Your Tax Return Preparation Checklist

Here is a list of some of the most common documents needed to prepare a tax return. Before you begin to prepare your income tax return, go through the following checklist. Not every category will apply to you, so just pick those that do, and make sure you have that information available. You’ll be surprised how much time you’ll save by organizing your information ahead of time.

And remember, if you’ve had any life changes, chances are the documents you will need for your taxes have changed too!

Personal Information

-Social Security numbers and dates of birth for everyone on your tax return

-Copies of last year’s tax return for you and your spouse (helpful, but not required)

-Bank account number and routing number, if depositing your refund directly into your account

Income Information

-Wage statement (W-2)

– Unemployment statement (1099-G)

-Pension and IRA income (1099-R)

-Social Security income (1099-SSA)

-Interest, dividends, and income from sales of stock or property (1099-INT, 1099-DIV, 1099-B, 1099-S)

-HSA distributions (1099-SA)

-State income tax refund from prior year (1099-G)

-Alimony received

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

-Prior year installment sale information – Forms 6252, principal and interest collected during the  year, SSN and address for payer

-Miscellaneous income: jury duty, gambling winnings, Medical Savings Account, scholarships, etc.

Credits & Deductions

-Student loan interest paid (1098-E)

-College tuition, fees, and books (1098-T, cashier’s office statement)

-Childcare expenses (need provider’s name, address, and EIN or SSN)

-Medical expenses (unreimbursed insurance, doctor, healthcare facility, and prescription costs)

-For teachers: Canceled checks or receipts for expenses paid for classroom supplies, etc.

-Taxes paid (personal property/vehicle taxes, estimated tax payments made during the year)

-Real estate taxes paid, and mortgage interest paid (1098)

-Charitable donations (receipts for cash and non-cash donations) – even if you don’t itemize

-Expenses related to any 1099-MISC income (receipts, mileage logs, etc.)

-Advance Child Tax Credit amounts received (IRS Letter 6419)

Information Documents

-5498 series forms showing contributions to HSAs, IRAs, etc.

-Bank information for direct deposit of refunds (account and routing numbers)

-Health insurance coverage (1095-A, 1095-B, or 1095-C depending on circumstance; must have 1095-A if anyone in the tax household received Marketplace Insurance)

-IRS notice detailing third stimulus payment (1444-C)

Rental Property

-Record of income (1099-MISC, checkbook register, bank statements, etc.)

-Record of expenses (repairs, cleaning, travel to property, mortgage, insurance, utilities, etc.)

-Depreciation record (cost of assets, date placed into service, prior depreciation taken)

-Documents related to PPP loan and forgiveness and/or EIDL advance and loan

Self-Employed

-Record of income (1099-NEC, 1099-K, receipt book, bank statements, etc.)

-Record of expenses (home office, inventory costs, advertising, fees and taxes paid, travel, etc.)

-Depreciation record for any assets (cost, date placed into service, prior depreciation taken)

-Documents related to PPP loan and forgiveness and/or EIDL advance and loan

Once you have all your documents together, give us a call and let Warren Accounting Group help you file your 2023 tax return. We’re an independent, locally owned accounting and bookkeeping service offering a full range of services and strategies to help businesses and individuals maximize resources and minimize tax liabilities. Our experienced staff is knowledgeable about current tax laws, give us a call and let us put our experience to work for your family or business, (252) 827-5259!