Tax Preparation Checklist

Tax Preparation Checklist

Tax Preparation Checklist:
What Do I Need To Bring To File My Taxes?

stress-free tax prep Checklist

What documents do I need to file my taxes?
Use Our Checklist to Ensure You Have Everything!

Getting ready to do your taxes?

Can’t remember what to bring?

Feeling overwhelmed?

Don’t worry, we’re here to lighten the load. We created a handy tax preparation checklist to help you bring the right documents. Before you head over, check the checklist, and know that this is making the process quick & painless.

W-2 forms, 1099 forms, and other tax documents are a must-have with you. A good idea is to bring a copy of last year’s tax return and any updates to your finances (like having a baby or getting married). This will speed up filing your tax return.

Sit back, relax, and know we’ve got this! Grab all the documents you need and we will take care of the rest. M&M Tax will make sure your taxes get done right with no extra stress. We’re looking forward to helping you cross taxes off your to-do list.

Tax Preparation Checklist PDF (Free Download)

Printable Tax Preparation Checklist

Get M&M Tax's tax preparation checklist to guide you during tax season and beyond.
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Household Information

You will need to provide certain information in order to file your return as it relates to your household whether that be a household of one (not considered a head of house), a single parent home, or married couples. It is important to remember that your household affects standard deductions, your deductible, credits you can apply for and how much of those credits you are eligible for.

Personal Info

When filing taxes, it is essential to make sure that you have all the required information in order, this includes:

  • Your social security number or tax ID number and date of birth
  • Your spouse’s full name, social security/tax ID and date of birth
  • Drivers licensees of taxpayers on the return
  • An Identity Protection PIN (if one has been issued by the IRS)
  • Routing/account numbers for direct deposit refunds or balance due payments.
  • 1095-A form (marketplace healthcare statement)

Dependent(s) Info

As parents and caregivers are preparing to file their taxes, they should make sure that they have collected the following information:

  • Dates of birth and social security numbers or tax ID numbers for all dependents
  • Childcare records (together with the provider’s tax ID number) if applicable
  • Incomes of both dependent children as well as other adults in your home
  • Form 8332 showing that one parent has released his/her right to claim a child exemption to you, noncustodial parent (if needed).
  • 1095-A form (marketplace healthcare statement) if child is covered
Ensure these items are on your checklist!

Income Documents

Basic income information is the documentation that employers send the government to report income. It is through this common proof that they determine who may owe taxes and needs to file taxes. Even if you didn’t earn a steady income, report any amounts to the IRS on your tax return.

Earned Income is classified in multiple ways and not always considered taxable across the board. Consult with your tax professional if you are curious about what income is taxable. Talking with a tax professional will help save you money.

Here are some of the most common types of income:

Earned Income

Income that you worked for is considered earned, whether that be from an employer or if you are self employed, running a side hustle, or are considered a small business owner.

  • W-2
  • 1099-MISC
  • 1099-NEC
  • Self-Employment
  • Schedules K-1
  • Income records to verify amounts not reported on 1099-MISC or 1099-NEC for example bank statements or transaction logs for compensation by cash or check
  • Hobby income and expenses

Unearned Income

Income that you gained passively typically these are thing like investments, retirement distributions, or benefits.

  • 1099-G
  • Unemployment benefits (1099-G)
  • Child Support
  • Retirement Income
  • Pension/IRA/annuity income (1099-R)
  • Traditional IRA basis (i.e., amounts you contributed to the IRA that were already taxed)
  • Social security/RRB income: SSA-1099, RRB-1099
  • Disability income

Savings & Investments or Dividends

  • Interest, dividend income (1099-INT, 1099-OID, 1099-DIV)
  • Income from sales of stock or other property (1099-B, 1099-S)
  • Dates of acquisition and records of your cost or other basis in property you sold (if basis is not reported on 1099-B)
  • Transactions involving cryptocurrency (Virtual currency)

Rental Income

  • Records of income and expenses
  • Rental asset information (cost, date placed in service, etc.) for depreciation
  • Record of estimated tax payments made (Form 1040–ES)

Other Income & Losses

  • Payment Card and Third Party Network Transactions – 1099-K
  • Gambling income (W-2G or records showing income, as well as expense records)
  • Jury duty records
  • Prizes and awards
  • Trust income
  • Royalty Income 1099–MISC
  • Any other 1099s received
  • Record of alimony paid/received with ex-spouse’s name and SSN
  • State tax refund

Business Expenses

Small business owners, the self-employed, and people running a side hustle are able to deduct expenses against that income.

  • Records of all expenses
  • Business-use asset information (cost, date placed in service, etc.) for depreciation
  • Home office information, if applicable
  • Record of estimated tax payments made (Form 1040–ES)
Other Tax Deductions

Types of Deductions

Depending on your unique life circumstances, the deductions you can take may differ. Not all the paperwork listed below will be necessary for filing taxes. Many times, people are eligible only for the standard deduction where a lot of these forms would help with your deductible.

Home Owner Info

  • Forms 1098 or equivalent mortgage interest statements
  • Real estate and personal property tax records
  • Receipts for energy-saving home improvements (e.g., solar panels, solar water heater)
  • All other 1098 series forms

Charitable Contributions

  • Monetary donations given to religious institutions, educational establishments and other beneficent entities.
  • Records of non-cash charitable donations
  • Log of miles driven for charitable or medical purposes

Medical Expenses

  • Unreimbursed amounts paid for healthcare, insurance, and to doctors, dentists, and hospitals
  • Amounts paid for qualified insurance premiums if paid outside of the Marketplace or an employer provided plan

Marketplace Health Insurance (Obamacare)

  • Form 1095-A if you or someone on your return is enrolled in an insurance plan through the Marketplace (Exchange)

Childcare Expenses

  • Fees paid to a licensed day care center or family day care for care of an infant or preschooler
  • Amounts paid to a baby-sitter or care provider of your child under age 13 while you work
  • Amounts paid through a dependent care flexible spending account through work

Educational Expenses

  • Forms 1098-T from educational institutions
  • Receipts for qualified educational expenses
  • Records of any scholarships or fellowships you received
  • Form 1098-E (student loan interest)

K-12 Educator Expenses

  • Teachers in grades K-12 can be reimbursed for out-of-pocket supplies and materials purchased to benefit their classrooms.

State and Local Taxes

  • State and local income or sales tax paid (other than withholdings) and Invoices showing amount of vehicle sales tax paid and / or personal property tax on vehicles

Retirement & Other Savings

  • Form 5498-SA showing HSA contributions
  • Form 5498 showing IRA contributions
  • All other 5498 series forms (5498-QA, 5498-ESA)

Federally Declared Disaster

Are you looking for relief from the damages caused by a natural disaster?

To find out if they have declared your county as a federal emergency zone, check FEMA’s website. Keep in mind, to get help and or reimbursement funds, you must provide records such as appraisals of property losses incurred during the incident or costs associated with rebuilding and repairs. Also include any insurance reimbursements received because of claims filed following the event, along with details related to aid provided by FEMA.

Conclusion

Whether you’re filing your taxes or using a tax preparer, it pays to prepare. Having a tax preparation checklist is key to a smooth tax season. Enjoy the peace of mind of gathering your tax documents.

Taking the time to organize leads to a faster and more accurate tax filing process. Don’t wait, get your tax preparation checklist and get organized. Trust us, it will save you time and stress in the long run.

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