Organizers vs. Checklists for 2011 Returns....

2011 INDIVIDUAL TAX RETURNS

ORGANIZERS vs. CHECKLISTS

For the preparation of the 2011 individual tax returns, we searched for a different method of gathering data for the majority of our clients.  Let’s face it, those organizers are huge, full of questions, and the cold, hard truth is that NO ONE USED THEM.  So, in an effort to make your data-gathering easier and waste less time and paper on our side, we have decided to utilize a Client Checklist this year.  The Client Checklist is two or three pages, lists the documents you provided last year, gives a brief explanation of the document and why we need it, and is just easier to follow.

Some of you are still receiving organizers due to information that is on your tax return.  For instance, for those of you who are actively self-employed or own rental properties, the organizer is better because it has schedules where you can input the amounts that we need in order to complete your returns.

THE BEST WAY TO USE THE CHECKLIST

If you aren’t coming in to meet with Meghan or me this season, then simply place your documents behind the checklist pages in the order they’re presented on the checklist.  It’s just that simple.  If you have documents for 2011 but you didn’t have them for 2010, then place them at the back of your information packet and makes notes on them for us.  And by all means, PLEASE UPDATE YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION (E-MAIL, PHONES, ADDRESSES, ANY WAY WE CAN CONTACT YOU).

If you are coming in to meet with Meghan (which we highly advise if at all possible) then please bring the checklist back along with your documents, and we’ll order them properly as well as scan then before you leave.  The agenda for those client meetings has already been sent to you in various forms over the past weeks.

THE BEST WAY TO USE THE ORGANIZER

No, not to line the birdcage….Please review the pages and PAPER CLIP the documents to the pages where they belong.  Feel free to write in the information on the pages if you wish (for instance, listing interest income or dividend income) but please also attach the original documents for my review if at all possible.  And by all means, PLEASE UPDATE YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION (E-MAIL, PHONES, ADDRESSES, ANY WAY WE CAN CONTACT YOU).

For those of you returning this information to me digitally through Adobe Pro, it’s great if you can attach sticky notes for questions or information I need to see.  Some of you did this last year, and it was extremely helpful.