What Should You Bring to Your Tax Appointment?
All the information we’ll need when you meet with us so we can expedite your tax filing and maximize your tax savings.
Not sure what to bring to your tax appointment?
It happens every year. Some forms show up in your mailbox. Others land in your email inbox. A few get lost in your downloads folder—or saved as a screenshot on your phone. And when the appointment rolls around, it feels like something’s missing.
That’s exactly why we created this “What to Bring to Your Tax Appointment” checklist. It takes the guesswork out of gathering your documents. If your tax appointment at BIZNAME is coming up soon, you can use it to get organized now. If it’s earlier in the year, keep it handy as new forms arrive.
Not every item will apply to you. That’s expected. But reviewing the list carefully ensures we have everything we need to get things done quickly and correctly… so you get all of the credits and deductions that apply to you.
So, think of this as your preparation tool. Print it out. Save it to your desktop. Or check things off digitally.
The goal is simple: come to your appointment with BIZNAME prepared—for a smoother, mistake-free filing.
The “What to Bring to Your Tax Appointment” Checklist
FAQs: What to bring to your tax appointment
What documents do I need to file my taxes?
Bring all of your income and financial forms, plus documents related to any major life changes and potential deductions.
For a smooth appointment, focus on gathering documents in three main categories: personal information, income, and expenses. Your personal data includes your Social Security numbers and dates of birth for everyone on the return, as well as your Identity Protection PIN if the IRS issued you one. Income documents include your W-2 for wages and all Forms 1099 for other types of income. You’ll also need documents for expenses and credits. A copy of your most recent tax return is also very helpful.
How do I prepare for my taxes this year?
Think about the year in terms of your income, expenses, and any significant life events, and then organize your documents based on that.
Start by sorting your financial papers. Look for all documents with a tax form number (like a W-2 or a 1099) and set them aside. Next, think about any major changes in your life. Did you get a new job, get married, have a child, buy your own MARKETAREA home, or start a side business? These will require specific documentation.
And an even better way to prepare? Year-round tax planning. That way, if you’re planning any big moves like these, BIZNAME can talk you through the tax angles and spot more opportunities for savings.
What tax forms do I need for my side hustle?
The main thing you need is a complete record of your income and all of your business expenses.
You might receive Forms 1099-NEC or 1099-K, which report your income. But you must report all of your earnings, even for cash or direct electronic payments that weren’t reported to the IRS. The key is to have a good system for tracking your expenses. Every dollar you spend on your MARKETAREA business (from a new computer to a gallon of gas) can potentially lower your tax bill.
What documents do I need to file taxes after buying a home?
The two most important documents you need are the Form 1098 from your mortgage lender and your settlement statement from when you closed on the house.
The 1098 shows how much mortgage interest you paid, which is a big deduction for many MARKETAREA homeowners. The settlement statement will detail all the fees you paid at closing, which can also include deductible items like real estate taxes and “points.”
What tax filing documents do I need for cryptocurrency transactions?
You need a record of all your crypto transactions for the year.
The IRS sees crypto more like a valuable collectible than a currency. So every time you sell, trade, or use it, it’s a taxable event. You need documentation with details showing when you got it, what you paid for it, and when you got rid of it (and for what price). While some exchanges may give you a tax form, it’s your responsibility to have a detailed transaction history.
What paperwork do I need for the child tax credit?
For each qualifying child, we’ll just need their Social Security number and their date of birth.
We’d also need to confirm your child meets the other qualifying rules: The child must have a valid Social Security number and be under a certain age at the end of the tax year. The child must also be your son, daughter, stepchild, foster child, sibling, or a descendant of one of those relatives. For residency, the child must have lived with you for more than half the year. There are some exceptions for temporary absences (like school or vacation). You also must have provided more than half of the child’s support for the year.
What tax filing documents do I need if I have a rental property?
Think of your rental property like a small business: to report it accurately, you need a complete record of all your income and expenses.
On the income side, you’ll need a record of all rent payments you received. On the expense side, you should have all your receipts and documentation for every cost related to the property. This includes things like mortgage interest, property taxes, insurance, and money spent on repairs or maintenance.