7. Find a Copy of Last Year’s Return

If you work with the same preparer you worked with last tax season, they will likely have most of your information. If you use a new tax preparer, last year’s return may remind you and your preparer of some things you don’t want to overlook. Here are two examples:

• Interest and dividends: Last year’s tax return should indicate which mutual funds, banks, and other financial institutions sent you 1099 forms. Compare the list with this year’s situation: Have you received 1099s from them again this year? This obviously isn’t the case if you sold the investments or closed those accounts in the meantime.
• Charitable deductions: Everything we said in No. 4 remains valid here as well.