Free checklist template · Accounting

Tax return preparation checklist

A tax return preparation checklist is the list an accountant works through for each client return: collecting documents, confirming income and deductions, checking last year’s return, having a second person review it, and getting the client’s signed approval before lodgement. Working the same list for every return keeps quality even in the busy season.

Updated November 2026 · PDF, Word and CSV · Free to use, don’t resell

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Checklist template

Check this template against your local regulations and your own policies before you use it.

Business
Location
Date

Return

For each client return

Done	Task	Notes	Initials
Before you start
	Check there is a signed engagement letter for this year
	Review last year’s return and the notes left for this year
	Send the client their document request list
Income
	Reconcile salary and wages to the employer statements
	Include interest, dividends and managed fund statements
	Include rental, business and capital gains schedules
	Check pre-filled data against the client’s own records
Deductions and offsets
	Check each deduction has a receipt or record
	Check work-related claims are reasonable for the client’s job
	Apply carried-forward losses and available offsets
Review and lodge
	Have a second person review the return and the workpapersClear every review point before you send the return to the client.
	Send the return and a summary of the result to the client
	Get the client’s signed declaration before lodging
	Lodge the return and save the lodgement receipt
	Note follow-ups and reminders for next year

Completed by
Checked by (manager)
Date
Notes

Common questions

What documents do I need for a tax return?

Income statements from employers, bank interest, dividend and fund statements, rental and business records, and receipts for deductions. Last year’s return and any notices from the tax authority help too.

Should every tax return be reviewed?

Yes. A second person checking the return against the workpapers catches missed income, unsupported deductions and keying errors. Smaller returns may need a lighter review, but none should go out unchecked.

When should a client sign their tax return?

After they have seen the finished return and before you lodge it. Their signed declaration confirms the information is true and complete, and it protects your practice.

Tax return preparation checklist

Return

How to use this template

Use it in Wikidoc

Document how it’s done

Train the team on it

Map who does what

Related templates

Workpaper review procedure

Accounting client onboarding checklist

Engagement letter procedure

Bank reconciliation procedure

Client data security procedure

Month-end close checklist

Common questions

What documents do I need for a tax return?

Should every tax return be reviewed?

When should a client sign their tax return?

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