Tax Preparation Checklist
It's Almost Time to File Your Taxes - Are You Ready? Use This Checklist to Prepare, Then Call Charles L. Mandelbaum, PA
Before you begin to prepare your income tax return, go through the following checklist. Highlight the areas that apply to you, and make sure you have that information available.
Most People Will Need:
Personal Information - This information tells the IRS exactly who’s filing, who is covered in your tax return, and where to deposit your tax refund.
Social Security numbers and dates of birth for you, your spouse, your dependents
Copies of last year’s tax return for you and your spouse (helpful, but not required)
Bank account number and routing number, if depositing your refund directly into your account
Information About Your Income
- W-2 forms for you and your spouse
- 1099-C forms for cancellation of debt
- 1099-G forms for unemployment income, or state or local tax refunds
- 1099-MISC forms for you and your spouse (for any independent contractor work)
- 1099-R, Form 8606 for payments/distributions from IRAs or retirement plans
- 1099-S forms for income from sale of a property
- 1099-INT, -DIV, -B, or K-1s for investment or interest income
- SSA-1099 for Social Security benefits received
- Alimony received
- Business or farming income - profit/loss statement, capital equipment information
- Rental property income and expenses: profit/loss statement, suspended loss information
- Prior year installment sale information - Forms 6252, principal and interest collected during the year, SSN and address for payer
- Miscellaneous income: jury duty, gambling winnings, Medical Savings Account, scholarships, etc.
Adjustments to Your Income - This following items can help reduce the amount of your income that is taxed, which can increase your tax refund, or lower the amount you owe.
- Form 1098-E for student loan interest paid (or loan statements for student loans)
- Form 1098-T for tuition paid (or receipts/canceled checks for tuition paid for post-high school)
- For teachers: Canceled checks or receipts for expenses paid for classroom supplies, etc.
- Records of IRA contributions made during the year
- Receipts for any qualifying energy-efficient home improvements (solar, windows, etc.)
- Records of Medical Savings Account (MSA) contributions
- Self-employed health insurance payment records
- Records of moving expenses
- Keogh, SEP, SIMPLE, and other self-employed pension plans
If You Itemize Your Deductions:
- W-2 forms for you and your spouse
- 1099-C forms for cancellation of debt
- 1099-G forms for unemployment income, or state or local tax refunds
- 1099-MISC forms for you and your spouse (for any independent contractor work)
- 1099-R, Form 8606 for payments/distributions from IRAs or retirement plans
- 1099-S forms for income from sale of a property
- 1099-INT, -DIV, -B, or K-1s for investment or interest income
- SSA-1099 for Social Security benefits received
- Alimony received
- Business or farming income - profit/loss statement, capital equipment information
- Rental property income and expenses: profit/loss statement, suspended loss information
- Prior year installment sale information - Forms 6252, principal and interest collected during the year, SSN and address for payer
- Miscellaneous income: jury duty, gambling winnings, Medical Savings Account, scholarships, etc.
Taxes You've Paid
State and local income taxes paid
Real estate taxes paid
Personal property taxes
Vehicle license fees based on value of vehicle
Other Information
Estimated tax payments made during the year (self-employed)
Prior-year refund applied to current year and/or any amount paid with an extension to file
Foreign bank account information: location, name of bank, account number, peak value of account during the year
Feel free to print out this checklist for your personal use! Organize your information, then call (973) 716-0200 now to learn more about our tax preparation services. You can visit our office in Livingston, NJ to speak with a tax specialist in person.
Location:
316 Eisenhower Pkwy
Livingston, NJ 07039
Contact Information:
Contact Charles: (973) 454-5063
Contact David's: (973) 271-3122
Office Phone:
(973) 716-0200
Office Hours:
Monday to Friday: 9:00am - 5:30pm
Saturday and Sunday: By Appointment