Tax Tools and Checklist

A complete step by step solution

Before you start tax preparation

Download and print this checklist as a pdf

Place the checklist in a file folder or attach it to the outside of the 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).

Now you are ready to upload this checklist for our e-Tax Specialist who will take care of the rest.

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 and dates of birth for you, your spouse, and your 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

If you use your home for business—home size, office size, home expenses, office expenses.

Business or farming income—profit/loss statement, capital equipment information

IRA/pension distributions—forms 1099-R, 8606

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.

Adjust your Income

The following can help reduce the amount of your income that is taxed, which can increase your tax refund or lower the amount you owe.

IRA contributions

Energy credits

Student loan interest

Medical Savings Account (MSA) contributions

Business or farming income—profit/loss statement, capital equipment information

Self-employed health insurance payments

Keogh, SEP, SIMPLE and other self-employed pension plans

Social Security benefits—forms SSA-1099

Alimony paid that is tax deductible (Applicable to divorces finalized before January 1, 2019)

Educator expenses

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

Keogh, SEP, SIMPLE and other self-employed pension plans

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

Educator expenses

Taxes you have 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 payment 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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