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WHAT TO BRING…

Getting organized to prepare for your tax appointment can save you a ton of time, and is well worth the effort.

Below is a list of what you will need during the tax preparation process. Not all of them will apply to you — probably MOST will not. Nonetheless, it’s a useful tax preparation checklist. Feel free to even print it out and keep a copy in your filing cabinet.

Before you get overwhelmed: yes, this is a long list — but it’s the unfortunate reality of our tax code that it’s not even comprehensive! But these items will cover 95% of our West Michigan Area clients.  Really, this is for ensuring that we’re able to help you keep every dollar you can keep under our tax code.

Even if for some strange reason you won’t be using our cost-effective services this year, feel free to use this list as a handy guide…

Tax Preparation Checklist

i Personal Data

  • Social Security Numbers (including spouse and children)
  • Child care provider tax I.D. or Social Security Number

i Employment & Income Data

  • W-2 forms for this year
  • Tax refunds and unemployment compensation: Form 1099-G
  • Miscellaneous income including rent: Form 1099-MISC
  • Partnership and trust income
  • Pensions and annuities
  • Alimony received
  • Jury duty pay
  • Gambling and lottery winnings
  • Prizes and awards
  • Scholarships and fellowships – 1098T
  • State and local income tax refunds

i Health Insurance Info

  • * All 1095-A Forms from marketplace providers (if you purchased insurance through a Marketplace)
  • * Existing plan information (policy numbers, etc.)
  • * If claiming an exemption, your unique Exemption Certificate Number
  • * Records of credits and/or advance payments received from the Premium Tax Credit (if claiming)

i Homeowner/Renter Data

  • Residential address(es) for this year
  • Mortgage interest: Form 1098
  • Sale of your home or other real estates: Form 1099-S
  • The second mortgage interest paid
  • Real estate taxes paid
  • Rent paid during the tax year
  • Moving expenses

i Deduction Documentation

  • State and local income taxes
  • IRA, Keogh, and other retirement plan contributions
  • Medical expenses
  • Casualty or theft losses
  • Other miscellaneous deductions

i Financial Assets

  • Interest income statements: Form 1099-INT & 1099-OID
  • Dividend income statements: Form 1099-DIV
  • Proceeds from broker transactions: Form 1099-B
  • Retirement plan distribution: Form 1099-R
  • Capital gains or losses

i Financial Liabilities

  • Auto loans and leases (account numbers and car value) if vehicle used for business
  • Student loan interest paid
  • Early withdrawal penalties on CDs and other fixed time deposit

i Expenses

  • Gifts to charity (receipts for any single donations of $250 or more)
  • Unreimbursed expenses related to volunteer work
  • Unreimbursed expenses related to your job (travel expenses, entertainment, uniforms, union dues, subscriptions)
  • Investment expenses
  • Job-hunting expenses
  • Education expenses (tuition and fees)
  • Child care expenses
  • Medical Savings Accounts
  • Adoption expenses
  • Alimony paid
  • Tax return preparation expenses and fees

i Automobiles

  • Personal property tax information
  • Department of Motor Vehicles fees

i Self-Employment Data

  • Estimated tax vouchers for the current year
  • Self-employment tax
  • Self-employment SEP plans
  • Self-employed health insurance
  • K-1s on all partnerships
  • Receipts or documentation for business-related expenses
  • Farm income
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