Tax Prep Checklist: Everything You Need to Be Ready for Tax Season

Regardless of whether you prepare your taxes yourself or use a professional’s services, it’s a good idea to gather the information and documentation you need well in advance of your actual tax filing date. Below, we’ve listed some key information you need when preparing this year’s taxes.

Your Personal Information

The personal information you may need to file taxes may contain information from your prior year’s return, including:

• Your Social Security Number (SSN), along with SSNs for your spouse, if applicable, and any dependents
• Last year’s Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) if you’re e-filing your taxes and need to confirm your identity
• Any tax filing PIN you may have.

Your Income Information

Your tax return typically requires documentation for all the taxable income you received the previous year.

• W-2 forms
• 1099 forms
  • 1099-MISC for contract employees
  • 1099-K for those who receive payment through a third-party provider like Venmo or Paypal
  • 1099-DIV for investment dividends
  • 1099-INT for investment interest
  • 1099-B for transactions handled by brokers
• Receipts, pay stubs, or any other documentation on income that isn’t otherwise reflected.

Your Deduction Information

Next, gather information on deductions that help reduce your overall tax burden. These include, but aren’t necessarily limited to:

• IRA and other retirement contributions
• Medical bills
• Property taxes
• Mortgage interest
• Educational expenses like college tuition or student loan payments
• State and local income taxes or sales taxes
• Charitable donations
• Dependent care expenses
• Classroom expenses (for teachers)

There are other state-specific deductions that may apply to your situation.

Your Tax Credit Information

Credits may further decrease your tax burden. Unlike deductions, which may lower your taxable income, tax credits simply credit you a portion of what you’d otherwise owe. Some available tax credits may include:

• Earned Income Tax Credit
• Child Tax Credits
• Dependent Care
• American Opportunity and Lifetime Learning Tax Credits
• The Saver’s Credit

Often, the information needed to receive these tax credits may be duplicative of other tax information. For example, having your retirement contribution records handy may support both an IRA deduction and the Saver’s Credit (if you qualify). Having your child’s SSN may allow you to fill out the Child Tax Credit section and the dependent care deduction. The more income- and deduction-related information you have in one spot, the more streamlined your tax prep process should be.

Your Tax Payment Information

Finally, gather and provide information on how much you’ve already paid in taxes, whether through estimated tax payments, income withholdings, or both. This helps you quickly calculate your total amount due once you’ve entered your income, deduction, credit, and withholding information.

Important Disclosures:

The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.

This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax advice. We suggest that you discuss your specific tax issues with a qualified tax advisor.

All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however LPL Financial makes no representation as to its completeness or accuracy.

This article was prepared by WriterAccess.

LPL Tracking # 1-05206790

Source:

https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/taxes/tax-deductions-tax-breaks

Chris Marshall

Chris Marshall is a Wealth Advisor with Fusion Financial Group, an independent financial planning firm and fiduciary based in Denver, CO. Located in Wisconsin, Chris has 15 years of experience in the financial services industry. At the beginning of his career, he specialized in both portfolio construction and real estate products, fostering a diverse understanding of investment markets. He is compassionate, motivated and hardworking, making him a natural fit as a Wealth Advisor within an independent financial planning firm. Chris focuses on coaching small business owners and new investors. Chris majored in Business Administration at Colorado State University. Since then, he has built a background in investment model design and securities. Chris received the designation of Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF^®), a symbol of his dedication to upholding the fiduciary standard for clients. When not working, Chris spends time at home in Appleton, Wisconsin with his wife, Kayla, and two young daughters, Winnie and Marlee. Chris grew up in Colorado and is a rabid Denver Broncos fan that can trace his legacy season tickets back several generations!   Chris enjoys traveling, attending live concerts and watching just about any type of sporting event. To learn more about Chris, connect with him on LinkedIn.