Tax season is upon us so prior to preparing your next tax return on your own or with professional help, it is important you gather certain documents to facilitate the process. While some will arrive via mail, other records will need to be generated using data collected in the previous calendar year.
Use this printable checklist provided to guide you while gathering all the documents needed to prepare your tax return. The documents mentioned are separated by category, and you may want to organize the hard copies in the same manner so you can locate them promptly.
The printable checklist provided here:
Personal Information
In order for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to confirm your identity, it is necessary to provide the full name and date of birth for both you and your spouse (if filing jointly). You will also need to include Social Security numbers.
Finally, the IRS needs your routing and checking account information to determine where your refund, if applicable, should be deposited.
Dependents
Include the full name, date of birth, and Social Security numbers of dependents you plan to claim. Also, childcare records are required if you qualify and plan to take the accompanying tax credit, which will subsequently lower your tax liability or increase the refund amount.
Income
You will need to gather any documentation that reflects income earned from your employer, typically displayed in Form W-2.
In addition, you’ll need any Form 1099s income along with proceeds from alimony, jury duty, or any other miscellaneous income.
Business Income and Expenses
Any records that document business-related income and expenses need to be on hand when it’s time to file. Additionally, gather any records that reflect inventory, depreciable assets, rental property income and expenses, health-insurance premiums, and estimated tax payments. This documentation will enable your tax preparer to accurately compute your company’s taxable income, along with the aggregate amount of expenses you can use to offset this figure.
Educational Expenses
Forms 1098-T and E include amounts paid for tuition that can reduce your taxable income and tax liability.
You should also include receipts for any out-of-pocket expenses, along with scholarship and fellowship records.
Household Expenses
If you’re a homeowner, be sure to gather records for any property taxes and qualified energy-efficient home improvement expenses.
Vehicle Expenses
Self-employed individuals can claim mileage instead of gasoline expenses to offset business income. You can also include commuting expenses, such as parking and tolls.
Other Deductions and Credits
There are a host of additional tax deductions and credits available to help reduce your taxable income and liability, which can result in a larger refund. Here is a list of a few that may be applicable to you:
- Disaster-related expenses
- Casualty and theft loss
- Adoption expenses
- Out-of-pocket medical expenses
- Medical Savings Account (MSA) contributions
- Charitable contributions
- Investment interest expenses
- Moving expenses
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