What You Need to Get Started
Gathering all your tax documents ensures an accurate return and fast refund.
It is required that you bring all the following tax-related documents to your tax appointment:
All taxpayers must be present with photo identification.
Social Security cards or Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) letter for all the people you list on your tax return.
Copies of last year’s federal and state tax returns.
Birthdates for all the people you list on your return.
All income statements, such as Forms W-2 and 1099, Social Security and unemployment compensation, as well as other statements such as pensions, stocks, interest and any documents showing taxes withheld.
If you are self-employed or make cash, collect records of all your income and expenses.
Form 1098, for payments to tuition, student loan interest, mortgage interest, or real estate taxes.
Forms 1095A if you purchased insurance coverage through Covered California.
Identity theft PIN issued by the IRS.
Bank routing numbers and account numbers to direct deposit any refund.
Returns that are considered Out-of-Scope
If any of the following apply, we are not able to assist you:
Incomes more than $64,000
Married Filing Separately returns (If you are legally married & file alone – you may be a Married Filing Separate taxpayer – this is out of scope and we will not be able to assist you).
Self-employed or cash income with certain deductions:
Taking expenses with no proof (receipts, documented mileage, etc. are required).
Business related expenses over $20,000.
Have a loss.
Businesses with employees, inventory, or business property.
Returns for companies and/or businesses.
Self-employed taxpayers may benefit from seeing a paid preparer to take deductions with no proof or cannot substantiate. The free program follows guidelines set by the IRS.
Cancelled debt income (Forms 1099C and 1099A) for foreclosures or short sales.
Handwritten tax documents (W-2, 1099, 1098, etc.).
Returns for visitors, such as “F,” “J,” “M,” or “Q” visas, that require a 1040NR tax return.
Foreign Income.
Royalty Income.
Partnership or income from an LLC (Form K-1).
Rental Income or income from AirBnB.
Sale of cryptocurrencies. Please, see a paid preparer.
Sale of stocks with more than 20 sales. Please, see a paid preparer.
Forms that WE DO NOT NEED (These are nontaxable):
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Child Support
Veterans Benefit
Life insurance when someone passes
Settlements not related to a job or employment
CalFresh or food assistance
CalWorks or welfare cash assistance from the county
Inheritance, gifts, or bequests
Alimony for divorces after 2018
Money from a scholarship is not taxable. However, if you use the money for room and board, or use it to pay other personal expenses, that portion is normally taxable.
Health insurance from an employer or county (Forms 1095B and 1095C)