TAX CHECK LIST
Some of the more common items and information required for the preparation of tax returns are listed below.
o PERSONAL INFORMATION o MISCELLANEOUS DEDUCTIONS
Names as shown on Social Security card, birth date, If more than 2% of income
marital status, address, and phone number. A. EMPLOYEE: Union dues, Professional dues,
licenses, subscriptions, Uniforms, Supplies
o DEPENDENDENTS required for job, Insurance, Continuing
A. Social Security name and number and birth date education, Job travel and meals, Teacher
of all dependents classroom expenses.
B. Did any child turn 19 years old? B. OTHER: Tax advice and preparation fees,
C. Was any dependent claimed on another person’s investment journals and fees, etc.
return, or file their own return?
D. Any child under age 14 with interest and o CREDITS
dividends in excess of $1,600? A. Education-Qualified college tuition and certain
E. Add or delete any dependents? mandatory fees for taxpayers and dependents is
listed on form 1098-T from school.
o INCOME B. Child care. Need provider’s name, address,
A. Forms W2, 1099 Interest and Dividends, Social telephone number and tax ID.
Security, Gambling, Unemployment, Pension and C. Renter’s credit if rented in California more than 6
IRA distributions, Sale of Property, etc. months.
B. Form K-1 from Partnerships, Estates, Trusts, etc.
C. Alimony. o IRAs
Contributions and withdrawals for both Traditional
o MEDICAL COSTS and ROTH IRAs
If more than 7 ½% of income.
Medical insurance, Long Term Care insurance, o SALE OF STOCK AND SECURITIES
doctors, dentist, prescriptions, glasses, hospitals, Date, description, and quantity purchased and sold
medical equipment, travel, etc.
o RENTAL PROPERTY
o TAXES A. Income, Expenses, Improvements, Sales, etc. B.
DMV vehicle license fee portion only, property taxes *Need to issue form 1099? See below.
(home, boat, airplane, etc) additional state income taxes
paid, sales tax on vehicles. o SELF-EMPLOYED
A. Income, Expenses, Improvements, Sales, etc. B.
o INTEREST *Need to issue form 1099? See below.
Mortgage on personal residence and second home. Can
be an RV. If paid to an individual, need their o ESTIMATED TAXES
name, address, and Social Security number. Payment of estimated tax to IRS or State. Need date and
amounts paid. State 4th q u a r t e r payments should be made
o CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS in December if you itemize.
A. Money donations to Churches, Cancer, Heart,
Scouts, and other such funds. Documentation *Payments of $600 or more to individuals for personal
(canceled check or receipt) required for any services (gardeners, handymen, etc.) or rent must be
amount. reported to the IRS, FTB, and the individual. You
B. Travel and Expenses for above organizations if a need the name, address, and Social Security or tax ID of
volunteer, leader or chaperone, etc. the payee. Forms 1099 are required to be issued by
C. Payroll deduction to United Way, etc. January 31st. We can process these for you.
D. Non-cash donations of clothing, household items, etc. Please call.
If over $500, need name, date, and address of
organization and description of articles given. o Previous Year Tax Return
Appraisal required if $5000 or more of any item. If any were file previous year.
Special rules apply to cars. Must have letter from
charity stating vehicle selling price.
HIGHLIGHTS FOR TAX YEAR 2009
STANDARD MILEAGE RATE DEDUCTION
For 2009 the allowable standard mileage rate deductions are as follows:
• Business miles. The standard mileage rate for the cost of operating your car changes to 55 cents a
mile for all business miles driven.
• Charitable services. The standard mileage rate allowed for use of your car when you use your car to
provide charitable services to a charitable organization is 14 cents a mile.
• Medical reasons. The standard mileage rate allowed for use of your car for medical reasons is 24 cents a
mile.
• Moving. The standard mileage rate for determining moving expenses is 24 cents a mile.
FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYER CREDIT EXTENDED
The IRS has extended the $8,000 first-time homebuyer credit into 2010 and also extended a partial credit
(up to $6,500) to long-time resident taxpayers who had lived in the same residence for at least 5 years. The
income phase-out has also been increased allowing eligibility for higher income taxpayers. You must enter
into a binding contract to buy a principal residence on or before April 30, 2010and close on the home on or
before June 30, 2010 to qualify for the credit.
EDUCATOR EXPENSE DEDUCTION
Teachers can deduct up to $250 that they spend out of pocket to buy classroom supplies directly from their
gross income and amounts above the $250 limit can be itemized
TRADITIONAL AND ROTH IRA CONTRIBUTIONS
The IRS requires all traditional and ROTH IRA contributions to be reported on the tax return. Please let me
know if you made any contributions. 2009 contributions are limited to $5,000 per taxpayer and a $1,000
“catch-up” contribution for taxpayers over 50 years of age.
