Checklist for Tax Paperwork

These days, I'm pleased it's tax season, since it gives me an easy out when people start talking about politics: Oh, THAT [wild new political storey]? I didn't see it since I was too preoccupied with tax season.

With all of the confusion, disagreement, and shouting out there — from Washington to Facebook to right here in Charlotte — it's good to try to filter out the noise and focus on what we can actually do.

So, since we're on the subject of productivity, if you haven't already, it might be time to get started on your tax files.

A few years ago, the IRS conducted a study that determined that the *average* time it takes to prepare a tax return is 22 hours. And, while that number varies each return, I'm reminded (again) of how valuable it is to liberate our clients' TIME — not to mention the additional deductions we uncover, the stress we alleviate, and the peace of mind we can provide in knowing it's being handled correctly.

We already have a large number of Charlotte tax clients who have filed, received refunds, and written us notes expressing their delight with their filing experience. And, as you can expect, this makes me quite happy. Now, I have something here that we put at the beginning of January, but now that we are well into March, I thought it might be worth reposting...

Checklist for Tax Paperwork

“We are not retreating — we are advancing in another direction.” -Douglas MacArthur

With the additional penalties associated with the Affordable Care Act in 2017, as well as all of the other changes each year, filing your taxes on your own is not for the faint of heart — even if there are nice-looking softwares on the market that claim to make it simple.

But that's exactly why we're here. Allow us to be your simple button.

The following is a list of everything you'll need to prepare your taxes. Not all of them will apply to you; in fact, the vast majority of them will not. It is, nevertheless, a valuable checklist.

Before you get too worked up, keep in mind that while this is a large list, it is the unfortunate truth of our tax code that it isn't even complete! However, 95% of our Charlotte tax clients will be covered by these items. This is primarily to ensure that we are able to assist you in keeping every dollar you are entitled to under our tax code.

Even if you won't be using our cost-effective services this year for some inexplicable reason, feel free to use this list as a reference...

Personal Information

• Numbers from the Social Security Administration (including spouse and children)
• Tax ID or Social Security Number for child care providers

Data on Employment and Income

• This year's W-2 forms
• Form 1099-G is used to report tax refunds and unemployment compensation.
• Form 1099-MISC for miscellaneous income, such as rent.
• Income from a partnership or a trust
• Annuities and pensions
• Alimony was paid
• Pay for jury duty
• Winnings from gambling and lotteries
• Awards and prizes
• Fellowships and scholarships
• Refunds of state and local income taxes
• Compensation for Unemployment

Information on Health Insurance

* All Marketplace Provider 1095-A Forms (if you purchased insurance through a Marketplace)

* Information from an existing plan (policy numbers, etc.)

* If you're claiming an exemption, your Exemption Certificate Number is unique to you.

* Records of Premium Tax Credit credits and/or advance payments received (if claiming)

Data on Homeowners and Renters

• This year's residential address(es)
• Interest on a mortgage: Form 1098
• Form 1099-S for the sale of your home or other real estate
• Interest on the second mortgage has been paid.
• Real estate taxes have been paid.
• During the tax year, rent is paid
• Costs of relocation

Financial Resources

• Forms 1099-INT and 1099-OID are used to report interest income.
• Form 1099-DIV is a statement of dividend income.
• Form 1099-B: Proceeds from Broker Transactions
• Form 1099-R is used to report distributions from retirement plans.
• Gains or losses in capital

Financial Obligations

• If the vehicle is utilised for business, auto loans and leases (account numbers and car value) are required.
• Interest on student loans has been paid.
• CDs and other fixed-term deposits have early withdrawal penalties.

Expenses

• Donations to charity (receipts for any single $250 or more donation)
• Expenses incurred as a result of voluntary service that were not compensated
• Expenses you haven't been compensated for because of your work (travel expenses, entertainment, uniforms, union dues, subscriptions)
• Expenses for investments
• Expenses for job hunting
• Costs of education (tuition and fees)
• Costs of child care
• Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)
• Costs of adoption
• Alimony is a type of remuneration that
• Expenses and fees associated with preparing tax returns

Data on Self-Employment

• Tax vouchers for the current year are estimated.
• Tax on self-employment
• SEPs for self-employed people
• Health insurance for self-employed people
• All partnerships have K-1s.
• Receipts or other evidence of business expenses
• Farm earnings

Documents for Deduction

• Income taxes imposed by the state and local governments
• Contributions to IRAs, Keoghs, and other retirement plans
• Health-care costs
• Losses due to accidents or theft
• Other non-essential deductions

We’re here to help. Let me know if you have any questions.

Warmly,