Small Business Tax Preparation Checklist for Tax Season 2025
Small business owners face additional reporting requirements and earlier filing deadlines during tax season 2025.
This small business tax preparation checklist outlines the most common records needed to file your business return and meet the important tax dates and deadlines for 2026.
Our team provides full-service business tax preparation and compliance support.
Note: Business types and industries vary. This checklist covers common items, but your business may require additional documentation. If you’re unsure on what you need for your business, call our office and we’ll guide you.
Income Records Checklist
Gather all income information, including:
- Gross receipts from sales or services
- Sales reports (POS or invoicing systems)
- Returns and allowances
- Interest income (Form 1099-INT)
- Other miscellaneous income
Expense Documentation Checklist
Cost of Goods Sold (COGS)
- Beginning inventory value
- Inventory purchases
- Ending inventory value
- Materials and supplies
- Personal use withdrawals from inventory
Operating Expenses
- Advertising and marketing
- Phone and internet
- Office supplies
- Rent or lease payments
- Insurance premiums
- Professional fees (CPA, legal, consulting)
Travel and Transportation
- Mileage logs
- Parking and toll receipts
- Airfare and lodging
- Meals during business travel
Assets and Depreciation
- Equipment purchase dates and costs
- Vehicles used for business
- Assets sold or disposed of
- Records of personal versus business use
Payroll and Contractor Forms
If you have employees or contractors:
- Forms W-2 and W-3
- Payroll tax filings (Forms 940 and 941)
- Forms 1099-NEC for contractors
- Form 1096 (if filing by mail)
Home Office and Vehicle Use
- Home office square footage
- Total home square footage
- Utility bills and insurance
- Mortgage interest or rent records
- Vehicle mileage logs
Estimated Tax and Credit Opportunities
- Records of estimated tax payments
- Research and Development (R&D) activities
- Clean energy or manufacturing investments
- State-specific tax credits
Learn how recent legislation expanded business credits under the One Big Beautiful Bill tax updates.
Filing Deadlines for Businesses
Most business returns are due earlier than individual returns:
- March 16, 2026 — S corporations and partnerships
- April 15, 2026 — C corporations
- September and October 2026 — Extended deadlines
Review full filing timelines on our tax deadlines and filing calendar.
Get Help With Small Business Tax Preparation
Business tax filings affect cash flow, compliance, and long-term planning. Working with a CPA can help ensure accuracy and uncover credits you may be missing.
Talk to a Boxelder CPA about your small business tax preparation.