Book Your Appointment

Tax Appointment Preparation Checklist

The documents needed to prepare your tax return vary based on your personal and financial situation. The checklist below is designed to help you gather the most commonly required information before your appointment. Not all items will apply to every taxpayer.

Basic Taxpayer Information

All taxpayers should be prepared to provide the following:

• Social Security number or Tax Identification Number
• Spouse’s full name, Social Security number or Tax ID, and date of birth (if filing jointly)
• IRS Identity Protection PIN, if issued (for you, your spouse, or dependents)
• Bank routing and account numbers for direct deposit or electronic payment
• Foreign residency, reporting, or income information, if applicable

Dependent & Household Information

If you are claiming dependents or supporting others in your household:

• Dates of birth and Social Security numbers or Tax ID numbers for dependents
• Childcare records, including the provider’s name and tax ID number
• Income information for dependents or other adults living in your home
• Form 8332, if applicable, for noncustodial parents claiming a child

Income Documentation

Only applicable if you received income from the sources listed below.

Employment & Unemployment

• Forms W-2
• Unemployment income statements (1099-G)

Self-Employment & Business Income

• Forms 1099, Schedules K-1, or other income records
• Records of business expenses (receipts, bank or credit card statements)
• Asset purchase details for depreciation (cost and date placed in service)
• Home office information, if applicable
• Estimated tax payment records (Form 1040-ES)

Rental Income

• Rental income and expense records
• Property and asset details for depreciation
• Estimated tax payment records, if applicable

Retirement Income

• Pension, IRA, or annuity distributions (1099-R)
• Traditional IRA contribution basis information
• Social Security or Railroad Retirement income (SSA-1099 or RRB-1099)

Investments & Savings

• Interest and dividend statements (1099-INT, 1099-DIV, 1099-OID)
• Sale of stocks or property (1099-B, 1099-S)
• Cost basis records if not reported on tax forms
• Investment-related expense records
• Health Savings Account or long-term care distributions (1099-SA, 1099-LTC)
• Estimated tax payment records, if applicable

Other Income

• Digital asset transactions such as cryptocurrency or NFTs (1099-DA)
• Payment app or third-party transactions (1099-K)
• Gambling winnings (W-2G) and related expense records
• Jury duty income documentation
• Hobby income and expense records
• Prize, award, or trust income

Potential Deductions & Credits

Bring documentation for any of the following that apply to your situation.

Home & Vehicle

• Mortgage interest statements (Forms 1098)
• Real estate and personal property tax records
• Energy-efficient home improvement receipts
• Electric vehicle purchase information
• Vehicle sales tax or personal property tax invoices

Charitable Contributions

• Records of cash donations
• Documentation for non-cash donations
• Mileage records for charitable or medical travel

Medical & Health Insurance

• Medical, dental, and hospital expense records
• Insurance premiums paid outside of employer plans
• Form 1095-A for Marketplace health insurance

Childcare & Education

• Daycare and dependent care expense records
• Dependent Care FSA documentation
• Tuition statements (1098-T)
• Receipts for qualified education expenses
• Scholarship or fellowship records
• Student loan interest statements (1098-E)

Educator Expenses

• Receipts for classroom supplies (K-12 educators)

State & Local Taxes

• Records of state or local income or sales tax paid
• Vehicle tax or registration documentation
• Cities, counties, or states where you lived or worked

Retirement Contributions

• HSA contribution statements (5498-SA)
• IRA contribution records (Form 5498)
• Other applicable 5498 series forms

Disaster-Related Losses

• Property loss documentation
• Repair and rebuilding cost records
• Insurance reimbursement details
• FEMA assistance information (if applicable)

Important Note

This checklist is intended as a general guide. Additional documents may be required based on your individual tax situation.

 

Recent Tax Law Updates That May Affect Your Return

Several new and expanded tax provisions may impact your 2025 tax return and beyond. These include:

• Higher SALT Deduction Cap:
  The State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction cap has increased from $10,000 to $40,000, allowing a larger deduction for qualifying state income, sales, and property taxes.
• New Deduction for Tip Income:
  A temporary deduction allows eligible taxpayers to deduct up to $25,000 in qualified tip income for tax years 2025–2028, subject to IRS guidance and income limits.
• New Deduction for Overtime Pay:
  A temporary deduction permits up to $12,500 of qualified overtime income to be deducted for tax years 2025–2028, if eligibility requirements are met.
• Auto Loan Interest Deduction:
  Certain taxpayers may deduct up to $10,000 per year in car loan interest on qualified auto loans.
• Child Tax Credit Increase:
  Beginning in tax year 2025, the Child Tax Credit increases to $2,200 per qualifying child under age 17.
• Enhanced Deduction for Seniors:
  Taxpayers age 65 and older may qualify for an additional deduction of up to $6,000 for tax years 2025–2028.

New Documentation That May Be Required

Due to recent tax law changes, additional documentation may be required for certain taxpayers. Please bring the following items if they apply to you, in addition to your standard tax documents:

• Crypto & Digital Asset Transactions:
  Form 1099-DA or other records showing sales or dispositions of digital assets.
• Vehicle Loan Interest:
  Form 1098-VLI or a statement from your lender showing interest paid on a qualified auto loan.
• Overtime Income:
  Recent paystubs or employer documentation reflecting overtime earnings.
• Tip Income:
  W-2 forms, tip statements, or other records documenting eligible tip income.
• State & Local Taxes Paid (SALT):
  Documentation showing state income, sales, and property taxes paid during the year.
• Children & Newborns:
  Social Security numbers for newborns or dependents, including those eligible for savings or tax-advantaged accounts.