CPA-ready books: a practical handoff checklist
A CPA-ready bookkeeping package makes it clear which period the reports cover, what has been reconciled, and which questions remain open. Confirm your CPA’s requested documents and reporting basis before preparing the handoff.
Start with the $49 QuickBooks diagnostic →Agree on the period and deadline
Confirm the entity, fiscal period, cash or accrual reporting basis, and the date your CPA needs the package. Keep a written list of requested items so bookkeeping preparation and tax work stay coordinated.
Prepare reports and supporting detail
Assemble the profit and loss, balance sheet, and general ledger for the agreed period. Include bank and credit card reconciliation reports and the statements that support them. Identify accounts that remain unreconciled instead of presenting them as complete.
Organize supporting records for loans, payroll, major purchases, receivables, and payables as applicable to your business and your CPA’s request. Document unresolved balances and missing records.
Explain changes and open questions
Provide a short handoff note describing the cleanup performed, the periods affected, and items awaiting a decision. Keep questions about tax treatment with your tax professional rather than making unsupported changes to close the books.
If QuickBooks and a filed tax return differ, ask your CPA to explain the reconciliation before changing historical books. Clarity’s role is bookkeeping preparation; your CPA handles tax advice and filing decisions.
Start with the areas that are uncertain
If you cannot tell whether the file is ready, the $49 diagnostic reviews the priority issues and recommends the next step. If cleanup is needed, you receive a separate scope before additional work begins.
Share a short description of the bookkeeping issues and your deadline in the intake. Arrange secure access separately; do not submit financial documents or passwords through the public contact form.