Tax · A defined engagement
Prior-year returns
An unfiled return can feel difficult to approach. Prior-year preparation begins by identifying the years involved, what was already filed, and which records are available.
Explore the detailsWhat the work includes
A useful result,
clearly defined.
These are the deliverables to discuss when agreeing on your scope.
- 01
A year-by-year starting point
An inventory of the periods, known filings, available records, and outstanding correspondence.
- 02
A records plan
A checklist of missing information and the separate bookkeeping work that may be needed.
- 03
Scoped preparation
Preparation for the agreed years, followed by review and a discussion of the appropriate filing next steps.
When it fits
Does this sound familiar?
- You have a prior year that may need a return prepared.
- You need to sort filed years from unfiled years.
- You have some records and need to understand what else is required.
A useful distinction
Unfiled and amended are different starting points.
We first establish whether a return was filed and what issue needs attention. That prevents the project from beginning with the wrong assumption.
- Unfiled year
- Review the information needed to prepare a return for that year.
- Previously filed return
- A possible correction requires a separate review; an amendment is not assumed.
Prepare for the conversation
The records behind the work.
- A list of the years you believe are unfiled
- Available prior returns and filing confirmations
- Income and expense records for each year
- Any notices or letters concerning those periods
Gather these for an agreed secure handoff. Do not send sensitive documents through this website.
How it moves forward
- 01
Establish the history
Identify what is known and which filing facts need confirmation.
- 02
Organize by year
Keep records, questions, and any missing bookkeeping separate for each period.
- 03
Prepare and review
Complete the agreed work and discuss the next steps for each return.
Before we begin
A few useful answers.
What if I do not have every document?
Begin with an inventory of what is available. We can discuss the missing information before agreeing on preparation work, without assuming records can be reconstructed.
Can several years be handled as one project?
They can be discussed together, but each year needs its own records and filing review. Scope and sequencing are agreed before work begins.
The next conversation
Start with your situation.
Identify the records, the periods, and the question you want to answer. We can then discuss a scope and fee.
Online scheduling is being prepared. No appointment is booked through this page.
Information on this website is general and is not tax advice. Tax advice is provided only after an engagement is signed. Outcomes depend on your individual circumstances.