{"id":29725,"date":"2018-02-09T07:00:54","date_gmt":"2018-02-09T13:00:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hrblock.com\/tax-center\/?p=29725"},"modified":"2023-12-11T09:02:38","modified_gmt":"2023-12-11T15:02:38","slug":"preparing-your-tax-document-checklist","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hrblock.com\/tax-center\/filing\/preparing-your-tax-document-checklist\/","title":{"rendered":"Preparing your tax document checklist"},"content":{"rendered":"

It\u2019s easy to get lost in the details of taxes. Use these tips to help you focus on the big picture and break down your preparation into manageable chunks.\u00a0<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

It\u2019s that time again \u2013 tax season<\/strong>. If you are just getting your tax documents together and figuring out what to do next, here is a handy checklist to help you keep everything organized.<\/p>\n

1. Schedule a time to prepare your taxes<\/h2>\n

The first item on your list is to decide whether you\u2019ll prepare your own tax returns. If you plan to hire a professional tax preparer, schedule an appointment and understand what information you\u2019ll need to collect by using something like H&R Block\u2019s\u00a0Personal Tax Prep Checklist<\/a>.<\/p>\n

If you plan to prepare your own returns<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 first decide whether to use\u00a0tax software<\/a>. If you do, it\u2019s worth spending some time comparing your options to choose the best tool for your specific circumstances. Second, create a deadline so you have something to work toward.<\/p>\n

2. Gather your documentation<\/h2>\n

Prepping for your tax filing is the next most important step. Start by reading through your applicable tax return form<\/a> to figure out which schedules and additional items are needed to file.<\/p>\n

Then, gather all of your tax documents together in one place. These items generally come from one of two sources. First, you likely already have some of the material you\u2019ll need. For example, you\u2019ll need Social Security numbers for anyone claimed on your tax form, from you and your spouse to your children and other dependents. Some of this information can be pulled from last year\u2019s returns. This data may include business receipts, investment documents, and other material received throughout the year.<\/p>\n

Second, you\u2019ll receive important tax documents, like\u00a0a W-2<\/a> or\u00a0Form 1099<\/a>, in the mail early in 2026, in addition to other forms from financial institutions, brokers and employers.<\/p>\n

3. Check for new tax rules<\/h2>\n

The tax laws are always changing. Make sure you understand what tax credits and deductions are available to you, as well as what other changes might have been made. H&R Block has compiled all of the latest tax changes for this year, so you don’t have to hunt them down. Check out our new tax laws<\/a> post.<\/p>\n

4. Try different scenarios<\/h2>\n

As you\u2019re filling out your tax return, don\u2019t be afraid to try different scenarios. Figure out whether you could get a bigger deduction by itemizing vs. the standard deduction<\/a>. Your tax software or your tax professional can help you try different scenarios to get the best overall result for your situation.<\/p>\n

5. Choose direct deposit<\/h2>\n

If you have a refund coming, choose direct deposit if you can \u2013 you might only have to wait seven to 14 days with direct deposit versus up to eight weeks for other methods.<\/p>\n

6. File electronically<\/h2>\n

Ensure faster processing by filing your tax return electronically. You can do this yourself or have your tax preparer do it on your behalf. This will also get your refund to you more quickly.<\/p>\n

And of course, if you have questions about your refund or return, you can\u00a0talk with a tax pro<\/a>\u00a0or\u00a0contact the IRS directly<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

It\u2019s easy to get lost in the details of taxes. Use these tips to help you focus on the big picture and break down your preparation into manageable chunks.\u00a0 It\u2019s that time again \u2013 tax season. If you are just getting your tax documents together and figuring out what to do next, here is a […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":418,"featured_media":34412,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[125],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-29725","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-filing"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"Tax Filing Checklist | H&R Block<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"If you are just getting your tax documents together and figuring out what to do next, here is a handy checklist to help you keep everything organized.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hrblock.com\/tax-center\/filing\/preparing-your-tax-document-checklist\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" 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