What To Bring To Your Tax Preparation Appointment

The 2022 tax season begins in just a few days. If you’re wondering what you need to bring to your tax preparer, you’ve come to the right place! We’ve rounded up a list of everything you’ll need to bring to your upcoming appointment.
What should I bring to my tax filing appointment?
    Before you head to your tax appointment, you should make sure that you have all of the necessary documentation and information. We recommend putting everything into one file folder so that nothing is forgotten. Here is a list of the basics that everyone should bring to their tax filing appointment:
Personal Documentation
The first step of filling out your tax return is inputting all of your personal information.

• Photo ID 
  If you are filing jointly or have dependents, make sure that you bring their IDs if they have one, or scan and email images of their IDs to your tax preparer ahead of time.
  
• Social Security Card
  Alternatively, you can bring a Social Security Number verification letter or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number assignment letter. Just like with the photo IDs, you’ll need to bring one for each member of your household.
  
• Birthdates
  Make sure you have the birthdates of each member of your household on hand during your appointment.
  
• Tax Returns 
  You’ll need access to your tax returns from the past two years, just in case they need to be referenced. If you and your partner filed separately in the past two years, be sure to bring both your returns and theirs.
  
• Bank Account Info
  This is only a necessity if you plan to have your refund delivered through direct deposit. You can use a voided check or bring your bank account number and routing number.
  

Income Records
Reporting all of your income from every source will ensure that you are complying with federal and state tax requirements.

• W-2 Forms
  If any person in your household was employed in the past year, you’ll need to bring a W-2 form from each employer.
  
• 1099 Forms
  If any person in your household was paid over $600 by someone who was not an employer, you’ll need a 1099-MISC form for each of those sources of income. This is most common if you are making a living as an independent contractor.
  
  If you received income from Social Security benefits or other retirement income sources (such as an IRA or pension), you’ll need either a 1099-R or an SSA-1099 form.
  
  If anyone in your household collected unemployment benefits in the past year, they’ll need a 1099-G form.
  
  There are several other 1099 forms, including one for scholarships and one for disability income. Make sure you know whether you need any of these forms before you head to your appointment. If you’re not sure, reach out to your tax preparer and they’ll walk you through it.
  
• Other Records of Income
  Even if you were paid under the $600 threshold for 1099 reporting, you still need to report that income on your taxes. Make sure you bring documentation of any other income earned, whether in the form of bank records, a spreadsheet, or just a notebook.
  A few other other records of income you may need to bring are:
  • Statements of Interest and Dividends From Your Banks
    
  • Statements For Lottery Winnings, Gambling Winnings, or Prizes Won
    
  • Records of Alimony Received
    
  • Records of Sale For Stocks, Bonds, Cryptocurrency, and Real Estate
    

Expense Records
Providing a detailed record of all of your expenses will help your tax preparer find every deduction for you.

• Record of Retirement Contributions
  This includes contributions to IRA accounts and 401(k) accounts.
  
• 1098-T Form
  If you or a member of your household paid college tuition in the past year, you’ll need this form to provide a record of the payments.
  
• 1098-E Form
  If a member of your household made payments on a student loan, this form will allow you to count those payments toward your deductions.
  
• Charitable Donation Receipts
  
• Records of Childcare Expenses
  If you paid a daycare or other childcare provider, you’ll need to provide receipts or payment records, as well as the provider’s name, address, and federal tax ID number (either a SSN or EIN).
  
• Medical Bills
  Did you know that some medical bills can be used as deductions? Make sure you bring records of all of your medical expenses, including dental expenses, to your tax preparer.
  
• Property Tax Bills and Mortgage Statements
  If you own a home or other property, you will need to bring records of your mortgage payments and property taxes.
  
• Records of Business Expenses
  If you did any work as an independent contractor, you can count the expenses you incurred toward your deductions. Bring all of your receipts and payment confirmations. If possible, organize your expenses into a spreadsheet or write them down in a notebook to make it easy to sort through them.
  
• Records of State and Local Taxes Paid
  
• Other Records of Expenses
  There are always other deductions available that may be difficult to figure out on your own. For instance, teachers can deduct any school supplies they purchase. Make sure you check in with your tax preparer in advance to see if there are any specific expenses you should consider reporting.
  

Other Documentation You May Need
Your tax preparer will be able to give you information to help you prepare for your appointment based on your individual situation. However, these are a few other documents you may need:

• Notices From the IRS
  The most common notices for the 2022 tax year are related to stimulus checks and Child Tax Credit payments. However, you should bring any other letters you receive from the IRS as well.
  
• 1095-A Forms
  If you purchased health insurance coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace, you will receive this form to include in your tax return.
  
• Any Other Documents You Receive Labeled “IMPORTANT TAX DOCUMENT”
  

Have More Questions?
    If you still have questions or want clarity on what you should bring to your appointment, reach out to us at Hoods Tax & Accounting! We are always happy to answer your questions or assist you in filing. Email admin@hoodstax.com to get in touch with us!