Checklists and Tools

Need Help Getting Ready To File?

See the Tax Preparation Checklist Below.

Also available here as a PDF:  Tax Prep Checklist

Other Return Type Checklists:

Estate Income Tax Return Checklist

NJ Inheritance Tax Return Checklist

*Also available are the following helpful tools:

Business Mileage Log (Can be used for any deductible mileage)

Business Recordkeeping

Rental Recordkeeping

Personal Tax Return Checklist

(List not exhaustive, when in doubt, bring it!—All items may not apply)

***Documents must be already printed out or IMMEDIATELY accessible at time of appointment.

Personal Information

  • Prior year return if available (new clients only)
  • Names, birthdates and SSNs for everyone on return
  • Spouse’s SSN if Married filing separately
  • Non-expired driver’s license or other Gov. ID (DL#, issue date and exp date)
  • Routing and Account # if direct deposit or balance due withdrawal is desired
  • NJ veterans:  DD214 if first year claiming veteran deduction

Income

  •  W2s from all jobs (even if you only worked there one day), accompanied by last Paystub of year (please print out prior to appointment or save screenshot)
  • 1099 NEC from company that paid you as a contractor
  • 1099G Unemployment (federal and state benefits are combined on one form)
  • 1099W2G Gambling/lottery
  • 1099INT, 1099DIV, or 1099B from banks and brokerage/stock
  • 1099K Third Party Payments (check your online selling account)
  • 1099R pension, IRA or 401k withdrawals
  • 1099SSA Social Security statement
  • Schedule K1 from estate or partnership/S-Corp (including investment partnerships
  • Business: Revenue/payment records and/or 1099 Misc or 1099Nec
  • Rental properties: Rent income for the year

Deductions

  • 1098 Mortgage Interest/Property Taxes paid
  • Closing statement (Settlement statement/Hud1) year of home purchase
  • Medical expenses out of pocket (vision, medical, dental, mental health, miles driven for care)
  • Last paycheck of the year to show medical insurance premiums paid (for NJ returns; this information is not always on W2)
  • Charitable contributions made during the year 
  • IRA contribution information
  • Rent paid during year (For NJ property tax deduction/credit)

 Home Energy Credit/Electric Car Credit

Purchase information for :

Dependent Related Items:

  • Day Care/Child Care cost and EIN/SSN of provider
  • Form 8332-signed by custodial parent when claim child with split custody

Higher Education Items

  • 1098E  or Student loan interest paid amounts
  • 1098 T and tuition/payment summary for college students
  • Contributions to NJ BEST 529 Plan