Final updates to this page for the 2019/2020 Tax Season will be updated as available -
In mid January each year we email you a personalized checklist to help you gather your tax information
Take a moment now (click here) to update your information to avoid delays later
The 2019/2020 IRS Tax Filing Season opens on January 27, 2020.
Many tax documents are not mailed out to taxpayers until the last week of January Tax season normally begins in early February
February 4, 2020 will be the first date we will begin submitting 2019 tax returns electronically
To avoid a delay in the processing of your returns, the information found on this page is important It will effect the final filing of your returns so taking a few minutes now could save a lot of time later
You can receive your Tax Return Copy by email in a file which is encrypted and password protected That file/copy can be saved to your hard drive, a travel drive or a CD A paper copy remains here in our office on file for 7 years and on our external server
Below is a checklist of the items that are required for your tax preparation
NOT ALL ITEMS pertain to everyone
If you don't recognize an item on the list just skip over it.
If you aren't sure about something feel free to call us with any questions
If we didn't prepare your 2018 returns you'll need to send us a copy along with your 2019 tax information
YOU WON'T RECEIVE MOST OF THE ITEMS BELOW UNTIL LATE JANUARY/EARLY FEBRUARY 2020
WE RECOMMEND YOU click the "PRINT PDF" tab above TO PRINT THIS REFERENCE CHECKLIST
Personal Data
As an IRS Identity cross-check you must submit to us either a photocopy of your Drivers License or write down your DL # with Issue & Expiration date and the same for your spouse if married - without this information your returns CANNOT be processed
PLEASE CONFIRM: Your Cell and/or Home Phone and Email Address. If we are unable to contact you, due to a disconnected phone or deleted email account, we must set your return aside
Bank Account Information MUST be CONFIRMED each year for Refunds Bank Name, Routing#, Acct# & Savings or Checking
If you want your Client Copies in a Paper format sent by US Mail there will be an added charge
ALL Tax Return Copies are sent by email in a file which is encrypted and password protected
Social Security Numbers (including spouse and children) Child care provider: Paid to Name, address and tax I.D./Social Security Number & amount paid ALIMONY Paid: To Whom and their Social Security Number ALIMONY Received: From Whom and their Social Security Number Child Support Received in 2018 (Reportable but not Taxable on the State of Michigan Tax Return) ______________________________________________________________________________
YOUR HEALTH INSURANCE INFORMATION IS REQUIRED - WE MUST KNOW
When you submit your information to us we must know your insurance status during 2019. You may also be in more than one group during the 12 month period. This information applies to all 12 months of 2019 and applies to you, your spouse and all listed dependents on your 2019 Tax Return. You should receive form 1095-A, B or C by mid February. This form is required for 2019. IF YOU DON'T SEND YOUR HEALTH INSURANCE INFORMATION YOUR RETURN WILL BE DELAYED !!! _______________________________________________________________________________ Employment & Income Data W-2 forms for this year Unemployment compensation: Forms 1099-G Miscellaneous income including rent: Forms 1099-MISC Partnership, S Corporation, & trust income: Schedules K-1 Pensions and annuities: Forms 1099-R Social Security/RR1 benefits: Forms RRB-1099 Rental Property Income & Expenses Jury duty pay Gambling and lottery winnings Prizes and awards Scholarships and fellowships State and local income tax refunds: Form 1099-G _______________________________________________________________________________ Homeowner/Renter Data-BASED ON TAX LAW CHANGES-THESE ITEMS MAY NOT APPLY Residential address(es) for this year Mortgage interest: Form 1098 which also includes Mortgage Insurance Premiums Sale of your home or other real estate: Form 1099-S Second mortgage/Equity Line interest paid Real estate taxes paid WE REQUIRE YOUR ACTUAL County/City TAX STATEMENTS Rent paid during tax year Moving expenses required for a job relocation You may be eligible for a Heating Credit please send us the following information: On your DTE/Consumers billing stmt for Dec, Jan or Feb it will indicate heating costs for 11/1/18-10/31/19 Did you move, sell, buy, short-sell or have a foreclosure in 2019 (all information will need to be submitted) Did you have new windows or insulation installed in your main residence in 2019 (if so all information will be required) _______________________________________________________________________________ Financial Assets & Liabilities Interest income statements: Form 1099-INT & 1099-OID Dividend income statements: Form 1099-DIV Proceeds from broker transactions: Form 1099-B Retirement plan distribution: Form 1099-R Early withdrawal penalties on CDs and other time deposits _______________________________________________________________________________ Students and Higher Education Student loan interest paid Form 1098-T Education and Tuition Expenses Additional costs for books, housing and other related educational fees Did you receive a Pell Grant, a Fellowship, Veteran's Educational Assistance or any Employer Provided Assistance _______________________________________________________________________________ Automobiles - BASED ON TAX LAW CHANGES-THESE ITEMS MAY NOT APPLY License Plate Tabs Annual renewal fees Did you purchase a new Hybrid vehicle in 2019 ? If so submit the bill of sale for a Hybrid credit Did you donate a vehicle in 2019 ? If so the charitable organization receipt/paperwork is needed _______________________________________________________________________________ Expenses - BASED ON TAX LAW CHANGES-THESE ITEMS MAY OR MAY NOT ALL APPLY Gifts to charity (qualified written statement from charity for any single donations of $250 or more) Unreimbursed expenses related to volunteer work including mileage Medical - Out of Pocket: Health Insurance, expenses for Optical and Dental, Prescriptions, Doctors, Dentists, Lab & Xray fees Medical - Out of Pocket: Medical Equipment & Supplies, Medical Transportation & Lodging Unreimbursed expenses related to your job (travel expenses, uniforms, union dues, subscriptions) Job-hunting expenses Job-related education expenses unreimbured Child care expenses: Paid to Name, address and tax I.D./Social Security Number & amount paid Medical Savings Accounts Adoption expenses Alimony paid: To Whom and their Social Security Number Safe Deposit Box Fees Tax return preparation fees _______________________________________________________________________________ Self-Employment Data Business income: Forms 1099-MISC and/or own records Auto loans and leases (account numbers and car value) if vehicle used for business Partnership SE income: Schedules K-1 Business-related expenses: Receipts, other documents & own records Farm-related expenses: Receipts, other documents & own records Employment taxes & other business taxes paid for current year: Payment records _______________________________________________________________________________ Miscellaneous Tax Documents Federal, state & local estimated income tax paid for current year: Estimated tax vouchers, canceled checks & other payment records IRA, Keogh and other retirement plan contributions: If self-employed, identify as for self or employees Records to document medical expenses Records to document casualty or theft losses Records for any other expenditures that may be deductible Records for any other revenue or sales of property that may be taxable or reportable