Checklist for Personal Tax Return Preparation

1. Personal Information

• Social Security Numbers (SSN) for you, your spouse, and dependents
• Birthdates for all individuals on the return
• Prior year’s tax return (for reference or carryforward information)
• Banking details for direct deposit or debit (routing + account numbers)

2. Income Documents

• W-2 forms from employers
• 1099-NEC or 1099-MISC for independent contractor/freelance work
• 1099-INT and 1099-DIV for interest and dividend income
• 1099-B for investment sales (brokerage statements)
• 1099-G for state tax refunds or unemployment benefits
• 1099-R for retirement distributions (IRA, 401(k), pensions)
• SSA-1099 for Social Security benefits
• Schedule K-1 if you received partnership or S-Corp income
• Rental income records (if applicable)
• Foreign income and bank accounts (FBAR/FinCEN 114, Form 8938)

3. Deduction and Credit Documents

• Form 1098 for mortgage interest
• Property tax receipts
• Medical and dental expenses (if substantial)
• Charitable donation receipts (cash + non-cash)
• Tuition statements (Form 1098-T)
• Student loan interest (Form 1098-E)
• Childcare expenses with provider EIN
• IRA contributions (Traditional/Roth)
• Health Savings Account (HSA) contributions (Form 5498-SA)
• Energy-efficient home upgrades (for potential tax credits)

4. Health Care Information

• Form 1095-A if you had coverage through the Marketplace
• Form 1095-B or 1095-C from employer or insurance provider
• Record of advance premium tax credit received, if applicable

5. Tax Payments

• Federal and state estimated tax payments (Form 1040-ES)
• Amount paid with extension (Form 4868)
• Previous year’s refund applied to current year
• Tax payments made during audits or amended returns

6. Other Supporting Information

• Alimony received or paid (for agreements before 2019)
• Foreign tax paid (Form 1116 for foreign tax credit)
• Cryptocurrency transactions
• Gambling winnings/losses (Form W-2G and records)
• Casualty or theft losses (if in a federally declared disaster zone)
• Adoption-related expenses
• Bankruptcy or debt forgiveness records (e.g., Form 1099-C)

7. Filing and Deadline Info

• Federal filing deadline: April 15, 2025
• State deadline: Varies (check your state)
• Extension deadline: October 15, 2025 (Form 4868 required by April 15)

Ready to File?

At Effulgence LLC, we simplify personal tax preparation, offering guidance, clarity, and peace of mind. Whether your return is straightforward or complex, we’re here to help.