Tax time – 2009 Tax check list – a handy reference

Use this check list when you are getting ready to prepare your personal taxes. Whether you do them yourself or have an accountant, the check list can save you time and make the tax filing process easier.
Personal Data

* Social Security numbers (including spouse and/or other dependents)
* Childcare providers: Name, address and Tax ID or Social Security number

Employment and Income

* W2 forms for the filing year
* Unemployment compensation: Form 1099-G
* Miscellaneous income including rent received: Form 1099-MISC
* Partnership, S Corporation and Trust income: Schedule K-1
* Pensions and Annuities: Form 1099-R
* Social Security Benefits: Form SSA-1099
* Railroad Retirement Benefits: Form RRB-1099
* Alimony received
* Jury duty pay
* Gambling and lottery winnings
* Prizes and awards
* State and local income tax refunds: Form 1099-G
* Interest income statements: Form 1099-INT and 1099-OID
* Dividend income statements: Form 1099-DIV
* Proceeds from stock transactions: Form 1099-B
* Retirement plan distribution: Form 1099-R

Homeowner/Renter

* Residential address(es)
* Mortgage interest paid: Form 1098
* Sale of home or other real estate: Form 1099-S plus all records related to improvements or other expenses that may affect taxes
* Second Mortgage interest paid
* Home Equity Line/Loan interest paid
* Real Estate taxes paid
* Moving expenses if related to work

Self-employed (SE) information

* Business income: Form 1099-MISC and/or own records (copies of invoices, checks received, merchant card processing statements etc.)
* Partnership SE income: Schedule K-1
* Business related expenses: Receipts, invoices, bank records and other documents
* Farm related expenses: Receipts, invoices, bank records and other documents
* Employment taxes and other business taxes paid: Payment records
* Retirement contributions: SEP IRA (call 1-866-243-0931 if you wish to open a SEP IRA for this year)

Expenses

* Gifts to charity including records for all cash donations
* Unreimbursed expenses related to your job (e.g. uniforms, union dues, travel expenses and subscriptions)
* Unreimbursed expenses related to volunteer work
* Job seeking expenses
* Continuing education (job-related)
* Investment expenses
* Medical savings accounts
* Adoption and/or childcare expenses
* Alimony paid: Social Security number
* Tax return preparation fees and expenses
* IRA/Keogh/401k and other retirement plan contributions
* Medical expenses: full documentation is required
* Casualty or theft loss: full records are required
* Student loan interest paid
* Auto loans and leases if the car is used for business (you will need to prove usage)
* Early withdrawal penalties on CDs and other time deposits