A few minutes of organizing now can make it easier to gather what you need for tax preparation—and to notice household changes that may be worth reviewing.
The end of the year is a useful time to take stock of your family’s records. You don’t need to have every document ready or make every financial decision at once. Start by gathering what you have, noting what has changed, and asking the right questions.
There are two separate check-ins in this guide: tax preparation with Reitnour Bookkeeping and life-coverage questions with Reitnour Protection & Benefits LLC.
Start with your tax documents
Keep tax-related records together in a place you can find again. Depending on your household and tax situation, useful items may include:
- A copy of last year’s federal and Pennsylvania tax returns
- Income documents as you receive them, such as W-2s and applicable 1099s
- Records related to dependent care, education expenses, or charitable contributions, if relevant to your situation
- Mortgage, property-tax, or other records you may need if you plan to discuss itemized deductions
- Records of self-employment or small-business income and expenses, if applicable
- Receipts or other documents connected to a major life or financial change
This is a starting point, not a list of documents every household needs. The IRS offers a tax-document gathering checklist, and the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue provides forms and resources for individuals.
Make a note of what changed
When you meet with a tax professional, it can help to mention major changes since your last return. For example:
- A change in your address or marital status
- A new child or a change in who you support
- A new job, retirement, or a change in income
- Starting or closing a small business or side business
- Buying or selling a home
- A change in education, childcare, or other significant family expenses
You don’t need to decide on your own how each change affects your return. Bring it up so your tax professional can ask the right follow-up questions.
Send records securely
Tax records can contain personal and financial information. If you’re a client, use the secure client portal or the document-sharing method provided by Reitnour Bookkeeping. If you’re unsure how to send a document, contact the office for instructions.
Avoid posting personal information in social-media comments. For an initial inquiry through Reitnour Protection & Benefits, don’t include sensitive details such as a Social Security number, account number, date of birth, or medical information.
Consider whether your life coverage still fits your circumstances
A year-end checkup can also be a prompt to ask whether your family’s circumstances have changed since you last reviewed your life coverage. A new child, a home purchase, a change in household income, or a different plan for retirement may lead you to revisit your questions.
If you already have a policy, gather the policy documents and note anything you’d like explained. You might ask about:
- How long the coverage is designed to last
- Who is listed as a beneficiary
- When premiums are due and what the policy says about them
- What options or conditions apply if your needs change
Don’t cancel or change existing coverage based only on a general checklist. Policy features and options vary, and any coverage is subject to its terms, eligibility, and underwriting. A licensed insurance professional can help explain the details and discuss whether a review makes sense for you.
Two ways to get started
For tax preparation: Visit Reitnour Bookkeeping to learn about tax and bookkeeping services or ask how to share your documents securely.
For life-coverage questions: Contact Reitnour Protection & Benefits LLC to request a no-obligation conversation.
This article provides general information, not tax, legal, or insurance advice. Tax outcomes depend on your circumstances and current rules. Insurance coverage is subject to eligibility, underwriting, and the terms of the policy or contract.