Final updates to this page for the 2018/2019 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 2018/2019 IRS Tax Filing Season opens on January 28, 2019.
Many tax documents are not mailed out to taxpayers until the last week of January
Tax season normally begins in early February
February 4, 2019 will be the first date we will begin submitting 2018 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 2017 returns you'll need to send us a copy along with
your 2018 tax information
YOU WON'T RECEIVE MOST OF THE ITEMS BELOW UNTIL LATE JANUARY/EARLY FEBRUARY 2019
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 2017 (Reportable but not Taxable on the State of Michigan Tax Return)
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YOUR HEALTH INSURANCE INFORMATION IS REQUIRED - WE MUST KNOW
When you submit your information to us we must know your insurance status during 2018. You may also be in more than one group during the 12 month period. This information applies to all 12 months of 2018 and applies to you, your spouse and all listed dependents on your 2018 Tax Return. You should receive form 1095-A, B or C by mid February. This form is required for 2018.
- Did you have 100% employer paid coverage
- If your employer paid a portion of your coverage, and you paid a portion, what was the amount you paid
- If you were offered coverage from your employer and declined it and opted for the Government Marketplace Insurance Plan (Obamacare) we need to know that you opted out of the employer plan
- If you had Medicare or Medicaid we need to know
- If you had a secondary coverage plan we will need to know with whom and the cost
- If you were insured through the Government Marketplace Insurance Plan (Obamacare) you'll need to send us the form you'll be receiving from the IRS (Form 1095-A) which will indicate your coverage
- If you were not insured or received an Insurance exemption, you'll have to indicate that to us as well, when you submit your paperwork
- If you, your spouse or any dependents were part of more than one group (for example you had full employer coverage for 4 months and then went to the Government Plan for 8 months) we need to know
IF YOU DON'T SEND YOUR HEALTH INSURANCE INFORMATION YOUR RETURN WILL BE DELAYED !!!
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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
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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 11/1/17-10/31/18
Did you move, sell, buy, short-sell or have a foreclosure in 2018 (all information will need to be submitted)
Did you have new windows or insulation installed in your main residence in 2018 (if so all information will be required)
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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
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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
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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 2018 ? If so submit the bill of sale for a Hybrid credit
Did you donate a vehicle in 2018 ? If so the charitable organization receipt/paperwork is needed
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Expenses - BASED ON TAX LAW CHANGES-THESE ITEMS MAY NOT 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
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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
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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