If you work with a tax preparer, you’ll need to submit your original tax documents, whether you choose to share the physical originals or scanned copies. If the best choice for you is to submit your documents online, make sure that the scanned files you provide are completely legible. If you do not have access to a scanner and must use your phone or tablet to submit the documents, don’t reach for the Camera application yet. There are scanning tools available for both iPhone and Android devices. These scanning settings will help enhance your camera for up-close document scanning and lower the likelihood you end up with a blurry image.

Before you get started scanning, remember to keep your documents secure. Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C. uses Suralink with our clients to allow secure transfer of sensitive documents. If you are a client, you can visit our client portal to upload documents that you need to share with your preparer.

Never share documents with personal or sensitive information through any public means such as social media and be wary of email scams. Ensure any emails you receive are coming from a trusted source before you click on a link, respond, or share any personal information. If you choose to share a document via email, consider using password protection on the file so that only those with whom you have shared the password may access the contents.

If you have an apple device such as an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, you can scan documents on your device straight from the Notes application. Visit Apple Support here to view simple instructions to help you get a clear scan and share your documents directly from the Notes application.

If you are using an android phone or tablet, you can always use Google Drive to scan a document to a PDF. Visit Google Support here to view instructions for scanning with the Google Drive application.

Ultimately, the cleaner your scans, the less likely it is your tax preparation will be delayed while your preparer waits for a clearer document. To ensure your document is legible, make sure to:

• Choose a single-tone, neutral-colored, flat surface to scan your documents. Your beautiful, shiny granite countertops are likely to create problems for the camera, so choose a more monotone spot
• Hold your device directly above the document. Any angles will distort the scanned image and make it easier to misinterpret
• Lay your documents flat. Creases and folds will create shadows that may result in blurred text in the final scan. Smooth your paper as flat as possible before scanning to get the best results
• Scan in a brightly lit room. More ambient light will help your camera capture a sharper image with more detail

Help your tax professionals help you, by sharing a sharp image the first time with applications designed to optimize your camera for a clear and sharable PDF.