Start with the year and the issue
Prior-year return questions can involve missing income documents, old returns, IRS letters, Oklahoma Tax Commission notices, or records that need to be reconstructed.
- Which tax years are involved
- Any IRS or Oklahoma Tax Commission letters
- Prior-year returns if available
- Income documents and business records for the year in question
Handle old records carefully
Because prior-year matters may involve sensitive information, clients should use office-approved instructions before sending tax documents, IDs, Social Security numbers, or financial records.
- Do not use normal email for sensitive records
- Keep the full notice or letter
- Separate records by year
- Include business, farm, or payroll context if applicable