What should I bring to my appointment?
- A pdf or paper copy of your prior year tax return, unless I did it last year in which case I already have it. If you have a pdf copy, you can send it to me electronically beforehand.
- Mailed organizer. Every client that I prepared a tax return for the prior year should have received in the mail an organizer for this years taxes which also includes last years tax figures. If you have filled this out I reduce your tax prep fee. If you have not filled this out PLEASE still bring it with you as I will need it for my preparation process. If you are a new client please print and fill out this blank organizer, see this pdf.
- Engagement Letter, if you are a new client please print and sign this pdf (existing clients its in your organizer)
- Account number and routing number for your bank account, if you think you will be getting a refund and would like to have it direct deposited.
- All tax forms you have received in the mail that show income, such as W-2’s, 1099’s, and K-1’s. Please verify that the name and social security number are correct on all forms you receive. If you have income from any other sources, please bring a summarized list. (Tips, jury duty pay, prizes, scholarships, etc.)
- All tax forms you have received in the mail that show deductions. These are usually 1098’s for things like mortgages and student loan interest. If you have deductions from any other sources, please bring a summarized list. (College savings plan contributions, IRA contributions, HSA contributions, etc.)
- Dependents – I will need to know their full names, birth dates, and social security numbers. (This info may already be included on your prior year tax return, except for birthdates.)
- Charitable contributions – please provide a summarized list.
- Self-employment income – please prepare a summarized list of income and expenses. See this pdf. This includes independent contracting, sole-proprietorships, single-member LLC’s, or any other unregistered small business. For farm income see this pdf.
- Rental income – please prepare a summarized list of income and expenses. See this pdf. If you have made significant renovations (beyond regular maintenance) to the property, please provide me with the cost of the renovations and the date they were completed.
- Childcare expenses – I will need the name, address, phone number, and taxpayer identification number of the childcare provider, and the amounts you paid for each child. Include only pre-K expenses, after-school care, or summer daycare.
- College tuition – please determine the amount you paid for tuition and required fees during the year. (This must be on a form 1098-T starting in 2015)
- Estimated tax payments – I will need a list of the dates and amounts paid. (This is the most common area for mistakes in my experience)
- Bought a home or refinanced a mortgage – please bring in a copy of the HUD-1 (settlement statement).
- Alimony or spousal support – I will need to the name and social security number of the payer or payee, and the amount paid.
- Medical expenses – please provide me with a summarized list of expenses, but only if the total exceeds 10% of your income or if you are over 65 years old, 7.5%.
- Home-office deduction – please provide me with a summarized list of your expenses. (Rent, utilities, maintenance, HOA fees, etc.) For more information, see this pdf.
- Anything else that you think might be relevant. You know your situation better than I do and too much information is better than not enough!
