Organizing Your Files For Taxes

The documents needed to file your taxes are the same every year — you just add to the pile as time goes on and your tax status becomes more complicated. If you are filing as an individual you will need the following. Make sure to keep the checklist and docs together in your handy 2012 tax file year-round.

IRS's checklist:

• A copy of last year's tax return
• Prior year Personal Identification Number (PIN), if applicable
• Personal identification (driver's license, Social Security card for you and your spouse, if applicable, showing the SSN(s)
• The Social Security cards of your dependents, if applicable
• Forms W-2 from all of your employers
• Forms 1099-INT showing interest paid to you throughout the year
• Form 1099-G showing any refund, credit or offset of state and local taxes
• All receipts pertaining to your small business
• Forms 1099-DIV and Forms 1099-R
• Income receipts from rental real estate, royalties, partnerships, S corporation, trusts
• Unemployment compensation
• Social Security benefits
• Other income