El Dorado County Free Tax Prep

In order for us to prepare your tax return, we will need the following documentation:

• Photo identification such as valid California driver's license, California state ID, employer ID, school ID, Military ID, or passport for both the taxpayer and spouse if filing a joint return.
• Birth dates for you, your spouse and dependents on the tax return. This information is entered on the IRS Form 13614-C Intake Interview - Quality Review Sheet that you can download and complete in advance of your appointment or complete when you arrive for your appointment.
• Social Security cards for you, your spouse, and all dependents listed on the tax return. Legible photocopies are acceptable. If you are receiving Social Security benefits, the SSA-1099, Social Security Benefit Statement, can be used in place of your Social Security card. Please make sure to bring your SSA-1099, not your estimate of Social Security benefits for the upcoming year. The correct form will say “FORM SSA-1099 - SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFIT STATEMENT” across the top with 2025 in bold type on the next line.
• Last year's Federal and California tax returns. If you used a VITA or AARP Tax-Aide service last year, bring us the envelope we gave you last year with everything in it.
• If you are getting a refund, we will need the routing number and account number for the refund. The best way to provide this information is on a blank check (not a deposit slip). You don't need to void the check, we'll just copy the numbers and return the check to you. Beginning this year, the IRS is phasing out paper refund checks.
• Wage and earning statements (Form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R, 1099-Misc, etc.) from all employers or pension providers. If you received unemployment compensation, bring the Form 1099-G you received from EDD.
  • No Tax on Tips. If you receive tips as part of your employment or self-employment all or some of your tip income may be exempt from Federal income tax. In addition to your W-2 (for employees), please bring in your tip log or any documentation provided by your employer showing the amount of tip income you received. See our “No tax on tips” worksheets on our Forms and Pubs page.
  • No Tax on Overtime. If you received overtime pay some of your overtime income may be exempt from Federal income tax. In addition to your W-2, please bring in your end-of-year pay stub or any documentation provided by your employer showing the amount of paid overtime, either hours or dollars. The amount of overtime that may be exempt is governed by the Fair Labor Standards Act. Your tax preparer will be able to assist you in determining the correct amount of overtime to claim. See our “No tax on overtime” worksheet on our Forms and Pubs page.
  You do not need to itemize in order to claim the “No Tax on Tips” or “No Tax on Overtime” deductions.
• Interest and dividend statements from banks (Forms 1099) or investment companies. Brokerage statements from investment companies may combine several items on one tax form. We need the entire form. The tax form is not the same as your end-of-year statement. The tax form will have IRS form numbers on it and will be delivered after your end-of-year statement.
• Forms 1095-A, 1095-B, or 1095-C Health Coverage Statements or Health Insurance Exemption Certificate, if received. All Covered California participants will receive a Form 1095-A. We must have that form in order to complete your return.
• Total amount paid to daycare providers and the daycare provider's name or business name, address, telephone number, and tax identification number (Social Security number or business EIN). We also need the amounts paid for each child.
• If you are itemizing, we'll need your medical expenses, medical mileage, charitable deductions, property tax statements, mortgage interest Form 1098, and DMV fees from your vehicle registration renewal.
  • Property taxes span the tax year. Use the previous and current tax bills to figure your property tax deduction.
  • Your entire vehicle registration is not deductible, only the Vehicle License Fee (VLF) is deductible. If you don't have your vehicle registration renewal form, we can look up your VLF from your car registration.
  • If you made a major purchase such as a car or boat, bring in the sales taxes paid on that purchase.
  Please use the Itemized Deductions Worksheet to organize your deductions.
• If you are self-employed or operated a small business, please use the Schedule C Worksheet to assist you in identifying qualified business deductions. Most Schedule C filers have vehicle expenses. The Schedule C Worksheet includes the information we need to file your return.
• If you made an energy-efficient home improvement or paid for a home energy survey and wish to claim the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit, bring in the invoice provided by the HVAC installer or energy surveyor showing the Qualified Manufacturer Identification Number of the equipment, equipment cost, and labor cost. See Publication 5886-A, Clean Energy Tax Incentives for Individuals for details of the credit. Note that we are only able to assist with improvements listed in the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit section. For all other credits see a paid tax preparer.
• New Car Loan Interest Deduction. If you are claiming a deduction for interest on a new car loan, there are several questions we need to answer in order to confirm that the vehicle is a qualified vehicle for the deduction. Please download and complete the “Qualified Passenger Vehicle Loan Interest Deduction Worksheet” from our Forms and Pubs page and bring it with you. If you bring in the VIN number, sales invoice, and amount of interest paid during the year, we can assist you in completing the worksheet. You do not need to itemize to claim this deduction.
• If you are using a Power of Attorney to file a return, we'll need to see the notarized Power of Attorney that gives you permission to handle tax matters.
• If you are filing a return for a deceased taxpayer, we don't need to see the death certificate, but we do need the exact date of death. If you have the death certificate, please bring it in.

If you and your spouse are filing a joint return, both must be present to sign the return after review and before we e-file. We cannot e-file your return without your signed approval.

This video from the IRS provides additional information on what you should do to get ready to file your taxes.

If you have any questions on what you need to bring for your tax appointment, please call the appointment line for your appointment site and leave a message.