Tax Prep & Planning

How to Prepare a Template File for Your Accountant or Tax Preparer

Tax Prep & Planning

Clean up a workbook, export summaries, gather source documents, and write useful notes before sending a template to a professional.

8 min Beginner General Help Article KB-HELP-HANDOFF 2 views

Best for: customers who want to send a completed or partially completed template to a tax preparer, accountant, or bookkeeper.

Important: Your professional may have their own upload portal and document checklist. Follow their instructions first.

What to send

  • The editable Excel workbook if the professional needs to review formulas or data.
  • A PDF export of the final summary or checklist tabs.
  • Source documents that support the totals in the template.
  • A short note explaining what is complete, what is missing, and what needs review.
  • Confirmation numbers, payment receipts, or official notices if relevant.

Clean up the workbook first

  1. Clear test data. Remove examples, placeholder names, and practice entries.
  2. Check filters. Clear filters unless you intentionally want the recipient to see a filtered view.
  3. Review missing items. Mark unknown items clearly instead of leaving the reviewer to guess.
  4. Add a summary note. Write a brief note such as “Q1-Q3 complete; Q4 payment confirmation pending.”
  5. Save final copies. Keep one editable workbook and one PDF export.

Use a clear handoff note

Hello,
Attached is my completed 2025 Estimated Tax Planner.
Included: Q1-Q3 payment confirmations and year-to-date income summary.
Missing/Review: Q4 estimate needs review because income increased in November.
Question: Should spouse withholding be considered in the next estimate?

Security reminders

  • Use the secure portal or sharing method recommended by your professional.
  • Avoid sending sensitive tax documents through unprotected email if a secure option is available.
  • Remove unnecessary personal information before sharing if the recipient does not need it.

FAQ

Should I send Excel or PDF?

Send both if the professional needs to review the workbook. Send PDF only if they request a locked summary copy.

What if some items are missing?

Mark them missing and explain when you expect them. A clear missing-item list is better than silence.

Can I send screenshots?

Screenshots can help troubleshoot a problem but are usually not enough for full review.

Should I include receipts?

Include source documents your professional asks for or those needed to support unusual items.

Can KanderBooks review my tax data?

Use KanderBooks support for template questions. Use your tax/accounting professional for tax or accounting conclusions.

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