The Documents You Need to Gather Before Filing Your Taxes

As tax season rolls on and we get closer and closer to the deadline date, you should

be getting together all the information you need to give your tax expert. But what exactly

do you have to hand over in order to file your taxes properly while simultaneously getting

the best return possible? We’re glad you asked! While not everything on this list will apply

to every taxfiler, it can help you figure out what you need to gather before filing your taxes.

Your Income Information:

• Your W-2
• 1099-SSA for Social Security income
• 1099-R for pension, IRA, or annuity income
• Documents of alimony you receive — including the Social Security number of the payee
• 1099-B or 1099-S for income from stock sales or other investments
• A complete record of all your business income if you’re self-employed
• Documents of rental income if you own investment property

Your Expense Information

• 1098 reporting your paid mortgage interest and property taxes
• 1098-T of educational expenses
• 1098-E reporting any paid student loan interest
• Documents proving charitable contributions
• 1095-A, 1095-B, or 1095-C reporting any health insurance premiums you’ve paid

Third Party Finance Documents

• Expenses for rental properties including marketing, repairs, maintenance, utilities, and insurance costs
• Records of paid alimony
• Records of mileage driven for business, employment, medical or charitable activities — including records of toll and parking payments
• Sales tax paid on major purchases — especially a new car

Personal, Non-Financial Documents

• Social Security numbers of all household members
• Copies of your past year’s income tax returns
• Income information of your dependent children
• Your ex-spouse’s Social Security number if you receive or pay alimony or child support

Like we said, this isn’t a definitive list of what you’ll need, but it should definitely help get

the ball rolling as you continue to gather all your information to file your taxes.

American Investment Planners, LLC offers professional financial planning services to

individuals and families across the country. Whether you need help filing your taxes or

deciding how to spend your rebate, our financial advisors are here to help. To schedule

an appointment with one of our consultants, please call (516) 932-5130 or email info@americaninvestmentplanners.com.