Why Preparation Matters

Your first meeting with a CPA sets the tone for your entire tax or accounting relationship. Come prepared and you save time, reduce stress, and get better advice. Come unprepared and you spend the call digging for documents or guessing at numbers. If you have wondered what to bring to an accountant, this guide gives you a simple checklist of documents, numbers, and key questions to make your first meeting count. Whether you are an individual, a new business owner, or a growing company, use this to get ready for a focused and productive call.

At Curler Accounting & Tax Services, LLC, we help individuals and small businesses in Washington County, Mequon, and across the north Milwaukee area. Matt Curler, CPA, brings more than 20 years of experience in tax, accounting, payroll, and treasury management. He is known for a calm, practical style and for asking the right questions. This article reflects what Matt looks for in a first meeting so you can show up ready and confident.

Quick Checklist: What to Bring to an Accountant

Here is a short list you can use right away. You can read the full details below, but this covers the items that help most people get answers faster.

• Photo ID and Social Security numbers for you, your spouse, and dependents
• Last two years of tax returns and any IRS or state letters
• Income records: W-2s, 1099s, K-1s, interest and dividend statements
• Deduction records: mortgage interest, property taxes, charitable gifts, medical expenses
• Education and childcare: 1098-T, student loan interest, daycare receipts with provider EIN
• Health coverage forms: 1095-A if you used Marketplace insurance
• Business financials: profit and loss, balance sheet, bank statements, receipts
• Payroll reports and W-3, 941, and 940 if you have employees
• Entity documents: LLC or S-Corp paperwork, EIN letter, operating agreement
• Cash flow information: current cash on hand, debts, loan terms, and upcoming payments
• A list of questions and your goals for the year

For Individual Taxpayers

If you are an employee, a retiree, or a family filing a personal return, what to bring to an accountant is simple. Focus on identity, income, deductions, and credits. If anything changed in your life this year, bring documents to show it. New home. New baby. Marriage or divorce. Job change. College tuition. These events can change your tax result and your planning.

For Small Business Owners and Freelancers

If you own an LLC, are self employed, or run a side gig, bring your bookkeeping records, bank statements, and any 1099-NEC forms. If your books are not perfect, do not worry. Bring what you have and we will help tidy it up. The goal is to give your accountant a clear view of income, expenses, assets, and liabilities so that tax planning and cash flow ideas fit your real situation.

If You Need IRS Help or Back Taxes

If you have letters from the IRS or the Wisconsin Department of Revenue, bring all notices to the meeting. Also bring your last filed return, proof of payments, and any prior year information you think might be missing. Curler Accounting offers IRS representation, so the more history you bring, the faster we can advise you on next steps.

If You Are Starting an LLC or S-Corp

Thinking about forming or changing your business entity. Bring your business plan, expected revenue, ownership list, and current bookkeeping. If you have already formed an entity, bring your Articles of Organization or Incorporation, EIN letter, and operating agreement or bylaws. We will help you weigh the costs and benefits of LLC, S-Corp, and other options based on your situation.

Documents to Gather Before You Meet

Identity and Prior Returns

Your accountant needs to verify who you are and understand your tax history. This prevents errors, avoids missed credits, and helps with audit protection.

• Government issued photo ID for the primary filer and spouse
• Social Security cards or numbers for all filers and dependents
• Last two years of federal and state tax returns
• Any IRS or state letters or notices
• Bank account and routing numbers for direct deposit or payments

Income Records

Income documents tell your accountant where money came from and how it may be taxed. Bring all that apply.

• W-2 forms from employers
• 1099-NEC for contract income and 1099-MISC for other income
• 1099-INT for bank interest and 1099-DIV for dividends
• 1099-B or year end brokerage statement for stock sales
• 1099-R for retirement distributions and SSA-1099 for Social Security
• Schedule K-1 from partnerships, S-Corps, or trusts
• Rental income reports and related expenses
• Alimony received if it applies to your tax year

Deduction and Credit Records

Deductions and credits can move your tax bill by thousands of dollars. Gather proof now so you can claim what you deserve.

