What to Bring to Your Tax Appointment

 

To make your tax interview fast, accurate, and stress-free, please bring the items below that apply to you.
This checklist covers the most common documents for individuals, families, freelancers, and small businesses.
If you’re unsure about a document, bring it anyway — we’ll review and confirm what’s needed to maximize your refund or minimize your tax liability.

Our Tax Preparation Services

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

Quick Tips for a Faster Appointment

Group documents by category (Personal, Income, Deductions, Credits).

  • Bring both printed and digital versions (PDFs, broker statements, receipts).
  • Keep mileage logs clear — include date, purpose, and miles.
  • Rental and business clients: prepare a simple profit-and-loss summary.
  • When in doubt, bring the document — we’ll confirm if it applies.
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