TAX PLANNING · RESEARCH & INSIGHTBuild a secure index rather than emailing a large document pile. Use redacted summaries for the initial supplier process and release detailed records only under agreed arrangements. IRS guidance describes written information-security plans for tax professionals. IRS — Tips to help tax professionals protect client information
| Record group | Collect internally | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | Entity list, ownership, elections, state registrations | Establish the subjects of advice |
| Tax baseline | Filed returns, workpapers available, carryforwards and notices | Prevent duplication and identify open issues |
| Finance | Current management accounts, cash forecast, debt terms | Make recommendations affordable |
| People | Owner duties, pay, workforce locations, anonymised census | Support payroll and retirement enquiries |
| Scope | Existing engagement letters, invoices and meeting notes | Identify purchased versus missing work |
| Events | Draft transaction documents, purchase schedules, partner changes | Put advice before irreversible decisions |
Ask the incumbent to label each work area included, excluded, completed, deferred or awaiting input. Record “unknown” when evidence is unavailable. An owner may know the legal entity name without knowing the tax election; the IRS LLC classification guidance explains why these are distinct. IRS — Entities 3: LLC tax classification
Exit condition: the finance lead and incumbent agree the starting facts or explicitly list disagreements.
Explore the structured evidence
Structure
Entity list, ownership, elections, state registrations
Establish the subjects of advice