The new year is a good time to get organized for tax season. A little preparation now can reduce delays, lower stress, and help your CPA spot opportunities. At TKG Tax & Accounting, we work with NJ families and clients near our accounting practice in Cranford, NJ to make tax prep simple and efficient.
What to bring to your CPA meeting
Personal and household information
- Photo ID for you and your spouse, if filing jointly
- Social Security numbers or ITINs for everyone on the return
- Dates of birth for dependents
- Current address and best contact information
- Prior-year federal and NJ returns, if you are a new client or had major changes
Income documents
Gather every form that reports income, even for small amounts.
- W-2s for all jobs
- 1099 forms for contract work, interest, dividends, brokerage activity, and retirement distributions
- Social Security statements, if applicable
- K-1s from partnerships, S corporations, or trusts, if applicable
- Unemployment documents, if applicable
Home and housing
- Mortgage interest statement (Form 1098)
- Property tax bills and proof of payment
- Closing documents if you bought, sold, or refinanced real estate
- Receipts for eligible energy-related home improvements, if applicable
Childcare and education
- Childcare provider name, address, and tax ID, plus total amount paid
- Tuition statement (Form 1098-T) and receipts for required school expenses
- Student loan interest statement (Form 1098-E)
Health and insurance items
- HSA contribution and distribution forms, if applicable
- Out-of-pocket medical totals if you itemize deductions
- Health insurance forms that apply to your situation
Charitable contributions
- Donation receipts and year-end summaries
- Details for non-cash donations, including what was donated and when
Retirement and savings
- IRA contribution records
- Retirement distribution forms, if applicable
- Notes on any Roth conversions or unusual activity
A short list of changes to mention
Tell your CPA if any of these happened last year:
- Marriage or divorce
- New child or a dependent moved out
- College enrollment changes
- Home purchase or sale
- New side income or self-employment
- Remote work or work in multiple states
Keep it simple
Use one folder labeled with the tax year and add documents as they arrive. If you are saving files digitally, use clear names so nothing gets lost.
If you want a steady, organized tax preparation process near our accounting practice in Cranford, NJ, TKG Tax & Accounting is ready to help.
