Tax Appointment Checklist: Documents to Bring to Your Preparer

Gathering the right documents before your tax appointment saves time, reduces cost, and helps prevent amended returns later. At minimum, most individuals should bring their prior-year tax return, all income statements—including W-2s and 1099s—and records supporting deductions or credits they may claim. A complete, organized file allows your tax preparer to focus on accuracy, planning, and questions that could affect your tax result.

At Benscoter Accounting Solutions, Michael Benscoter, EA, helps individuals and families in Levittown, PA, and across Bucks County prepare for tax season with a clear, practical process. Use this checklist to organize your information before your appointment, then upload documents securely through ShareFile or bring them with you.

Start With Prior-Year Tax Information

Your previous year’s federal, Pennsylvania, and local tax returns are among the most helpful documents you can provide. They give your preparer a starting point for carryforwards, estimated tax payments, depreciation schedules, retirement contributions, business details, and prior filing choices.

• Copy of last year’s federal tax return
• Copy of last year’s PA-40 and local earned income tax return, if applicable
• Copies of any amended returns filed during the year
• IRS, Pennsylvania Department of Revenue, or local tax collector notices
• Records of estimated federal, state, or local tax payments
• Bank routing and account numbers if you want direct deposit of a refund or direct debit for a balance due

Bringing prior-year returns is especially important if you are new to Benscoter Accounting Solutions. It helps Michael Benscoter identify information that may carry forward and ask the right questions early in the preparation process.

Identification and Personal Information

Tax returns must reflect accurate identity, address, filing-status, and dependent information. Gather identification documents for yourself, your spouse if filing jointly, and anyone you may claim as a dependent.

• Government-issued photo ID for each taxpayer
• Social Security numbers or ITIN documentation for you, your spouse, and dependents
• Birth dates for all taxpayers and dependents
• Your current address and any address changes during the year
• Occupation information for you and your spouse
• Identity Protection PINs, if issued by the IRS
• Childcare provider name, address, tax ID number, and total amounts paid
• College student information, including tuition statements and scholarship records
• Health Insurance Marketplace Form 1095-A, if coverage was purchased through the Marketplace

The IRS recommends bringing identification, Social Security or ITIN information, prior-year returns, bank information, and all applicable income statements to a tax-preparation appointment. ([irs.gov](https://www.irs.gov/individuals/checklist-for-free-tax-return-preparation?utm_source=openai))

Income Documents: Bring Every Form You Receive

Do not assume a form is unimportant because the dollar amount seems small. Federal and state tax agencies receive copies of many income documents, so missing one can delay processing or lead to a notice later. Keep all forms together, including corrected forms that may arrive after the original.

• Form W-2: Wages, tips, and withholding from every employer
• Form 1099-INT: Interest income from banks, credit unions, or other accounts
• Form 1099-DIV: Dividends and capital-gain distributions
• Form 1099-NEC: Nonemployee compensation, freelance income, or contractor payments
• Form 1099-MISC: Certain rents, prizes, awards, royalties, and other income
• Form 1099-R: Pension, IRA, annuity, or other retirement distributions
• SSA-1099: Social Security benefit statement
• Form 1099-G: Unemployment compensation or state tax refunds
• Form 1099-K: Payment-card or third-party network transactions, when applicable
• Form W-2G: Gambling winnings, along with gambling-loss records
• Schedule K-1 forms from partnerships, S corporations, estates, or trusts

If you received income that was not reported on a form—such as cash payments, gig work, online sales, or side-business revenue—bring a clear summary of the income and related records. Good organization helps Benscoter Accounting Solutions prepare a more accurate return and reduces follow-up questions.

Deduction and Credit Records

Even if you do not expect to itemize deductions, bring records that could affect your federal or Pennsylvania return. Your situation may have changed, and certain expenses may support deductions, credits, or other tax benefits.

• Form 1098 for mortgage interest
• Real estate tax bills and proof of property tax paid
• Charitable contribution receipts, acknowledgments, and mileage records
• Medical and dental expense records, including insurance premiums and out-of-pocket costs
• Health Savings Account forms, including Form 1099-SA and Form 5498-SA
• Education documents, such as Form 1098-T, tuition receipts, and student loan interest Form 1098-E
• Childcare and dependent-care expense records
• Energy-efficiency improvement invoices, manufacturer certifications, and installation records
• Records of qualified retirement contributions not shown elsewhere
• Proof of federal and state estimated tax payments

For charitable gifts, retain written acknowledgments for larger contributions and documentation for noncash donations. For medical costs, bring a year-end summary and supporting records rather than a shoebox of unorganized receipts whenever possible.

