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Tax
Preparation Checklist for Individuals |
As Enrolled Agents, we are ethically bound to help you pay the
lowest tax you are legally required to pay. This list will help us
do our job. It is a concise, though not exhaustive, outline of some
of the documents you will need to bring to your tax preparation
appointment.
- A copy of last year's Federal and State tax returns.
- All statements of income, such as:
• W-2's
• Interest and Dividend statements (Form 1099)
• Pension income amounts including Social Security
• Individual Retirement Account contributions or withdrawals
• Unemployment income statements
• Trust, "S" corporation, and/or Partnership income amounts (Form
K-1)
- Amounts of mortgage interest and points paid (Form 1098), real
estate and auto excise taxes paid, charitable donations (both cash
and non-cash), and "out-of-pocket" medical expenses
- Records of child care expenses including amounts and payee
- Lists of any job related expenses, such as:
• Moving expenses (if your move was job related)
• Tools and other equipment such as computers, etc.
• Safety clothing and uniforms
• Professional books, journals, dues, union dues, etc.
- Amounts of any estimated tax payments
- Details of any capital gains transactions
- If you own rental property or a small business, we will need
to see the records pertaining to the property or business
Be sure to consult a Tax Professional
if you think any of the matters discussed here concern you or your
business: this is not intended to be the complete story. Also, be
sure your tax advisor is one of your area's many qualified
Certified Public Accountants or Enrolled Agents. Last year only 3%
of the tax preparer penalties assessed by the Internal Revenue
Service was given to C.P.A.'s or E.A.'s, the balance, 97%, was
assessed on so-called independent "tax preparers." Be smart,
entrust this very important job to a qualified professional.
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