If you plan to use a professional tax preparer, you’ll need to take a number of items with you to your appointment. Here’s a list of what you should bring along:

• W-2 forms and other pay-related documents
• Investment statements (bank, financial accounts, etc.)
• Property tax receipts (personal property and real estate)
• Receipts for charitable deductions
• Year-end mortgage statement showing interest and fees paid
• Receipts for any deductible expenses (healthcare, job-related expenses, etc.)
• Bank account and credit card statements (that might back up certain expense amounts)

When you arrive prepared, you save time and possibly money – and you ensure you have the best chance of keeping your tax bill as low as possible.