Checklist for Your Preparer

Check off the items below as you assemble the information you need to send to your preparer.  If there are multiple documents in any category, write the number of items included on the line.

Quick List

   W2 / W2-G 
Send at least one copy for each employer you worked for in 2004. 
Make sure the social security number listed is correct and verify the wages against your last paystub. 
If you hit it big at the casino, your gambling winnings will be reported to you on a W2-G.

   1099  
You will receive a 1099-INT and a 1099-DIV for each payer who paid you interest or dividends during the year. 
Your mutual fund or stockbroker will send you a 1099-B reporting the gross proceeds from stock sales or the sale of mutual fund shares. 
Include the purchase date and the original cost of any stock you sold in 2004.

You may also get 1099-SSA for social security benefits received;
1099-R for pension income or cashing in your 401k or IRA funds;
1099-G for state unemployment or state tax refund received;
1099-S for the sale of real estate. 

If you were self-employed (ie: no one withheld social security taxes from your pay), you should receive 1099-MISC from anyone who paid you $600 or more. 
You are responsible for reporting your earnings even if you do not receive a 1099-MISC, so be sure to tell your preparer about your self-employed earnings. 

   1098 
This form reports the amount of interest you paid on your mortgage or home equity loan during the year. 
Check to see if it also shows how much you paid in real estate taxes.  If not, look it up and send that figure as well. 

   K-1 
Send any K1s you received as a partner or as a shareholder in an S-Corporation.

Detailed List

Personal Data
 Social Security Numbers of everyone listed on the return.
  Date of Birth of everyone listed on the return.
  Child care provider : Name, address and tax I.D. or Social Security Number and Daycare Statement.
  Alimony paid: Social Security Number and name of person who received the alimony.

Employment & Income Data
 W-2 forms for this year
  Unemployment compensation: Forms 1099-G
  Miscellaneous income including rent: Forms 1099-MISC
  Partnership, S Corporation, & trust income: Schedules K-1
  Pensions and annuities: Forms 1099-R
  Social Security/RR1 benefits: Forms RRB-1099
  Alimony received
  Jury duty pay
  Gambling and lottery winnings
  Prizes and awards
  Scholarships and fellowships
  State and local income tax refunds: Form 1099-G
  Military: Combat pay, housing stipend

Homeowner/Renter Data
 Residential address(es) for this year
 Mortgage interest: Form 1098
 Sale of your home or other real estate: Form 1099-S
 Second mortgage interest paid
 Real estate taxes paid
 Rent paid during tax year
 Moving expenses

Financial Assets
 Interest income statements: Form 1099-INT & 1099-OID
 Dividend income statements: Form 1099-DIV
 Proceeds from broker transactions: Form 1099-B
 Retirement plan distribution: Form 1099-R

Financial Liabilities
 Auto loans and leases: year and make of auto if vehicle is used for business
  Student loan interest paid
 Early withdrawal penalties on CDs and other time deposits

Automobiles
 Personal property tax information (Ad Valorem)

Expenses
 Gifts to charity (qualified written statement from charity for any single donations of $250 or more)
  Unreimbursed expenses or milage related to volunteer work
 Unreimbursed expenses related to your job (travel, uniforms, union dues, professional publications, entertainment)
 Investment expenses
 Job-hunting expenses
 Job-related education expenses
 Child care expenses: name, address, SSN or EIN of child care provider
  Medical Savings Accounts / Health Savings Account
  Adoption expenses
  Alimony paid: SSN or receiver
  Tax return preparation expenses and fees
  College tuition paid for you, your spouse, or your dependent.  Were you at least 1/2 time? What year if in a degree program?

Self-employment Data
 Business income: Forms 1099-MISC and/or own records
  Partnership SE income: Schedules K-1
  Business-related expenses: Receipts, other documents & own records
  Farm-related expenses: Receipts, other documents & own records
  Employment taxes & other business taxes paid for current year: Payment records

Miscellaneous Tax Documents
 Federal, state & local estimated income tax paid for current year: Estimated tax vouchers, cancelled checks & other payment records
  IRA, Keogh and other retirement plan contributions: If self-employed, identify as for self or employees
  Records to document medical expenses, health insurance paid
  Records to document casualty or theft losses
  Records for any other expenditures that may be deductible
  Records for any other revenue or sales of property that may be taxable or reportable

 Reminders

Here is additional information your preparer will need from you:

  1. Did you buy, sell, or refinance real estate you own?  Send a copy of the Settlement Statement.

  2. The 1099-B you received for the sale of stock only listed the gross proceeds you received from the sale.  Tell your preparer when you bought the stock and how much you paid for it.  You only owe tax on the difference between buying and selling.  You may even have a loss to report!

  3. Tell your preparer about any new dependents.  You will need name, social security #, and date of birth for each dependent.

  4. Add up the amount of cash and/or checks written for church, Sunday school, United Way, March of Dimes, etc. If you gave through work, look for a charity amount on your last paystub.

  5. Figure out the value of toys, clothing, furniture, electronics and other “in kind” items donated to a recognized charity (sorry, not your neighbor or cousin).  Remember, if the total exceeds $500, you need receipts.

  6. Tell your preparer if someone on your return is taking college courses or vocational training and how much was paid for tuition in 2004.

  7. You need the name, address, amount paid and ID #  of the care provider to claim child care expenses.

  8. Tell your preparer if you made Estimated Tax payments.  Sometimes we set them up when last year’s return was prepared, but we don’t know if you actually made the payments, how much you paid or when. Your preparer will appreciate the reminder.

  9. Other deductions may be auto mileage, purchase of business equipment, health insurance premiums and medical expenses. 

  10.  Most preparers can send you an organizer with last year’s information and a space to fill in this year’s amounts.  It is a great help if your life tends to roll along year after year.