Life Changes That Can Affect Your Return

Major life events often create tax consequences. Tell Michael Benscoter, EA, about changes even if you are unsure whether they matter. A new address, a new child, or a change in marital status can affect filing status, dependents, withholding, credits, and state or local filing obligations.

• Marriage, divorce, legal separation, or death of a spouse
• Birth, adoption, foster placement, or custody changes involving children
• Home purchase, sale, refinance, or home-office changes
• Move into or out of Pennsylvania, including dates and new address information
• Retirement, pension start date, IRA rollover, or required distribution
• Job change, unemployment, severance, or bonus income
• College enrollment, graduation, or student-loan payments
• Large gifts received or made, inheritances, or changes to an estate

For a home purchase or refinance, bring your closing disclosure, Form 1098, property tax records, and documentation of points paid. For a home sale, bring Form 1099-S if issued, closing documents, purchase records, and receipts for qualifying improvements.

Special Situations: Bring More Than Just Tax Forms

Some tax situations require supporting schedules and records beyond the standard W-2 or 1099. Providing complete information up front helps avoid missed deductions, incomplete filings, and amendments.

Self-employment or side income: Bring income totals, 1099-NEC or 1099-K forms, business expense summaries, vehicle mileage, home-office details, equipment purchases, and records of estimated tax payments.

Rental property: Bring rental income records, Form 1099-MISC if received, mortgage interest, property taxes, insurance, repairs, utilities, management fees, depreciation information, and dates the property was rented or personally used.

Stock, crypto, or other investment sales: Provide year-end brokerage statements, Form 1099-B, gain/loss reports, cryptocurrency transaction summaries, and records establishing purchase date and cost basis. Do not provide only the proceeds total; cost-basis information is essential for accurately reporting sales.

Inherited assets: Bring estate documents, date-of-death values or appraisals when available, and records of any sale. Inherited property may require careful basis documentation, especially if it was later sold.

Pennsylvania and Bucks County Considerations

Pennsylvania residents generally need to consider the PA-40 Personal Income Tax Return in addition to their federal filing. Pennsylvania also has local earned income tax requirements, so bring your W-2s, your home address history, your work-location information, and any local tax forms or notices. Local earned income tax rates and withholding depend on the relevant municipality and political subdivision code, which is especially important for people who moved, worked remotely, or worked in multiple locations during the year. ([dced.pa.gov](https://dced.pa.gov/local-government/local-income-tax-information/instructions-employers/?utm_source=openai))

For eligible seniors, widows and widowers, and Pennsylvanians with disabilities, the PA Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program may provide a rebate for qualifying property taxes or rent paid. Bring your property tax bill or rent certificate, proof of income, and any prior rebate filing information so eligibility can be reviewed. ([pa.gov](https://www.pa.gov/agencies/revenue/ptrr/ptrr-toolkit?utm_source=openai))

Upload Early and Arrive Prepared

Before your appointment, review this checklist and upload your documents securely through ShareFile. If you are unsure whether a document matters, include it or ask—missing information is usually more costly than providing one extra form.

Ready to get started? Contact Benscoter Accounting Solutions to upload your documents through ShareFile and book an appointment with Michael Benscoter, EA. Clients in Levittown, PA, and throughout Bucks County can count on clear guidance and careful tax preparation from the start.

FAQ

Should I bring documents if I received them after my appointment?

Yes. Upload them through ShareFile as soon as they arrive and let Benscoter Accounting Solutions know. Do not assume a late-arriving form can be ignored.

Do I need to bring receipts for every deduction?

Bring organized summaries and keep the underlying receipts available. Your preparer may need specific supporting documents depending on the deduction or credit.

What if I do not have my prior-year return?

Bring any available tax documents, notices, and payment records. Michael Benscoter can explain the next steps for obtaining missing information.

Do remote workers need to consider local earned income tax?

Often, yes. Bring your home address, work-location details, W-2, and any local tax information so the correct filing requirements can be reviewed.