Tax Preparation Checklist: What to Gather Before Your Appointment

Identification and Personal Information

• Government-issued photo identification for each taxpayer
• Full legal names and dates of birth for everyone included on the return
• Taxpayer identification information for each person on the return
• Current mailing address and preferred phone number

Income Records

• Wage and salary statements from each employer
• Contractor or self-employment income statements
• Interest, dividend, and investment statements
• Retirement, pension, annuity, or Social Security statements
• Unemployment compensation records
• Any other statements reporting income received during the year

Deduction and Credit Records, Where Applicable

• Mortgage interest and property tax statements
• Charitable contribution records
• Medical and dental expense summaries
• Education tuition statements and student loan interest statements
• Childcare or dependent care provider information
• Records for energy, retirement, or other credits you believe may apply

Business Records, Where Applicable

If you operate a business or an S Corporation, bring your year-end bookkeeping summary along with supporting records.

• Income and expense summary or profit-and-loss report
• Bank and credit account year-end statements
• Asset purchase records and depreciation schedules
• Mileage logs and vehicle-use records
• Payroll and contractor payment summaries

Prior-Year Information

• A copy of your prior-year return, if it was prepared elsewhere
• Any notices or correspondence you received about a prior year
• Carryover information such as prior-year losses or credits

How to Send Documents Safely

Please do not send Social Security numbers, tax documents, banking information, identification documents, or other sensitive information through public website forms, email, or social media messages.

Secure document instructions are provided after your appointment is confirmed. Request forms on this site are only used to share general appointment details such as your name, preferred timing, and the type of service you need.

Before You Arrive

• Group documents by category so nothing is overlooked
• Note any life changes during the year, such as marriage, a new dependent, a move, or a new business
• Write down the questions you want answered during the appointment