Chris Dykstra, EA

Small-Business Records Checklist

Use this checklist to organize records that support accurate tax preparation and sound financial decisions.

Income and Banking

Year-end profit and loss statement
Year-end balance sheet
Business bank statements for all accounts
Merchant processor and payment-platform reports
Forms 1099 received
Records of cash receipts and other income

Expenses and Supporting Records

Receipts and invoices by expense category
Business credit-card statements
Vehicle mileage log and vehicle expense records
Travel, meals, and lodging documentation
Home-office expense information, if applicable
Insurance, professional fees, licenses, and subscriptions

Payroll and Contractors

Quarterly and annual payroll reports
Forms W-2 and W-3
Forms 1099-NEC and contractor payment records
Employer retirement-plan contributions
Health-insurance and employee-benefit records

Assets, Loans, and Ownership

Equipment, vehicle, and property purchase documents
Asset disposal or trade-in records
Business loan statements and year-end balances
Owner contributions and distributions
Partnership or shareholder ownership changes
Prior-year depreciation schedules