FAQ

Where’s My IRS Refund?
Where’s my MA Refund?

Download a printable PDF of our “What to Bring” List.

What to bring in 2024 for the 2023 tax season

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WHAT TO BRING TO YOUR APPOINTMENT

If you and your spouse are not both able to attend the appointment, you will need to bring current year e-file authorization forms (Federal and State) signed by the absent party. We cannot file without signed forms.  These forms can be found on our website under the “forms” tab.  If you need a different state form other than MA, please call the office for assistance.

It is extremely important that our clients be organized and have all necessary documents printed and in hand for the appointment as we are once again short staffed and busier than ever. Information stored on your cell phone is unacceptable.  Please take the time to print out or email us the information at least 1 day before your appointment.  Please open all envelopes.  For self employment income, please have your spreadsheet or list of income and expenses totaled and accessible during the appointment.  This helps us to fully complete your return on the day you are here,  stay on schedule and keep our fees reasonable. If you are missing information it can take several weeks or more for your return to be finalized.

  • NEW CLIENTS

(bring these items in addition to the items listed under returning clients)

  • state id/ driver’s license for you and your spouse
  • social security cards for you, spouse and any dependents
  • copy of the previous years tax return (2023)
  • signed e-file signature page for your spouse if both of you cannot attend the appointment
  • Health Insurance Documents; specifically Form 1099-HC for employer provided insurance, 1095-B for Mass Health or Form 1095-A if you purchase your insurance through the Massachusetts Health Insurance Marketplace.
  • RETURNING CLIENTS
    • All forms showing income including:
      •  W2’s
      • 1099 MISC, 1099 NEC
      • 1099 R for pensions and retirement accounts (including early distributions and rollovers)
  • Retired public safety officers please provide your annual cost of health insurance deducted from your pension 
  • 1099 INT for Interest
  • 1099 DIV dividend income
  • 1099 B sale of stock, mutual funds etc.
    • If you have a financial investment account these 1099s may come as a consolidated tax statement. Some companies require you to download and print and will not issue a copy in the mail unless requested. Some financial companies also get extensions and will not release the final forms until late February or later. In order to reduce the need for amendments please contact your advisor and make sure you have the most up to date tax documents. 
    • 1099 G for unemployment (yes this is taxable)
    • 1099 G for PFML benefits (Paid Family Medical Leave) – This may be taxable
    • W2 G for gambling income (if you intend to report losses please have the total ready for us)
    • 1099 C – Cancellation of debt
    • 1099 SSA for social security or disability benefits
    • 1099 Q – Disbursements from Qualified tuition plan and any supporting documents to show what was paid out of the account towards tuition. Additionally 529 plans can now also be used towards fees, books, supplies and equipment required for a registered apprenticeship program.
    • HSA Disbursements
    • Contributions to a SEP Retirement Account
    • Alimony paid or received and the date the divorce was final
    • If you sold a property in 2024 please provide:
      • Date of purchase and cost
      • Total of capital improvements
      • Date of sale, sale price and any expenses or closing costs from the sale
      • The closing disclosure (AKA  HUD-1)
    • Rental Property please provide:
      • Rental income
      • An organized and detailed list of expenses that are totaled and listed by category (mortgage interest statement – if your mortgage was sold you may have more than 1, taxes, utilities, repairs etc). Review your prior year schedule E to get an idea.
      • If the property is new please bring the closing disclosure plus the above items
  • Self Employed – Schedule C please provide:
    • Total Income
    • Total Wages/1099s paid to employees and sub-contractors
      • Quarterly Form 941, Quarterly unemployment taxes,

Yearly Form 940

  • An organized and detailed list or spreadsheet of expenses. Please refer to the prior year’s return. Please call us or email before the appointment if you need help clarifying. 
  • If you purchased any new equipment worth more than $500:
    • Purchase date and cost
  • If you have a home office for your business or if your business is operated out of your home we will also need:
    • Rent (if you don’t own the home)
    • Mortgage Interest, Home Equity Interest
    • Real Estate Taxes paid in calendar year
    • HomeOwners Insurance
    • Repairs and Maintenance
    • Utilities
  • Deductible Items for tax credits etc including:
    • 1099 student loan interest paid (Form 1098-E)
    • MA EZ Pass Tolls for Commuting
    • Contributions to 529 plan made through Fidelity only.
    • HSA Contributions
    • 1098 T – Tuition paid for yourself or a dependent
      • Any other school related expenses for books, supplies and equipment. (Room and Board is not used for the education credits)
      • 1099 Q for disbursements from a qualified tuition plan. See above.
    • Childcare expenses, preschool tuition or day camp total per child/ dependent under age 13
      • Child Care center or provider name, address and their tax id number or social security number
    • Record of estimated taxes paid per quarter for both Federal and State
    • Energy Credits:  Total cost for insulation, exterior windows, doors, furnace, hot water heater, central air, heating system replacements, natural gas systems 
    • Solar and Geo-Thermal installation totals
    • Electric Vehicle Credit still available depending on make and model of vehicle; will need VIN# and cost of vehicle
    • IRA’s – Traditional and Roth
      • Total amount contributed for tax year 2024 with distinction between Traditional and Roth IRA.  Contact your fund advisor if you’re unsure


Filing Status		Standard
Deduction
Single under 65
65 or older or blind
65 or older and blind		$14,600
$16,550
$18,500
Married Filing Jointly under 65 (both spouses)
65 or older (one spouse)
65 or older (both spouses)		$29,200
$
$
Married Filing Separately any age$14,600
Head of Household under 65
65 or older		$21,900
$23,850
Qualifying Surviving Spouse under 65
65 or older		$29,200
$

Itemized deductions:

If you think you may exceed the new standard deduction Please Provide:

  • Medical Expenses; including copays, self pay insurance, RX, dental, vision and mileage.
  • Long term care premiums; totaled separately for each spouse
  • Real Estate Taxes paid on all property during calendar year 2023
  • Excise tax
  • Mortgage interest form 1098
  • Home Equity Interest form 1098
  • Charitable contributions and mileage