Use this checklist to keep track of things to have on hand when doing your taxes. To familiarize yourself with the deductions you can take, see Bankrate's story on itemized deductions.
Checklist
Social Security numbers for:
Self
Spouse
Kids/dependents
Tax ID for child care services
W-2s
1099-INT showing interest
1099-DIV showing dividends
1099-R from IRA distributions
Information from stock/mutual fund sales or other capital assets
Alimony
Self-employment income
Social Security payments
Unemployment payments
Other sources of income
State and local income tax refunds
Deductions
IRA contributions
Student loan interest paid
Educational expenses paid
Medical expenses -- if they total more than 7.5 percent of adjusted gross income
Charitable contributions
Child care expenses
Investment expenses
Casualty losses
Job search expenses -- if in the same field
Cost of professional and trade journals
State or local income taxes paid
Personal property/real estate taxes paid
Car taxes paid
Mortgage loan interest paid
HELOC or home equity loan interest paid
Tax-preparation software program or tax-preparer cost