STATE SALES TAX DEDUCTION AND DEDUCTION FOR NEW CAR PURCHASE
The option to deduct state sales tax in lieu of deducting state income tax and SDI tax was extended through
the end of 2009. The IRS provides a sales tax table that may be used for normal purchases, and will allow
vehicles to be added to the table amounts. Please bring in your sales contracts to take advantage of this.
Cars purchased between Feb. 16, 2009, and before Jan. 1, 2010 are eligible for a special deduction this year.
s
Taxpayers are able to deduct the sale tax on the vehicle even if they do not itemize deductions.
ENERGY EFFIECIENT HOME IMPROVEMENTS
Tax credits are back for many types of home improvements including adding insulation, replacement
windows, and certain high efficiency heating and cooling equipment. The maximum amount of
homeowner credit for all improvements combined during 2009 and 2010is 30% of cost up to $1,500. This
m
tax credit applies to improvements made to your primary residence fro January 1, 2009 through December
.
31, 2010
SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS
The $2,000 limit of the tax credit has been removed! The tax credit is now worth 30 percent of the cost of
the system with no upper limit. The credit has also been extended through December 31, 2016. This credit
is separate and not included in the $1,500 home improvement cap.
CHARITABLE DEDUCTIONS
Be sure to keep all of your receipts and other required documentation on any contributions. Deductions
cannot be taken for any amount without documentation such as a cancelled check or receipt. Donation of
vehicles is limited to the amount the charity receives from the sale of the vehicle. The charity must furnish
you form 1098-C if the value is more than $500.
2009 Tax Miscellaneous Questions
If any of the following items pertain to you or your spouse for 2009, please check the
appropriate box and provide additional information if necessary.
YES NO
Did your marital status change during the year?
Did your address change during the year?
Could you be claimed as a dependent on another person's tax return?
Were there any changes in dependents?
Did you receive unreported tip income of $20 or more in any month?
Did you receive any disability income?
Did you buy or sell any stocks, bonds or other investment property?
Did you purchase, sell, or refinance your principal home or second home, or did you take a home equity loan?
Did you purchase any residential energy-efficient, solar energy, wind energy, geothermal, or fuel cell property or
improvements?
Did you purchase a new motor vehicle in 2009?
Did you purchase a new alternative motor vehicle (hybrid, advanced lean burn, fuel cell, plug-in)?
Did you receive a distribution from or make a contribution to a retirement plan (401(k), IRA, etc.)?
Did you transfer or rollover any amount from one retirement plan to another?
Did you convert part or all of your traditional/SEP/SIMPLE IRA to a Roth IRA?
Did you, your spouse, or a dependent incur any tuition expenses that are required to attend a college, university, or
vocational school?
Did you incur a loss because of damaged or stolen property?
Did you use your car on the job (other than to and from work)?
Do you want to electronically file your tax return?
May the IRS discuss your tax return with your preparer?
Was your home rented out or used for business?
Were you notified or audited by either the IRS or the State taxing agency?
Did you receive a $250 economic recovery payment in 2009 that was made to social security recipients, railroad
retirement recipients and certain veterans?
Did your spouse receive a $250 economic recovery payment in 2009 that was made to social security recipients, railroad
retirement recipients and certain veterans?
Did you receive a pension or annuity in 2009 for services performed as an employee of the U.S., state or local
government from work not covered by social security?
Did your spouse receive a pension or annuity in 2009 for services performed as an employee of the U.S., state or local
government from work not covered by social security?
LNT BUSINESS SOLUTIONS, LLC * (510) 440-8088 * INFO@LNTCOMPANY.COM
2009 Tax Organizer
This tax organizer will assist you in gathering information necessary for the preparation
of your 2009 tax return.
CLIENT INFORMATION
Taxpayer Spouse
First name and initial. . . .
Last name. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Title/suffix. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Social security number . .
Occupation. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Date of birth (m/d/y). . . . .
Date of death (m/d/y). . . .
1=blind . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.
Home phone. . . . . . . . . . . .
Work phone . . . . . . . . . . . .
Work extension . . . . . . . . .
Cell phone . . . . . . . . . . . . .
E-mail address . . . . . . . . .
In care of . . . . . . . . . .
Street address. . . . . .
Apartment number . .
Address
City. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
State . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ZIP code . . . . . . . . . . .
DEPENDENTS
Dependent No. Dependent No.
First name . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Last name. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Title/suffix. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Date of birth (m/d/y). . . . .
Social security number . .
Relationship. . . . . . . . . . . .
Months lived at home. . . .
Dependent No. Dependent No.
First name . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Last name. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Title/suffix . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Date of birth (m/d/y). . . . .
Social security number . .
Relationship. . . . . . . . . . . .
Months lived at home. . . .
LNT BUSINESS SOLUTIONS, LLC * (510) 440-8088 * INFO@LNTCOMPANY.COM
Please enter all pertinent 2009 information. If you have attached
a government form for an item, check the box and do not enter a 2009 amount.
