Tax season can feel stressful; but with good planning, it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re an individual, a business owner, or a landlord, getting organized early makes the filing process faster, easier, and more accurate. Proper preparation also helps you avoid penalties, reduce stress, and maximize your refund or savings. 

At American Elite Tax (Oak Creek, WI), we prepare taxes for clients across Milwaukee, Franklin, Greenfield, Greendale, and surrounding areas, and we know exactly what documents make the process smooth. Below is a complete guide to help you get ready.

1. Personal Information

Have the following items ready:

• Your driver’s license or state ID
• Social Security numbers for you, your spouse, and your dependents
• Bank account and routing number (if you want direct deposit)

2. Income Forms to Bring

Gather all documents that report your income:

• W-2 – employee wages
• 1099-NEC – self-employment / contractor payments
• 1099-MISC – miscellaneous income
• 1099-K – credit card, PayPal, Venmo, Cash App, Stripe sales
• 1099-INT – bank or interest income
• 1099-DIV – dividend income
• 1099-B – stock or crypto sales (usually from brokerage)
• SSA-1099 – Social Security benefits
• 1099-R – pension, IRA, or retirement distributions
• 1099-G – unemployment income or government payments
• Schedule K-1 (Form 1065, 1120-S, or 1041) – income from partnerships, LLCs, S-Corps, or trusts

3. Deduction & Expense Forms

These may help reduce your taxes:

• Form 1098 – mortgage interest statement
• Property tax statements (from county — no IRS form)
• Charitable donations receipts (no form, but receipts must be kept)
• Medical and prescription receipts (no IRS form, but needed for proof)
• Form 1098-T – college tuition paid
• Form 1098-E – student loan interest
• Childcare provider info with EIN or SSN (needed for Form 2441)

4. Small Business or Self-Employed

Have:

• Profit & Loss statement (Schedule C summary)
• Business income/expense receipts
• Mileage records (for Form 4562 if depreciating vehicles or equipment)
• Business bank and credit card statements
• Payroll and merchant fees

5. Rental Property or Real Estate

If you are a landlord, bring:

• Rental income and expense records (used for Schedule E)
• Mortgage statements – Form 1098
• Property taxes 
• Insurance invoices
• Closing statements
• Repair and improvement receipts

Why Preparing Early Is Better

• Helps avoid last-minute stress
• Gives time to fix missing documents
• Helps get your refund faster
• Helps your accountant find more savings

Quick Tax Prep Checklist

✔ Driver’s license or ID

✔ Social Security numbers for family members

✔ W-2 forms

✔ 1099-NEC / 1099-MISC / 1099-K / 1099-INT / 1099-DIV / 1099-B / 1099-R / SSA-1099

✔ Form 1098 (mortgage interest)

✔ Form 1098-T (college tuition)

✔ Form 1098-E (student loan interest)

✔ Charitable donation receipts

✔ Medical and prescription receipts

✔ Rental income and depreciation records (Schedule E)

✔ Business income and expense reports (Schedule C)

Need Help?

At American Elite Tax in Oak Creek, WI, we help individuals and businesses with fast, accurate tax filing in: Milwaukee – Franklin – Greenfield – Greendale – Oak Creek – Franklin – West Allis – Cudahy – St Francis – Hales Corner – New Berlin

We can also help you organize bookkeeping and documents before filing.

📍 6508 S 27th St Suite 5, Oak Creek, WI

📞 414-335-4555

🌐 www.americanelitetax.com