2021 Tax Preparation Checklist

Filing taxes isn’t a one size fits all process. Each tax client is unique and therefore may need to file different forms, based on their personal situation. Use the checklist below to gather your documents and other forms that you will need to file your taxes. Not all items may apply; keep track of your forms and store copies for your records once you have e-filed your return.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Copy of Last Year's Tax Return

Social Security Numbers for You and Your Spouse

Educational Expenses for You and Your Spouse

Dependents' Names, Years of Birth, and Social Security Numbers

Dependents' Post High School Educational Expenses

Child Care Expenses for Each Dependent

Prior Year Adjusted Gross Income (AGI)

Routing Transmit Number (RTN) (For direct deposit/debit purposes)

Bank Account Number (BAN) (For direct deposit/debit purposes)

TAXABLE INCOME FORMS, DOCUMENTS

Most common Income, deduction forms

W-2 Form(s) for Wages, Salaries, and Tips

Interest Income Statements: Form 1099-INT & 1099-OID

Dividend Income Statements: Form 1099-DIV

Sales of Stock, Land, etc. for Capital Gains: Form 1099-B

Sales of Real Estate: Form 1099-S

State Tax Refunds: Form 1099-G

Alimony received or paid

Unemployment Compensation received: Form 1099-G

Nonemployment Compensation: Form 1099-NEC

Miscellaneous Income: Form 1099-MISC

Retirement Income: Form 1099-R

Social Security Income and Railroad Retirement Income: Form SSA-1099

Business Income and Expenses

Rental Income and Expenses

Farm Income and Expenses

Form K-1 Income from Partnerships, Trusts, and S-Corporations

Tax Deductible Miles Traveled for Business Purposes

TAX CREDITS

Child Tax Credit

Child Care Provider Address, I.D. Number and Amounts Paid for the Child andDependent Care Credit

Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)

Adoption Expense Information for the Adoption Tax Credit

Foreign Taxes paid

First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit

TAX DEDUCTIONS, EXPENSES

Medical Expenses for the Family

Medical Insurance Paid

Self-employed Business Expenses

Prescription Medicines and Drugs

Doctor and Dentist Payments

Hospital and Nurse Payments

Tax Deductible Miles Traveled for Medical Purposes

Home Mortgage Interest from Form 1098

Home Second Mortgage Interest Paid

Real Estate Taxes Paid

State Taxes Paid with Last Year's Return (if claiming itemized deductions)

Personal Property Taxes Paid

Charitable Cash Contributions

Fair Market Value of Non-cash Contributions to Charities

Unreimbursed Expenses Related to Volunteer Work

Tax Deductible Mileage for Volunteer Purposes

Casualty and Theft Losses

Amount Paid to Professional Preparer Last Year

Unreimbursed Expenses Related to Your Job

Miles Traveled Related to Your Job

Union and Professional Dues

Investment Expenses

Job-hunting Expenses

IRA Contributions

HSA, FSA Contributions

Student Loan Interest Paid from Form 1098

Moving Expenses

Last Year's Tax Return Preparation Fee

TAX ESTIMATE PAYMENTS

Estimated Tax Payments Made with ES Vouchers or Online

Last Year's Tax Return Over-payment Applied to This Year

Off Highway Fuel Taxes Paid