Documents Needed for Tax Returns

The Intake/Interview form (linked below) must be filled out for every return we prepare on site. Please download, print, and try your best to answer all questions on the first three pages. If you don’t have a printer at home, please transcribe your answers to a hard copy of this form on our VITA site when you meet us. Filled out this form before the appointment will help you better organize your tax documents, and help VITA tax preparers work more efficiently and minimize any potential tax errors.

Please bring all applicable documents listed below to your appointment. We may not be able to prepare your return if required documents are missing. The most common issue is forgetting Social Security or ITIN cards at home.

• Social Security cards or ITIN documents (physical copies required):
  – For you, your spouse, and any dependents
  – We cannot proceed without the physical card or official ITIN documentation, even if you know the number

• Proof of identification (physical copies required):
  – Driver’s license, state ID, passport, or NEXUS card
  – University-issued IDs are not accepted

• Proof of all income or expenses listed on your intake form

• Wage and income documents listed on your intake form, including:
  – Forms W-2, W-2G, 1099-R, 1099-G, 1099-MISC, 1099-NEC, etc.

• Interest and dividend statements from banks or investment platforms:
  – Forms 1099-INT and 1099-DIV
  – Note: Banks may not issue Form 1099-INT if interest earned is under $10

• Capital gain or loss statements (if applicable)
  – Form 1099-B from your brokerage
  – Transaction lists or trade histories cannot replace the official 1099-B summary

• Form 1095-A – Health Insurance Marketplace Statement (if applicable):
  – Required if you purchased health insurance through the ACA/“Obamacare” Marketplace.
  – A PDF downloaded from the Marketplace website is acceptable.
  – Washington Apple Health (Medicaid) is not Obamacare and does not issue Form 1095-A.
  – Missing Form 1095-A may cause the IRS to reject your tax return.

• Health Savings Account (HSA) documents (if applicable):
  – Contribution and distribution forms (e.g., Forms 5498-SA and 1099-SA).

• Individual Retirement Arrangement (IRA) account related documents (if applicable):
  – Bring records of any IRA contributions, rollovers, conversions, or withdrawals during the year.
  – Forms may include 1099-R (distributions), 5498 (contributions).

• Childcare expense documentation (if applicable):
  – Provider name, address, and EIN.

• Last year’s federal and state tax returns (if available).

• Bank routing and account numbers for direct deposit or payment.
  – A blank check is VERY helpful.

We encourage all clients to use direct deposit or direct debit for faster refunds and payments.