There are severe penalties attached to the incorrect (negligent or fraudulent) claiming of any of the credits or the filing status listed below.  These penalties are imposed on both the taxpayer and the tax preparer.  In some instances, the taxpayer may be barred from claiming Earned Income Credit for a period of 10 years.

​​​If you claim any of the Following Credits

•         Earned Income Credit
•         Child Tax Credit/ Additional Tax Credit
•         American Opportunity Tax Credit (American Opportunity or Lifetime Learning Credit)
•         Other Dependent Credit
•         Head of Household Filing Status

to protect both you as the taxpayer and me as your tax professional, I will ask to see any one or more of the following documents:
If you have children:

• 1.      Your child’s birth certificate
• 2.      Adoption records
• 3.      Foster Care Placement documentation
• 4.      Your child’s school records
• 5.      A doctor’s letter or Medical Insurance Documentation
• 6.      Divorce decrees

If you are self-employed:

• a.      Sales books
• b.      Appointment books
• c.      Bank Statements
• d.     Financial Records
• e.      Licenses, or permits, or Insurance coverages

 For Education Credits ​

• a.      Form 1098-T (provided by the educational institution)
• b.      Tuition bills and proof of payment
• c.      Any other document that supports the amount of tuition claimed

For Head of Household filing status. 
Expenses that prove that you provided more than one-half of the cost of keeping up the home in which you and your child(ren) live.

• a.      Amounts paid for rent, insurance, repairs, utilities, food, etc.
• b.      Form 1098-T (provided by the educational institution)
• c.      Tuition bills and proof of payment
• d.      Any other document that supports the amount of tuition claimed
• e.     Rental lease if one exists