Yes. You should bring Social Security cards for yourself, your spouse, and any dependents listed on your tax return. The names and Social Security numbers on the cards must match exactly with what is reported on the tax return to avoid delays or processing issues with the IRS.

If you do not have a Social Security card available, other official documentation showing the correct Social Security number may be required. Having these cards available helps ensure your return is filed accurately and prevents problems with claiming tax credits related to dependents.

When claiming dependents on your tax return, you may need to provide documentation that confirms the relationship, residency, and eligibility of the dependent. This is especially important for claiming certain tax credits.

Examples of acceptable documentation may include:

• Birth certificates

• Adoption records

• School records or report cards

• Medical records

• Official government documents

These documents may be required to verify that the dependent lived with you for the required period during the tax year and qualifies to be claimed on your return.

Yes. If you have a copy of last year’s tax return, it is helpful to bring it with you to your tax appointment. Reviewing your previous return allows the tax preparer to verify important details such as your filing status, dependents, carryover deductions, and other relevant information.

Having your prior year return available can also help identify changes in your financial situation and ensure that your current tax return is prepared accurately. It may also speed up the preparation process and reduce the chance of missing important information.

Yes. A tax preparation checklist is available to help you gather the documents and information needed before your appointment. This checklist includes common items such as identification, income forms, deduction records, and information related to dependents.

You can download and print the checklist, complete it ahead of time, and bring it with you along with your documents and receipts. Using a checklist helps ensure that you do not forget important paperwork and helps make the tax preparation process faster and more efficient.

After your tax return has been filed, you can check the status of your refund using the IRS “Where’s My Refund” online tool. This tool allows you to track the progress of your refund once the IRS begins processing your return.

To check your refund status, you will typically need:

• Your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)

• Your filing status

• The exact refund amount shown on your tax return

Refund updates are usually available within 24 hours after an e-filed return is accepted or about four weeks after mailing a paper return.

If you filed an amended tax return, you can track its progress using the IRS “Where’s My Amended Return” tracking tool. This tool provides updates on the processing status of your amended federal tax return.

Amended returns generally take longer to process than regular tax returns, often up to 16 weeks or more depending on IRS processing times. To check the status, you will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and ZIP code.

This tool helps you stay informed about whether your amended return has been received, adjusted, or completed by the IRS.