Getting started on your taxes
When it comes to preparing your taxes, having all your documents in order is half the battle. Every person or household is a little different, but with a little planning you can have everything ready to go so the process will be smooth and easy.
Before You Begin:
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with the latest tax brackets, the major updates and smart strategies for Tax Year 2025. We break them down for you in this brief PDF!
What to bring:
Below is a list of common forms and information needed for tax preparation. Please review the list and bring the items that are applicable to you. To prepare for your appointment, please complete the relevant forms (Personal, Business and/or Rental Property) and bring those with you.
- Form W-2: Wages and Tax Statement
- Form SSA-1099: Social Security Benefit Statement
- Form W-2G: Gambling Income
- Form 1099-B: Sale of Stocks
- Form 1099-C: Cancellation of Debt
- Form 1099-DIV: Dividends (on investments)
- Form 1099-G: Unemployment Income
- Form 1099-INT: Interest Earned on Savings, Checking, etc.
- Form 1099-NEC: Self-Employment Income
- Form 1099-MISC: Rent, Royalties, Other Income, etc.
- Form 1099-R: Retirement/Pension, IRA Withdrawal, 401(k) Withdrawal
- Form 1099-K: CashApp, Square, Venmo, PayPal, eBay, etc.
- K-1 Forms: Partnerships, S-Corp, Estates, Trusts, etc.
- Sold Virtual Currency: Cryptocurrency sold or spent
- Alimony: Paid or received, including Divorce Date
Only if you go through a Marketplace or Maryland Health connection for your Healthcare:
- Form 1095-A
- Form 1098: Mortgage Interest Statement
- Property Tax Bill or Payment from County
- Donation Receipts: Itemized list, such as for church, cancer society, Salvation Army, Goodwill, etc.
- Medical Expenses: Co-pays, prescriptions, hospital payments, vision, dental, HSA, FSA, MSA, etc.
- Gambling Win/Loss Statement and Gambling Losses
- IRA Contributions
- Maryland Volunteer Points
For Dependent Children (Bring proof of children’s residence)
- School Records
- Medical Records
- Lease Agreement listing who lives at the residence
- Social Service Statement
- Custody Document (for Foster Children)
- Statement from Daycare Provider (must include):
- Provider Name, Address, EIN or SSN
- Child that attended
- Amount paid for childcare
Student
- Form 1098-T: Tuition Statement
- Paid Receipts for Tuition, Books, and Fees
- Form 1098-E: Student Loan Interest Paid
- MD 529 Plan Contribution
Self- Employed: Income and Itemized Expenses List
- All Income: 1099-NEC, 1099-K, Cash, Checks, etc.
- Expenses: Must be itemized and totaled, including Advertising, Materials, Equipment Purchases, Business Insurance, License Fees, Travel, Meals, etc.
- Business Mileage for the Year
- Estimated Quarterly Tax Payments
Rental Property: Income and Itemized Expenses List
- Form 1099-MISC: Rent Collected
- Form 1098: Mortgage Interest Statement
- Property Tax Bill or Payment Receipt
- Management Company End-of-Year Statement
- Expenses: Must be itemized and totaled, including Condo Fees, HOA, Repairs, Cleaning, Utilities, Homeowner Insurance, Home Warranty, Advertising, Rental License, Legal Fees, etc.
- Mileage for Travel to Rental Property
- Purchase or Sale of Rental: Closing Disclosure
Estimated Quarterly Tax Payments
- Federal Payment: Date paid and amount paid
- State Payment: Date paid and amount paid
Home Purchase Refinance or Sale
- Closing Disclosure or HUD-1 Statement
Forms:
Complete this form to provide us with essential info to begin preparing your tax returns.
Complete this form to provide important information about your business’ income and expenses.
Complete this form to provide important information about your home office and related expenses.
Reference this guide to come up with an accurate total for deducting the cost of donated items.
Complete this form to provide important information about income and expenses related to rental properties that you own.
Request an Appointment
Fill out the brief form below and select a date and time to request an appointment. Note that this does not guarantee that your preferred date or time is available. We will contact you soon to confirm.