Many things have changed recently, including Academy Award nominations (which have dropped), mortgage rates (which have risen), and the effective tax rates for most businesses and families (which, as you may have heard, have changed!).
But not much has changed at Kohari & Gonzalez PLLC: we're still busy gearing up to prepare your 2021 taxes, visiting with new and old Charlotte clients, and helping you keep as much money as legally and ethically feasible out of the IRS's reach.
Let's get this party started. Let's find these documents and save you some money!
The 2021 Tax Preparation Checklist from Kohari & Gonzalez PLLC
“Arriving at one goal is the starting point to another.” –Dewey
Filing your taxes on your own is not for the faint of heart, especially with all of the changes that occur each year (and, of course, this year is no exception). Even with nice-looking software on the market that claims to make it simple for you, this is true.
But that's exactly why we're here. Allow us to be your convenient button in Charlotte.
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 handy tax preparation 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, these things will cover 95% of our Charlotte customers. 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 Unemploymen
Health Insurance Information:
* 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.
Automobiles
- Information on personal property taxes
- Fees charged by the Department of Motor Vehicles
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,
Sara F Gonzalez, CPA, CTC, CTRS
(704) 599-3355
Kohari & Gonzalez PLLC