Inventory the year and the authority
Start with a table of the periods under review. Give federal and California status separate entries, including what evidence is held and what remains uncertain. A missing copy, an unconfirmed filing, and an unfinished return are different gaps. Identify the gap before assigning a preparation task to it.
Retrieve the record that answers the next question
List the missing statement or confirmation, its legitimate source, and the purpose of the request. Keep documents from later periods out of the active year packet unless a labelled cross-reference is needed. If you make a preliminary summary, show estimates and incomplete inputs honestly so a reviewer can see the limitations.
Keep submission separate from assembly
A packet ready for review is not evidence that a filing occurred. Agree on preparation, review, and submission responsibilities before professional work begins, and preserve the final version with any actual confirmation. Keep notices and their response instructions available during catch-up work. The current requirements for each account still need checking; an organizational calendar cannot certify compliance or predict the outcome.