Things to bring to your tax preparer.

The following list is a good start to organize the trip to meet with a tax preparer. The better organized your documents are, the greater the chances of taking advantage of all the resources to decrease your tax responsibilities and keep your costs down. When you meet with your tax preparer, you should cover the expectations of both the preparer and yourself. One way to ensure that everything is presented is to discuss the "Engagement Letter." This is in short a contract of expectations and rules of commitment between your preparer and yourself. The next part of the initial meeting will be to cover the items listed in this checklist. The checklist has a wide variety of items that will not meet everyone. However, it is important to be certain that each item is discussed to be sure you are not missing any pieces to have your return prepared in the best possible manner. Finally, bring all documentation in an orderly system with you to the meeting. It is better to be over prepared rather than missing important information that could save you money.

PERSONAL INFORMATION

Social Security numbers (including spouse and children)
Your child-care provider's tax ID or Social Security number
Last year's federal and state returns
Notices or documents from IRS or state tax agency

EMPLOYMENT & INCOME

W-2 Wage statements for this year
Partnership and trust income
Pensions and annuities
Social Security
Railroad Retirement Benefits (Form RRB 1099 or RRB 1042S)
Alimony received
Jury duty pay
Gambling and lottery winnings / losses (W-2G)
Prizes and awards (1099-MISC)
Scholarships and fellowships (1099-MISC)
State and local income-tax refunds

HOMEOWNER/RENTER

Residential address(es) for this year
Mortgage interest (1098)
Mortgage insurance premiums paid
Sale of your home or other real estate (1099-S)
Second-mortgage interest paid (1098)
Real-estate taxes paid
Rent paid during tax year
Moving expenses

INVESTMENTS

Interest-income statements (1099-INT or 1099-OID)
Dividend-income statements (1099-DIV)
Proceeds from broker transactions (1099-B)
Tax refunds and unemployment compensation (1099G)
Miscellaneous income including contract or freelance work or rent (1099-MISC)
Retirement-plan distribution (1099-R)
Investment expenses

DEDUCTIBLE EXPENSES

Auto loans and leases Including account numbers and car value -- if the vehicle is used for business
Student loan interest paid (1098-E)
Early withdrawal penalties on CDs and other time deposits
Gifts to charity
Unreimbursed expenses for volunteer work
Unreimbursed expenses related to your job
Travel expenses, entertainment, uniforms, union dues and subscriptions
Job-hunting expenses
Education expenses
Child-care expenses
Medical savings accounts
Adoption expenses
Alimony paid
Sales-tax expenses
Tax-return-preparation expenses and fees
Personal property tax information such as automobiles
Federal, state and local estimated taxes paid for current year, including estimated tax vouchers, cancelled checks & other payment records
IRA, Keogh & other retirement plan contributions
Medical expenses

BUSINESS INFORMATION

Financial statements from business activities
K-1s on all partnerships / businesses
Receipts or documentation for business-related expenses
Farm income (Schedule F)

MISCELLANEOUS

Casualty or theft losses (Form 4684)
Anything marked "Important Tax Document"
Documentation of special circumstances impacting your financial situation.

Crystal Guss Consalvi

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