taxday

Some of you will have already sent in your 2004 tax return. For the rest of us here's a list of the paperwork you'll need to gather. If you have a folder set aside for all your tax information you are well ahead of the pack. If your information is scattered you may want to find your self an enclosed style folder and start throwing in the things you'll need. Why specify an enclosed folder? It will keep all those miscellanous receipts from falling out... you know you've got them.

Now, here's what you'll need to complete your tax return

Documents -- Income

W-2 form(s) from employer(s)

Form 1099-MISC for non-employee income

Self-employment records (income & expenses)

Commissions, tips & bonuses not shown on W-2

Keogh, IRA & savings plan withdrawals

Pension & annuity income

K-1 schedules for S corporations, partnerships estates & trusts

Records of social security, jury duty, alimony, unemployment compensation or contest winnings

Expense Documents

Child care expenses, name of care giver, federal ID number & amount paid

Documentation of purchase & sale of stocks, bonds & mutual funds

Any penalties paid on the early withdrawal from a savings plan

IRA (regular * Roth) and Keogh contributions and year-end statements

Alimony payments

Health insurance deductions if self-employed

Expense documents for higher education tax credit

Checkbook register

Real Estate Documents

Closing papers from purchase of new residence

Closing papers from purchase or sale of former residence

Closing papers from refinance of residence

Moving expenses/reimbursement from employer

Expense and income records from rental property

Tax Records

Copy of 2003 local, state and/or federal tax return

Any tax return forms received for 2003

Record of estimated tax payments for 2003

Itemized Deductions

Proof of sales tax paid if in a state with no state income tax (especially if you bought any big ticket items in 2004, i.e. vehicle, boat, etc.)

Medical expenses (doctors, hospital, optical, dental, prescription, mileage to & from office, chiropractors, health insurance)

Charity contributions (cash & non-cash items)

Mortgage interest including any points paid

Interest on other loans

Real estate, intangible property and any state taxes

Tax preparation fees for 2002

Employee business expenses

Unreimbursed travel, meal, entertainment and auto expenses

Job search expenses

Mileage record of travel to 2nd job

Safety deposit box fee

Uninterrupted time

A glass of wine!

Good Luck