April 15th will be here before you know it. Getting prepared today will set you up for the most peace of mind and give you the best chance towards keeping all the money you’re entitled to for the past tax year.
This exhaustive checklist will get you prepared to meet April 15th head-on. Go get it all together today!
Individual Info
Tax Returns for the last 3 years
Tax ID or SSN
Alimony Paid plus SSN of ex-spouse as well as their full name
Spouse’s full name and SSN
Dependents or Additional Adults in Household
Form 8332 if the custodial parent has released their right to claim dependents
Any income from other adults living in your household
Records of childcare with the childcare giver’s tax ID
All the SSNs of dependents and their date of birth as well as their full name
Records and Forms from Education Costs
Receipts from educational costs that you wish to itemize and meet qualification criteria
Any forms such as a 1098-T from an academic organization
Records of student loans interests like form 1098-E, awarded scholarships or fellowships
Place of Work Forms
W-2 form if employed
1099-MISC, Schedules k-1 as well as records of income that are not included in the 1099s
All expense records (receipts, bank statements, etc.)
Information on assets used for business to depreciate
Home office info—square footage of home used exclusively for business and percent of home utilities used exclusively for business
Work Automobile Info
Complete log of miles driven for work outside of normal commute
Parking and Tolls Receipts
For itemizing all costs, you’ll need receipts for all gas, maintenance, licenses and loan or lease interests
Proof of Income on Property You Rent Out
Retirement Records
1099-R for IRA, Pension or Annuity
1099-SSA and/or RRB-1099 for Social Security and/or Railroad Retirement Board Income
Form 5498 for IRA contributions
IRA basis
Investments and Savings
1099-INT Interests
1099-OID Original Issue Discount
1099-DIV Dividends
1099-B Proceeds from Broker Sale
1099-S Proceeds from Real Estate Sale
Dates of acquired investments/savings interests
Records of costs associated with investments
Records of sold property not reflected in 1099s
Records for Miscellaneous Credits and Deductions
Job search expenses (LinkedIn Premium payments, resume creation and printing, interview travel expenses not reimbursed by the potential employer, etc)
Estimated taxes paid
Qualified deductions for energy efficient home upgrades
Employment costs for trade publications, association fees, uniforms and so on
Last year’s tax preparation costs
Costs incurred as a result of investments
Miles and Travel Expenses for Charity
Assets Donated to Charity
Money Donated to qualified non-profits
Auto sales tax paid
Property taxes paid
Amount of both state and tax income paid not including taxes withheld
1098 Mortgage Forms
Non-reimbursed moving expenses
HSA Payments, Form 5498-SA
Teachers out of pocket expenses for grades K-12
Any Records from Disasters Federally Declared
Name of the City, County that the property is in or your place of work was in
Proof of losses such as restoration costs and appraisals before and after disaster
Insurance reimbursements
FEMA Assistance
