Checklist
What to bring for your tax appointment
Use this checklist to make your appointment fast and stress-free. If you’re doing a digital return, you can upload the same items.
If you’re missing something, don’t worry. Bring what you have and we’ll help you fill the gaps.
Quick checklist
Most people are covered by the first two sections (ID + Income). If you have a business, rental, or investments, review those sections too.
1) Identification
- Photo ID for you (and spouse if filing married)
- Social Security cards / ITIN letters for everyone on the return (if available)
- Last year’s tax return (helpful, not required)
2) Direct deposit + payment
- Bank routing + account number (voided check or screenshot is fine)
- If you owe: preferred payment method and any IRS/FTB notices you received
Income documents
Bring every income document you received. If you’re missing one, tell us who paid you and when.
Wages / jobs
- W-2 (all jobs)
- Union dues / work-related statements (if applicable)
Contract / gig work
- 1099-NEC / 1099-MISC / 1099-K (if you received them)
- Income totals if paid in cash (best estimate is okay)
Investments / bank
- 1099-INT, 1099-DIV
- 1099-B / brokerage statement (stocks/crypto)
Other income
- Unemployment (1099-G)
- Social Security (SSA-1099)
- Retirement distributions (1099-R)
- Cancellation of debt (1099-C), gambling (W-2G), etc.
Common deductions and credits
Only bring what applies to you. Receipts or year-end totals are fine.
Homeownership
- Mortgage interest (1098)
- Property tax totals
- Energy upgrades receipts (solar/HVAC/water heater, etc.)
Education
- Tuition statement (1098-T)
- Out-of-pocket education expenses (books, supplies, receipts)
Child care
- Provider info: name, address, phone, SSN/EIN
- Total paid (year-end totals are fine)
Medical / charity (if itemizing)
- Charity donation receipts
- Medical expense totals (if significant)
Business / self-employed (Schedule C)
If you run a business, do gig work, or get paid in cash, these items help us file correctly and maximize deductions.
Income + records
- Profit & Loss summary (even a simple spreadsheet)
- Bank statements (if you don’t have totals)
- Invoices / receipts (as available)
Expenses
- Supplies, equipment, tools
- Vehicle mileage log (or total business miles)
- Home office details (sq ft + utilities/rent/mortgage)
LLC / entity info (if applicable)
- Entity name + EIN + registered address
- Any prior-year business returns (helpful)
Rental property (Schedule E)
For each rental: bring income totals and an expense list. If you have multiple properties, totals per property is best.
- Rent received totals (per property)
- Expenses: repairs, supplies, HOA, insurance, utilities, property management, etc.
- Mortgage interest (1098) if applicable
Dependents
If you claim dependents, bring documents that show identity, residency, and school/child care info (if applicable).
Identity + residency
- Birth certificates (if available)
- Proof they lived with you (school record, medical record, or other letter)
School / college
- School records (if under 23 and in school)
- Dependent college: 1098-T + education expense receipts
Need help?
If you’re not sure what applies, call or email us and we’ll point you in the right direction.