Organizing helps you in every area of your life, and it can save you a lot of money!! I pulled this checklist from another website for you to begin pulling your paperwork together. This should not be considered a complete guide or replace any information that your accountant gives you, but rather a place to start to make sure you have all of the documentation you need when you go to file your taxes.
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Tax Checklist
Here's a list of some documents and numbers you need to prepare your taxes. Go down the list and see if you're missing anything.
· The Social Security numbers of yourself, your spouse and your dependents.
· Child care tax I.D. or Social Security number.
· All W-2 forms for this year
· Partnership, trust, pension and annuity income from financial institution or accountant.
· Jury duty pay from court clerk
· Gambling and lottery winnings plus other prizes and awards.
· Scholarships and fellowships on form 1099-MISC
· State and local tax information
· All residential addresses for the year.
· Mortgage interest paid this year.
· Real estate taxes paid.
· Total rent paid throughout this year (your responsibility)
· All statements of financial assets found on 1099 (DIV, INT or MISC)
· Student loan interest paid.
· Early withdrawal penalties from time deposits.
· Charitable donations (you will need a reciept if the amount is over $250)
· Unreimbursed expenses related to your job or volunteer work.
· Investment expenses (from your broker)
· Job hunting expenses (your responsibility)
· Education expenses (the college you attended will send you data)
· Child care expenses (your responsibility)
· Adoption expenses
· Alimony paid (you need the recipient's Social Security number)
· Tax return preparation data (your preparer can furnish this for you)
· Retirement plan contributions
· Medical expenses and Medical Savings Accounts.
Not all of this information applies to everyone.
source: http://www.income-taxes-tax-refund.com/tax_checklist.htm
