Ask The Taxgirl: First Time Filer

Taxpayer asks:

I just recently (December 2007) became a US Resident, I have been illegal before that, since 2002. This year will be my first year filing taxes. And I do not know how to go about it. Or what info should I have handy. Any suggestions? I did worked before I became a US Resident and was paid cash. I got my work permit in October ’07 and then I started working at Costco. But before Costco I do not have any record of work. I did go to college for 3 years so I have the 1099’s for those years.

Any suggestions, ideas or what paperwork should I gather, let me know.

thank you so much.

Taxgirl says:

This is a great question – not just for first-time filers but for all folks who will file a tax return…

Here’s what you should have handy when preparing your return (or visiting a tax preparer):

• Driver’s License or other ID
• Social Security number
• Social Security number, birthdays and full names of any dependents
• Your prior year federal and state income tax returns
• Copies of 1040-V or other documentation for estimated taxes paid
• Proof of payment of other state or local taxes paid
• Proof of payment of foreign taxes
• Forms W-2
• Forms 1099-MISC
• Schedules K-1
• Other Forms 1099 (INT, DIV, G, SSA, B, etc.)
• Forms 1098 (for mortgage, tuition and student loans)
• List of Income Not Reported on 1099 or other form
• Year End Brokerage or Bank Statements
• Retirement Account Summary
• Form W-2G for Lottery or Gambling Winnings
• List of Lottery or Gambling Losses
• Documentation of Alimony Paid or Received
• Documentation of Charitable Gifts (cash and non-cash)
• Child Care Provider Name, Address and Tax ID number
• Receipts or List of Medical Expenses
• Receipts of List of Job Expenses
• Settlement Sheet for Sales of Real Estate
• Receipt for Real Estate Taxes paid, if not on 1098

Of course, some of these may not apply to you. It’s better to have too much information than too little – a good tax preparer (or software) will ask you for what’s needed as you go along.

If you’re filing on your own (without a tax preparer), I would recommend purchasing some software. It just makes life easier – and cuts down on the likelihood of math errors.

If you will not itemize, you’ll file a form 1040-EZ in most cases. If you are itemizing, most likely you’ll file a form 1040 with accompanying schedules. You can find some more information about forms 1040 and forms 1040-EZ here.

Anything my colleagues would like to add?

Before you go: be sure to read my disclaimer. Remember, I’m a lawyer and we love disclaimers.
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