With tax season right around the corner, small businesses, bookkeepers, and accounting teams face the annual rush to get financial records, payroll summaries, and tax reporting in order. Missing an IRS filing deadline or running out of official laser forms mid-run can lead to unnecessary stress, costly shipping fees, and steep compliance penalties.
To keep your operations running smoothly and guarantee your business stays fully compliant, we’ve put together the ultimate tax season preparation checklist.
1. Audit Your W-2 and 1099 Form Inventory Early
The IRS requires businesses to distribute employee W-2s and independent contractor 1099-NEC/1099-MISC forms.
- Software Compatibility: Don't risk misaligned prints. Ensure your blank or pre-printed tax forms are 100% compatible with accounting software like QuickBooks, Sage, Drake, or Business Works.
- Double-Window Security Envelopes: Mailing sensitive tax documents in standard envelopes creates serious privacy risks. Always use self-seal, double-window security envelopes specifically formatted so recipient addresses align perfectly while masking Social Security and Tax ID numbers.
2. Stock Up on High-Security Laser Checks
End-of-year operations mean a surge in vendor payouts, annual bonuses, and balance payments. Running out of laser business checks in the middle of a payroll or tax payment run is a headache you don't need.
- Built-In Fraud Protection: Check fraud continues to rise. Upgrade to checks equipped with modern anti-fraud security features, including microprint lines, security watermarks, void pantographs, and chemical-sensitive paper.
- Format Options: Choose between Check-on-Top, Check-in-Middle, or 3-Up Voucher check layouts depending on your software requirements.
3. Refresh Your Deposit Slips & Endorsement Stamps
As tax returns and end-of-year customer payments roll in, streamline your accounts receivable workflow. Pre-printed printable deposit slips and custom endorsement stamps save time at the bank, reduce manual data entry errors, and accelerate cash flow.
4. Plan Ahead to Beat the Shipping Rush
Waiting until late January guarantees higher expedited shipping costs and risks stock availability. Ordering your tax forms, laser checks, and double-window envelopes early ensures peace of mind so you can focus on running your business.
Need tax supplies or custom checks fast? Explore Choice Checks’ full inventory of guaranteed accounting software-compatible forms and high-security business checks today!