As the calendar year turns, it is time to turn your attention to filing income taxes. An annual certainty for most all Americans is the lack of enthusiasm for this perceived headache. If you can take some simple steps prior to turning in your information to your tax preparer, it may help in reducing your fees. Before filing your taxes, you will want to gather the following information:
- all W-2s and 1099s from employers, financial institutions, and the government,
- your dependents’ tax payer identification numbers,
- rental property income and expenses,
- mortgage and student loan interest statements,
- receipts or statements for tuition, enrollment fees, and required course materials for yourself and dependents,
- charitable donations,
- if self-employed, the health insurance premium for you, your spouse, dependents, and non-dependent children under the age of 27,
- medical, charitable, and unreimbursed business mileage, as well as their associated tolls and parking fees paid,
Most credit cards provide annual statements with purchases already categorized, summarized, and itemized. Utilizing these statements, especially if the credit card was used exclusively for deductible expenses, may save you a lot of time and frustration. There are also many free smartphone apps that log mileage, receipts, and expenses and are easy to upload into a user-friendly format. Having all of this information will help you or your accountant determine the most favorable tax situation for you.
Jason E. Goethe, CPA and Owner of Encompass Accounting Solutions LLC, has been helping individuals and businesses large and small with all of their tax and accounting needs for over 25 years. To find out how Jason can assist you with your taxes and accounting, call 816-377-0588 or email [email protected].
