New Client Individual Tax Return Checklist

The Accounting Office of Lauryn Charles, MBA EA

461 E Hillsboro Blvd Ste 200, Deerfield Beach, FL 33441 t: 954-933-1558 f: 888-680-8909
www.AFSGConsulting.com
Individual Tax Return Checklist - Tax Year 2025

Tax Return Checklist for Personal Tax Returns (Form 1040)
TAX LAW - In July 2025, a major tax legislation, commonly referred to as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), was signed into law. For a full overview of the new tax law and how it might affect your return and tax preparation rates, read our blog post: 2025 TAX LAW CHANGES.

FORM INSTRUCTIONS

This checklist adapts to your answers. Please complete the questions in order.

UPLOADING DOCUMENTS - This form uses a secure server allowing us to access your uploads by avoiding emailing sensitive tax documents. There are upload buttons throughout this checklist grouped by category and necessity. If you already have all documents scanned into one PDF, use the upload button at the end of the checklist or go to your client portal. If you are missing any documents, make a note at the end of the checklist so we know what documents you/we are waiting on.

TO SAVE OR SUBMIT CHECKLIST- The bottom of this form allows you to save a draft and/or submit when complete.

TO PRINT AND HAND WRITE - You can print all questions using your web browser's print option, or the print button at the bottom of this form. Please scan and email us the completed copy.

SECTION I: Taxpayer Information
Taxpayer Name*

First NameLast Name
Taxpayer SSN & DOB

First 5 DigitsFull DOB
Taxpayer Email*
example@example.com
Taxpayer Phone Number*
Taxpayer's Profession
Job Title
REQUIRED FOR ALL CLIENTS! State ID or Passport is required for E-Filing. Upload Taxpayer's & Spouse's (if married).

Photo or PDF Accepted
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Spouse Name

First NameLast Name
Spouse SSN & DOB

First 5 DigitsFull DOB
Spouse Email
example@example.com
Spouse Phone Number
Spouse's Profession
Job Title
Current Address

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Direct Deposit of Refund
Bank Name, Routing, & Account Number
Or upload a VOIDED Check

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NEW CLIENTS ONLY - Please provide a copy of your 2023 & 2024 Tax Returns if we do not already have them.

Form 1040 and all schedules
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Please complete this section regarding your qualifying dependents, children, or parents. Use the "+" button to add more.
Dependent 1
Write in Additional Notes about Dependents Here
Please provide Name SSN & DOB

SECTION III: Above the Line Deductions
Select all that apply. These are not subject to the itemized deduction limitation rules, however, may be limited based on your income or changes to tax law.

Traditional IRA, Roth, FSA, or HSAStudent Loan Interest Paid - Provide Form 1098-EEducator ExpensesAlimony (Divorced pre-2020)None
Please write in the amount and type of contribution made toward your 2025 qualified accounts. Please specifically list if it was a Roth Contribution.
Provide the amount of DEDUCTIBLE alimony paid for 2025. New clients, provide the recipient's name and SSN. Alimony is generally not deductible for divorces that occurred after 2020.
Teachers: please provide the amount of qualified educator expenses you incurred in 2025.
Deductions Uploader

Above the Line Deduction Tax Forms
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SECTION IV: Schedule A - Itemized Deductions
For 2025, the Standard Deduction for Single or Separate filers is $15,750; Head of Household is $23,625; & Married Filing Joint is $31,500.

You can either Itemize, using Schedule A, or take the Standard Deduction.

Not sure? Answer the questions below and we will calculate which deduction provides you maximum tax savings.

1. MEDICAL EXPENSES – For 2025, Medical is limited to the amount above 7.5% of your Adjusted Gross Income. Provide the information below and we will perform the calculation for you. DO NOT include reimbursed expenses or paid by others for you. Upload supporting documents below.

	Taxpayer or Total	Spouse	Dependents
Prescription drugs – See Note
Health insurance premiums – See Note
Medicare premiums
Long-term health care premiums
Dental insurance premiums – See Note
Vision insurance premiums – See Note
Doctors
Dentist
Hospital
Nursing care
Medical miles driven – See Note
Medical travel and lodging - See Note
Lab and X-ray
Glasses /contacts/supplies
Hearing aid and supplies
Other medical

Notes about Medical Expenses:

1. Over-the-counter drugs and vitamins are not tax deductible. Only prescription medications.

2. If your employer pays for your health, dental, or vision insurance premiums, then it is not deductible. If you pay for all or part of your premiums through a pre-tax payroll deduction; then it is not deductible. If you pay out-of-pocket for an individual policy or for part of your premium through an after-tax payroll deduction, then it is deductible.

