Tax Return Checklist
It’s always hard to know what to provide your accountant when everyone’s tax situation is different. Use the below guide as you prepare to send your tax documents to your preparer. Make sure to keep your tax documents and support for at least five years from the date of filing.
Pro tip: Store all of these in a secure electronic folder for record-keeping.
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Driver’s license or State ID
Last year’s tax returns
Bank account and routing numbers (personal accounts to use for direct debit/deposit)
Any addresses moved to/from during the year and related dates
RENTAL REAL ESTATE
Income and expenses by category by property
Depreciation schedule of any buildings
Details of any building improvements made
1098 for mortgage interest
1099-MISC for rental income received (get from renter)
Number of days rented
Property taxes paid
CREDITS & OTHER ITEMS
Childcare provider statements with EIN/SSN
Adoption expenses documentation
Energy-efficient home improvement receipts
Electric vehicle purchase documents
Estimated tax payments (date, amount and Fed/State) made during the year
INCOME
W-2s from employment
1099-NECs for contracted work
1099-Ks for income from credit card processing
INVESTMENTS
1099-DIV for dividend income
1099-INT for interest income
1099-B for brokerages
Realized gains and losses from sale of securities and crypto (need cost, sale price and dates bought/sold)
1099-SA or 5498-SA for Health Savings Accounts
1099-R for retirement plan distributions
Form 5498 for IRS contributions
Records of 401(K), Roth IRA or SEP/SIMPLE contributions
529 plan contributions and distributions
ADJUSTMENTS
1098-E student loan interest
1098-T tuition payments
Educator expenses
HSA contributions (not through payroll)
BUSINESSES
K-1s from any partnerships or S Corps owned
Profit & Loss Statement for any single-member LLCs or sole proprietorships
Home office expenses & square footage
Mileage log for business use of vehicle
Payroll schedules and W-3 form
OTHER INCOME
Form SSA-1099 for Social Security benefits
1099-G for unemployment
1099-C for cancelled debt
Alimony received
W-2G for Gambling winnings
ITEMIZED DEDUCTIONS
Out of pocket medical expenses spent (not covered by insurance)
Property taxes and excise taxes paid
Home mortgage interest on primary residence
Charitable donations and evidence of 501(c)3 status of recipient
Casualty or theft loss documentation