Checklist For Tax Preparation

Ready or not, it’s time to start thinking about your taxes. Gathering the appropriate documents in advance can speed up the preparation process and help you take advantage of money-saving tax breaks. Here’s a list of items most taxpayers need to file their tax return.

Personal information

• Social security numbers and birth dates for you, your spouse and your dependents
• A copy of your prior year tax return
• Routing number and account number to receive your refund via direct deposit

Income

• W-2 forms for you and your spouse
• 1099-C forms for cancellation of debt
• 1099-G forms for unemployment income, or state or local tax refunds
• 1099-INT, 1099-DIV, 1099-B forms for investment or interest income
• 1099-MISC forms for independent contractor income
• 1099-R forms for distributions from IRAs or retirement plans
• 1099-S forms for sale of property income
• SSA-1099 for Social Security income
• Alimony received, paid
• Income and expense from a business
• Income and expense from rental property
• Miscellaneous income: jury duty, gambling/lottery winnings, scholarships, Medical Savings Account (MSA), unreported tip income, prizes and awards

Expenses

• Forms 1098 for mortgage interest, points and private mortgage insurance
• Form 1098-E for student loan interest
• Form 1098-T for tuition paid
• Federal and State estimated tax payments
• Medical and dental expenses (including medical mileage, long term care health insurance)
• Real estate and personal property taxes
• State and local taxes
• CASH and NON-CASH charitable donations (including mileage driven)
• Casualty and theft loss (only for federally declared disasters)
• Gambling losses to the extent of winnings
• Child care costs including care provider identification
• IRA contributions
• Qualifying energy expense for home improvements
• Receipts for classroom supplies (educators in grades K-12 only)
• Receipts for moving expenses (members of the military only)

Other

• Form 1095-A, Health Insurance Marketplace Statement
• 1095-B, 1095-C Health Insurance Verification Form

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