What you need to bring with you

Proof of Identification

Both the taxpayer and the spouse (if applicable) must present a current (not expired) photo ID. This can be a driver's license, a state ID card, a passport, or other government-issued ID that includes your photo. We will not prepare your return without seeing a valid photo ID, even if we have done your return in previous years. It may seem bureaucratic, but it protects you from fraud (which, unfortunately, is more and more common every year).

Social Security Cards, ITIN paperwork, or Social Security Statement (SSA-1099)

You must bring your Social Security Cards, ITIN paperwork, or your Social Security Statement (SSA-1099) for yourself, your spouse, and any dependents you will be claiming on your return. VITA sites are not allowed to use memorized numbers, or numbers off other tax documents, even if you had your tax return prepared at the same site in previous years. This might seem inconvenient, but it is your defense against identity theft.

Your Spouse

If you are filing a married filing joint return, both spouses must be present to sign the required forms.

Birth Dates

Birth dates for yourself, your spouse, and any dependents you will be claiming on your return.

Previous Returns

Bring your last year's State and Federal return if you have them. We don't always need them but sometimes they speed things up.

Bank Routing Numbers and Acccount Numbers

Bring your check book.  A check will have all this information on it we need.  Direct deposit is the fastest and most secure way to receive your refund. 

W2

Bring all your wage and earnings statements. This includes forms W-2, W-2G, and all types of 1099 such as SSA-1099, 1099-MISC, 1099-R for both you and your spouse. Your employer(s), banks and brokers should have given you all the necessary forms at the end of the tax year. (if you are filing jointly), from all employers and banks. 

Tip Income

The amount of any tip income you received.

1095-A

If you purchased health insurance through the Federal or Colorado State marketplace (healthcare.gov) you should have received a 1095-A which details your plan.

1098

If you paid home mortgage interest, property taxes or any other real estate taxes you should receive a 1098. If you had educational expenses for college or other tuition you should have received a Form 1098-E or 1098-T.

1099-B

Information on investment income or from the sale of any stocks, bonds, or mutual funds (generally reported on form 1099-B). 

1099-G

If you itemized last year (that is, your return included a Schedule A), you will need to bring the amount of state tax refund you received last year. Generally, this is reported on a form 1099-G that you should have received.

IRA Contributions

If you made a contribution to your Roth or Traditional IRA, bring information on the amount paid.

Day Care

The total amount you have paid for day care for your children or dependents, and the day care provider’s tax identifying number (the provider’s Social Security Number, or their business Employer Identification Number.)

Receipts

Bring your receipts for any medical or dental expenses you paid that were not reimbursed by your health insurance. This includes premiums for medical and dental insurance that are paid by you. Amounts paid by your employer do not qualify. If you have a home business bring receipts for business expenses. If you made charitable donations bring receipts you received from the charity or religious organization. If you believe you may be able to itemize deductions this year, bring any receipts and other supporting documentation for expenses that can be itemized.

Teacher Expenses

Qualified educator expenses paid by teachers.

First-time Home Buyer’s Credit

If you received a first-time home buyer’s credit in a previous year, bring information on the purchase date of the home and the amount of credit you received.

Debt Forgiveness or Foreclosure

Bring any information on any foreclosure or debt forgiveness.

Qualified Home Energy-efficient Purchases

Bring receipts for any qualified energy-efficient home items purchased (such as windows, furnaces, insulation, etc.).

If you believe you may be able to itemize deductions this year, bring any supporting documentation for expenses that can be itemized. These include:

Home Mortgage Interest

Generally reported on Form 1098.

Property Taxes

 May be included on Form 1098.  Dont’t forget to include any other real estate taxes.

Automobile Registrations.

Amounts Donated to Qualified Charitable Organizations

Paperwork showing the amounts donated to qualified charitable organizations (such as donations to your church, or donations taken to the Salvation Army, etc.)

Medical or Dental Expenses

Receipts for any medical or dental expenses you paid that were not reimbursed by your health insurance. This includes premiums for medical and dental insurance that are paid by you (amounts paid by your employer do not qualify).

Unreimbursed Employee Expenses

Such as union dues, or required safety equipment that your employer does not pay for.

Gambling Losses

If you had gambling losses as well as gambling winning you can claim the losses up the amount of gambling winnings received. Bring any documents or reports that the casino gave you.

Amount of State Tax Refund You Received Last Year

If you itemized last year (that is, your return included a Schedule A), you will need to bring the amount of state tax refund you received last year. Generally, this is reported on a form 1099-G that will be mailed to you.