Tax Checklist

Time to start thinking about taxes. Planning early is a big step in avoiding the last minute rush. It also helps to speed the receipt of an expected refund check.

But what does planning early mean? There was a time that I only had a vague idea. I went through the same unpleasantness each year. I would file away tax documents in a folder. I would schedule an appointment or get tax software. I would get psyched to do my taxes. And then I would hope I had everything I needed.

Not that I ran into trouble with missing documents at a tax preparer. Or that it mattered much when using tax software at home. But I often felt a process like taxes is about organization and in a sense being over-prepared.

What do you need to file taxes?

A while ago I learned of the idea of a “tax checklist.” A tax checklist is exactly what it sounds like. It is a checklist of all the tax documents you need to file.

Not only is the tax checklist a good way to double-check, but it is also a useful planning tool. I affix a tax checklist to the very folder where I store my tax documents. Now I can simply check off tax documents as I get them! Tax time really becomes a breeze.

A truly comprehensive tax checklist would cover every contingency, and it would be as dry and unreadable as the current tax code. So keep in mind the following list is just a starter. I trust you’ll consult an actual tax professional if in doubt.

Below is a tax checklist that contains many of the common documents. The list is based on other checklists from MSN Money, Yahoo Finance, Turbotax, and H&R Block.

For convenience, I’ve also created a printable file (and a spreadsheet) so you can affix the tax checklist to your tax folder.

And consider printing out a few more for family and friends–they’ll definitely be grateful for the tips!

Tax checklist

Printable pdf

Social security number for you / spouse / children

W-2

Interest income 1099-INT

Dividend income 1099-DIV

Broker transaction proceeds 1099-B

Retirement plan distributions 1099-R

Unemployment payments

Social security payments received

Other income

State and local tax refunds

Alimony

Gambling and lottery winnings

Mortgage loan interest

Charitable giving

Medical expenses

Student loan interest

IRA and retirement contributions

Job search expenses

Moving expenses

State and local taxes

Real estate taxes / Rent paid

Home equity loan or line of credit

Auto loans and leases

Tax preparation fees or software

What items would you add to the list? What tax prep organization tips do you have?