3. For 2025, the IRS allows a medical mileage deduction of 21 cents per mile driven to obtain medical care. Provide us the number of miles driven and we will calculate the deduction for you.

4. The amount you include in medical expenses for lodging cannot be more than $50 for each night for each person. You can include lodging for ONE person traveling with the person receiving the medical care. For example, if a parent is traveling with a sick child, up to $100 per night can be included as a medical expense for lodging. Meals are not included.

5. Cosmetic medical & cosmetic dental procedures are NOT tax deductible.
Medical Expense Uploader

2025 Medical Deductions
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2. TAXES PAID - Beginning in 2025 through 2029, deductions for all State & Local Taxes (SALT) paid will be limited to a combined maximum of $40,000 with a phase-out when income surpasses $500,000 ($250,000 for single filers). Write-in the 2025 amount paid below and provide backup documentation.

	Amount
Real estate tax - On your primary residence
Other property tax – Second home or other non-business property
State/city income tax
Sales tax on car, boat, or other non-business major purchase
Other - Please Describe

3. INTEREST PAID - Select which type(s) of interest you paid in 2025. You are required to provide FORM 1098 Mortgage Interest from your lender. Please upload all applicable forms below. NOTE: You can deduct home mortgage interest on the first $750,000 ($375,000 if married filing separately) of indebtedness. However, higher limitations ($1 million for single or joint filers, $500,000 if married filing separately) apply if you are deducting mortgage interest from indebtedness incurred before December 16, 2017.

Home mortgage 1stHome mortgage 2ndHome equity loanMortgage points or certain items paid at closingInvestment interest - Provide proof from Promissory Note or Investment Bank, limitations apply.
Taxes, Interest, Real Estate Supporting Documents Uploader

1098, County Tax Bill, etc.
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4. DONATIONS / CONTRIBUTIONS - Did you personally make qualified charitable contributions in 2025?

Yes, but they were under $250 and I have no additional documentation. Complete Question 5a or b.Yes, and I am uploading my receipts into this checklist. Complete Question 5a or b.No.
5a. Please list the name and amount of CASH donations here. Read the Notes below to make sure your donation is deductible.

5b. Please list your NON-CASH donations below. Read the Notes below to make sure your donation is deductible.

	Name of Charity	Type of Donation	Date	VALUE of Donation	Receipt Received
1
2
3
4
5

Notes about Charitable Contributions...

1. Your donation must be to a qualified receipient. That is, a 501c3 non-profit approved by the IRS.

2. For cash donations over $250, upload a written acknowledgement or receipt per donation over $250.

3. For non-cash donations over $500, upload a receipt from the charity including a description of items donated, the Fair Market Value of the item(s), and the date of the donation.

4. For 2025 the IRS allows a charitable mileage deduction of 14 cents per mile driven to engage in charitable activities. Provide us the number of miles driven and we will calculate the deduction for you.
Charitable Contributions Uploader

2025 Donation Documentation
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SECTION V: College Students, Child Tax Credits & Dependent Care
This section is for households with college students and qualifying dependents.
Did your college student(s) receive any of the following documents for 2025?

Form 1098-T reporting all tuition billed and paid, and scholarships received. This form is required to calculate potential tax credits.Form 1099-Q for income from 529 plans.Receipts for out of pocket expenses for books and fees.None
Your college student(s) may be eligible for the American Opportunity Tax Credit or the Lifetime Learning Credit. Answer these questions as they relate to 2025.*
College Student Tax Forms

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Notes about child and dependent care...
Child & Depedent Care Uploader

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SECTION VI: Moving, Gambling, Casualty/Theft Losses
As it relates to 2025, check all that apply:

I moved my residence more than 50 miles or from one state to another.I have gambling wagers to deduct against my gambling winnings.I suffered a loss from a Ponzi scheme or natural disaster.None of these apply to me.
MOVING - If you moved from one state to another, please provide the relevant dates. If you are not active duty Armed Forces, your moving expenses will not be deductible.

