What it is
A legal entity does not yet have its tax accounts. This checklist lists every federal and state account the client may need and the records to hold.
It covers federal items, a grid for state and local accounts, employee items and records, and the first-year filing calendar.
When to use it
- After an entity is formed.
- When a client expands to a new state.
- When a client hires its first employee.
What’s inside
- Entity facts and states
- Federal steps
- State and local account grid
- Employee and records steps
Standard cited
This template follows Federal and state registrations. It is written in our own words, except for phrases the standard requires the document to contain, with [bracketed placeholders] for client details, amounts in USD and dates as MM/DD/YYYY. Check it against the current standard and your firm’s methodology before use.
Questions
Does this replace a nexus review?
No. It tracks the accounts once you know where the client must register.
Is payroll setup included?
Yes, with workers’ compensation, state new hire reporting, Form I-9 and withholding forms.
Who keeps account numbers?
The firm and the client. The grid has a column to note them.
Related templates
- LLC Formation and Tax Setup Checklist
- Corporation Formation and S Election Checklist
- Sales Tax Nexus Matrix (Excel)
- New Hire Payroll Onboarding Checklist
Last updated 11/06/2026. All free templates.