Tax preparation can be a stressful time of the year for everyone. If you are working with a tax preparation expert, you should know that it is still your responsibility to bring in all of the necessary paperwork. To help you know what information you need to gather for tax preparation, here is a simple checklist of necessary paper work.
First, bring the social security cards for you and any other person that will appear on your tax return. If you have a spouse or children listed on your tax returns, you have to provide their social security information.
Second, it may seem obvious, but your tax preparation cannot happen without all of your income information. That may come in the form of a W-2 or W-9. Your income can also come in the form of investments. Investment companies will send out a 1099 form that should also be included in your tax preparation documents.
Third, bring in your bank statements. This will help your tax preparation specialist to be able to tell exactly what kind of income you have in your account. For example, did you know that if you receive money as a gift, it would be taxed differently than your other income? You can save money when you include all of your bank statements.
Fourth, don’t forget to bring in any receipts of charitable donations. The IRS encourages businesses and individuals to make charitable contributions, and they offer tax deductions when you donate. You can donate either goods or services, but you have to make sure that you have a receipt for the donation so that you can deduct the donation from your taxes.
Finally, make sure that you gather all work-related receipts. When you buy something for your employment it can be written off on your taxes. If you bring in proof of the purchase to your tax preparation specialist, you can save money.