Moving Expense Uploader

Active Duty Armed Forces Moving Expenses
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PONZI, CASUALTY, DISASTER, & THEFT LOSSES -

Generally, you may deduct casualty and theft losses from Ponzi schemes and losses relating to your home, household items, and vehicles on your federal income tax return if the loss is caused by a federally declared disaster declared by the President. You may not deduct casualty and theft losses covered by insurance, unless you file a timely claim for reimbursement and you reduce the loss by the amount of any reimbursement or expected reimbursement.
Please describe the Federal Disaster and losses that affected you so we can discuss if you will qualify for this deduction.
Please provide a brief summary of your loss.
Documentation about your Casualty or Theft Loss

Upload Proof of Loss & Insurance Reimbursement Documentation
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GAMBLING LOSSES - You can write-off wagers and losses up to your gambling winnings. If applicable, provide win/loss statement from casinos. Note: Beginning 2026, gambling losses will be limited.
Enter total wagers and losses from all sources
Gambling Loss Documentation

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	2025
Moved Home from City, State:
Moved Home to City, State:
Former Work City, State:
New Work City, State:
Reason for Move:
Total Expenses of Move:
Employer Reimbursements:

SECTION VII: Estimated Taxes

Please write-in your 2025 Quarterly Estimated Tax Payments and/or upload your EFTPS, IRS.gov, or State Account Payment History below. PROOF OF PAYMENT IS REQUIRED. DO NOT INCLUDED PAYROLL TAX PAYMENTS.

	FEDERAL AMOUNT	FEDERAL DATE	STATE AMOUNT	STATE DATE	STATE NAME
April 15th, 2025
June 15th, 2025
Sept 15th, 2025
Jan 15th, 2026
Additional
Additional

Estimated Tax Payments Uploader

2025 Supporting Documentation
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SECTION VIII: Schedule C - Business Income & Expenses
This section is only for Taxpayers who own a sole proprietorship and/or file Schedule C on their personal tax return. If you do not own a business or own an S-Corporation, Corporation, or Partnership, please skip to SECTION XI.
Please Note: A Separate Schedule C
must be prepared for each business.

Beginning in 2018, small businesses
may be eligible for an additional 20%
deduction from their Qualified Business
Income (Sect. 199A).
1. REVENUE - Please include amounts from Forms 1099-NEC, 1099-Misc, and 1099-K (gross credit card sales) received. Also, income received but not reported on Form 1099.
Round to the next dollar.
2. Brief Description of Business:
3. Business Industry & Products or Services?

IndustryProducts/Services
4. During 2025, did your business purchase new or used equipment, computers, machinery, furniture, vehicles, vessels, or make major improvements to any of these?

Yes, be sure to list these purchases separately in Question 6.No.

TOTAL EXPENSES (Automobile Worksheet may increase or decrease this total)
Estimated Net Taxable Income from Schedule C (before depreciation)

FILE UPLOAD - Upload supporting documents for your business here. For vehicles, upload the bill of sale and any trade-in details. Upload receipt or bank or credit card statement for proof of all other major purchases.

Schedule C Income & Expenses for 2025
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	Jan - Dec 2025
Direct Materials (COGS)
Direct Labor (COGS)
Inventory Purchased (COGS)
Advertising and Promotion
Automobile Expenses - See SECTION IX
Bank Service Charges
Business Licenses and Permits
Charitable Contributions
Client Gifts ($25/gift)
Computer & Internet Expenses
Continuing Education
Dues and Subscriptions
Equipment Rented
Insurance - Liability
Insurance - Health for Employee
Janitorial
Meals - Businses Meals Only
Office Expenses/Office Supplies
Payroll Wages
Payroll Taxes
Payroll - Employee Benefits
Postage and Delivery
Printing and Reproduction
Professional Fees
Rent- Office
Samples (Product)
Small Tools & Equipment
Subcontractor Expense
Supplies
Telecommunications
Telephone Expense
Travel
Uniforms
Utilities
Website
Home Office Expenses
Other

SECTION IX: Business Use of Automobile Worksheet
This section is to assist Schedule C business owners in calculating the business use of their personal automobile on Schedule C.
Fill in worksheet and we will
calculate the deduction for you.
This worksheet is for personal
automobiles used in and/or paid
for by your business. For 2025,
the business mileage deduction
was 70 cents per mile.

