• Identification (photo ID such as a valid driver’s license or passport).
• Form 13614-C – This form is an editable PDF document.  Please fill out and bring to your session.
• Social security cards for each person listed on the return (includes taxpayer, spouse, and all dependents).  THIS IS REQUIRED!  The only alternative would be a letter from the social security administration indicating the number; or if you e-filed with us last year, your last year’s return containing form 8453 (signature document) and no problems with the social security numbers.
• All documentation on income such as W-2s and 1099s.
• Last year’s return.  This is necessary if the taxpayer itemized last year and now has a state refund to be added back to income.  This is also helpful to ensure income and deductions taken in a previous year are revisited for inclusion in the current year.
• Voided check (no deposit slips) if the taxpayer wishes direct deposit of the refund.  If the direct deposit is to a savings account, a document that indicates the number.  This is also a must.  The account must be in the taxpayer’s name!  Taxpayers have the option to direct their refund into three different accounts and purchase up to three Series I Savings Bonds.  Form 8888 will handle this task.
• All information related to deductions and credits such as medical, real estate taxes, mortgage interest, education expenses, and charitable expenditures.  It’s important that taxpayers bring in their property tax statements which should have the property tax index number on them.  This is required on the Illinois return.
• Social security number or tax identification number and addresses of all daycare providers if the dependent care credit is desired.
• Tax-free childcare benefits provided through an employer.
• Divorced couples:  If the noncustodial parent is taking the dependent exemption, need form 8332 signed by the custodial parent (for divorces or separations in 2009) or copy of applicable pages of divorce agreement or form 8332 (for divorces or separations prior to 2009). 
• Information on contributions to Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs).
• For stock transactions:  need purchase date and cost basis as well as sale date and sale price (note that VITA will not prepare a complex Schedule D).
• For the Homebuyer’s Credit, taxpayers must have a copy of their binding contract/settlement statement.  This must be filed with the return.  The return cannot be efiled.

Other items taxpayers need to know or be aware of when they come to the VITA site:

• Both spouses must be present if they are going to e-file a joint return.
• Are you being claimed as a dependent on someone else’s return?

VITA will not be able to assist taxpayers with the following:

• Out of state and multiple state returns

• Prepare or e-file a return for a small business (Schedules C and F). However, we can do a Schedule C-EZ for nonemployee income.

• Prepare or e-file a return for rental property (Schedule E).

• Prepare or e-file a complex Schedule D (capital gains/losses).

• Prepare or e-file a form 8606 (nondeductible IRAs)

• Prepare or e-file a form 8615 (minor’s investment income)

• Military and international (nonresident) returns

We will be able to prepare 1040, 1040A, and 1040 inclusive of itemized deductions. We will not prepare complicated returns. If your return is outside of our scope we will let you know that we cannot assist you.

Please note:  The information covered on our web site is not intended as tax advice nor should it be construed as tax advice.  Monmouth College volunteers are not professional tax advisors and cannot give tax advice.  For tax advice assistance, contact a professional tax advisor.