• Mortgage interest statement and property tax receipts
• Charitable donation receipts, including noncash donation details
• Medical and dental expenses if they are significant
• Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account details
• Education forms such as 1098-T and student loan interest 1098-E
• Childcare expenses with provider name, address, and tax ID
• Energy efficient home improvement receipts if applicable
• State 529 plan contributions

Business Financials

If you run a business, clean financials help your accountant spot tax savings and cash flow fixes fast. Bring the following if you have them.

• Year to date profit and loss and balance sheet
• General ledger or a simple list of income and expenses
• Bank and credit card statements for the year
• Accounts receivable and accounts payable aging reports
• Fixed asset purchases and depreciation schedules
• Inventory counts and valuation method
• Sales tax filings and payment confirmations
• 1099s you issued to contractors plus W-9s on file

Payroll and HR Data

Payroll affects taxes, benefits, and cash flow. Bring these items if you pay employees.

• Payroll summaries and year end reports
• Forms 941, 940, W-2, and W-3
• State unemployment and withholding filings
• Employee and contractor lists with addresses and tax IDs
• Benefit plan details such as retirement match and health premiums

Compliance and Legal

Entity details and licenses help your accountant confirm compliance and recommend structure changes when needed.

• LLC or corporate formation documents
• EIN assignment letter from the IRS
• Operating agreement or corporate bylaws
• Business licenses and permits
• Any insurance policies relevant to your business

Cash Flow and Banking

Cash flow is the heart of your business. Matt Curler has deep treasury management experience and can help you improve liquidity if you bring the right details.

• Business bank statements and current balance
• Loan statements with interest rate, term, and payment schedule
• Line of credit agreements and available capacity
• Upcoming large expenses, projects, or equipment needs
• Collection policies and average days to collect receivables

Numbers Your Accountant Will Ask For

Even if you do not have every document, arrive with a few key numbers. These guide your first meeting and help your accountant estimate outcomes.

• Your current filing status and number of dependents
• Estimated annual income by source
• Estimated major deductions such as mortgage interest and property taxes
• Retirement contributions and expected year end totals
• For businesses, monthly revenue and expense averages, plus net profit
• Cash on hand, debts, and upcoming obligations
• For new entities, startup budget and break even estimates

Questions to Ask in Your First Meeting

Knowing what to bring to an accountant is step one. Step two is knowing what to ask. Come with questions that match your goals so you get value from the conversation.

• How can I reduce my tax bill this year and next year
• Should I itemize or claim the standard deduction
• What records do I need to keep to support deductions and credits
• For my business, should I stay a sole proprietor or become an S-Corp
• How can I improve cash flow over the next 90 days
• What payroll or sales tax filings do I need to watch
• Can you represent me if the IRS sends a notice
• What are your fees and what is included
• What is the timeline and what are the next steps after this call

How to Organize Your Files for a Smooth Call

A little organization goes a long way. If you plan a virtual meeting with Curler Accounting, scan documents ahead of time. If you plan to meet in person in Mequon, bring everything in a simple folder with labeled sections.

1. Create a single folder for tax year documents on your computer
2. Name files clearly, for example 2025_W2_EmployerName or 2025_1099_INT_Bank
3. Group files by category: income, deductions, business, payroll, IRS letters
4. Bring a one page summary of major changes this year
5. Use a basic spreadsheet to list income sources and estimated totals
6. For businesses, export a profit and loss and balance sheet to PDF
7. Share documents securely before the meeting if possible

What to Expect in a First Meeting With Curler Accounting

At Curler Accounting, your first meeting is focused and practical. We start by understanding your goals and your current situation. Then we review your documents, fill in gaps, and outline your options. We end with a clear plan and a timeline.

Here is a typical flow you can expect.

