax opinion.

Keep document sharing secure

Use the firm's agreed secure process. Confirm the recipient before uploading anything and keep original copies. Never sign a blank return. The IRS publishes additional tips on selecting a preparer, including checks that can help you identify questionable practices. Chinese CPA Guide does not receive or store your tax documents.