Tax Interview Checklist

You’ve made your appointment to get your tax return prepared but are you ready for that appointment? Here’s a quick list of what I would love that you bring with you. Every preparer is different so check with them. And none of these will apply to everyone. My idea is to get you thinking.

• W-2s and 1099s (and 1098s)- this sounds like a no brainer but I have had clients forget them. And don’t get in a hurry and think you can guess unemployment or Social Security benefits.
• IDs and Social Security cards for yourself and spouse (if you are a new client).
• Social Security cards for dependents unless I have them on file already.
• Past year tax return if you are a new client or I didn’t do your return last year.
• If you have a business, farm or rental, I will need income and expenses for that. I don’t need to see the receipts but keep them handy in case I have questions. Also don’t lump expenses into one number. Totals for supplies, repairs, mileage, etc. are great.
• And while we’re talking businesses, please list any equipment or major repairs separately with when you bought/paid for it. Those may be treated differently.
• If you sold any investment or property in 2011, I will need to have the info on when you bought it and any increases in basis. For investments, that could be dividends that were re-invested. (This might be on the broker statement.) Property improvements should also be noted.
• Do you have any K-1s from a partnership, S-Corp or fiduciary? Bring them in.
• Gambling winning and any losses you can support with documentation.
• Did you make an IRA contribution? What about a Sep/Simple? (Withdrawals should have a 1099R)
• State and local taxes might be deductable. This would include taxes on your properties and sales tax.
• Charitable Contributions could be deductible if you have receipts or checks for them. If you made non-cash donations, bring your list of what you gave and any documentation and, if necessary, the appraisals you had made.
• If you paid a lot of medical expenses or insurance out of pocket, you may qualify for a deduction, so bring them in just in case.
• Your mortgage interest should be on a 1098 but if not, bring in that info too.
• Was there an adoption in 2011? Bring in your documents for that.
• Did you have education expense for yourself or dependent? Bring those records in with the 1098T and any statement the school provides.
• Is there a possibility for child care credit? Then I’ll need the amount of the day care expenses and name, SSN/EIN and address for the provider?
• Did you make any estimated payments during 2011 (or January 2012)? Please bring dates and amounts for those.
• And for Kansas full year residents, if you qualify for Homestead (or thing you might) please bring in your landlord and rent info or the tax bill you received in Nov/Dec 2011.

A quick checklist. If you have a question about something I might have missed or you need more info, ask  your preparer. I always tell clients, when in doubt, bring it in.

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