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The Client Tax Organizer is a comprehensive form designed to help individuals gather essential information before their tax preparation appointment. By completing this organizer, clients can ensure that all necessary documentation and details are readily available, facilitating a smoother and more efficient tax filing process. It is particularly beneficial for prior year clients, who can utilize a proforma version to streamline their experience.

Table of Contents

The Client Tax Organizer form is a comprehensive tool designed to assist individuals in preparing for their tax appointments. This form gathers essential personal information, including names, Social Security numbers, and contact details, ensuring that all necessary data is readily available. It prompts users to provide details about dependents, such as children and others living in the household, which is crucial for determining eligibility for various tax credits and deductions. Additionally, the form includes a series of questions aimed at uncovering potential sources of income, such as self-employment, rental income, and investment earnings. It also addresses significant life events, including marriages, divorces, and births, which can impact tax filings. Furthermore, the form requests documentation, such as last year’s tax return and relevant income statements, to facilitate accurate preparation. By systematically collecting this information, the Client Tax Organizer helps ensure that clients maximize their deductions and credits while providing a clear overview of their financial situation for the tax year.

Client Tax Organizer

Please complete this Organizer before your appointment. Prior year clients should use the proforma Organizer provided.

1. Personal Information

	Name	Soc. Sec. No.	Date of Birth		Occupation		Work Phone

Taxpayer

Spouse

Street Address		City		State		ZIP	Home Phone

Email Address

Blind

Disabled

Pres. Campaign Fund

Taxpayer

Yes

Spouse

Yes

	Marital Status
No		Married	Will file jointly
No		Married	Will file jointly
No		Single
No		Widow(er), Date of Spouse's Death

Yes

2. Dependents (Children & Others)

Name

(First, Last)

Relationship

Date of

Birth

Social

Security

Number

Months

Lived

With

You

Disabled

Full

Time

Student

Dependent's

Gross

Income

Protection

Please provide for your appointment

-	Last year's tax return (new clients only)	- All statements (W-2s, 1098s, 1099s, etc)
-	Name and address label (from government booklet or card)

Please answer the following questions to determine maximum deductions

1.Are you self-employed or do you receive hobby income?

2.Did you receive income from raising animals or crops?

3.Did you receive rent from real estate or other property?

4.Did you receive income from gravel, timber, minerals, oil, gas, copyrights, patents?

5.Did you withdraw or write checks from a mutual fund?

6.Do you have a foreign bank account, trust, or business?

7.Do you provide a home for or help support anyone not listed in Section 2 above?

8.Did you receive any correspondence from the IRS or State Department of Taxation?

Yes*

Yes

9.Were there any births, deaths, marriages, divorces or adoptions in your immediate family?

10.Did you give a gift of more than $14,000 to one or more people?

11.Did you have any debts cancelled, forgiven, or refinanced?

12.Did you go through bankruptcy proceedings?

13.(a) If you paid rent, how much did you pay?

(b)Was heat included?

14.Did you pay interest on a student loan for yourself, your spouse, or your dependent during the year?

15.Did you pay expenses for yourself, your spouse, or your dependent to attend classes beyond high school?

	Yes	No
	Yes	No
	Yes	No
	Yes	No


	Yes	No
	Yes	No
	Yes	No

CTORG01 01-20-17

* Contact us for further instructions

16. Did you have healthcare coverage (health
insurance) for you, your spouse and
dependents during this tax season? If yes,	Yes	No
include Forms 1095-A, 1095-B, and 1095-C.

17.Did you apply for an exemption through the Marketplace /Exchange? If so, provide the exemption certificate number.

18.Did you have any children under the age of

19 or 19 to 23 year old students with	Yes	No
unearned income of more than $1050?	Yes	No
unearned income of more than $1050?

19.Did you purchase a new alternative technology vehicle or electric vehicle?

20.Did you install any energy property to your residence such as solar water heaters, generators or fuel cells or energy efficient improvements such as exterior doors or windows, insulation, heat pumps, furnaces, central air conditioners or water heaters ?

21.Did you own $50,000 or more in foreign financial assets?

