Category Archives: Preparing Return

Getting Started with a Drop-off Return

  1. Assemble your return packet. Your packet begins with Form 13614-C Intake Interview and Quality Review Sheet. This form includes basic information about you and your household that we will use to start your return. It also asks a number of questions about your income, expenses and “life events” that will provide a guide for what documents and information you need to assemble for your return (see below for list of documents).
  2. Schedule an intake interview. At this interview, we will review your Form 13614-C and the documents you’ve assembled to make sure we have all the information we need to prepare your return.
  3. Be patient while we prepare your return. Our preparers work as a team at scheduled times during the week. After the return is prepared, each return receives a Quality Review by another preparer, who verifies that all information is entered accurately and responds to questions the initial preparer may have had. You may be contacted during this process if the preparers have questions. If this happens, the preparer will clearly identify him/herself and will not ask for your social security number or TIN or ask you to send money.
  4. Schedule an appointment to sign the return. Once your return is finished, we will contact you to review your return and sign the Authorization to E-File form. If you are married filing jointly, both you and your spouse need to sign. Be sure to bring proof of bank account routing and account numbers for direct deposit.

Documents for Return

As you complete your Form 13614-C Intake Interview & Quality Review Sheet, you will get a better idea of what documents you may need. Here is a partial list of some of the most common.

Identification and Personal Information

  • Proof of identification (photo ID) for taxpayer and spouse (if filing jointly)
  • Social Security cards for you, your spouse and dependents. An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) assignment letter may be substituted for you, your spouse and your dependents if you do not have a Social Security number
  • Birth dates for you, your spouse and dependents on the tax return
  • A copy of last year’s federal and state returns, if available
  • Proof of bank account routing and account numbers for direct deposit such as a blank check

Income Documents

  • Wage and earning statements, including distributions from retirement accounts (Form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R,1099-NEC, 1099-Misc, SSA-1099, etc.)
  • Interest, dividend and distribution statements from banks, brokerages, pensions, Social Security, annuities, etc. (Forms 1099)
  • Records of income from self-employment
  • Other income including gambling winnings and losses

Expenses, Deductions and Credits

  • Total paid for daycare provider and the daycare provider’s tax identifying number such as their Social Security number or business Employer Identification Number
  • Forms 1095-A, B and C, Health Coverage Statements. Taxpayers insured through the ACA marketplace will need to document their Premium Tax Credit receipts.
  • Distributions from and contributions to a Health Savings Account.
  • Expenses related to self-employment.
  • Higher Education scholarships and expenses (tuition, books, etc.) (Form 1098 T).
  • Medical Expenses and Health Insurance premiums (if itemizing)
  • Mortgage statements (if itemizing)