Tax Forms and Accounting Books

A form has to match the tax year and the printer

Tax forms change from one filing year to the next, so check the year and form number printed in the title before buying a pack. Some filing copies must be the original scannable version rather than a print-out or photocopy, so confirm the requirement with your tax authority. Continuous-feed forms have tractor holes along the edges and suit impact printers; cut-sheet forms feed through a laser or inkjet. Multi-part sets, such as a four-part form, give separate copies for the recipient, the filer and your records.

Count the columns and lines before choosing a book

Columnar pads and ledgers are ruled into a set number of columns, from a simple two-column cash book to wide analysis sheets, so count the categories you track before choosing. Accounting books list their page count and the number of lines per page, such as 150 or 300 pages, and bound books cannot be reorganized, while ring-bound ledger kits let you add sheets. Receipt and order books come in duplicate or triplicate with carbon or carbonless copies.

Questions about Tax Forms and Accounting Books

Can I print tax forms on plain paper instead?

It depends on the form and the tax authority. Many tax forms accept approved printed versions, but some filing copies must be the official scannable original. Check the instructions for each form, and use pre-printed packs when the original is required.

What does a four-part form mean?

It is a set of four connected sheets that copy through from the top page by pressure or carbon, so one entry produces four copies when written firmly or printed on an impact printer. Each sheet is usually labeled for a different recipient.

How many columns do I need in an accounting pad?

Match the columns to the headings you track. A basic cash record needs two or three, while expense analysis by category may need a dozen or more. Extra columns are easier to ignore than missing ones are to add.