Yes

3. Wage, Salary Income

Attach W-2s:
Employer	Taxpayer Spouse

22.Have you or your spouse been a victim of identity theft and given an identity theft protection PIN by the IRS? If yes, enter the six digit identity protection PIN number.

TaxpayerSpouse

4. Interest Income

Attach	1099-INT, Form 1097-BTC & broker statements
Payer	Amount

Tax Exempt

5. Dividend Income

From Mutual Funds & Stocks - Attach 1099-DIV
		Capital	Non-
Payer	Ordinary	Gains	Taxable

7. Property Sold

Attach 1099-S and closing statements

Property	Date Acquired	Cost & Imp.

Personal Residence*
Vacation Home
Land
Other

*Provide information on improvements, prior sales of home, and cost of a new residence. Also see Section 17 (Job-Related Moving).

8. I.R.A. (Individual Retirement Acct.)

Contributions for tax year income						U for
						U for
	Amount		Date			Roth
	Amount		Date
Taxpayer
Spouse
Amounts withdrawn. Attach 1099-R & 5498
Plan		Reason for
Trustee		Withdrawal		Reinvested?
					Yes		No
					Yes		No
					Yes		No
					Yes		No
					Yes		No
					Yes		No
					Yes		No
					Yes		No

9. Pension, Annuity Income

6. Partnership, Trust, Estate Income

List payers of partnership, limited partnership, S-corporation, trust, or estate income - Attach K-1

CTORG02 01-20-17

Attach 1099-R	Reason for
Payer*	Withdrawal

*Provide statements from employer or insurance company with information on cost of or contributions to plan.

Did you receive:	Taxpayer
Did you receive:
Social Security Benefits	Yes	No
Railroad Retirement	Yes	No
Attach SSA 1099, RRB 1099

Reinvested?

Yes		No
Yes		No
Yes		No
Yes		No

Spouse

Yes		No
Yes		No

10. Investments Sold

Stocks, Bonds, Mutual Funds, Gold, Silver, Partnership interest - Attach 1099-B & confirmation slips

Investment		Date Acquired/Sold	Cost	Sale Price

	/

	/

	/

	/

11. Other Income

List All Other Income (including non-taxable)

Alimony Received Child Support Scholarship (Grants)

Unemployment Compensation (repaid) Prizes, Bonuses, Awards

Gambling, Lottery (expenses) Unreported Tips

Director / Executor's Fee Commissions

Jury Duty

Worker's Compensation Disability Income Veteran's Pension

Payments from Prior Installment Sale State Income Tax Refund

Other

12. Medical/Dental Expenses

Medical Insurance Premiums (paid by you)

Prescription Drugs Insulin Glasses, Contacts Hearing Aids, Batteries Braces

Medical Equipment, Supplies Nursing Care

Medical Therapy Hospital Doctor/Dental/Orthodontist Mileage (no. of miles)

13. Taxes Paid

Real Property Tax (attach bills)

Personal Property Tax

Other

14. Interest Expense

Mortgage interest paid (attach 1098) Interest paid to individual for your home (include amortization schedule)

Paid to: Name Address

Social Security No.

Investment Interest

Premiums paid or accrued for qualified mortgage insurance

15. Casualty/Theft Loss

For property damaged by storm, water, fire, accident, or stolen. Location of Property

Description of Property

	Other	Federally Declared
	Other	Disaster Losses
		Disaster Losses

Amount of Damage

Insurance Reimbursement

Repair Costs

Federal Grants Received

16. Charitable Contributions

Other

Church

United Way

Scouts

Telethons

University, Public TV/Radio

Heart, Lung, Cancer, etc.

Wildlife Fund

Salvation Army, Goodwill

Other

Non-Cash

Volunteer (no. of miles)

@ .14

$0.00

CTORG03 01-20-17

17. Child & Other Dependent Care Expenses

Name of Care Provider

Address

Soc. Sec. No. or

Employer ID

Amount

Paid

Also complete this section if you receive dependent care benefits from your employer.

