Download Your Free Tax Preparation Checklist

Gathering your tax documents shouldn’t be a guessing game. Download our simple, print-ready PDF checklist to track exactly what an experienced tax preparer needs to complete your return accurately.

What Do I Need to File My Taxes?

Gather these foundation documents before you meet with your tax preparer:

• Identification: Photo ID for you and your spouse, plus Social Security numbers or ITINs for everyone on the return.
• Prior Year Data: A copy of last year’s tax return (if Carolina Business Services didn’t prepare it).
• Income Forms: All W-2s, 1099s (interest, dividends, contract work), Social Security benefits, or unemployment statements.
• Banking Info: Routing and account numbers for direct deposit or electronic payment.
• Tax Notices: Your IRS Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) or any letters received from a tax agency.

If you support dependents, own property, or paid for schooling, please provide:

• Childcare Data: Total childcare expenses along with the provider’s name, address, and tax ID number.
• Schooling Costs: Form 1098-T for college tuition and Form 1098-E for student loan interest.
• Property Records: Mortgage interest statements (Form 1098), real estate property tax records, or major home improvement receipts if you sold a home.
• Healthcare Coverage: Health insurance records, including Form 1095-A if you had Marketplace coverage.
• Deductions: Receipts for charitable donations or high medical and dental expenses.
  

If you work for yourself, run a business, or manage assets, gather these specialized records:

• Business Operations: Records of all business income, expense logs, receipts, and professional insurance records.
• Asset Management: Equipment, tool, or furniture purchases, along with home office details and vehicle mileage logs.
• Investments: Clear statements showing the sales of stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or cryptocurrency transactions.
• Rental Property: Complete tracking of all rental income received and expense records.
• Tax Payments: Records of any estimated federal and state tax payments made throughout the year.

Life changes directly impact your deductions and credits. Let our team know if you experienced any of these milestones:

• Marital Status: You got married, divorced, or lost a spouse.
• Household Growth: You had a baby, adopted a child, or gained/lost a dependent.
• Career Moves: You changed jobs, lost a job, retired, started a business, or closed a business.
• Financial Shifts: You bought a home, sold property, received an inheritance, received a large gift, or had a debt canceled.

Not sure whether something applies to you? Bring it with you.

When you come to Carolina Business Services, we'll review your documents with you, talk about your tax situation and ask questions about anything else we may need to prepare your return. Prefer a checklist you can print or save?

Download our simple Tax Preparation Checklist and use it as you gather your documents.

Where's My Refund?