Tax Filing Checklist
- Mireille, Accountant
- Jan 9, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 8, 2023
Overview
Before preparing your taxes, go through the following checklist. You may be surprised at how much time you save by organizing your information beforehand.
Not every category will apply to you, so just pick those that do, and make sure you have that information available. When you're ready for us to prepare your tax return you'll be surprised at how much time you'll save by organizing your information beforehand.
Before we start tax preparation.
Download and print this checklist as a PDF located below and have it handy during our meeting.
Place the checklist in a file folder, or attach it to the outside of a folder.
As you receive or locate tax documents, place them in the folder and check them off the list.
Scratch off anything on the list that doesn't apply to your tax situation (it's organized with the most common items on the first page).
Enter information and amounts that are not already available on other documents, such as your bank routing and account numbers for direct deposit.
Personal information The IRS needs to know exactly who's filing and who is covered in your tax return. To do this, you will need Social Security numbers, dates of birth for you, your spouse and dependents.
Information about your income
Income from jobs: forms W-2 for you and your spouse
Investment income—various forms 1099 (-INT, -DIV, -B, etc.), K-1s, stock option information
Income from state and local income tax refunds and/or unemployment: forms 1099-G
Taxable alimony received (Applicable to divorces finalized before January 1, 2019)
Business or farming income—profit/loss statement, capital equipment information
If you use your home for business—home size, office size, home expenses, office expenses.
IRA/pension distributions—forms 1099-R
Rental property income/expense—profit/loss statement, rental property suspended loss information
Social Security benefits—forms SSA-1099
Income from sales of property—original cost and cost of improvements, escrow closing statement, cancelled debt information (form 1099-C)
Prior year installment sale information—forms 6252, principal and Interest collected during the year, SSN and address of payer
Other miscellaneous income—jury duty, gambling winnings, Medical Savings Account (MSA), scholarships, etc.
Itemized tax deductions and credits
The government offers a number of deductions and credits to help lower the tax burden on individuals, which means more money in your pocket. You'll need the following documentation to make sure you get all the deductions and credits you deserve.
Child care costs—provider's name, address, tax id, and amount paid
Education costs—forms 1098-T, education expenses
Adoption costs—SSN of child, legal, medical, and transportation costs
Home mortgage interest and points you paid—Forms 1098
Investment interest expense
Charitable donations—cash amounts and value of donated property, miles driven, and out-of-pocket expenses
Casualty and theft losses—amount of damage, insurance reimbursements
Other miscellaneous tax deductions—union dues, unreimbursed employee expenses (uniforms, supplies, seminars, continuing education, publications, travel, etc.) (for tax years prior to 2018 only for federal returns but your state might still allow it)
Medical and dental expenses
Energy credits
Taxes you've paid
Properly documenting the taxes you've already paid can keep you from overpaying.
State and local income taxes paid
Real estate taxes paid
Personal property taxes—vehicle license fee based on value
Other information
Estimated tax payments made during the year, prior year refund applied to current year, and any amount paid with an extension to file.
Direct deposit information—routing and account numbers
Foreign bank account information—location, name of bank, account number, peak value of account during the year
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