Dennis Bridges’s 2014 Tax Time Document Chase List

Just a little over two weeks from now, we will begin filing client tax returns to the IRS (electronically), and our Greater Atlanta tax preparer offices will be jumping.

–> And by the way, though we aren’t *filing* until the 31st, we at Team Bridges ARE working (right now, in fact) on client files. This filing delay does NOT mean that we can’t work with you (or, in some cases, perhaps help you obtain an advance on a refund), if you pull together your paperwork before that point. Call us: (770) 984-8008 if you’d like to hear about those options. <–

So, while our Greater Atlanta tax preparer offices are starting to jump, don’t pity us, of course! This is, after all, exactly what we have been preparing for over the past seven months or so — and we’re pretty excited to see the fruition of our labors, AND to “seal the deal” on a variety of tax-saving maneuvers to which we’ve directed clients over the past year. In short, this is really fun for us here at Team Bridges.

But filing your taxes on your own is becoming much less fun for regular Greater Atlanta taxpayers, even with nice-looking softwares on the market which purport to make it “easy” for you.

I truly do pity those inexperienced ones who try to muddle through all of the different codes and forms on their own,without devoting even a week’s labor to the transaction. It really doesn’t pay to “go it alone” for certain tasks.

So, for those of you who want our help, I’ve put together a handy little list of what you’ll need to bring in. There may be certain situations where we’ll need other documentation to get you even more deductions. But, of course, we’ll let you know about that, should the situation arise!

Let me know your thoughts … and of course, if you’d like to talk this over with us, we’re here for you ((770) 984-8008)!

Dennis Bridges’s 2014 Tax Time Document Chase List
“Don’t worry about failures, worry about the chances you miss when you don’t even try.” -Jack Canfield

Yes, this is a long list — but it’s the unfortunate reality of our tax code that it’s not even comprehensive! But these items will cover 95% of our Greater Atlanta tax preparation clients.  Really, this is for ensuring that we’re able to help you keep every dollar you can keep under our tax code.

Even if for some strange reason you won’t be using our cost-effective services this year, feel free to use this list as a handy guide…

Personal Data
Social Security Numbers (including spouse and children)
Child care provider tax I.D. or Social Security Number

Employment & Income Data
W-2 forms for this year
Tax refunds and unemployment compensation: Form 1099-G
Miscellaneous income including rent: Form 1099-MISC
Partnership and trust income
Pensions and annuities
Alimony received
Jury duty pay
Gambling and lottery winnings
Prizes and awards
Scholarships and fellowships
State and local income tax refunds
Unemployment compensation

Homeowner/Renter Data
Residential address(es) for this year
Mortgage interest: Form 1098
Sale of your home or other real estate: Form 1099-S
Second mortgage interest paid
Real estate taxes paid
Rent paid during tax year
Moving expenses

Financial Assets
Interest income statements: Form 1099-INT & 1099-OID
Dividend income statements: Form 1099-DIV
Proceeds from broker transactions: Form 1099-B
Retirement plan distribution: Form 1099-R
Capital gains or losses

Financial Liabilities
Auto loans and leases (account numbers and car value) if vehicle used for business
Student loan interest paid
Early withdrawal penalties on CDs and other fixed time deposits

Automobiles
Personal property tax information
Department of Motor Vehicles fees

Expenses
Gifts to charity (receipts for any single donations of $250 or more)
Unreimbursed expenses related to volunteer work
Unreimbursed expenses related to your job (travel expenses, entertainment, uniforms, union dues, subscriptions)
Investment expenses
Job-hunting expenses
Education expenses (tuition and fees)
Child care expenses
Medical Savings Accounts
Adoption expenses
Alimony paid
Tax return preparation expenses and fees

Self-Employment Data
Estimated tax vouchers for the current year
Self-employment tax
Self-employment SEP plans
Self-employed health insurance
K-1s on all partnerships
Receipts or documentation for business-related expenses
Farm income

Deduction Documents
State and local income taxes
IRA, Keogh and other retirement plan contributions
Medical expenses
Casualty or theft losses
Other miscellaneous deductions

We hope this helps, and we really look forward to seeing you in here in 2014!

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To your family’s financial and emotional peace…

Warmly,

Dennis Bridges
(770) 984-8008