1. Organization Saves Money: Bringing organized tax documents to your CPA speeds up preparation, avoids missing deductions, and prevents costly filing errors.
  2. Essential Document Categories: Personal identification, income statements (W-2, 1099), deduction receipts, healthcare records, and state/local tax forms.
  3. Self-Employed & Business Focus: Don’t forget Schedule C mileage logs, home office measurements, equipment purchases, and 1099-NEC forms.
  4. St. Louis Local Rules: Remember to include documentation for the 1% St. Louis City Earnings Tax and Missouri Department of Revenue filings.
  5. Download & Schedule: Contact STL Tax or call our Gravois Road office at (314) 645-1614 to schedule your tax preparation appointment.

Tax season doesn’t have to be stressful. Whether you are filing an individual return in Kirkwood, managing rental properties in South City, or running a business in West County, getting your tax documents organized in advance is the single best way to maximize your refund and minimize your tax bill.

Missing even one form—like a 1099-INT or a property tax receipt—can delay your refund check from the IRS or trigger a tax adjustment notice from the Missouri Department of Revenue.

To help you prepare, STL Tax has compiled this comprehensive Tax Return Preparation Checklist. Gather these items before your appointment to ensure a fast, seamless filing process.

1. Personal & Dependent Identification

Before diving into income and deductions, your CPA needs accurate verification for everyone listed on your tax return.

  • [ ] Government-Issued Photo ID: Driver’s license or state ID for taxpayer and spouse (required by many states to combat identity fraud).
  • [ ] Social Security Numbers or ITINs: Cards or official documentation for taxpayer, spouse, and all dependents.
  • [ ] Dates of Birth: For all individuals listed on the return.
  • [ ] Direct Deposit Information: A voided check or bank routing and account numbers for rapid refund deposits.
  • [ ] Prior Year Tax Return: A copy of your most recent federal and state tax returns (especially critical if you are a new client at STL Tax).

2. Income Documentation

The IRS receives copies of all income forms reported under your Social Security Number or FEIN. Be sure to collect all applicable forms:

W-2 & Employment Income

  • [ ] Form W-2: Wage and tax statements from all employers.
  • [ ] Form 1099-G: Unemployment compensation or state tax refund statements.

Self-Employment & Gig Economy Income

  • [ ] Form 1099-NEC / 1099-MISC: Independent contractor and non-employee compensation.
  • [ ] Form 1099-K: Payment platform summaries (PayPal, Stripe, Square, Venmo, Etsy, Uber/Lyft).
  • [ ] Gross Sales Records: Income totals not reported on 1099 forms.

Investment & Financial Income

  • [ ] Form 1099-INT / 1099-DIV: Interest and dividend income statements from banks and brokerages.
  • [ ] Form 1099-B: Proceeds from stock, bond, or cryptocurrency transactions (include cost basis reports).
  • [ ] Form 1099-R: Distributions from IRAs, 401(k)s, annuities, or pensions.
  • [ ] Form SSA-1099: Social Security benefit statements.

Other Income Sources

  • [ ] Form 1099-S: Proceeds from real estate transactions or home sales.
  • [ ] Schedule K-1: Income/loss statements from Partnerships, S-Corporations, Estates, or Trusts.
  • [ ] Alimony Received: (For divorce agreements executed prior to 2019).
  • [ ] Gambling & Lottery Earnings: Form W-2G and associated loss logs.

3. Tax Deductions & Credits Checklist

Deductions reduce your taxable income, while tax credits reduce your tax bill dollar-for-dollar. Bring documentation for all eligible categories:

Home & Property Expenses

  • [ ] Form 1098 (Mortgage Interest Statement): Details mortgage interest and real estate taxes paid through escrow.
  • [ ] Paid Property Tax Receipts: Personal property tax receipts (vehicles, boats) paid to St. Louis County or St. Louis City.
  • [ ] Energy Efficiency Receipts: Documentation for qualified solar, heat pump, or insulation improvements.

Medical & Charitable Contributions

  • [ ] Out-of-Pocket Medical Expenses: Summary totals for doctors, prescriptions, dental, and vision care.
  • [ ] Charitable Cash Donations: Receipts, bank records, or acknowledgment letters for non-profit contributions.
  • [ ] Non-Cash Charitable Contributions: Receipts for donated goods (Goodwill, Salvation Army) with estimated fair market values.

Education & Childcare

  • [ ] Form 1098-T: Tuition statement for college or vocational students.
  • [ ] Form 1098-E: Student loan interest paid during the year.
  • [ ] Childcare Provider Details: Name, address, Tax ID/SSN, and total amount paid for daycare or summer day camps.
  • [ ] MOST 529 Plan Contributions: Contribution records for Missouri’s 529 Education Savings Plan (qualifies for Missouri state tax deductions).

4. Self-Employed & Small Business Extras

If you file a Schedule C or run a small business, organize your business records into summary categories:

  • [ ] Income & Expense Summaries: Profit & Loss statement or categorized summary spreadsheet.
  • [ ] Vehicle Mileage Log: Total miles driven for the year, broken down by business miles, personal miles, and commuting miles.
  • [ ] Home Office Expenses: Total square footage of your home vs. dedicated office space, plus utility and internet bills.
  • [ ] Asset Purchases: Receipts and purchase dates for machinery, computers, tools, or vehicles acquired during the year.
  • [ ] Healthcare Costs: Self-employed health insurance premiums paid.
  • [ ] Quarterly Estimated Tax Payments: Records of dates and amounts paid for Federal (1040-ES) and Missouri (MO-1040ES) estimated taxes.

5. Local St. Louis & Missouri Tax Requirements

Don’t forget local tax obligations that impact Greater St. Louis residents:

  • [ ] St. Louis City Earnings Tax Documents: Form E-1 or W-2 showing the 1% city tax withheld by your employer (administered by the St. Louis Collector of Revenue).
  • [ ] Missouri Property Tax Credit (Circuit Breaker): Rent receipts or Form 948 signed by your landlord if qualifying as a low-income senior or disabled citizen.

Schedule Your St. Louis Tax Appointment Today

Streamline your tax season by working with experienced local tax professionals who fight for every dollar you deserve.

At STL Tax, we provide comprehensive individual tax preparation, small business tax filing, and IRS tax resolution throughout Greater St. Louis.

Call our St. Louis office today at (314) 645-1614 or schedule your tax preparation appointment online.

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James Coats Certified Public Accountant
Founder & Lead CPA, STL Tax James Coats is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and the founder of STL Tax. With over 15 years of professional experience across small businesses, Fortune 500 corporations, government agencies, and non-profit organizations, James brings comprehensive expertise to complex tax and accounting challenges. Based in the South County area of St. Louis, James takes a practical, hands-on approach to demystifying tax laws for individuals and business owners throughout the Greater St. Louis area.
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