Here’s a comprehensive checklist to guide you through the preparation:

Personal Information

- Name: Ensure it matches the one on your Social Security card.

- Date of Birth

- Social Security Number

- Home Address

- Previous Year's Tax Returns: Federal and state, for reference.

- Bank Details: Account and routing numbers for direct deposit of your refund.

Dependent Information

For each dependent:

- Name, Date of Birth, and Social Security Number (or Tax ID Number)

- Form 8332: If claiming a child and the custodial parent is waiving their right.

Sources of Income

You may have various forms indicating different sources of income:

- W-2s: From employers.

- 1099 Forms: Various types for unemployment, state tax refunds, interest, dividends, stock sales, retirement distributions, property sales, rental income, educational distributions, HSA distributions, and more.

- Schedule K-1: For income from pass-through entities.

- Alimony Received: If applicable, based on agreements dated on or before December 31, 2018.

- Cryptocurrency Transactions

- Other Income: Including gambling winnings, jury duty pay, cancellation of debt, etc.

Self-Employment and Business Records

For the self-employed or those with business income:

- 1099-NEC or 1099-K: Documenting independent contractor income.

- Business Income and Expense Records

- Home Office Expenses

- EIN if the business is registered.

- Business Asset Depreciation

- Business Mileage: You must have a manual log per IRS requirements or use software like MileIQ to record your mileage.

- Transactions for Goods Purchased Abroad: If you use Sendwave, MoneyGram, RIA, or similar services to send money for purchasing goods, document these transactions.

Deductions

To reduce taxable income:

- Medical Expenses

- Long-term Care Insurance Premiums

- Mortgage Information: Via Form 1098.

- Taxes: Real estate, state, local, vehicle registration.

- Charitable Donations

- Casualty Losses: In federally declared disaster areas.

Adjustments to income that don't require itemization:

- Student Loan Interest: Form 1098-E.

- Contributions to HSAs, IRAs, or retirement plans

- Alimony Paid: For agreements dated on or before December 31, 2018.

- Teacher Expenses

- Self-Employed Health Insurance Premiums

Tax Credits

Documents for:

- Higher Education Expenses: Form 1098-T.

- Child Care Costs

- Adoption Costs

- Health Insurance Marketplace: Form 1095-A.

Estimated Tax Payments

Include all estimated payments made during the year to avoid double payments.

Proof of Losses

Document any investment losses or non-business bad debts.

Post-Filing Document Storage

Once filed, keep these documents in a safe place. They can be invaluable in case of an audit, ensuring you can substantiate claims made on your return and safeguard your deductions and credits.

• This comprehensive checklist should facilitate a smoother tax filing process, ensuring you're well-prepared and potentially maximizing your returns.