Tax Year 2025
2026 Tax Appointment Checklist
Use this as your annual prep guide before your appointment. Not every item applies to everyone, but review the full list so you can upload everything needed in advance.
Important Reminders
- If your driver's license was renewed during 2025, upload a copy or provide the issue and expiration dates.
- If anyone in your household had Marketplace insurance, upload Form 1095-A. Forms 1095-B/1095-C are usually not required for return prep.
- If your bank account changed in 2025, upload a voided check or savings statement for direct deposit/debit.
- You can securely submit documents ahead of time through the client portal.
Income Sources
- W-2s from each employer and your final 2025 pay stub(s).
- 1099-INT and 1099-DIV for interest and dividends.
- 1099-R for pensions, IRA distributions, and rollovers (include qualified charitable distributions if applicable).
- SSA-1099 for Social Security benefits.
- 1099-G for unemployment compensation (if applicable).
- Brokerage and mutual fund tax packets, including year-end statements and municipal interest.
- Crypto activity reports and 1099s from your exchange/brokerage.
- Gambling/lottery winnings, prizes, awards, jury duty pay, and executor fees.
- 1099-SA for HSA distributions.
- Settlement statements for any real estate purchase, sale, or refinance in 2025.
- Amount of PTR and/or ANCHOR rebate paid in 2025.
Deductions
- Medical expenses (see the medical section below).
- Real estate taxes paid for each property you own.
- Sales tax paid on major purchases (car, boat, motor home).
- Finance charges on eligible new U.S.-assembled vehicles.
- Mortgage interest (Form 1098), including home equity loans if applicable.
- Charitable contributions (cash/check/goods) with proper documentation and receipts.
- Volunteer mileage for charitable service.
Credits & Adjustments
- Form 1098-T and a college account statement showing tuition/fee/book payments.
- Form 1098-E for student loan interest.
- Educator out-of-pocket classroom expenses.
Estimated Taxes Paid
- IRS and state quarterly estimated payments: amount and date for April 2025, June 2025, September 2025, and January 2026.
- Do not include your January 2025 payment (that applies to tax year 2024).
Medical Expense Notes
Even if medical expenses do not help federally, they may still help on New Jersey returns. If you are over 62, some NJ income thresholds may reduce the need for medical detail.
- • Medical insurance premiums for taxpayer, spouse, and dependents.
- • Long-term care insurance premiums.
- • Doctor/dentist bills and co-pays.
- • Therapy, hospital, clinic, lab, and X-ray costs.
- • Hearing aids and batteries.
- • Eyeglasses and contact lenses.
- • Medical aids (wheelchairs, crutches, braces, etc.).
- • Prescription medications.
- • Transportation costs for medical care (ambulance, taxi, parking, tolls).
- • Long-term care expenses.
- • Medical mileage from January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2025.
Questions Before Your Appointment?
Upload any other records you think may be relevant. If you're unsure, send a quick message and we'll confirm what's needed.