Even though this year’s tax deadline has passed, you may have filed an extension or might be wondering how you can make next year’s tax preparation process run more smoothly. The good news is that filing taxes becomes much easier when you know which documents to have on hand. You’ll maximize the refund while minimizing stress. So, below are the documents you should collect as tax time approaches.

Keep These 3 Documents for Tax Season

1. Documents Received in January & February

Set aside statements and paperwork that come in the mail at the beginning of each year. In January, you’ll receive statements related to income, interest, and withheld taxes; in February, you’ll receive 1099s regarding investments. During these two months, check the email and spam folders to make sure you don’t miss any that were sent electronically.

2. Statements & Receipts That Detail Deductions

Maximize a tax refund by knowing which documents help to increase the deductions. Many of these may be sent to you via email. For example, keep any that show donations, health care expenses, job search costs, and expenses for work that you weren’t paid back. It’s recommended to set up and maintain a spreadsheet that shows the specifics of each of these costs.

3. Documents Relating to Major Life Changes

Track down any documents that indicate a major life event. This includes marriage, the death of a spouse, divorce, adoption, child custody, and alimony. If the family grew during the year, locate the child’s social security card, child care receipts, and documents that show funds put toward a college savings plan. If you purchased a home, you can also benefit from tax savings by keeping the closing documents, mortgage statements, and home improvement invoices.

If you feel overwhelmed by the tax preparation process, the team at ZP Tax. in Silver Springs, MD can help. They pride themselves on offering tax preparation services that are both quick and accurate, regardless of whether they’re for your business or personal taxes. Their team stays updated on the latest laws to ensure the best possible results and the maximum refund. In addition to tax preparation, they can also improve your small business through their notary public, payroll, and bookkeeping services. Give them a call at (301) 587-4829 or visit their website to learn more about their tax help.