> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.filed.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.filed.com/guides/getting-started/best-practices-for-preparing-your-documents.md). # Best practices for preparing your documents ## How Filed processes your documents When documents are uploaded, Filed's AI splits multi-document PDFs into individual pages, classifies each by document type, issuer, and tax year, and routes each item into the client's Binder. Source quality directly affects extraction quality: a clean, complete, legible document produces more accurate results than a skewed scan or a partial file. ## Most documents need no special preparation Most documents - W-2s, 1099-INT, 1099-DIV, 1099-NEC, 1099-R, 1098 mortgage interest statements - are standardized forms that Filed handles automatically. Upload them as-is; extra preparation does not improve results for these. ## Documents that need extra attention The following document types are more complex or variable in format, so a little preparation makes a meaningful difference to AI accuracy. ### Schedule A - itemized deductions Before uploading documents that will drive Schedule A, confirm you have: * Medical and dental expense receipts or totals * Property tax statements and state income tax records (taxes paid) * Form 1098 for mortgage interest - confirm the lender name and loan number match the prior year * Charitable contribution receipts with amounts; note whether any non-cash donations require Form 8283 * Casualty and theft loss documentation if applicable If the client has a mix of standard-deduction and itemized years, include the organizer or workpaper that clarifies the current-year intent. ### Sale of home or rental property For a home sale, include Form 1099-S for proceeds. For a rental property disposition, gather: * Form 4797 data (original cost, improvements, accumulated depreciation) * Schedule D inputs * Prior-year depreciation schedules, if the property was previously rented * The settlement statement (HUD-1 or Closing Disclosure) for basis calculation Include the prior-year return page showing the property on Schedule E or Form 4562 so Filed can trace depreciation history. ### All carryovers Carryovers do not appear on any current-year source document - they live in prior-year returns and specific forms. A prior-year return is required in all cases (see [Before you start checklist](/guides/getting-started/before-you-start-checklist.md)). For complex situations, also include: * Form 8582 (passive activity loss carryovers) * Schedule D carryover worksheet (capital loss carryovers) * Form 1045 Schedule B (NOL carryovers) * Form 1116 (foreign tax credit carryovers) * Form 8606 (IRA basis) * Form 3800 (general business credit carryovers) Filed detects carryovers automatically from the prior-year return; these supplemental forms improve accuracy for complex situations. ### Form 8829 - home office deduction Prepare the following before uploading: * Total square footage of the home * Square footage used exclusively and regularly for business * Lease or mortgage statements for the property * Utility and home expense totals for the year If this is the client's first-year home office claim, flag it explicitly in the organizer or a cover note so Filed AI can apply the correct method (simplified vs. regular). ### Schedule K-1s - partnerships and S-corporations K-1s are among the most variable and attachment-heavy documents. For each entity the client is invested in, gather: * Complete K-1 form (from Form 1065 for partnerships, Form 1120S for S-corporations) * QBI statements (Section 199A deduction supporting detail) * Schedule K-2 and K-3 if the entity has foreign activities * Basis worksheets if the client has a basis limitation situation * Supplemental schedules from the entity (state modifications, AMT adjustments) Upload each entity's K-1 package as a single PDF. Do not separate the K-1 from its attachments. ### Schedule C, E, and F - business, rental, and farm income * **Schedule C:** Upload the client's income and expense summary, contractor and 1099-NEC records, and any business mileage log. * **Schedule E (rental):** Include rent rolls, expense receipts by category, and depreciation schedules for each property. * **Schedule F (farm):** Include income records (1099-PATR, crop insurance proceeds) and the expense ledger; note whether the client uses the accrual or cash method. If the client uses accounting software (QuickBooks, Wave, or similar), a P\&L export in PDF is the most efficient input for all three. ## File format and quality tips * **PDF is the preferred format.** JPG and PNG are supported, but extraction accuracy is lower for image files. * **Scanned documents** should be upright, fully in-frame, and legible. Skewed scans, cut-off edges, and low-contrast pages reduce accuracy. * **Multi-document PDFs** are fine. Filed's AI splits and classifies each page automatically. * **ZIP files** are supported and automatically expanded on upload. * **Password-protected PDFs** are not supported. Remove protection before uploading. ## When in doubt, upload more When unsure whether a document is relevant, include it. Filed's AI classifies it and surfaces it in the Binder, and extra context rarely hurts. Misclassified documents can be removed from the Binder after upload. --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. 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