The first day to file federal taxes is Monday, January 29th. Professional CPA Brett Nikkel with Van Maanen, Sietstra, Meyer & Nikkel says everyone should have all their documentation ready before filing their taxes. 

“So definitely, we want to make sure that we’re accounting for all income and legitimate deductions on the return, and that means along with that, any number you put on that tax return you have to have some sort of documentation that proves that number. A lot of our income information comes on reporting forms that already go to the IRS, [such as] W2 forms and 1099 forms. A lot of those should be coming to you in the mail and you just want to make sure that you’re kind of checking off your list that you have every one of those that you should. And as far as deductions go, if you’re deducting medical expenses, home mortgage interest, anything like that, you just want to make sure you have documentation that proves the number you’re putting on your tax return.”

Nikkel also encourages everyone to have their documents prepared by a professional, because he feels it’s the best way to make the most out of a person’s finances and that it’s important to have someone backing up any issues with potential audits. 

Hear more about the upcoming tax season on In Touch with South Central Iowa today and Sunday.