Some changes do not appear on a familiar year-end form. A brief changes worksheet helps the preparer know what questions to ask without asking you to decide the tax result yourself.
Start with the event and when it happened
Flag a household change, a move, a retirement event, an inheritance, a new income source or a property transaction. Mark whether it applies, there was no change or you would like to discuss it. Give a short description and relevant dates; leave sensitive identifiers out of the worksheet.
Gather records without guessing the treatment
Upload the records you already have through Canopy and identify anything still coming. For retirement or inherited assets, tell the team the type of event and ask which records are needed. Do not assume a document is irrelevant because a similar event had a different result for someone else.
Connect the change to the organizer
This worksheet supplements the forms and organizer. It does not determine filing status, deductions, taxability or a payment amount. The preparer checks the complete facts and may ask follow-up questions.
If a major decision is still ahead, book a time with our team to discuss the records that would help. The existing planning article explains why a timely conversation can be useful without promising a particular result.
Download the companion checklist
Download: What changed this year? (PDF). Fill it in digitally or print it, then upload any completed sheet and records through Canopy. The download supplements, rather than replaces, the current organizer or preparer request.
Frequently asked questions
How do I tell you about a significant change this year?
Use the changes worksheet with your organizer. Briefly describe the event and dates, upload supporting records through Canopy and ask which additional records the preparer needs.
Does checking a life-change box decide my filing status?
No. The worksheet flags facts for the preparer. It does not decide filing status or tax treatment.
Questions about your next step?
Kalish & Associates, P.A. is a Maryland family CPA firm serving clients nationwide. Call (410) 654-5770, use the Canopy Client Portal for private documents, or contact the team to book a time with our team. Do not put tax documents, Social Security numbers or account numbers in the contact form or email.
General information only, not tax, legal or financial advice. Contact the team about your own situation.
Related resources: Client forms and checklists · More help · Client Portal.