1. Introductions and goals. What do you want from this year, and what worries you
2. Quick review of your documents and numbers. We confirm what is complete
3. Initial findings. Opportunities to lower taxes, improve cash flow, or fix compliance issues
4. Action plan. A simple list of tasks for you and for us, with due dates
5. Next steps. Scheduling, fees, and communication preferences

Matt Curler brings a calm, no nonsense style shaped by his service as a Military Police Officer in the Wisconsin Army National Guard and years with the Milwaukee Police Department. That discipline shows up in how he handles your finances. Clear process. Ethical advice. Attention to detail.

Why Choose Curler Accounting and Matt Curler, CPA

Curler Accounting & Tax Services, LLC serves individuals and small businesses in Washington County, Mequon, and areas north of Milwaukee. Matt’s background includes KPMG and Harley-Davidson, where he worked on tax strategy and compliance. That experience means you get both big picture insight and practical help, not just form filing.

• Personalized service. Every client gets hands on attention
• Military precision and integrity. Ethical, disciplined financial management
• Small business focus. Practical strategies for growth and cash flow
• Community commitment. Active in Rotary Club and VA Hospital volunteer work
• Local and virtual services. Meet in Mequon or work with us online statewide
• Full service help. Tax preparation, planning, bookkeeping, payroll, cash flow, compliance, IRS representation, and entity formation

If you are comparing firms and wondering what to bring to an accountant, Curler Accounting makes it easy. We give you a clear list, guide you through each step, and keep the process simple.

Local or Virtual, We Have You Covered

Prefer to meet near home in Mequon. We are local and ready. Prefer to work online. We use secure portals and video calls so you can meet from anywhere. In both cases, the same checklist applies. Bring your ID, prior returns, income records, deductions and credits, and for businesses your financials and payroll data. If you are short on time, send what you can. We will help you prioritize the rest.

Next Steps: Book Your Call and Bring This List

Now that you know what to bring to an accountant, pick a time for your first meeting. Gather the documents listed above, write down your questions, and be ready to talk about your goals. If you are not sure about an item, bring it anyway. It is better to have it and not need it than to leave it at home.

Curler Accounting will review your information, confirm what is missing, and build a plan that fits your situation. You get clarity, not confusion. You get action steps, not vague advice.

FAQ: What to Bring to an Accountant

Do I need every document on this list

No. Bring what applies to you. If you are an employee with W-2 income, you do not need business statements. If you own a business, focus on financials, bank statements, and payroll reports. If you are unsure, bring it and we will advise.

Can I meet without last year’s tax return

Yes, but having prior returns helps us spot trends, carryovers, and missed opportunities. If possible, bring the last two years.

What if I do not have a good bookkeeping system

Bring bank statements, receipts, and a simple list of income and expenses. Curler Accounting can set up or clean up your books and build a better system going forward.

Is it safe to email my documents

For security, we prefer you use our secure portal. If you must email, do not send Social Security numbers or bank data without protection. Ask us for the safest way to share files.

How long is a first meeting

Most introductory calls run about 30 to 60 minutes. If your situation is complex, we may schedule a follow up to dive deeper once we review your documents.

What does it cost

Fees vary by service and complexity. We are upfront about pricing so there are no surprises. You will receive an estimate once we understand your needs and the scope of work.

When should I book if I want help before tax deadlines

Sooner is better. Tax season fills up fast. If you are in Washington County or Mequon, schedule early to secure the time you want. Virtual clients statewide should also plan ahead to avoid delays.

A Final Word From Curler Accounting

Your first meeting should not be stressful. With a simple plan for what to bring to an accountant, you can turn that time into real progress. Gather your ID and prior returns. Pull together income and deduction records. For businesses, bring financials, payroll, and entity documents. Write down your questions and goals. Then let Curler Accounting guide you with clear steps and reliable advice.

Matt Curler, CPA, brings a rare mix of technical skill and steady leadership. His years at KPMG and Harley-Davidson shaped his tax and finance expertise. His service in the Wisconsin Army National Guard and the Milwaukee Police Department shaped his character. That blend of experience is why clients trust Curler Accounting with their taxes, books, payroll, and strategy.

Ready to get started. Book your call, bring this checklist, and let us help you save time, cut stress, and make smarter financial decisions this year. Curler Accounting is here to make your first meeting productive from minute one.