Before you contact your tax preparer, ensure you have the necessary documents to hand over. It’s important to have previous year’s tax information, as well as current receipts and documents. Getting an early start on gathering these items will not only speed up the process, but give your tax preparer more time to double check all of your information. Learn more about which forms you will need to file a complete tax return.

The Essentials

Forms from employers, banks, and other businesses need to be filed your tax return, so have these documents ready to go. Some of the most common forms include Form W-2, Form 1099, and Form 1098. These documents indicate the income you’ve received from the previous year. If you are unsure about which documents need to be filed, get in contact with your tax preparer for confirmation.

The Receipts

Receipts act as a form of proof to show so you can properly itemize your deductions. Whether you choose itemize or claim the standard deduction, it’s a good idea to compare your findings and see which one has the greater write-off. Your list of expenses may include anything from medical costs and mortgage interest to charitable contributions. Consult with your tax preparer if itemizing is worth it.

The Tax Return from Last Year

Grab your tax return from last year, even if you are using the same tax preparer. You can look over it for any inconsistences and ensure your current tax return is up to date. It can also provide details about forms you received from last year, and that you have these forms from this year too. Investopedia also comments, “If you made small gifts, you may not have received any acknowledgment from the organization, but you can still deduct these contributions as long as you have a canceled check or other proof.”

Conclusion

The process of filing taxes can be confusing, so let our certified public accountants do the work for you. We are here to prep your tax documents and handle all forms with the utmost professionalism. Refer to MARIELA RUIZ, CPA, PLLC for tax preparation services today.