Tax season shouldn’t feel like a mad dash through spreadsheets. With a little preparation and the right guidance, you can file confidently, save time, and even uncover deductions you didn’t know existed.

Here’s a clear checklist to help you start early and stay organized.

Gather your core documents

Start by collecting everything you’ll need to file accurately — your business income statements or profit-and-loss reports, expense receipts and invoices, payroll summaries, bank and credit statements, and last year’s tax return. Having all your numbers in one place makes it easier to track and reconcile. Try organizing digital folders by month or category so you can quickly access what you need when it’s time to file.

Track deductions you might miss

Many business owners miss opportunities to reduce their taxable income simply because they don’t record all their deductible expenses. Keep an eye out for overlooked items like your home office setup, internet and software tools, mileage, professional fees, insurance premiums, or any recurring business subscriptions. Maintaining a simple log or app to record these expenses throughout the year will make tax time much smoother — and can save you more than you expect.