Forum Thread

Everything You Need to Gather Before Filing Your Taxes

Reply to ThreadDisplaying 1 Posts
  • justin412
    2015-02-06 05:46:17 PM
    Not Logged In
    Are you sure you want to delete this post?
        
    Taxes are something that frustrate and confound nearly everyone in this country, but they don't have to. The most important thing to do before you file your taxes is to make sure you have everything you need. Whether you are filing online or going to a tax professional, this tax form checklist will help ensure you have every piece of documentation you need to ensure you file your taxes on time:

    Tax Form Checklist

    Personal Information
    Social Security number
    Spouse’s Social Security number (if married)
    Social Security numbers for any dependents

    Income Information
    W-2 Forms from all employers you (and your spouse, if filing a joint return) worked for during the past tax year.
    1099 Forms if you (or your spouse) completed contract work and earned more than $600.
    Investment income information (including: interest income, dividend income, proceeds from the sale of bonds or stocks, and income from foreign investments).
    Income from local and state tax refunds from the prior year.
    Business income (accounting records for any business that you own)
    Unemployment income
    Rental property income
    Social Security benefits
    Miscellaneous income (including: jury duty, lottery and gambling winnings, Form 1099-MISC for prizes and awards, and Form 1099-MSA for distributions from medical savings accounts)

    Income Adjustments
    Homebuyer tax credit
    Green energy credits
    IRA contributions
    Mortgage interest
    Student loan interest
    Medical Savings Account (MSA) contributions
    Self-employed health insurance
    Moving expenses

    Credits and Deductions
    Education costs
    Childcare costs
    Adoption costs
    Charitable contributions/donations
    Casualty and theft losses
    Qualified business expenses
    Medical expenses
    Job and moving expenses

    Banking Information (only if you plan to use direct deposit)
    Your bank account number
    The bank’s routing number

    Gathering all of these documents before filing your taxes will make your filing go as smoothly as it possibly can this year. If you have a question that isn't covered by this list and need further information than you should contact a tax professional or the IRS directly by going to IRS.gov or you can Contact Your Local IRS Office