Tax Day is Tuesday, April 17th, 2018. If you’re unsure about which items you need for a last-minute tax appointment, you’ve stumbled across the right post, we’ll provide you with an up to date tax checklist that will make your appointment run smoothly. Millions of people, every year, go to tax preparation agencies; however, not everyone knows what to bring. Especially, if they are under the pressure of a deadline.
In the following article, we’ve got a list of the most common things to bring to your tax preparer. Your taxes will be filed and on their way in no time.
Start by identifying yourself
The first item to cross off your tax checklist is your social security or tax ID card. If filing jointly, your spouse will have to bring their card, too. Furthermore, you should also bring your driver’s license, passport, or identification card to your tax appointment. Make sure the items you are providing for your tax appointment are not expired.
Provide past returns
If you’re using an agency for the first time, you must bring a copy of your tax returns from the past three years. This is to ensure the files, both current and previous, are correct. It also helps to further identify you.
Other personal and dependent information
If you have dependents or other people on your return, you will need to bring the following items to your tax appointment:
• Social Security or ITIN Numbers with the date of births of everyone that’ll be on your tax return. This includes children and elderly under your care for more than 50% of the year.
• Childcare payment records and the licensed provider’s tax ID number(s).
• Amount of any alimony payments with ex-spouse’s social security number.
• Death certificates if applicable.
• Adoption paperwork.
Bring in your checkbook
For those that like their tax refunds directly deposited, remember to bring your checkbook. Your preparer will use it to know which account, and bank routing number, to deposit your refund into.
Last pay stubs, W-2’s, or other forms of earnings
Bring in any last pay stubs and W-2’s to your tax appointment. Include all documents that state earnings, winnings, interests, or wages.
Secondary education forms and documents
If you, your spouse, or dependents, are attending college, the expenses of tuition, books, and supplies are itemized on your return. Each year, every student is given Form 1098-T from their secondary educational institution. Some colleges may have the student log into their online portal to view and print the form. Your tax preparer will need this form in order to itemize college expenses on your return. Additionally, if you’ve purchased computers, equipment, or other items for college, make sure to bring in those receipts to your tax appointment as well.
Home upgrades
One item people sometimes leave off their tax checklist is receipts for energy efficient upgrades to your home. Improvements such as window replacements, door upgrades, skylights, insulation, energy efficient appliances, air conditioners, or water heaters could qualify for a tax credit. Also included, solar electricity systems.
Moving expenses
If your new job and home are more than 50 miles from your previous, you could also qualify for certain expense write-offs. Bring in any receipts associated with moving and its expenses.
Health care coverage documents
When filing your taxes, you will need to document that you, your spouse, and your dependents had health care coverage throughout the year. If you purchased health insurance through one of the Health Care Exchanges, also known as Marketplace, you will receive a Form 1095-A. If you have not, then you will either need to bring in your Marketplace exemption certificate, or proof of other health insurance coverage. This coverage can be either private or employer provided.
Tax season is almost coming to a close. We just reviewed your tax checklist of the most common things to bring to your tax preparer. When in doubt, it’s best to call your preparer before your appointment to ensure nothing is forgotten.
