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To prepare for your upcoming tax appointment, you’ll need specific documents depending on your tax situation. A tax professional can help you prepare and file your taxes during tax season. A tax attorney can help you negotiate with the IRS during audits and much more. Don’t worry about your tax preparation and filing when you hire a tax professional! Tax experts bring their expertise to secure maximum savings and returns for you during tax season.

Tax Documents Checklist

Tax Identification Numbers are mandatory for all taxpayers in order to properly file a tax return. Parents or caregivers should also gather this information for their dependents as they review what they need to file taxes. For sources of income, you may need some of these documents, but it depends on your financial situation. Depending on your life situation, there are types of deductions you can take. A tax professional can let you know which documents or information you may need to prepare and file your tax return, but here is a list to get you started. You may need some or all of these documents or information, ask your tax preparer before your appointment which ones you’ll need.

• Personal Information
  • Social Security Number or Tax Identification Number
  • Spouse’s full name, Social Security Number or Tax ID number, and date of birth
  • Identity Protection PIN, if you, your spouse, or your dependent has been issued one
  • Routing and account numbers to receive your refund by direct deposit or pay your tax dues
  • Foreign reporting and residency information
• Dependent(s) Information
  • Dates of birth, Social Security Numbers, or Tax ID numbers
  • Childcare records
  • Income of dependents or other adults in your home
  • Form 8332 shows that the child’s custodial parent released their right to claim a child
• Sources of Income
  • Employed
    • W-2 Forms
  • Unemployed
    • Unemployment Forms 1099-G
  • Self-Employed
    • Forms 1099, Schedule K-1, income records to verify amounts not reported on 1099-MISC or 1099-NEC
    • Records of all expenses
    • Business-use asset information for depreciation
    • Office in home information
    • Record of estimated tax payments made Form 1040-ES
  • Rental Income
    • Records of income and expenses
    • Rental asset information for depreciation
    • Record of estimated tax payments made Form 1040-ES
  • Retirement Income
    • Pension, IRA, annuity income Form 1099-R
    • Traditional IRA basis
    • Social Security or RRB income Forms SSA-1099 or RRB-1099
  • Savings & Investments or Dividends
    • Interest or dividends income Forms 1099-INT, 1099-OID, or 1099-DIV
    • Income from sales of stock or other investments Forms 1099-B or 1099-S
    • Dates of acquisition and records of costs
    • Health Savings Account and long-term care reimbursements Form 1099-SA or 1099,LTC
    • Expenses related to the investments
    • Record of estimated tax payments made Form 1040-ES
    • Transactions involving cryptocurrency or virtual currency
  • Other Income & Losses
    • Payment Card and Third Party Network Transactions Form 1099-K
    • Gambling income Form W-2G or records showing income and expenses
    • Prizes and awards
    • Trust income
    • Jury duty records
    • Hobby income and expenses
    • Royalty income Form 1099-MISC
    • Record of alimony paid or received with ex-spouse’s name and Social Security Number
    • State tax refund
    • Any other 1099s received
  • Types of Deductions
    • Home & Vehicle Ownership
      • Real estate and personal property tax records
      • Mortgage interest statements or Forms 1098
      • Receipts and records for energy-saving home improvements
      • Electric vehicle information
      • All other 1098 series forms
    • Charitable Donations
      • Records of non-cash charitable contributions
      • Cash amounts donated to charitable organizations, schools, and houses of worship
      • Amounts of miles driven for charitable purposes
    • Medical Expenses
      • Paid amounts for healthcare, health insurance, and to doctors, dentists, and hospitals
      • Paid amounts for qualified insurance premiums if they are employer provided plans or if they are paid outside of the Marketplace
      • Amounts of miles driven for medical purposes
    • Health Insurance
      • Health insurance plan that was enrolled in through the Marketplace Form 1095
    • Childcare Expenses
      • Receipts of fees paid to a licensed day care provider or family day care for infants or children at preschool age
      • Paid amounts to a baby-sitter, nanny, or care provider for a child under the age thirteen
    • Educational Expenses
      • Education institutions Forms 1098-T
      • Itemized receipts for qualified education expenses
      • Records of any scholarships or fellowships received
      • Paid student loan interest Form 1098-E
    • K-12 Educator Expenses
      • Receipts for classroom supplies expenses for educators in grads K-12
    • State & Local Taxes
      • Amounts of state and local income or sales tax paid, other than wage withholding
      • Invoice amounts of vehicle sales tax paid or personal property tax on vehicles
    • Retirement & Other Savings
      • HSA contributions Form 5498-SA
      • IRA contributions Form 5498
      • All other 5498 series forms
    • Federally Declared Disaster Area
      • City or county you lived in, worked in, or owned property in
      • Records to support property losses
      • Records and receipts of rebuilding or repair costs
      • Insurance reimbursements and claims to be paid
      • FEMA assistance information

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Hire a Tax Professional This Tax Season

There are a few key documents you need to bring for your tax professional to prepare and file your taxes properly. You’ll need a form of identification, W-2s and other forms for types of income, any forms you have received about income or tax deductions, and any receipts or records for personal and business expenses. It is also important to bring your latest tax return when you visit your tax professional. You should ask your tax preparer these questions before you get started:

• Ask if the tax professional has an expertise or specialty area
  • Some tax preparers specialize in individual taxes or business taxes, make sure their expertise matches your needs.
• Ask about their experience
  • Tax professionals with more years of experience will have more knowledge surrounding tax laws, regulations, and codes.
• Ask if they will sign your tax return
  • A tax professional should be willing to sign your tax return and represent you before the IRS for any tax related matters. Tax preparers who sign a tax return are required to have a PTIN, Preparer Tax Identification Number.
• Ask about tax planning
  • A good tax professional should offer year-round tax planning and advice to help you with tax savings.
• Ask about the tax professional’s fees
  • Ask the tax expert if they charge by hour, a flat rate, or some other way. Also ask them if their fees cover federal and state taxes.
• Ask if they can e-file your taxes
  • E-filing federal tax returns can ensure better accuracy for your tax return and can often result in a faster return.
• Ask about audit defense
  • If you are audited by the IRS, you’ll want a qualified tax professional to represent you. A tax attorney can represent you with the IRS or Tax Court if you authorize them to do so.

In conclusion, a tax professional is the best way to ensure that your taxes are filed correctly and on time this tax season. Don’t wait to get started with your tax preparation and filing!