WAGES, SALARIES AND TIPS
Employer name: 2009 Amount 2008 Amount
Attach Forms W-2
INTEREST INCOME
Payer name:
Attach Forms 1099-INT
DIVIDEND INCOME
Payer name:
Attach Forms 1099-DIV
PENSIONS, IRA AND GAMBLING INCOME
Payer name:
Attach Forms
1099-R & W-2G
Winnings not reported on W-2G. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total gambling losses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
OTHER GOVERNMENT FORMS - INCOME
Form 1099-B - Sales of stock (also include transaction history). . . . . .
Form 1099-MISC - Miscellaneous income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Attach Forms 1099
Form 1099-S - Sales of real estate (also include closing statements).
Form 1099-G - State tax refunds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Attach Forms 1099
Taxpayer:
Form SSA-1099 - Social security benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Attach Forms 1099
Form 1099-G - Unemployment compensation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spouse:
Form SSA-1099 - Social security benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Attach Forms 1099
Form 1099-G - Unemployment compensation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MISCELLANEOUS INCOME
Taxpayer: Alimony received ...................................
Spouse: Alimony received . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other:
LNT BUSINESS SOLUTIONS, LLC * (510) 440-8088 * INFO@LNTCOMPANY.COM
RETIREMENT PLAN CONTRIBUTIONS 2009 Amount 2008 Amount
Taxpayer: Traditional IRA contributions (1=maximum) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Roth IRA contributions (1=maximum) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.
Self-employed, SEP, SIMPLE, & qualified plan contributions (1=maximum) ....
Spouse: Traditional IRA contributions (1=maximum) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Roth IRA contributions (1=maximum) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.
Self-employed, SEP, SIMPLE, & qualified plan contributions (1=maximum) ....
OTHER GOVERNMENT FORMS - DEDUCTIONS
Form 1098-E - Student loan interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.
Attach Forms 1098
Form 1098-T - Tuition and related expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ADJUSTMENTS TO INCOME
Taxpayer:
Self-employed health insurance premiums . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Educator expenses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Expenses from rental of personal property. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other adjustments to income:
Alimony paid - Recipient name & SSN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.
Spouse:
Self-employed health insurance premiums . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Educator expenses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Expenses from rental of personal property. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other adjustments to income:
Alimony paid - Recipient name & SSN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.
MEDICAL AND DENTAL EXPENSES
Prescription medicines and drugs .....................................
Doctors, dentists and nurses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hospitals and nursing homes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Insurance premiums . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Long-term care premiums - taxpayer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Long-term care premiums - spouse. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Insurance reimbursement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Out-of-pocket lodging and transportation expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Number of medical miles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other:
TAXES PAID
State income taxes - 1/09 payment on 2008 state estimate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
State income taxes - paid with 2008 state extension. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
State income taxes - paid with 2008 state return . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
State income taxes - paid for prior years and/or to other states . . . . . . . . . . .
LNT BUSINESS SOLUTIONS, LLC * (510) 440-8088 * INFO@LNTCOMPANY.COM
TAXES PAID (continued) 2009 Amount 2008 Amount
City/local income taxes - 1/09 payment on 2008 city/local estimate. . . . . . . .
City/local income taxes - paid with 2008 city/local extension. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
City/local income taxes - paid with 2008 city/local return . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
State and local sales taxes (except autos and special items) . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sales taxes paid on vehicles, boats, and aircraft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Use taxes paid on 2009 purchases. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Use taxes paid on 2008 state return . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
New passenger auto's, light trucks & motorcycles purchased 2/17/09 - 12/31/09 . . . . . . Attach Vehicle/Tax Information
Sales tax on auto's not included above. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sales taxes paid on boats, aircraft, and other special items . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Real estate taxes - principal residence. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Real estate taxes - property held for investment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Personal property taxes (including automobile fees in some states) ... Attach Tax Notice
INTEREST PAID
Home mortgage interest and points paid:
Attach Forms 1098
Home mortgage interest not on Form 1098 (include name, SSN, & address of payee):
Points not reported on Form 1098:
Mortgage insurance premiums on post 12/31/06 contracts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Investment interest (interest on margin accounts):
Passive interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CASH CONTRIBUTIONS
NOTE: No deduction is allowed for cash or check contributions unless the donor maintains a bank record, or a written communication
from the donee, showing the name of the organization, contribution date(s), and contribution amount(s).
Volunteer expenses (out-of-pocket). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Number of charitable miles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
NONCASH CONTRIBUTIONS
NOTE: No deduction is allowed for contributions of clothing and household items that are not in good used condition or better, in addition,
a deduction for any item with minimal monetary value may be denied.
MISCELLANEOUS DEDUCTIONS
Union and professional dues. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tax return preparation fee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safe deposit box rental. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Investment expenses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Estate tax, section 691(c) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.
Unreimbursed employee expenses:
Other:
LNT BUSINESS SOLUTIONS LLC * (510) 440-8088 * INFO@LNTCOMPANY.COM