18. Job-Related Moving Expenses

Date of move

Move Household Goods

Lodging During Move

Travel to New Home (no. of miles)

19.Employment Related Expenses That You Paid (Not self-employed)

Dues - Union, Professional Books, Subscriptions, Supplies Licenses

Tools, Equipment, Safety Equipment Uniforms (include cleaning)

Sales Expense, Gifts Tuition, Books (work related) Entertainment

Office in home:

In Square a) Total home

Feet b) Office c) Storage

Rent Insurance Utilities Maintenance

20. Investment-Related Expenses

Tax Preparation Fee

Safe Deposit Box Rental

Mutual Fund Fee

Investment Counselor

Other

21. Business Mileage

Do you have written records?	Yes	No
Did you sell or trade in a car used
for business?	Yes	No
If yes, attach a copy of purchase agreement
Make/Year Vehicle
Date purchased
Total miles (personal & business)
Business miles (not to and from work)
From first to second job
Education (one way, work to school)
Job Seeking
Other Business
Round Trip commuting distance
Gas, Oil, Lubrication
Batteries, Tires, etc.
Repairs
Wash
Insurance
Interest
Lease payments
Garage Rent

22. Business Travel

If you are not reimbursed for exact amount, give total expenses.

Airfare, Train, etc.

Lodging

Meals (no. of days )

Taxi, Car Rental

Other

Reimbursement Received

CTORG04 01-20-17

23. Estimated Tax Paid

Due Date	Date Paid	Federal	State

24. Other Deductions

Alimony Paid to
Social Security No.				$
Student Interest Paid				$
Health Savings Account Contributions				$
Archer Medical Savings Acct. Contributions				$

25. Education Expenses

Student's Name	Type of Expense	Amount

26. Questions, Comments, & Other Information

27. Direct Deposit of Refund / or Savings Bond Purchases

Would you like to have your refund(s) directly deposited into your account?

(The IRS will allow you to deposit your federal tax refund into up to three different accounts. If so, please provide the following information.)

Yes

ACCOUNT 1

Owner of account

Taxpayer

Spouse

Joint

Type of account

MyRA

Checking

Traditional Savings

Traditional IRA

Roth IRA

Name of financial institution

Archer MSA Savings

Coverdell Education Savings

HSA Savings

SEP IRA

Financial Institution Routing Transit Number (if known)

Your account number

ACCOUNT 2

Owner of account

Taxpayer

Spouse

Joint

Type of account

MyRA

Checking

Traditional Savings

Traditional IRA

Roth IRA

Archer MSA Savings

Coverdell Education Savings

HSA Savings

SEP IRA

Name of financial institution

Financial Institution Routing Transit Number (if known)

Your account number

CTORG05 01-20-17

ACCOUNT 3 Owner of account Type of account

MyRA

Checking

Archer MSA Savings

	Taxpayer		Spouse

Traditional Savings		Traditional IRA
Coverdell Education Savings		HSA Savings

Joint

Roth IRA SEP IRA

Name of financial institution

Financial Institution Routing Transit Number (if known)

Your account number

Would you like to purchase Series I Savings bonds with a portion of your refund? If so, please answer the following:

Amount used for bond purchases for yourself (and spouse if filing jointly).
Amount used to buy bonds for someone else (or yourself only or spouse only if filing jointly).

Owner's name	Co-owner or Beneficiary's	X if name is for	Bond purchase Amount
	name if applicable	a beneficiary

To the best of my knowledge the information enclosed in this client tax organizer is correct and includes all income, deductions, and other information necessary for the preparation of this year's income tax returns for which I have adequate records.

Taxpayer

Date

Spouse

Date

CTORG06 01-20-17

↓ Client Tax Organizer PDF

Fact Name	Description
Purpose	The Client Tax Organizer is designed to collect essential information for tax preparation.
Personal Information	Section 1 requires personal details such as name, Social Security number, and marital status.
Dependents	Section 2 collects information about dependents, including their names and relationships.
Income Sources	The form asks about various income sources, including wages, self-employment, and rental income.
Healthcare Coverage	Taxpayers must confirm if they had healthcare coverage and provide relevant forms if applicable.
State-Specific Forms	Some states may have specific requirements for tax organizers, governed by state tax laws.
Charitable Contributions	Taxpayers are prompted to report charitable contributions made during the tax year.
Education Expenses	The organizer includes a section for reporting education-related expenses for dependents.
Direct Deposit Options	Taxpayers can choose to have their refund directly deposited into their bank accounts.
Identity Theft Protection	There is a section for reporting if the taxpayer has been a victim of identity theft.

