Give the opening page a narrow purpose
State the tax period and the question that prompted the discussion. Then list the account explanation, filing evidence, payment records, and financial information actually available. Leave a visible space for the missing items. The sheet helps another person identify the starting point without assuming that every part of the file has already been checked.
Ask what the review would produce
If professional assistance is proposed, ask which view will be examined first and what conclusion or document the initial work is meant to provide. Clarify who prepares and reviews material, what the fee covers, and whether later stages require a separate decision. Keep official notice deadlines outside the hiring decision so the required account action remains visible.
Leave with a recorded next task
Write down the open question, supporting record to obtain, responsible person, and follow-up method. Confirm the recipient and secure channel before sharing private documents. An introductory conversation is useful preparation, but it does not by itself establish representation or a government outcome. Retain the sheet and subsequent updates so the discussion can be traced to the facts available at the time.