During my time as a tax professional, I have devised a quick checklist of items to have on hand before preparing your taxes. It never fails that, when I mention the items needed, at least one item is missing every time. Save yourself some time and aggravation by having these items ready when you go to file your taxes:

• Social Security Numbers for everyone to be listed on the tax return
• Copies of all W-2s, 1099s, and 1098s received during the year (yes, that job you worked for less than a month should be included!)
• Bank and credit card statements showing business expenses paid
• Any receipts for items purchased for your job, if you are an employee
• Copies of local taxes paid, sales taxes paid, property taxes paid, and real estate taxes paid
• Copies of any expenses that you’ve paid, that you are unsure if you can claim on your return (a skilled preparer can tell you if those “mystery” expenses can be deducted)
• Copies of charitable donation receipts
• Brokerage statements
• Receipts for any energy efficient upgrades that you’ve completed during the year

This is not an all-inclusive list, but having these items nearby will making it much easier to prepare your taxes quickly and efficiently.