Maximizing Your Tax Preparedness: A Checklist for a Stress-Free Tax Season

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Tax season is here! If you are not sure where to begin, don’t sweat it—we’ve got you covered! Use our tax preparation checklist to take the stress out of filing.

1. Save the Date

The 2024 tax filing deadline is April 15. Even though the last day to file your taxes is April 15, you will want to make an appointment with a tax professional or schedule time to complete your filing on your own well in advance. There are penalties for not filing on time so be sure to mark that calendar and give yourself extra time for unexpected challenges or questions that may arise while you are filing. If you need an extension, you can request a filing extension on the IRS website. The filing date for all extended returns is October 15.

2. Gather Personal Information

There are several forms of identification and numbers you will need to know to file your taxes.

• Social Security number or other tax ID number
• Your bank account number: Having your bank account number ready will make it easier to have your refund paid out via direct deposit. If you owe money on your taxes, you can also make that payment with your account details. For our members, your account number can be found in digital banking. Not sure where to find this? Follow the steps below:

1. 1. Log in to digital banking.
   2. Click on the account you need details for.
   3. Scroll down past your balance.
   4. Click the eye icon to view the full account number.

3. Prepare Important Documents

Whether you are filing on your own or with a tax professional, taking the time to organize your documents will make filing easier. Important documents you will need to complete filing include:

• A copy of last year’s return
• Oftentimes when you submit your taxes you must validate information from the previous year’s return to eSign the current year’s return.
• W-2 forms from all employers
• If you have more than one employer, you should receive a W-2 form from each one. Employers have until January 31 to send out this form.
• 1099 forms
• These forms are also called information forms that include income you have received outside of your employer. You will have to file these forms, but you will not necessarily owe taxes on them.
• A list of all other income
• Some examples of this are hobbies, scholarships, stock options, personal property rental income or any other types of financial transactions in which you gained interest or paid dividends.
• Compile any applicable documentation for deductions and credits.

Now that you’ve got everything you need to get started on your taxes, there is only one thing left to do: choose a tax prep service. Our members can save up to 20% when they file with TurboTax® or receive $25 off H&R Block® in-office tax prep.*

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