Whether you are going into your first tax appointment or if you simply need a little help remembering, we want to help you be prepared for your appointment. We cannot describe every item you might need to bring to your tax appointment, but we can cover some of the more common areas. Here is some of the information that you will need to have with you:
- Your address and occupation
- For everyone that is going on your return, we will need their full name, birth date, and social security number.
- Your Driver's License (and your spouse's). If you don't have one, get information for obtaining an Oklahoma Identification Card here. This is an important step in the protection of our clients against identity theft.
- Bank routing number and account number, so that refunds can be direct-deposited.
- New clients should bring their last year's tax return.
If you would like to save some time, you can print then fill out our Client Information Form and bring it to your appointment. You can access it on our menu at the top of the page, under "Resources".
If you forget to bring a document, you can always send it to us digitally! We offer a secure online portal where you can safely upload your tax documents for us to view.
Filing your taxes requires documentation - some people will have more paperwork than others. If you don't know what documents you need, bring anything that says "Tax Document" or "IRS". Remember, this list is not all-inclusive and you may need to bring additional items to your appointment.
- If you are claiming children, please bring documentation that they live with you (you can ask for documents from their school, daycare, or healthcare provider). Some college students will receive the form 1098-T, which is important to include on your tax return. Read our post on claiming dependents and what else you can use as proof of residency.
- If you are claiming an adult as a dependent, we do not require proof of living expenses paid; but know that in case of an audit, the IRS will require proof.
- You will need to bring all W2's that you received in the tax year. Each job you worked at will provide you with one either in person or through the mail. If you do not have your W2 in time for your appointment, your last paystub for tax year will allow us to figure up your return. Once you send us the W2, we can finalize your return quickly.
- If you made any charitable donations, you will need to bring receipts or a givings statement if you would like them to be included on the return. They don't always make a difference, but you never know!
- If you own a home, you will receive a Mortgage Interest Statement. Like donations, this will not always make a significant impact on your taxes - but it could!
- If you received any documents regarding your healthcare, bring them, but you don't need to wait for them. If you don't receive anything from your healthcare provider, we will just ask you a few questions and go from there.
- Investment statements. Do you get mail from Charles Schwab, Edward Jones, or another investment company? They will send you the tax documents you need (military: get info on your TSP!).
- If you own a business, bring your Profit and Loss statement. What is that? It's just a tally of the business expenses and income. You might consider bringing your organized receipts, in case your preparer has any questions. If you have a "shoebox", we will gladly organize and tally your receipts - but realize that there is an extra charge for this service and it might delay the filing of your return if there is not time to do it at your appointment.
- If you are an independent contractor or freelancer, you will receive a 1099 from organizations or people that contracted your services. Bring them all! You can also check out this Business Deductions Worksheet - Part II "Expenses" (lines 8 -17) is what you will want to work up prior to your appointment.
- If you receive payments online through websites like Paypal, they will provide you with a 1099-K. If your sister sends your some birthday money, don't worry about it; this is mostly for people who use the internet to make money.
Here is a list of documents that you can print and fill out at home to bring to your appointment. You can call us to find out what additional documents you might need to bring, or we can get it worked out during your appointment.
Annual Client Information: This form consolidates much of your basic information into a quick reference sheet for us. We will provide you with this from when you come in, or you can choose to download it from our navigation menu at the top of the webpage, under the tab "Resources", and fill it out before your appointment.
Power of Attorney: A specific power of attorney may be required if you cannot sign for your own tax return. Please call and ask us if you are concerned that you might need a power of attorney.
Consent to Disclose Tax Information: This form gives us permission to share your tax information with only the specific person or entity listed on the document. If you would like to have your previous tax preparer send your documents and files to us at Pelican, they may require you to fill out their own Consent to Disclose form.
Schedule A: Most people will not need to itemize, but should you choose to do so, this worksheet could be helpful!
If you have questions, call us at 405-265-7611, or book your free consultation appointment online!