Completing the Client Tax Organizer form is an essential step in preparing for your tax appointment. This form gathers important information that will help ensure your tax return is accurate and maximizes your deductions. Make sure to have all necessary documents on hand as you fill out the form.

Personal Information: Fill in your name, Social Security number, date of birth, occupation, work phone, and other personal details. Don’t forget to include your spouse's information if applicable.
Dependents: List the names, relationships, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers of any dependents. Indicate how long they lived with you and whether they are disabled or full-time students.
Gather Documentation: Collect last year’s tax return (if you are a new client), all relevant income statements (like W-2s and 1099s), and any government-issued name and address labels.
Answer Questions: Respond to the questions regarding your income sources, such as self-employment, rental income, or any correspondence from the IRS. Be thorough to ensure you don’t miss any deductions.
Income Details: Provide information on your wages, interest income, dividends, and any other sources of income. Attach relevant forms as indicated.
Expenses: Document your medical expenses, taxes paid, interest expenses, and any losses from theft or casualty. Include charitable contributions and any dependent care expenses.
Direct Deposit Information: If you want your refund directly deposited, fill in the account details for up to three accounts, ensuring accuracy for a smooth transaction.
Final Review: Go through the completed form to check for any missing information or errors. Make sure everything is accurate and legible before your appointment.

Once you have completed the Client Tax Organizer, you will be ready for your appointment. Bring the filled-out form along with all necessary documentation. This preparation will help ensure a smooth and efficient tax filing process.

What is the purpose of the Client Tax Organizer form?

The Client Tax Organizer form is designed to help you gather and organize all necessary information for your tax preparation. By completing this form before your appointment, you ensure that your tax professional has all the relevant details to maximize your deductions and streamline the filing process. It covers personal information, dependents, income sources, and various deductions, making it a comprehensive tool for tax season.

Who should complete the Client Tax Organizer form?

All clients, whether new or returning, should complete the Client Tax Organizer form. New clients will benefit from providing last year's tax return, while returning clients should use the proforma Organizer provided to them. This helps maintain consistency and ensures that all relevant information is captured for accurate tax filing.

What information do I need to provide about my dependents?

When filling out the Organizer, you will need to provide the names, relationships, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, and other relevant details for each dependent. This includes information on whether they lived with you for the required months, if they are disabled, or if they are full-time students. Accurate information about dependents is crucial for claiming any applicable tax credits and deductions.

What types of income should I report on the Organizer?

The Organizer requires you to report various types of income, including wages, self-employment income, rental income, and investment income. Be sure to attach relevant forms such as W-2s, 1099s, and any other documents that detail your earnings. This comprehensive reporting helps ensure that all income is accounted for, which is essential for accurate tax calculations.

How do I report my medical and dental expenses?

In the Organizer, you will find a section dedicated to medical and dental expenses. You should list all qualifying expenses, including insurance premiums, prescription medications, and other related costs. Additionally, include any mileage traveled for medical purposes. Keeping detailed records of these expenses can help you claim deductions effectively.

What should I do if I received correspondence from the IRS?

If you received any correspondence from the IRS or the State Department of Taxation, it’s important to include this information in the Organizer. Indicate any notices or letters you have received, as they may affect your tax situation. Your tax professional can provide guidance on how to address any issues raised in the correspondence.

Is it necessary to provide my healthcare coverage information?

Yes, providing information about your healthcare coverage is essential. If you had coverage for yourself, your spouse, and dependents during the tax year, you should include Forms 1095-A, 1095-B, or 1095-C. This information is necessary for compliance with healthcare laws and may impact your tax obligations or eligibility for credits.

Can I use the Organizer for direct deposit information?

Absolutely! The Organizer includes a section where you can provide your banking details for direct deposit of your tax refund. You can specify up to three different accounts for your refund, making it convenient to receive your money promptly. Be sure to double-check your account numbers and routing information to avoid any delays.

