Your Tax Form Checklist

January is the time of new beginnings – starting a year with a blank slate, setting (and keeping) new resolutions, and getting prepared for the year ahead. Oh, and taxes…

While you may not be a typical early filer, it is in your favor to start preparing your tax documents now. In fact, getting started on your taxes early has some great benefits, like:

• You avoid the stress of last-minute filing.
• You have plenty of time to gather documents to make sure you claim all credits and deductions you are entitled to.
• You have an opportunity to claim and receive your tax refund sooner.

If you have time to spare this month, get organized! Dig through those stacks of receipts and documents laying around the house and get your “ducks in a row”.

This is easier said than done, right? You may be wondering, “what forms do I need to file taxes?” Well, it can actually be easy with the right tools. Here is an easy-to-follow tax form checklist that you’ll need to file your taxes this year. If you need a refresher or if you’re just getting started with your tax document organization, here’s an overview of what tax filing forms and information you need to file taxes for tax year 2019:

Tax Form Checklist Items

Personal Information

• Your Social Security number (for you, your spouse and your dependents, if applicable).
• If you do not have a Social Security number, your Individual Tax Identification Number.

Employee Information

• W-2 Forms

Childcare Expenses

• Fees paid to a licensed day care center or family day care for care of an infant or preschooler. You also need a Tax Identification Number (TIN) for the provider to claim any tax benefit.
• Wages paid to a babysitter.

Charitable Contributions

• Records of cash amounts donated to houses of worship, schools, other charitable organizations.
• Records of non-cash charitable donations.
• Mileage driven for charitable purposes.

Medical Expenses

• Total amount paid for healthcare insurance and expenses; along with itemized receipts
• Health Insurance
  • Form 1095-A if you enrolled in an insurance plan through the Healthcare Marketplace (B and/or 1095-C if you had insurance coverage through any other source)

Self-Employment Information

• Form 1099-MISC
• Schedule K-1
• Income records to verify amounts received if not reported on a 1099-MISC
• Records of all expenses paid during the tax year related to your self-employment business
• Business-use asset information (cost, date placed in service, etc.) for depreciation purposes
• Home office expenses

Retirement Information

• Total amount you contributed for 2019
• Total value of your retirement accounts as of Dec. 31, 2019
• Pensions, IRA, and other retirement income (Form 1099-R)
• Social Security income

Rental Income

• Records of income and expenses paid in 2019
• Rental asset totals – cost, date placed in service for depreciation determination.

State & Local Taxes or Sales Tax

• Amount of state/local income tax paid (other than wage withholding) or amount of state and local sales tax paid
• Invoice showing amount of vehicle sales tax paid
• Statement showing the amount of real estate taxes paid
• Records of personal property taxes paid

Financial Information

• Bank statements showing interest income
• Forms 1099-B, 1099-DIV, 1099-INT if you have income or losses from investments
• Your bank account and routing number
• A list of taxes you paid the previous two years: including state and local taxes and any estimated taxes payments you made

Educational Expenses

• Forms 1098-T from educational institutions
• Receipts that itemize qualified educational expenses
• Records of any scholarships or fellowships you received
• Form 1098-E if you paid student loan interest

Job-Related Expenses

• Receipts for classroom expenses (for educators in grades K-12)

Good luck and happy organizing! If you’re feeling overwhelmed, realize that getting organized is often the most difficult step in tax preparation.

After you’ve collected the appropriate tax documentation, it’s time to start ensuring that you have all of the tax filing forms needed to file your taxes. Then, it’s time to file your federal, state and local taxes. Work with a tax pro at H&R Block to help you finish the process. Find a tax office you to get started.

[RESOURCE]: Get access to an ultra-helpful printable checklist to help you ensure you’ve got everything covered.