Identification

• The tax preparer will first need some basic identification information. This includes Social Security cards for you, your spouse and your children. It also includes your current state driver's license.
  
  

Previous Tax Returns

• It is not critical that you bring your previous year's tax returns to your appointment, but it is certainly helpful, especially if you are eligible for a tax refund because it will help you get the refund sooner. You will need to bring your federal return and any state returns that you filed for the previous tax year.
  
  

Proof of Income

• Absolutely required are any tax forms showing your income for the tax year. For those who are not self-employed, this means you should bring a W-2 Wage and Tax Statement form prepared and given to you by your employer. If you are self-employed or an independent contractor, you will need to bring other proof of income, such as IRS form 1099 income statements.
  
  

1098 Forms

• Financial and educational institutions will, if applicable, send you a 1098 form that can help you reduce your income tax liability. For example, if you have a home mortgage, then the interest you paid during the year will be reported on a 1098, and this can provide you with an itemized deduction. Similarly, if you paid tuition or student loan interest for a college education then you may qualify for a deduction or credit.
  
  

Other Receipts

• You will also want to bring any other receipts that demonstrate you qualify for a tax deduction or credit. The most common items include receipts for charitable donations, receipts for medical expenses and receipts for child care expenses.