Incomplete Personal Information: Many individuals overlook filling out all the required personal details. Missing information like Social Security numbers, dates of birth, or contact information can delay processing and create complications.
Incorrect Dependent Information: It’s common for clients to provide inaccurate details about dependents. This includes errors in names, Social Security numbers, or relationships. Such inaccuracies can lead to issues with tax credits or deductions related to dependents.
Neglecting to Attach Necessary Documents: Failing to include essential documents, such as W-2s or 1099s, can hinder the tax preparation process. Ensure that all relevant income statements and tax forms are attached to avoid delays.
Overlooking Questions on Income Sources: Many clients skip important questions regarding various income sources. Whether it’s hobby income or rental income, answering these questions accurately can maximize deductions and credits.
Misunderstanding Deductions and Credits: Some individuals may not fully understand the deductions and credits for which they qualify. This can lead to missed opportunities for savings. It’s crucial to review the form carefully and consult if unsure about any item.

The Client Tax Organizer form is an essential tool for gathering important information needed for tax preparation. Alongside this form, there are several other documents that can help streamline the process and ensure accuracy. Here is a list of some commonly used forms and documents that complement the Client Tax Organizer.

W-2 Forms: These forms report an employee's annual wages and the amount of taxes withheld from their paycheck. Employers must provide W-2s to their employees by January 31st each year.
1099 Forms: Various types of 1099 forms report income received from sources other than employment. Common types include 1099-MISC for freelance work and 1099-INT for interest income from banks.
Previous Year’s Tax Return: For new clients, having last year's tax return can provide valuable context and help identify potential deductions or credits for the current tax year.
Form 1095: This form provides information about health insurance coverage. It is essential for determining compliance with the Affordable Care Act and may affect tax credits and penalties.

Having these documents ready can significantly ease the tax preparation process. They provide necessary details that can help maximize deductions and ensure compliance with tax regulations. Collecting and organizing these forms ahead of time will lead to a smoother experience during tax season.

The Client Tax Organizer form is similar to the IRS Form 1040, which is the standard individual income tax return form. Both documents require personal information, including the taxpayer's name, Social Security number, and filing status. They also ask for income details, deductions, and credits, making it essential for taxpayers to gather the necessary documentation to accurately report their financial situation to the IRS.

Another document that shares similarities with the Client Tax Organizer is the Schedule A (Form 1040), which is used for itemizing deductions. Like the Organizer, Schedule A requires detailed information about various expenses, such as medical expenses, mortgage interest, and charitable contributions. Both forms emphasize the importance of accurate record-keeping to maximize potential deductions and credits.

The Client Tax Organizer also resembles the IRS Form W-2, which reports an employee's annual wages and tax withholdings. Both documents require information about income sources, such as wages and salaries, and they necessitate the inclusion of tax identification numbers. This information is crucial for ensuring that taxpayers report their income accurately and comply with tax regulations.

In addition, the Client Tax Organizer is similar to IRS Form 1099-MISC, which is used to report various types of income other than wages. Both forms require the reporting of income from different sources, including self-employment and freelance work. Taxpayers must provide accurate details to avoid discrepancies with the IRS.

The Organizer is also akin to the IRS Form 8862, which is used to claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) after disallowance. Both documents require information about dependents and income levels. The emphasis on providing accurate information ensures that taxpayers receive the credits they are entitled to without facing penalties.

Another comparable document is the IRS Form 8889, which is used for Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). Both the Organizer and Form 8889 require information about healthcare coverage and contributions. Taxpayers must accurately report their healthcare expenses to determine any potential tax benefits related to their health savings accounts.

The Client Tax Organizer is similar to the IRS Form 8863, which is used to claim education credits. Both documents require details about educational expenses and the taxpayer's status as a student or dependent. This information is vital for maximizing educational tax benefits and ensuring compliance with IRS regulations.

Moreover, the Organizer shares characteristics with the IRS Form 1040-ES, which is used for estimating and paying quarterly taxes. Both forms require taxpayers to report income and deductions to determine tax liability. This helps taxpayers stay on track with their tax obligations throughout the year.

Finally, the Client Tax Organizer has similarities with the IRS Form 4506-T, which is used to request a transcript of tax returns. Both documents involve the collection of personal and financial information. Taxpayers may need to refer to their previous tax returns when completing the Organizer, making this form a valuable resource for accurate reporting.

