Bringing the right papers makes your appointment quicker and makes sure you get every deduction and credit you are owed. Use this list to gather what applies to you. If you are missing something, bring what you have: Robin will tell you what else is needed. Questions? Call Robin at (818) 378-1224.
For everyone
- A photo ID for you, and for your spouse if you file together
- Social Security cards or ITINs for you, your spouse and your dependents
- Dates of birth for everyone on the return
- Last year’s tax return, if Robin did not prepare it
- Your bank account and routing number, for a direct deposit of your refund
- Any letters you received from the IRS or the California Franchise Tax Board
Income
- W-2 forms from every job you had during the year
- 1099-NEC and 1099-K forms for freelance, contract, app or gig work
- 1099-INT and 1099-DIV forms for bank interest and dividends
- 1099-B forms, or a year-end statement, for stocks and other investments you sold, including cryptocurrency
- 1099-R forms for pensions, IRA and 401(k) withdrawals
- SSA-1099 for Social Security benefits
- 1099-G for unemployment benefits or a state tax refund
- Records of any other income, such as alimony, gambling winnings or cash work
Deductions and credits
- Form 1098 for mortgage interest, and your property tax bills
- Receipts for charity donations
- Child care costs, with the provider’s name, address and tax ID
- Form 1098-T for college tuition, and 1098-E for student loan interest
- Form 1095-A if you had health insurance through Covered California
- Large medical and dental bills
- Records of contributions to an IRA or a health savings account (HSA)
- Any estimated tax payments you made during the year, with dates and amounts
If you are self-employed or have a small business
- Your income for the year: 1099s plus any income that was not reported on a form
- Your business expenses, grouped by type (supplies, phone, software, insurance and so on)
- Your business mileage, or your car expenses
- The size of your home office and of your home, if you work from home
- Records of equipment you bought
- Payroll reports, if you have employees
Read more about self-employed and 1099 taxes and business tax returns.
If you own a rental property
- The rent you received during the year
- Expenses such as repairs, insurance, property management, utilities and HOA fees
- Form 1098 for the mortgage interest on the rental, and its property tax bill
- The purchase date and price, if this is the first year Robin prepares your return
If you are behind on filing or need to fix a return
- Whatever you have for each year you did not file: W-2s, 1099s and any letters from the IRS or the state
- A copy of the return you want to correct, and the form or detail that was missing
Read more about late and amended tax returns.
Not sure what applies to you?
You do not need to have everything sorted before you call. Robin will go through your situation with you and tell you exactly what to bring. Call (818) 378-1224, or send a message and Robin will get back to you.
