What to Bring to Your Tax Appointment

Personal & Identification Documents

• (Bring for each taxpayer, spouse, and dependent)
• Legal name and date of birth (as shown on Social Security records)
• Social Security Card, ITIN, or ATIN
• Last year’s Federal & State tax returns (especially for new clients)
• Valid Driver’s License or State ID (required for e-file verification)
• Direct deposit details (bank routing and account numbers)

Income & Tax Forms

(Bring all that apply to your situation)

• W-2 forms (each employer)
• Interest (Form 1099-INT) and Dividend income (Form 1099-DIV)
• Investment or stock sales (Form 1099-B or detailed broker statement)
• Self-employment income and expenses (invoices, 1099-NEC or 1099-MISC, ledgers, receipts)
• Sale of personal residence (Closing Disclosure, Form 1099-S)
• Rental income and expenses (rents received, repairs, insurance, property taxes, HOA dues)

Income & Tax Forms cont.

• Business asset sales (purchase/sale date, cost, and proceeds)
• Gambling or lottery winnings (Form W-2G) and loss documentation
• State tax refund (Form 1099-G)
• Pension, annuity, IRA, or 401(k) distributions (Form 1099-R)
• Social Security or Railroad Retirement income (Form SSA-1099 or RRB-1099)
• Unemployment compensation (Form 1099-G)
• Estimated tax payments — list of amounts and dates (federal and state)
• Other income (jury duty, prizes, hobby income, alimony, etc.)

Self-Employment & Business Income

• (In addition to the above, if applicable)
• Income records — invoices, contracts, 1099s, or payment app summaries
• Expense records — ledgers or categorized summaries (office, supplies, travel, utilities, etc.)
• Business asset details — purchase date/cost and placed-in-service date for depreciation
• Inventory values — January 1 and December 31 of the tax year
• Mileage log — date, purpose, and miles driven (or odometer readings)

Deductions & Adjustments

(Bring supporting documentation for all that apply)

• Medical & dental expenses — prescriptions, insurance premiums, co-pays, etc.
• Real estate or personal property taxes
• Mortgage interest (Form 1098) and PMI
• Charitable contributions — cash receipts or non-cash valuations/acknowledgments
• Employee business expenses — uniforms, mileage, supplies, unreimbursed costs
• Gambling losses — logs or statements
• Moving expenses — qualified military orders
• Traditional IRA contributions — proof of deposits
• Higher education expenses — tuition (Form 1098-T), books, course materials
• Educator expenses — classroom supplies
• Student loan interest (Form 1098-E)

Tax Credits

(Bring details or receipts to support any credits you may qualify for)

• Child & Dependent Care Credit — provider name, address, and Tax ID (EIN or SSN), plus total paid
• Adoption Credit — legal fees, agency costs, and travel expenses
• Retirement Savings Contributions Credit — proof of eligible plan contributions
• Education Credits — Form 1098-T and receipts for books or required materials
• Earned Income Credit — proof of dependent residency/support (if applicable)
• Child Tax Credit — dependent Social Security numbers and support documentation

If You Owe or Need IRS Help

(For resolution or notice cases)

• IRS or State letters and notices (all pages)
• Copies of prior-year returns (especially for the years in question)
• Payment history or transcripts (if available)
• Proof of income and living expenses (for Offer-in-Compromise or payment plans)
• Recent bank statements (3–6 months)
• Wage garnishment or levy letters
• Any unfiled or back-tax documentation