When filling out the Client Tax Organizer form, attention to detail is crucial. Here are some guidelines to help you navigate the process smoothly:

Do ensure accuracy: Double-check all personal information, including names, Social Security numbers, and dates of birth. Mistakes can lead to delays or issues with your tax return.
Do provide all required documents: Attach relevant forms such as W-2s, 1099s, and last year's tax return if you are a new client. Missing documents can hinder the preparation process.
Do answer all questions honestly: This includes income sources, dependents, and any changes in your personal situation. Transparency is key to maximizing your deductions.
Do keep a copy: Retain a copy of the completed Organizer for your records. This can be helpful for future reference or in case of any discrepancies.
Do ask for help if needed: If you have questions about any section of the form, don’t hesitate to reach out for clarification. It’s better to ask than to guess.

Don't rush through the form: Take your time to fill out each section thoroughly. Hasty mistakes can lead to complications later.
Don't leave blank spaces: If a question doesn’t apply to you, write "N/A" instead of leaving it blank. This indicates that you have considered the question.
Don't forget to sign: Ensure that you sign and date the form where required. An unsigned form can be considered incomplete.
Don't ignore the deadlines: Submit your Organizer well ahead of your appointment to allow ample time for processing.
Don't hesitate to disclose all income: Even if it seems insignificant, all sources of income must be reported. This includes freelance work, rental income, or hobby income.

By following these guidelines, you can help ensure a smoother tax preparation process and maximize your potential benefits. Remember, thoroughness today can lead to peace of mind tomorrow.

Here are some common misconceptions about the Client Tax Organizer form:

It’s only for new clients. Many believe that the Client Tax Organizer is only necessary for new clients. In reality, returning clients should also complete it to ensure all relevant information is captured.
All information is optional. Some think that they can skip questions they don’t want to answer. However, providing complete and accurate information helps maximize deductions and streamline the tax preparation process.
It’s not necessary to bring prior tax returns. New clients often think they don’t need to bring last year's tax return. However, it can provide valuable context and help the tax preparer understand your situation better.
Only income-related documents are required. Many assume that only income statements like W-2s and 1099s are needed. In fact, the form asks for various documents, including information about dependents, medical expenses, and any deductions you may qualify for.
It’s too complicated to fill out. While the form may seem lengthy, it’s designed to gather all necessary information efficiently. Taking it step by step makes it manageable.
Submitting the form guarantees a larger refund. Some believe that simply filling out the organizer will automatically lead to a bigger tax refund. The form helps identify potential deductions, but the actual refund depends on your financial situation.
It’s only for individual taxpayers. There’s a misconception that the organizer is only for individual taxpayers. It can also be used for joint filers and those with dependents.
Once submitted, no further information is needed. Some think that after submitting the organizer, they won’t need to provide any more information. However, additional documents or clarification may be requested during the tax preparation process.

Residence:

School District

Completing the Client Tax Organizer form is an important step in preparing your taxes. Here are key takeaways to keep in mind:

Personal Information: Ensure that all personal details, including names, Social Security numbers, and contact information, are accurate and up to date.
Dependents: List all dependents and provide their relevant details, such as relationship and Social Security numbers. This information can affect your tax credits.
Prior Year Documents: Bring last year's tax return and any relevant financial statements, such as W-2s and 1099s, to your appointment.
Income Sources: Be prepared to disclose various income sources, including self-employment, rental income, and any other earnings. This helps determine your tax obligations.
Healthcare Coverage: Confirm whether you had health insurance for yourself and your dependents. If so, include any necessary forms like 1095-A, 1095-B, or 1095-C.
Tax Deductions: Answer questions regarding potential deductions, such as medical expenses, mortgage interest, and charitable contributions, to maximize your tax benefits.
Direct Deposit Options: If you prefer to receive your refund via direct deposit, provide your bank details accurately to avoid delays.
Review and Questions: Before submitting the form, review all information for accuracy. Don’t hesitate to ask questions if anything is unclear.

By taking the time to carefully fill out the Client Tax Organizer, you can help ensure a smoother tax preparation process. Your attention to detail will contribute to a more accurate and beneficial outcome.