Tax In Motion
Tax Preparation Checklist
To ensure your return is processed accurately and without delay, please use this checklist as a guide to gather your documents before dropping them off or attending your appointment.
Personal & Identification Information
- Government-Issued Photo ID: Driver's license, state ID, or passport for taxpayer and spouse.
- Social Security Cards or ITIN Letters: For taxpayer, spouse, and all dependents.
- Dates of Birth: For all individuals listed on the tax return.
- Direct Deposit Information: A voided check or your bank's routing and account number for your refund/payment.
- Prior Year Tax Return: Copy of your federal and state tax returns from last year (especially important for new clients).
- Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN): If issued by the IRS or state.
Income Documents
- W-2s: Wages and salary from each employer.
- 1099-NEC / 1099-MISC / 1099-K: Freelance, gig work, independent contractor earnings, or payment app income (e.g., Venmo, PayPal, Square).
- 1099-INT / 1099-DIV / 1099-B: Bank interest, investment dividends, and stock/crypto brokerage statements.
- 1099-R: Retirement distributions, pensions, 401(k), or IRA withdrawals.
- SSA-1099: Social Security benefit statements.
- 1099-G: Unemployment compensation or state tax refunds received.
- Schedule K-1: Income from partnerships, S-corporations, trusts, or estates.
- Other Income: Records of gambling winnings (Form W-2G), jury duty pay, or foreign income.
Business & Self-Employment Records (If Applicable)
- Income Records: Gross receipts, sales reports, and invoices.
- Expense Summaries: Itemized totals for office supplies, advertising, software, equipment, travel, and meals.
- Vehicle Mileage Log: Total miles driven for the year broken down by business vs. personal miles.
- Home Office Details: Square footage of dedicated office space vs. total home square footage, plus utility and internet bills.
- Inventory Records: Beginning and ending inventory values (for retail/product sales).
Deductions, Credits & Expenses
- Form 1098 (Mortgage Interest): Statements from your mortgage lender, including real estate/property taxes paid.
- Charitable Donations: Receipts or acknowledgment letters for cash donations and itemized lists/values for non-cash donated goods.
- Medical & Dental Expenses: Out-of-pocket totals for prescriptions, doctor visits, and medical mileage (if itemizing).
- Childcare & Dependent Care: Provider's legal name, address, EIN/SSN, and total amount paid per child.
- Higher Education Expenses: Form 1098-T (tuition statement), Form 1098-E (student loan interest), and receipts for required course materials.
- Estimated Tax Payments: Dates and amounts of any quarterly estimated payments made to federal and state tax agencies.
- Energy Credits: Invoices and manufacturer certifications for qualified home energy improvements (solar panels, heat pumps, energy-efficient windows/doors) or clean vehicle purchases.
Healthcare & Insurance
- Form 1095-A: Health Insurance Marketplace Statement (required if insurance was purchased through HealthCare.gov or a state exchange).
- Form 1099-SA / 5498-SA: Health Savings Account (HSA) contributions and distributions.
Started a business or facing a new taxable event?
New small businesses, newly added services, or events like a sale, inheritance, or major life change often require documents beyond this checklist. Book a consultation with us first so we can tell you exactly what to bring.