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Millions of taxpayers do their own taxes and you can too.  The key to filing an accurate and stress-free tax return is to use a tax prep checklist to gather the items you need before you file.  Being organized can help you take advantage of money-saving credits and deductions so you get the biggest possible refund.  Use our tax prep checklist to gather everything you may need to do your taxes.

Personal information

  • Social Security numbers (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITIN) for you, your spouse, and your dependents
  • Birth dates for you, your spouse, and your dependents
  • Driver’s license or state issued ID for you and your spouse
  • A copy of last year’s tax return
  • Routing number and account number to receive your refund via direct deposit

Income

  • W-2 forms for you and your spouse
  • 1099-C forms for cancellation of debt
  • 1099-G forms for unemployment income, or state or local tax refunds
  • 1099-INT, 1099-DIV, 1099-B forms for investment or interest income
  • 1099-K forms for business payments
  • 1099-MISC forms for miscellaneous income
  • 1099-NEC forms for independent contractor or freelancer income
  • 1099-R forms for distributions from IRAs or retirement plans
  • 1099-S forms for sale of property income
  • SSA-1099 for Social Security income
  • Alimony received, paid
  • Income and expense from a business
  • Income and expense from rental property
  • Miscellaneous income: jury duty, gambling/lottery winnings, scholarships, Medical Savings Account (MSA), unreported tip income, prizes and awards

Expenses

  • Forms 1098 for mortgage interest, points and mortgage insurance premiums
  • Form 1098-E for student loan interest
  • Form 1098-T for tuition paid
  • Federal and State estimated tax payments
  • Medical and dental expenses (including medical mileage, long term care health insurance)
  • Real estate and personal property taxes
  • State and local taxes
  • CASH and NON-CASH charitable donations (including mileage driven)
  • Casualty and theft loss (only for federally declared disasters)
  • Gambling losses to the extent of winnings
  • Childcare costs including care provider identification
  • IRA contributions
  • Qualifying energy expense for home improvements
  • Receipts for classroom supplies (educators in grades K-12 only)
  • Receipts for moving expenses (members of the military only)

Other

  • Form 1095-A, Health Insurance Marketplace Statement
  • 1095-B, 1095-C Health Insurance Verification Form

File your taxes fast and ez. Biggest possible refund guaranteed.

The articles and content published on this blog are provided for informational purposes only. The information presented is not intended to be, and should not be taken as, legal, financial, or professional advice. Readers are advised to seek appropriate professional guidance and conduct their own due diligence before making any decisions based on the information provided.