When that time comes around every spring like clockwork, it’s always nice to have a tidy bundle of information to bring to your accountant! However, we’re all human and it’s hard to remember all the important documents accountants need to do your tax return (especially if you’re not in the world of accounting everyday like we are)! Or if you’ve never used an accountant before, you might not know what kind of documents to gather.

So we thought we’d gift you all with a nice resource to reference when getting started to  gather up all your information each year. The following information is a little ‘checklist’ you can use to drop off your bundle before you get to your accountant:

  • W-2
  • 1099
  • Dependent’s social security numbers
  • Business mileage information
  • IRA Contribution
  • Child care provider information
  • Schedule D details
  • Cost of investments sold
  • Itemized deductions: mortgage interest, real estate taxes, property taxes, etc.
  • Healthcare information: Form 1095 – A, B, or C
  • Unreimbursed employee expenses

Note: Not everyone, obviously, will have the same bundles to bring, so don’t worry if you don’t have everything listed! These are just a few items listed and your accountant may ask for more information to be provided. Also, keep in mind that if you’re a new client, you’ll have to provide copies of your driver’s license and your social security card. (If you can’t locate your social security card, other official documents like a birth certificate or passport will work as well)!

By having all your ducks in a row, it not only makes your accountant grateful, but it makes doing a tax return a lot easier and faster; there’s no guess work or delays on information because it’s all been provided.

Now, one last nugget to keep in mind. If you’re ever in doubt whether you need bring something in or not, go ahead and bring it in for your accountant. It’s better to have too much information to weed through than to have too little and scramble to find the ‘right’ documents. What’s even better, you can always give your accountant a call!

For a complete list, visit accountingoutsidethebox.net and click on the 2015 Tax Season tab.