Tax season is here again, which means it’s time to start collecting your income documentation and scheduling an appointment with your tax accountant. Having a professional take care of the paperwork eliminates most of the stress of preparing your taxes, and ensures you get every deduction and credit you qualify for. To make the process as smooth as possible, have the following documents ready before your appointment.

4 Items to Take to Your Tax Accountant

1. Your Identifying Information

Every tax return requires your Social Security Number, along with your spouse’s if you’re filing a joint return. Small mistakes can cause major headaches later on, so it’s a good idea to bring your Social Security cards, including your children’s information if you’re claiming them as dependents.

2. All Income Forms

Your tax return should include all of your income, including any freelancing work or unemployment benefits you’ve collected. Before meeting with your tax accountant, make sure you have all of your W-2s and forms 1099, along with records of rental income or any other revenue sources you may have.

3.  Home Ownership Records

Homeowners enjoy some substantial tax benefits, so bring your form 1098, which shows the amount of deductible interest paid, as well as your property tax records. If you’ve made any alternate energy-saving improvements to your home this year, bring receipts for those investments to your accountant.

4. Retirement Account Documents

Contributions to some retirement accounts are tax-deferred, while some other vehicles provide tax-free earnings. Whatever type of retirement account you have, your tax accountant will need any documentation you received at the end of the year.

Preparing these documents in advance will ensure your tax filing process goes as smoothly as possible. Whether you’re a business owner or an individual, The Callen Accounting Group, PLLC has the expertise to guide you every step of the way. They’ve dedicated their careers to helping clients throughout Mountain Home, AR, navigate the complexities of the tax code. In addition to tax preparation, their accounting services include bookkeeping, payroll processing, and financial statement preparation. Visit their website for more on these and other services, or call (870) 425-6066 to schedule an appointment with a skilled tax accountant today. For more tips, like them on Facebook.