FREE TAX PREPARation What to bring

Taxpayers who visit Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) and Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites should bring wage and earnings statements (Form W-2) from all employers, interest statements from banks (Forms 1099), a copy of last year’s tax return if available. Other documents and information needed includes:

Valid driver’s license or photo identification of self and spouse.

Social Security cards for self, spouses and dependents claimed.

Birth dates for self, spouse and dependents.

A copy of 2009 tax returns.

All W-2s, pension statements, Social Security statements, bank interest, brokerage statements, all Form 1099s, and alimony and/or child support information.

Statements that reflect Workers’ Compensation or unemployment.

Any record of paid quarterly estimated taxes.

Record of all itemized deductions; canceled checks or receipts for contributions, property taxes paid, state income-tax paid, medical and dental bills, union dues or, if self-employed, all business expenses and income.

If the taxpayer has dependent children in college, records of money spent on books, tuition and fees. If they have younger children and incurred day-care expenses, records of those expenses are needed as wells as the Tax ID number of the provider.

Documentation of installation of a new furnace and windows possibly qualifying them for the energy credit.

If filing joint returns electronically, both spouses must be present to sign forms.

Bank routing numbers and account numbers for direct deposit.

As a rule of thumb for documents: if in doubt, bring it.

The IRS will not accept tax returns with itemized deductions until Feb. 14.

Source: United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley.