Essential Guide: What to Check After Accountant Work
After your accountant completes work, verify personal information accuracy, review all calculations and deductions, confirm supporting documentation matches entries, check for missed income or expenses, and ensure you understand all decisions made on your behalf before signing or filing.
Why Should You Always Review Your Accountant's Work?
Even the most skilled accountants are human, and mistakes can happen. More importantly, you remain legally responsible for the accuracy of your tax returns and financial statements, regardless of who prepared them. The IRS holds you accountable for errors, omissions, or misrepresentations on your returns. Beyond legal liability, reviewing your accountant's work helps you understand your financial situation better and ensures nothing important was overlooked. A thorough review also strengthens your relationship with your accountant by demonstrating engagement and catching potential issues before they become problems. This collaborative approach leads to better long-term financial management and fewer surprises during future audits or reviews.
Personal Information Verification Checklist
Start your review by confirming all basic information is correct, as errors here can cause significant filing delays:
- Full legal name spelled correctly and matches Social Security records
- Social Security number entered accurately
- Current address and any address changes during the tax year
- Filing status matches your actual marital and family situation
- Dependent information including names, SSNs, and qualifying relationships
- Bank account information for direct deposit or electronic payments
- Phone number and email address for IRS correspondence
How Do You Verify Income Reporting Accuracy?
Income verification requires matching your tax documents against what's reported on your return. Gather all W-2s, 1099s, K-1s, and other income statements you provided to your accountant. Compare each document line by line with the corresponding entries on your tax return. Pay special attention to investment income, rental properties, freelance earnings, and retirement distributions. Don't forget less common income sources like unemployment benefits, gambling winnings, or debt forgiveness. If you notice discrepancies, ask your accountant to explain the differences. Sometimes apparent errors are actually legitimate tax strategies, but you should understand the reasoning behind any adjustments to your reported income.
Step-by-Step Deduction Review Process
Deductions significantly impact your tax liability, making careful review essential:
- Compare your total itemized deductions against the standard deduction to confirm your accountant chose the most beneficial option
- Review charitable contribution amounts and verify you have proper documentation for all donations over $250
- Check mortgage interest and property tax deductions against your actual payments and loan statements
- Verify business expense deductions are legitimate, properly categorized, and supported by receipts
- Confirm medical expense deductions meet the percentage threshold and include only qualifying costs
- Review education credits and deductions to ensure maximum benefit was claimed
- Double-check retirement contribution deductions match your actual contributions to IRAs and other accounts
What Financial Calculations Should You Double-Check?
While you may not need to recalculate complex tax formulas, you can verify basic arithmetic and catch obvious errors. Check that income totals match the sum of individual sources, and confirm that deduction categories add up correctly. Review estimated tax payments and withholdings to ensure all quarterly payments and employer withholdings are included. Verify that carryforward amounts from previous years are applied correctly, such as capital loss carryovers or net operating losses. Pay attention to alternative minimum tax calculations if applicable, and ensure credits are properly applied and don't exceed legal limits. Use tax software or online calculators to spot-check key calculations if you're unsure about specific computations.
Documentation and Support Material Review
Ensure your tax return can withstand scrutiny by verifying supporting documentation:
- All receipts and invoices support claimed deductions and match reported amounts
- Bank statements corroborate reported income and business expenses
- Investment statements align with reported gains, losses, and dividend income
- Mileage logs support vehicle expense deductions with proper dates and business purposes
- Home office documentation justifies space and expense allocations
- Contractor and vendor records support business payment deductions
How Should You Address Questions or Concerns?
When you find discrepancies or have questions, approach your accountant professionally and systematically. Prepare a written list of specific concerns with line item references and supporting documentation. Schedule a focused meeting rather than trying to resolve complex issues over the phone. Ask for explanations in plain language, not accounting jargon, and request written clarification for significant issues. If your accountant made judgment calls or applied specific tax strategies, ensure you understand the reasoning and potential risks involved. Don't hesitate to ask about alternative approaches or what would happen if the IRS questioned specific items. A good accountant will welcome your questions and provide clear, patient explanations of their work.
What Should You Do Before Signing and Filing?
Before you authorize filing, complete a final comprehensive review. Ensure you have copies of all supporting documentation and that your accountant has provided you with a complete copy of your return including all schedules and forms. Verify that estimated tax payments for the following year are calculated and scheduled appropriately. Confirm you understand any tax planning recommendations or strategies your accountant has suggested for the future. Make sure you have your accountant's contact information and understand their policy for handling IRS correspondence or audit support. Finally, ensure all fees and payment arrangements are clearly documented and that you're comfortable with the level of service provided throughout the engagement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I spend reviewing my accountant's work?
Plan to spend 2-4 hours reviewing a typical individual tax return, longer for complex business returns. The time invested in thorough review prevents costly errors and penalties later.
What if I find errors after my return is already filed?
You can file an amended return using Form 1040X within three years of the original filing date. However, catching errors before filing avoids complications and potential penalties.
Should I get a second opinion if I'm unsure about my accountant's work?
Yes, especially for complex situations or if you're uncomfortable with aggressive tax positions. A second review can provide peace of mind or catch potential issues.
Am I responsible for errors my accountant makes?
Generally yes, you're legally responsible for the accuracy of your tax return even if someone else prepared it. This makes careful review essential before signing.
What documents should my accountant provide after completing my work?
You should receive complete copies of all returns and schedules, a summary of work performed, copies of all supporting documentation, and clear contact information for follow-up questions.
Find Accountants Your Network Trusts
Before next tax season, discover which accounting professionals your friends and colleagues actually recommend. Tools like Linked By Six automatically show you trusted accountants within your extended network—helping you find reliable professionals before you need them most.
Reviewing your accountant's work isn't about lacking trust—it's about taking responsibility for your financial future. A thorough review catches errors, helps you understand your tax situation, and strengthens your working relationship with your accounting professional. Remember that you remain legally responsible for your tax returns regardless of who prepares them. By systematically checking personal information, income reporting, deductions, calculations, and supporting documentation, you protect yourself from costly mistakes and penalties. The time you invest in review pays dividends in accuracy, compliance, and peace of mind. Make this verification process a standard practice every time you work with an accountant, whether for tax preparation, bookkeeping, or financial planning services.