SECTION X: Schedule E Rental or Investment Properties
This Section is only for taxpayers with Rental or Investment Properties.

Note: A Separate Schedule E must be prepared for each property. If needed, links to addtional checklists will be available after submission.
1. Name of Property
2. Type of Property
3. Property Address

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
4. Original Purchase Price & Date:
New Clients - Please Provide history of depreciation or original HUD/closing documents.

Total Days
6. RENTAL INCOME - Please include amounts from Forms 1099-Misc and any other rental income received in 2025.
Round to the next dollar.
7. EXPENSES - Use the worksheet below to list the property expenses for the tax year by category (only need total for the year). The taxpayer is responsible for maintaining all backup documentations to support expenses claimed on Schedule E. Separately, supply the major property improvements, furniture, appliances, etc. in the Fixed Asset detail below.

Total Expenses (before depreciation)

10. Notes regarding this rental property...
Rental Property Uploader

Label with Property Name or Address
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	2025
Date in 2025 First Available for Rent:
Number of Days Rented:
Days Vacant, but Available to Rent:
Days Vacant due to repairs/maint/construction:
Days of Personal Use:

	2025
Advertising
Auto & Travel
Cleaning & Maintenance
Commissions
Insurance
Legal & Professional Fees
Management Fees
Mortgage Interest
Small Repairs (<$500)
Supplies
Real Estate Taxes
Utilities
Other
Other

NOTES & UPLOADER
Please update us with any changes!
- New Address, New Phone Number, New E-mail Address.
- Bank Account Routing & Account Number or voided check (if needed)
- Events: Moving, marriage, children, divorce, college, new jobs, increase in pay, retirement, etc.
- Remember that the tax preparer is responsible for the forms & calculations listed on the tax return, but it is the taxpayer’s responsibility to provide back-up documentation to the IRS for all income, expenses, credits, and other items claimed on an income tax return. Timely & accurate filing is ultimately up to you.
- Record Keeping: Keep all tax records and backup documentation for at least 7 years. For major purchases (such as real estate or vehicle), keep paperwork with proof of purchase date and price for the life of the asset or for up to 3 years after date of sale or disposition.
NOTES TO YOUR ACCOUNTANT:
Additional Files, or Single PDF for all Documents

Misc. Tax Records
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PRINT, SAVE, SUBMIT
Additional checklists needed:

After clicking submit, you will be prompted to fill out additional checklists. Based on your responses to this checklist, please also complete a Rental Property Worksheet for each or your rental or investment properties. (Link to worksheet available after form submission)
Additional checklists needed:

After clicking submit, you will be prompted to fill out additional checklists. Based on your responses to this checklist, please also complete a Business Tax Return Checklist. (Link to worksheet available after form submission)
Protecting your privacy and providing price transparency is important to us. By properly completing this checklist and providing all necessary paperwork in a timely manner, additional fees should not be needed. As required by the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA) and IRS Information Security Guidelines, our Privacy Policy is available here: https://www.afsgconsulting.com/afsg/privacy-policy/
Thank you for your business!
Should be Empty:

	Facility Name	Facility Address	FEIN	Child's Name	Amount Paid in 2025
1
2
3
4

	Name of Item	Type of Asset	Date Purchased	Date in Use/Completed	Total Cost
1
2
3
4
5

	Vehicle 1	Vehicle 2
Make & Model
Date placed in service
Type of Vehicle (Sedan, Truck, SUV, Hybrid, or Plug-in)
Total Number of Miles Driven in 2025
Of the total, how many Business Miles Driven
Of the total, how many Commuting Miles Driven
Of the total, how many Other Personal Miles

	Vehicle 1	Vehicle 2
Is another vehicle available for personal use?
Was the vehicle available for personal use during off-duty hours?
Was the vehicle used primarily by an owner or related person?

	Vehicle 1	Vehicle 2
Gasoline, Oil, Repairs, Car Insurance, etc
Vehicle Registration & Licenses, (excluding property taxes)
Vehicle Lease Payments (total paid in the tax year)
Parking Fees & Tolls

	Vehicle 1	Vehicle 2
Date of Original Purchase
Original Purchase Price
Previously Depreciated Vehicle? Type Yes or No
Previously used mileage deduction? Type Yes or No

The Accounting Office of Lauryn Charles, MBA EA

Individual Tax Return Checklist - Tax Year 2025