Tax Checklist
Documents and records to gather for smoother, faster filing
Individual Tax Filers Checklist
Requirement
Details
Personal
Identification
Photo ID for each filer, Social Security cards or ITIN letters for every person listed on the return.
Residency Status
Proof of California or San Diego residency, if applicable.
Income
Documentation
1099s for other income (contract work, interest, dividends, pensions)
Unemployment benefits statements
Social Security and retirement benefits
W-2s (employment income)
State Income
Thresholds
Filing requirements vary by age, filing status, and gross/adjusted gross income. For most single filers under age 65, CA gross income threshold is $22,273 and CA AGI threshold is $17,818 (higher thresholds for families/dependents).
Deduction and
Credit Records
Mortgage interest, property taxes, and education costs (tuition, student loan interest)
Receipts for home energy upgrades, dependent care expenses, and adoption costs
Alimony paid (if divorce before 2019), charitable contributions, medical/dental expenses
Tax Payments
State/local income tax refunds, estimated payments, or taxes withheld.
Property and
Local Taxes
Deductible SALT (state and local tax) payments
Evidence of property tax payments and assessed/paid value (if San Diego homeowner)
Health Coverage
Proof of insurance or exemption certificate. 1095-A, 1095-B, or 1095-C forms for Marketplace or employer coverage.
Special Situations
Self-employment documentation (Schedule C), business-use home/vehicle logs, and info about foreign accounts, trusts, or investments.
Sign and Date
Signed tax return; keep copies of all documents submitted.
Business Tax Filers Checklist
Requirement
Details
Business Identification
EIN, CA State Corporation/LLC number, and required business licenses for San Diego/California.
Business Entity Status
Formation documents, proof of registration with CA Secretary of State, and any DBAs ("Doing Business As").
Income Records
Gross sales receipts, invoices, contractor 1099s, and bank statements
Sales and use tax returns (CDTFA), especially for San Diego operations
Payroll Tax Compliance
Forms and payment records for state payroll tax, unemployment insurance, and employment development taxes.
Expense & Deduction
Documentation
Records for employee wages, benefits, retirement contributions, legal/professional services
Property and equipment purchases for depreciation
Receipts for rent, utilities, insurance, supplies, advertising, travel, contractor payments
California/Local Business
Taxes
Corporation/franchise tax returns (CA Franchise Tax Board)
San Diego business license renewal and local business fees where required
Annual/Quarterly Filings
Federal returns (IRS Forms 1120, 1065, etc.) and state income/franchise tax returns`
Sales/use tax returns, local business tax returns, annual informational returns
Compliance with Regulations
Permits (health, environmental, professional, etc.) for specialized businesses
Payroll and labor law compliance (eligibility logs, workers’ comp insurance)
Record Retention
Keep copies of returns and supporting documents for at least 7 years.
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