Tax season. Just thinking about it can make your stomach do a little flip, right? Especially when you’re juggling classes, a part-time job, and trying to have some kind of social life. Suddenly, you have to be a grown-up and deal with things like a Form W-2 and deductions.
You’ve made the smart move to hire a professional, but now you have a new question: what do I need to give my tax preparer? It feels like you need to find a million little pieces of paper scattered across your dorm room. But it’s not as bad as you think. When you work with a firm like Doherty & Associates, bringing the right documents helps them get your return done quickly and accurately.
Getting your documents together ahead of time saves you and your tax pro a lot of headaches. Figuring out exactly what I need to give my tax preparer is just about making a good checklist. Business tax preparation helps companies stay compliant, organized, and prepared for every tax season.
The Absolute Basics: Personal Information
Before diving into your finances, your tax preparer needs to confirm your identity. This seems obvious, but having it all ready makes everything start smoothly. Your return preparer will need this information not just for you, but for your spouse and any dependents you might have.
You’ll need to give them your full legal name, date of birth, and Social Security number or individual taxpayer identification number. They will also need your current mailing address. A simple mistake here, like a typo in your Social Security number, can get your entire income tax return rejected by the IRS.
It’s also a really good idea to provide a copy of the last two years of federal tax return. It gives your preparer a great baseline and context for your financial life. They can see what you filed before, which helps them spot anything that is different this year and check for any carryover deductions or credits.
Proving Your Income
Now for the main event: your income. The government wants to know about every dollar you earned during the tax year. Your tax preparer needs the official documents that show your earned income from every single source.
If You Have a Job
For most of us with a job, your most important document is the Form W-2. You get one of these from every employer who paid you during the year.
Your employer is supposed to send this to you by January 31st. This form details how much they paid you and how much federal tax and state tax was already withheld. A firm like Doherty & Associates uses this to determine whether you overpaid or underpaid during the year.
For the Side Hustle Squad
Did you drive for a food delivery app, do some freelance writing, or sell things online? This independent work is super common for individuals these days. This income is reported in a few different forms, usually from the 1099 series.
The Form 1099-NEC reports what you were paid for contract work if a single company paid you over $600. If you sold items online or received payments through third-party platforms, you may get a Form 1099-K. Even if you don’t receive the form, you still have to report your income—and this is where a knowledgeable preparer like Doherty & Associates can help make sure everything is filed correctly.
Other Money You Might Have Received
Students often forget about certain types of income, so bring anything that fits the following:
- Interest (1099-INT)
- Dividends (1099-DIV)
- Unemployment (1099-G)
- State tax refund (1099-G)
- Retirement distributions (1099-R)
- Social Security benefits (SSA-1099)
- Gambling winnings (W-2G)
Each form shows a piece of your financial picture. Your preparer needs all of them for an accurate federal and/or state return.
What Do I Need To Give My Tax Preparer for Deductions and Credits?
This is where good tax preparation can save you money. Deductions and credits lower your tax bill, and professionals like Doherty & Associates know exactly where to look—but only if you give them the right documentation.
The Big One: Education
The most important document is Form 1098-T, which shows your tuition and fees. This is required for claiming education credits like the American Opportunity Credit or Lifetime Learning Credit.
Also bring:
- Receipts for required textbooks and supplies
- Form 1098-E for student loan interest
Proof of Other Expenses
Here are additional cost areas to document:
- Charitable donations
- Medical expenses
- Retirement contributions
- State and local taxes
- Child care records
Expenses for Your Side Hustle
If you freelance or have a small business, you may need to file a business return. Doherty & Associates works with many small business owners and side-hustlers, so bring:
| Expense Category | Examples | What to Bring |
| Vehicle Use | Mileage for deliveries | Mileage log |
| Home Office | Portion of rent & utilities | Rental statements + square footage |
| Supplies | Laptop, software, materials | Receipts |
| Marketing | Website hosting, ads | Bank statements/invoices |
A Few More Important Items
Don’t forget:
- Proof of health insurance (1095-A, B, or C)
- Estimated tax payment history
- IRS Identity Protection PIN, if you have one
- Bank account info for direct deposit
These help your preparer file a complete return without delays.
How to Organize Everything for Your Preparer
You’ll make your tax preparer’s day, especially a thorough team like Doherty & Associates, if you bring everything organized. A basic folder or digital file works perfectly. Doherty & Associates offers a secure upload portals, making it easy to share everything electronically. Effective strategic business tax planning provides clarity, control, and confidence heading into tax season.
Choosing Your Tax Professional
When selecting a preparer, some people use software, but many prefer real, personalized guidance. Doherty & Associates provides that one-on-one support, making sure your return is filed accurately and that you’re not leaving money on the table. Working with a signed preparer provides accountability. Whether it’s a CPA or another qualified tax expert, their job is to get your taxes done right based on the information you provide.
Here are a few things to look for when choosing your tax professional:
- Experience with your specific tax situation, whether you’re a W-2, freelancer, or business owner or have specific state requirements.
- Professional credentials, such as a CPA, EA, or certified tax preparer.
- Clear communication and responsiveness, especially if you have questions or need guidance.
- Transparent pricing, so you know exactly what you’re paying for.
- Secure document handling, including online portals or encrypted upload options to keep your information safe.
Tax services in Abington help individuals and businesses file accurately and stay compliant year-round.
Conclusion
So, what do you need to give your tax preparer? Essentially, it’s the story of your year—identity documents, income records, and proof of deductions and credits. Every form matters. Whether you’re working with Doherty & Associates or another trusted professional, staying organized makes tax season easier and helps make sure you receive every dollar you’re entitled to. Contact us today!
