Important items to bring when you visit your tax accountant

THE WOODLANDS, Texas – With the deadline of April 15 rapidly approaching, the time for taxpayers to get organized and prepared to file their 2014 tax returns is at hand. Dianne Ketcham, owner and manager of Liberty Tax Service, recommends that taxpayers ensure to gather relevant documents before any tax preparation appointments.

“With April 15 – Tax Day – coming up soon, it is vital to have certain documents with you when use a tax service to file,” Ketcham said. “The more information our tax specialists have, the better they can assist in the efforts to maximize your return, or to significantly lower the taxes owed.”

With the changing landscape in how taxes are filed, particularly the introduction of the Affordable Care Act which requires each taxpayer provide proof of health insurance at the time of filing, Ketcham stresses that clients who show up without documentation are doing themselves a disservice. To assist the process, she recommends the top five items to bring to a tax accountant:


W-2 Forms – W-2s are issued by employers that show income, taxes taken out, and other data that are essential for filing. Ensure to bring W-2s for every person in the household and for every job held in 2014.

1099s – This form shows other income such as unemployment, social security, school loans, health care reimbursement, interest income, dividends, sale of stock or income from contract work.

1098s – This form will show any payments made such as property taxes or school loans.

Income Statements – Statements of all payments and expense related to self-employment, including cash receipts, credit card receipts and an items reported on the filer’s 1099s. Bring any statements of income or interest from savings accounts and investments.

Bank Account Numbers – Taxpayers wishing for a direct deposit of their tax refunds should provide a voided check or their bank routing number.

Liberty Tax Service has two locations in The Woodlands area: one at 25192 Interstate 45 N, Suite 100, Spring, (281-419-9050) and one at 440 Rayford Road, Spring, (832-447-1800). For more information on Liberty Tax Service, visit www.libertytax.com.